Monthly Archives: February 2018

Cleaning Hacks: Unconventional Tips for a Tidy Home

Have you ever wondered if there was a better, quicker way to get your home clean? From the kitchen sink to the bathroom toilet, our homes require constant care and attention. Whether it’s just tidying up or a thorough deep-clean it can be quite overwhelming to tackle such an extensive cleaning project. But don’t worry! In this blog post, we are going to share some of our favorite unconventional tips for a tidy home that will make your job much easier and quicker without sacrificing any results. Don’t miss out on these great hacks – read on for more details!

Invest in a Bagless Vacuum Cleaner – Save time and effort by avoiding the need to empty the bag

Investing in a bagless vacuum cleaner can be a game changer for those who dread dealing with the hassle of constantly emptying the bag. Not only does it save time, but it also eliminates the need to constantly replace and purchase new bags. Bagless vacuum cleaners are outfitted with a dustbin that collects the dirt and debris as it sucks it up, allowing you to easily dispose of the contents. Additionally, bagless models often come with special filters that trap even the smallest particles, leaving your home more clean and free of dust. So if you’re tired of dealing with the hassle of changing and replacing the bag on your vacuum cleaner, consider investing in a bagless model for a more convenient and efficient cleaning experience.

Get Creative with Containers – Use food storage containers and drawers to store items like toys, books, and electronics

Organizing your home can be both functional and stylish when you get creative with containers. Instead of just utilizing food storage containers in the kitchen, consider using them throughout your house for additional storage. They can help keep toys, books, and electronics easily accessible but out of sight. Plus, you can easily label them for a more organized look. Using drawers with dividers is another excellent way to store smaller items such as knick-knacks or office supplies. With these organizing tips, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to find what you need, while also adding some charm to your living space.

Make a Cleaning Schedule – Prioritize weekly tasks to keep your home clean and organized

In today’s busy world, finding ample time to tidy up your home can be difficult. However, with a well-planned cleaning schedule that you can find at https://www.amazing-maids.com/ site, you can prioritize weekly tasks that will help keep your home clean and organized. Not only will this save you time in the long run, but it will also help reduce the stress and anxiety that often comes with a cluttered home. By dividing chores into manageable tasks throughout the week and assigning them to specific days, you can create a routine that works for you and your lifestyle. Remember, a little effort each day can go a long way in maintaining a happy and healthy living space.

Use Non-Toxic Products – Opt for natural cleaners that are safe for both you and the environment

When it comes to household cleaners, it can be all too easy to reach for the heavy-duty chemicals to get the job done. However, have you ever stopped to consider what harm those products may be causing to both your health and the environment? By opting for natural, non-toxic cleaners, you can have a spotless home without the negative consequences. Not only are these products better for your respiratory system and immune system, but they also contribute to sustainability efforts. So next time you run out of cleaner, consider making the switch to a safer alternative.

Create a “No Shoes” Rule – Encourage everyone in your family to take their shoes off at the door to avoid tracking dirt inside

Maintaining a clean home can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Just when you think you’ve scrubbed every surface and cleaned every corner, someone comes trudging through the door with their shoes on, leaving muddy footprints in their wake. It’s enough to make any homeowner feel like giving up! That’s where a “no shoes” rule can come in handy. Encouraging your family to take their shoes off at the door can go a long way in keeping your floors clean and your home tidy. Not only will you reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked indoors, but you’ll also create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for your loved ones to relax in. So go ahead and make that “no shoes” rule official – your floors will thank you!

Don’t Go Overboard – Keep it simple; buy only essential cleaning supplies and focus on what works best for your family

When it comes to cleaning supplies, less can sometimes be more. We’ve all been overwhelmed by the endless options at the store, but it’s important to not go overboard. Instead, focus on the essentials. Determine what works best for your family and stick with those items. Maybe it’s a trusty all-purpose cleaner or eco-friendly options that align with your values. By simplifying your cleaning supplies, not only will it save you money, but it’ll also make cleaning less of a daunting task. Take control of your cleaning supplies and focus on what truly works best for you and your family.

Even the most daunting chore of home cleaning can be simplified when you rely on strategies that are convenient and easy to follow. Invest in a bagless vacuum cleaner, get creative with containers, make a cleaning schedule, use non-toxic products wherever possible, create a “No Shoes” rule, and don’t go overboard – these are all great strategies for keeping your home sparkly clean with minimum effort. So what are you waiting for? Start sprucing up your abode by trying out these tips today!

Namaste

While preparing yet another Train-the-Trainer program today, I came across this beautiful image that represents, for me, the beauty and wonder of teaching how to teach. After my morning exercises and thirty minutes of Zen meditation, I was thinking of which three “questions” to ask of the ten trainers who will join me at Olympus Headquarters in Melbourne, Australia later this evening for our working dinner. Usually, I open this session with an icebreaker exercise focused on active listening, followed by three interactive group exercises where each group tackles a challenging question such as “what is competency?”

For tonight, I decided my questions will be inspired by the image at the top of this page and the following Zen story.
A young monk once came to the Master Nansen, and asked “Tell me, is there some teaching that no master has ever taught?”
Nansen said, “Yes, there is.”
The monk asked, “Can you tell me what it is?”
Nansen gazed at a nearby tree. He looked toward the sky, and cocked his head listening to the birds chirping. “It is not Buddha,” he said, “it is not things. It is not thinking.”

So, let me explain. While our train-the-trainer seminars teach specific techniques regarding the use and implementation of a multidimensional educational program that includes checklists, assessment tools, simulation, interactive lectures, and case-based exercises, they also include a variety of confidential self-evaluations that prompt participants to ponder their strengths, shortcomings and aspirations as educators. All the while, the program’s goal is to share a philosophy about teaching that participants might pass along to their students. Learning more about themselves, teachers learn how putting away their egos and sense of self-importance allows them to concentrate more fully and effectively on building learner-centric educational experiences. In parallel, the teachers’ use of formative assessments allows them to identify student weaknesses that are remedied during individualized, time-efficient “teaching moments”.

But let me close with a word about Zen for the uninitiated. A thousand years or so after Buddha, a monk named Bhodidharma (Bhodi=enlightenment, dharma=truthful) made his way from India to China, establishing a way of thinking about Buddhism that spread to Japan and beyond. It was a revolutionary process focused on the principle that even a layperson could achieve enlightenment, not necessarily through strict rules and prayer/meditation techniques, but also by abandoning rational thought and learning to explore intuition and out-of-the-box thinking. The importance of nirvana, reincarnation, and kharma were downplayed, while meditation techniques and riddles or stories called koans, were used to help students learn to concentrate, challenge their minds, and abandon purely logical thinking. Awareness would be the first step, many learned, toward enlightenment (satori in Japanese). Today, millions of people around the world practice, believe in, or associate with Zen, sometimes as religion, other times as a philosophy or way of life.

In typical Zen fashion, therefore, I leave it to you, my readers, to ponder how the image of a woman balancing gracefully between a tree’s roots and branches, combined with the story about Master Nansen, work together to illustrate my philosophy about education, and thus provide the focus for tonight’s Train-the-Trainer session in  Australia.

Namaste.

Choosing Trusted Caregivers For Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide

The decision to hire a caregiver for a senior loved one is a significant one, and it’s crucial to select a qualified and trustworthy caregiver. It’s difficult to trust someone with the care of your parents or grandparents, regardless of how well-meaning they may be.  However, there are steps you can take to ensure that you hire the right person. This blog post offers tips on choosing trusted caregivers for seniors to provide peace of mind that your loved one is in good hands.

Do your research

The first step is to research potential caregivers through referrals, online reviews, and references. You can reach out to friends and family, medical professionals, or senior care organizations to find trustworthy caregivers. The internet has made it easier to narrow down your search and look into the caregiver’s background. You can check for criminal records, professional licenses, and certifications, among other things. By doing your research, you’ll be able to identify the caregivers that meet your requirements.

Look for experience

Experience is an essential element when hiring a caregiver since it directly translates to the quality of care they provide. Consider hiring caregivers who have previously worked with seniors or who have undergone specific training in senior care and don’t forget to go through a better way in home care reviews. Ask the caregiver to share their experience working with seniors and how they’ve helped their patients. Understanding their approach to care is crucial in determining if they have what it takes to provide quality care.

Check for compatibility

Finding a caregiver that matches your loved one’s needs is essential, but finding one that matches their personality is equally as crucial. Senior care is more than just giving assistance with daily tasks; it involves building a relationship with your loved ones. Avoid hiring caregivers without taking their personality into account. Look for caregivers that have an upbeat attitude around seniors, are empathetic, and have excellent communication skills. The right caregiver should be able to connect with your loved one and build a long-lasting relationship.

Conduct interviews

Conducting interviews is a crucial part of choosing the right caregiver. Ask open-ended questions to learn more about the caregiver’s approach to care and how they plan to address your loved one’s needs. You can also inquire about their availability, the type of services they offer, and their expected compensation. Interviews are an excellent way to see if the caregiver is the right fit for your loved one and your family.

Monitor the caregiver

Monitoring is an essential aspect of hiring a caregiver. Before leaving your loved one under the caregiver’s care, ensure that you check in frequently until you’re confident that the caregiver is reliable and trustworthy. Monitor the caregiver’s interactions with your loved one and the quality of care they provide. You may also want to conduct surprise visits or request updates from the caregiver to ensure that everything is going smoothly.

Hiring a caregiver for a senior loved one is a huge responsibility. Choosing trustworthy caregivers for seniors requires extensive research, interviews, and constant monitoring. By doing your due diligence and selecting the right caregiver, you can have peace of mind that your loved one is in good hands. Remember to prioritize experience, compatibility, and oversee the caregiver’s care interactions to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Following this guide will help you find a caregiver that matches your loved one’s needs, personality, and gives them the quality of life every senior deserves.

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.