Yearly Archives: 2018

Sustainable Bathroom Remodeling: Eco-Friendly Materials and Practices

Bathroom remodeling can do wonders for your home. It can improve energy efficiency, increase property value, and enhance your overall comfort and convenience. However, traditional bathroom renovations can also be wasteful, harmful to the environment, and unsustainable in the long run. Fortunately, sustainable bathroom remodeling is becoming more popular and accessible nowadays. By using eco-friendly materials and practices, you can create a beautiful, healthy, and environmentally conscious space that meets your needs and values. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best sustainable bathroom remodeling options that you can apply to your project.

1. Install low-flow fixtures

One of the easiest and most effective ways to make your bathroom more sustainable is to switch to low-flow plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, showerheads, and faucets. These fixtures use less water without compromising on performance, saving you money on your water bill and reducing your water footprint. You can also install a greywater system that captures and repurposes your sink and shower water for irrigation, thus reducing your impact on municipal water resources.

2. Use recycled and renewable materials

Another key aspect of sustainable bathroom remodeling is to use materials that minimize waste and environmental impact. You can choose from a variety of recycled and renewable materials, such as recycled glass, reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, and stone. These materials not only look beautiful but also reduce the need for virgin resources, reduce landfill waste, and support ethical and local sourcing.

3. Opt for non-toxic and energy-efficient products

When selecting bathroom products, such as paint, flooring, and lighting, it’s important to choose those that are non-toxic and energy-efficient. For instance, you can use no-VOC paints that don’t emit harmful toxins and pollutants, install LED lights that use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, and choose flooring options that are made of sustainably sourced or reclaimed materials.

4. Consider modular and adaptable designs

Sustainable bathroom remodeling also involves creating designs that are flexible and adaptable to changing needs and lifestyles. One way to achieve this is by using modular and prefabricated elements, such as cabinets, shelves, and fittings, that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and rearranged as needed. This approach minimizes waste, enhances versatility, and allows for customizability and personalization.

5. Hire eco-conscious professionals

Last but not least, it’s crucial to work with professionals who share your commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. Look for contractors, designers, and architects from iasbuilders.com/ site, who have experience in sustainable remodeling, use eco-friendly materials and equipment, and follow green building standards and certifications. This way, you can ensure that your bathroom renovation is done with the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Sustainable bathroom remodeling is a smart and fulfilling way to renovate your home while preserving and protecting the environment. By using low-flow fixtures, recycled and renewable materials, non-toxic and energy-efficient products, modular and adaptable designs, and eco-conscious professionals, you can achieve a bathroom that delights your senses and satisfies your values. So, if you’re planning a bathroom remodel, consider adopting these sustainable and green practices to create a better future for you and the planet.

History is important

Elizabeth Hawley (1923-2018) with legendary Italian mountaineer Reinhold Messner (photo from Americanalpineclub.org, downloaded 2/15/18)

Elizabeth Hawley died in Kathmandu on January 20, 2018. She was 94 years old. This American journalist was known as “a one-woman climbing institution.” She first went to Nepal as a writer representing Reuters back in 1960, and stayed in Nepal ever since. Prior to Nepal, she had used her life savings to pay for a two-year trip around the world, which included visits to India, the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Strangely, Ms Hurley was never a mountaineer, but began reporting on alpine activity as part of her job as a Reuters journalist. Beginning in 1963, she made it a point to meet virtually every expedition to the Nepal Himalaya both before and after their ascents. According to one report, she conducted more than 7000 expedition interviews. Mountaineers of all sorts, from the most famous to those less known sat in her Kathmandu apartment and subjected themselves to her fierce interrogations. She knew every detail about Himalayan peaks, and could easily tell if a climber was exaggerating or stretching the truth about an exploit (which is actually quite rare in climbing circles). She could also answer questions about the mountains: She served as a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge, so much so, that she received numerous honors from both Nepal and abroad, and, much to her surprise, even had a 6,182-meter Himalayan peak named after her by the Nepalese government.

The database of her interviews and other chronicles is now housed by the American Alpine Club, which has already devoted more than 10,000 hours building, maintaining, and continuing to grow these important pieces of history that document not only the feats and tribulations of hundreds of Himalayan climbers, but also serve as an reference for mountaineering historians everywhere.

As a climber, reading about Elizabeth Hawley reminded me of the importance of this history, but also of the importance of chronicles for any group of professionals. Mountaineers and rock climbers are a pretty tight group, always striving for self-improvement, discovering ways to train more efficiently, and anxious to undertake new challenges. Kitchen remodel contractors from www.larsremodel.com/ are always eager to take on any challenge in california. Some of these traits are common to other hobbyists and professionals as well, including doctors and health care professionals.

It is a fact, however, that when it comes to bronchoscopists and Interventional Pulmonologists, there is no complete, written history of our specialty. There is no chronicle of our professional society, nor are there biographies of key players. A few years ago, I asked a couple of older and distinguished bronchoscopists to begin writing a history of the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology, and to help me establish a few simple biographical sketches of key figures (I suppose this comes from my own interest and experience teaching and writing about medical history). Sadly, there was little interest. While a lecture was given at an international meeting on the subject, no formal text was prepared or published that documents the people, events, and discoveries that mark our specialty.

Why is that? Will anyone ever establish a chronicle of our international society? A society that now has more than 7000 members? Will recognition ever come to those to whom recognition is due, and who were instrumental in moving our specialty forward, whether it be in scientific discovery, technical prowess, technological innovation, education and training, or dissemination of clinical practices?

Younger doctors are usually inspired by their seniors, and seniors must learn to put their egos aside so that respect and recognition can be upheld by colleagues regardless of personal disputes or disagreement. Learning about the past is a wonderful and often exhilarating way to understand the present and prepare for our future. That is what a formal, written history of our specialty would provide. Therefore, I think building a chronicle of our history is worth pursuing. If anyone is seriously interested in such a project, please contact me at Bronchoscopy.org, or write Michael at WABIP.com.

Creating Personal Paradise: How to Customize Your Pool to Fit Your Lifestyle

A swimming pool is more than just a water-filled structure in your backyard; it’s a symbol of luxury, a venue for leisure, a place for fun-filled gatherings, and above all, it’s your personal paradise. However, to truly make the most of your pool, it needs to reflect your unique style and cater to your lifestyle. Here’s how you can customize your pool to fit your lifestyle perfectly.

Understand Your Requirements

Before you jump into the pool of customization options, identify your needs and wants. Are you a fitness fanatic seeking a pool for strenuous swims, or a peace lover craving a tranquil oasis for relaxation? Do you envision weekend pool parties with friends or quiet family afternoons?

The design of your pool should be a direct reflection of your lifestyle and purpose. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, consider a lap pool with long, straight, and narrow designs, perfect for continuous swimming. For those seeking peace and tranquility, an infinity pool creates a serene atmosphere with its beautiful illusion of water extending to the horizon. If entertaining is your primary goal, a freeform pool with ample seating areas, a swim-up bar, and possibly even a slide or waterfall, could be an excellent choice. Remember, your pool should not just be a design element in your backyard; it should be an extension of your lifestyle, serving your unique needs and preferences.

Choose the Right Shape and Size

The pool’s shape and size should harmonize with your backyard space. Rectangular pools are ideal for lap swimming, while freeform pools with organic shapes create a naturalistic look perfect for relaxation.

If your yard is relatively small, you shouldn’t feel constrained in your options. A compact plunge pool, perfect for quick dips to cool off in the summer heat, can be an excellent choice. It’s not only a space-saver but also a modern, aesthetic addition to your yard. Alternatively, a sleek, narrow lap pool can also prove to be a feasible and functional solution for fitness enthusiasts with restricted space. Remember, a smaller pool doesn’t necessarily mean it has less to offer. With the right design from reliefpools.com professionals, and thoughtful features, even small spaces can be transformed into a personal oasis.

Enhance Poolside Landscaping

By incorporating appropriate landscaping elements, you can transform your pool area into a stunning retreat. Consider adding tropical plants for a lush, exotic look, or opt for minimalist, low-maintenance vegetation for a modern appeal. Stone pathways, wooden decks, and ambient lighting can further elevate the aesthetics.

Add Luxury Features

Consider integrating luxury water features like waterfalls, fountains, or jets. Not only do they add visual interest, but they also create soothing water sounds, enhancing the overall ambiance. A built-in spa or hot tub is another opulent feature for those who want a space for relaxation and therapy.

Factor in Safety and Convenience

Pool customization isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s also about practicality. If you have children or pets, consider adding safety features such as pool fences or alarms. Cleaning systems, heating options, and automatic pool covers can significantly enhance convenience and usability.

In conclusion, your pool should be an extension of your lifestyle—a place that brings you peace, joy, and fulfillment. Spend time visualizing and planning your perfect pool, engage with professionals, and soon, you’ll be diving into your personal paradise, tailored just for you.

Optimism

 

5-year-old Ethiopian Mohamad Nasir on the cover of the January 15 issue of Time Magazine

Optimism is the magic word for 2018, shared by world leaders, economists, and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, who was asked to choose the title to the January 15 issue of Time Magazine. Mohamad met Mr. Gates in 2012, when the child was less than a month old, and had not yet received vaccinations against childhood diseases. Today, he is thriving and joins other children in Ethiopia, a low-income country that has successfully dropped its mortality rates for children under age five by more than sixty percent since 2012; A remarkable accomplishment that speaks to the power of individual health care providers, community educators, and government health services to be agents of change in their society.

Bill Gates noted five reasons for optimism in his Time Magazine article:
1. Since 1990 the number of children who die before their fifth birthday has been cut in half, saving 122 million young lives.
2. In the same period, the fraction of people living in extreme poverty has gone from one third to one tenth.
3. More than 90 percent of children now attend primary school worldwide!
4. Women now make up more than a fifth of members of parliaments around the world!
5. Workplace and road safety in the U.S.A has risen dramatically since our grandparents’ time.

Optimism is also called for in the field of Interventional Pulmonology. Thanks to new technologies, increasing numbers of patients with airway disorders are successfully treated using minimally invasive techniques. Lung cancer is discovered in its more treatable and sometimes curable stages, and staging disease is increasingly accurate and contributing to treatments based on molecular and genetic analyses. Patients are suffering less from the burdens of medical procedural training as dozens of university training programs adopt multidimensional systems to complement the traditional apprenticeship model of medical education. Simulation, once rare, is being used so that doctors can practice their technical skills, and objective measures of skill such as the Bronchoscopy Skills and Tasks Assessment Tools and various checklists are being incorporated into skills training seminars and subspecialty competency assessments. Furthermore, international organizations such as the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology, of which I am a proud member, are actively seeking partnerships with educators and industry to enhance the use of simulation, provide models to low-income countries, and change the paradigm of procedural education worldwide.

Bill Gates, and others like him, are philanthropists with access to millions of dollars. Gates is urging friends and colleagues to emulate the work of his own Foundation (The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) by investing in the health of their respective countries, as well as in the health of our global society. He recommends the support of organizations like UNICEF to help kids get medical care, and supports research to combat killer diseases like Malaria and other tropical illnesses.

Bronchoscopy International (www.bronchoscopy.org) is dedicated to helping patients with airway illnesses find competent health care teams that can cure, manage, or alleviate disease-related problems. We are committed to changing the educational paradigm so that technologies are more rapidly available for competent use at the patient bedside. We are promoting the use of modern learning platforms through mobile devices and social media to increase access to educational materials and accelerate the health care provider’s climb of what otherwise can be a steep and daunting learning curve, and we are actively engaging philanthropists, companies, and charitable foundations to assist us in our endeavors.

Last year, in addition to other activities, we initiated novel training programs for bronchoscopists in Cuba, Central America, and the Balkans. Physicians from countries that never before participated on the world stage of bronchoscopy and interventional pulmonology are now sharing cases in real time using WhatsApp, Facebook, and Linked In. These networks of thousands contribute to accelerating the educational process. They lead to more rapid adoption of new and proven technologies, and they contribute to greater acquisition of knowledge and technical skills needed to competently care for patients everywhere.

These are just a few reasons why I am optimistic about our specialty. What are your reasons for optimism? Share them with colleagues and friends via WhatsApp. Share the optimism buzz.