Tips to design a bathroom for elderly to be safe

Alison.p
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Tips to design a bathroom for elderly to be safe

There is nothing more important than creating a bathroom where your elderly can be safe and use it easily. It will allow them to still have their dignity. That is why creating a bathroom that they can use on their own is the key to keep them happy. Make sure that you make accommodations for walkers, medical equipment, wheelchairs, unsteady balance, and other things that might happen in the long run. It is a great way to ensure that they are both independent and safe. So take a look at the tips below to create a bathroom for the elderly.

Falls are something that is often the cause of visiting emergency rooms, and the conditions in the bathroom are the perfect promotion for an accident. Everything from the motion of stepping into a bathtub and showers like bending over the sink, and getting up and down are all motions that aren’t the best and safest for the elderly. And once you add wetness to the equation, it becomes even more dangerous.

9 Design tips for safe and accessible bathrooms for seniors:

1. Safe bathroom access

One of the first considers that should take into account when designing a bathroom is safe to access. Make sure that there is a clear path with no barriers or objects that are loose. That will prevent any tripping and disturbing traffic if they are in a wheelchair. Another important thing is to ensure that there is enough light at night on the way and in the bathroom. In this case, they can make their way to the bathroom easily and safely.

2. Pay attention to doors

Pay attention to doors

Another thing that you need to pay attention to is that the doors are easily opened and are at least 80 cm wide so both walkers and wheelchairs can go through. Make sure that the knobs are simple and don’t require a lot of energy to open. A very crucial thing that might not seem like a big deal is removing the locks from the bathrooms. That is very important because if they are locked in the bathroom and if an accident occurs, there is no convenient way to get to them.

3. Install safe flooring for bathroom

Install safe flooring for bathroom

Because bathroom floors are known to be slippery, you need to ensure that they don’t get the chance to slip. Logically, to prevent the elderly from skidding, you need to install a non-slip floor. There are so many different materials that are non-slip such as ceramic, epoxy, rubberized floorings, and many other things. Never have rugs in the bathroom because they are an important cause of accidents. If you must have one, then you should pick ones that are suctioned to the food and provide friction so you can never slip.

4. Accessible toilets in the bathroom

Accessible toilets in the bathroom

High toilets are not appropriate for the elderly because they don’t have enough muscle tone to sit and stand up. They should be around 46 cm tall and tightly attached to the floor. Also, elderly bathrooms should have bidets, as they are more sanitary, and it makes the whole process easier.

5. Install grab bars

Install grab bars

Another vital thing that every bathroom needs to have are grab bars. They are there to assist at most critical times. These grab bars should be placed next to the toilet, the shower entrance, and in the shower. Never install towel bars and things like that as grab bars, as they aren’t made to support the weight. They need to be tightly secured to the wall and about 1.30 meters high.

6. Easy to use faucets

Easy to use faucets

Instead of having the normal faucets, to make it easier for your elderly to operate, install faucets that have sensors. That way, they won’t need to twist knobs to wash their hands. It is one of the best ways to upgrade a bathroom and make it safer.

7. Have walk-in tub in the bathroom

Have walk-in tub in the bathroom

A walk in the tub will allow them to take a bath safely. They will be able to easily step into the tub, fill it, and then drain it before stepping out of it. There won’t be any climbing over the edge to get into the tub. You can even install controls near the end so they won’t have to move around or reach far to turn on everything.

8. Provide them with a heat

Provide them with a heat

When you are designing a bathroom for the elderly to be safe, there are not too many safe things you can add. Another great addition to their safe bathroom is a seat. Choose ones that also have a neck pillow so they can rest for their neck and feet if they get too tired and weak. It is much safer to provide them with a place where they can rest than thinking that they can do it on their own.

9. Elderly bathroom alert system

Elderly bathroom alert system

Even if you have designed the perfect and the world’s safest bathroom for aged people, it is still possible that there is an accident. That is why you need to install some kind of an alert system where they can signal you from if something does happen. Things like corbels or alarms are great ways to ensure they can call you if they need help. You must make sure that the device you installed is very accessible and near the floor so they can reach it when they are down.

When you are designing a bathroom that is safe and easy to use, you must think about your country’s standards. Different countries will have different standards and dimensions. Another thing that everyone should keep in mind is that safe and comfortable don’t have to be unpleasant to be in and not appealing. A safe bathroom can be luxurious and still beautiful if it’s designed well enough. Maintaining their independence and comfort are two very important things to keep in mind.

Remote work: how to avoid cybersecurity threats

Samantha Rigby
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Remote work: how to avoid cybersecurity threats

Many of us have already noticed the impact that COVID-19 has on businesses. It’s not so common anymore to go to the office in the morning for your daily set of tasks.

Instead, we bring our breakfast and a cup of coffee to a designated room in the house and start working remotely. We are choosing bathrobes over suits and Zoom calls over physical meetings. That is the new reality of remote work.

Remote work has become the new way to conduct business across a myriad of industries. The good news is that it’s flexible and convenient. However, at the same time, it introduces many cybersecurity threats, the kind not every organization is prepared for. Therefore, proper education is a must. You should familiarize yourself with the threat landscape that awaits.

Here you can find everything you need to know about possible threats that surround remote work. Also, you will learn how to protect yourself and your co-workers from cyber attacks.

1. Unsafe devices

Unsafe devices

At work, employees are using whatever IT devices are available on the premises. More often than not, an in-house IT professional will vet them and set them up in a way that ensures secure interaction with the environment. This is not the case at home, as your employees tend to use whatever devices they have at hand.

Even though they may be excellent workers, the problem lies in the fact that they may not have a cybersecurity background. Worse yet, they may not have a separate computer or smart device exclusively for work-related needs. As such, sensitive data may come in jeopardy if there is malware lurking on their devices without them being the wiser.

The solution is to provide company-issued devices for them to work on. Also, company policy should specify that employees shouldn’t use them for any other purposes rather than work. This is to lessen the chances of malware entering the equation. Even if an employee’s laptop gets infected or otherwise hacked, the company’s secrets will stay safe (assuming that the local home network is set up correctly). Speaking of which…

2. Improperly configured local networks

Improperly configured local networks

A cybersecurity strategy can only be as strong as its weakest link. Imagine a home network setup that ticks all the boxes, and then you find out that the owner forgot to change the default router password. In such cases, all a hacker needs to do is come in close vicinity with the local home network and log in to the home Wi-Fi network.

A hacker can succeed by using a password he could pick up by doing a simple Google search. If we don’t count the physical distance that needs to be traversed, this isn’t much of a hack, given how simple it is to execute. A 13-year-old could pull it off without breaking a sweat.

The solution is to study up on the best home network setup practices for whatever brand of router you’re using and change the default password. In an ideal scenario, you should be aiming for something complex in structure and yet memorable enough to share it with the people you trust, such as your family members. Make sure to include at least some numbers and capital letters in there and make it longer.

Better yet, why not use a password generator in conjunction with a password manager while you’re at it? This will do all the creative thinking for you and also store it in a safe place. These days, you can benefit from online security tools. Online security is not something to take lightly. A little bit of research about the best practices can get you far.

3. Insecure data sharing

Insecure data sharing

One of the challenges of remote work is to find a solution for secure communication and data sending. In a traditional office, this would either be done through the local office network or removable media. Any directions the employees need for doing their work would be communicated mouth-to-mouth. Team collaboration software, video conferencing calls, and text messaging take the leading role in a remote work scenario. But without the proper knowledge and education, it’s easy to fall into one of the several cybersecurity threats. This can put the company’s data in jeopardy.

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that not all Wi-Fi networks are created equal. Public Wi-Fi, to be precise, is known for having several vulnerabilities. The bad guys can take advantage of it, so it’s important to protect yourself with a VPN. This establishes a secure tunnel through which all data is sent and ensures that no one can intercept it. For example, you can use NordVPN to secure your internet connection and keep your information safe at all times.

Also, it’s important to establish a protocol that clarifies what kind of data is appropriate to be shared with other employees and what communications channels are considered safe. For instance, talking about a client may be appropriate to do with one’s supervisor, but not with another employee or a third-party contractor. Such rules can protect you and your supervisors from a lot of possible trouble. No one wants sensitive information to fall into the wrong hands.

4. Out-of-date software

Out-of-date software

Software and operating system developers release security updates all the time, and it’s for a good reason. Namely, to fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities as they appear in their products. The problem is, some people don’t take this with the amount of seriousness it deserves and don’t update their software as much as they should. This creates an attack vector for would-be hackers so they can get in and compromise your devices.

Therefore, be diligent when it comes to regular updates and avoid downloading software from unknown sources. You should also have an antivirus scanner ready to go. Initiating a scan every now and then will ensure that no malware is lurking in the shadows.

Talk to your company’s IT professionals. They probably have a list of software that you need. This is an excellent way to avoid unnecessary downloads. If you’re installing unnecessary software or apps, then you might be putting your devices at risk. Don’t forget to check if these apps are safe to install because there are a lot of fake ones. It’s crucial to follow the “better safe than sorry” rule when you’re dealing with cybersecurity threats. This might seem a bit complicated at first glance, but the real problems start when you have to face the aftermath of cyber attacks.

Conclusion

By recognizing these threats and knowing how to deal with them, you’re one step closer to creating a safe remote working environment that will keep sensitive data safe.

These days, hackers are trying to take advantage of all types of flaws. Using unsafe devices or keeping out-of-date software is no longer an option if you want to stay on the safe side while browsing or working from home.

Many hackers might be trying to get their hands on your company’s valuable information. Thus, a proper cybersecurity plan is essential for all remote workers. Also, it doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Just don’t forget to update any important software you have on your work computer (or any other devices you use for work), install a VPN to secure your internet connection, and don’t be in a rush to use public Wi-Fi.

Kitchen Renovation: Balcony Ideas for Your Kitchen for Apartments

Mike Morleye
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Kitchen Renovation: Balcony Ideas for Your Kitchen for Apartments

Designing your kitchen is fun. From deciding whether you want an open-styled kitchen or a cooking space with extra features – you have to lot to ponder on. And it’s fun because you get excited by seeing the new feature you can add to your kitchen.

If you’re looking to plan such an exciting kitchen, you must consider a side balcony to your cooking space. Gone are the days where a balcony is used only for relaxing and lounging. Now you can convert it into an additional cooking area or as an extension to your existing kitchen. Cooking and dining while being close to the outside world is an exhilarating feeling you can’t miss.

However, it’s natural to wonder how you can have a balcony adjacent to the kitchen in apartments. Flats usually don’t provide the necessary space for the kitchen and balconies, unless you’re designing one on your own. But if you’re one of those lucky persons who have a small balcony to the kitchen or constructing a new flat from scratch, below are the balcony ideas that you can consider.

A kitchen with a side balcony

If you want to achieve a balcony kitchen, then the separation between the two should either be transparent or should have no partition at all. Many people go for a glass wall as it enables easy visibility access from all sides. Moreover, you can enjoy the outside weather while you cook hearty meals for your family. You can sit and relax in the balcony chairs in the middle of the cooking, or you can let your kids play or do their homework while you’re busy in the kitchen. Honestly, a kitchen with a balcony (whether big or small) is a fantastic feature that every homeowner should think of.

Kitchen with a touch of greenery

Imagine you have a kitchen with no attractive features. The best way to add appeal to it is by having a touch of greenery. And if you have a balcony kitchen, there are many great ways where you can achieve it. You can adorn one side of the balcony with different small plants in small pots, all along the wall. Or you can place your favourite herbs so that you can use them while cooking. Or the best practice is you can decorate the balcony or the kitchen with air-purifying plants.

A dining balcony with blinds and curtains

Blinds and curtains are not only for inside home but you can use them outside too to have a closed-room like. You can do this to your balcony by draping long curtains and blinds on all the sides. It not only provides comfort in hot summers but also keeps you safe from prying eyes. Learn here more way on how to have kitchen safety at home.

A balcony in the backyard

Suppose you’re living on the ground floor and have a backyard adjacent to your kitchen. You can turn that backyard into a balcony by constructing or placing partitions. It’s useful when you have a small cooking area and in need of some extra space. You can place a dining table or have that extra needed space for freely roaming around the kitchen. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you can either convert the whole backyard into a balcony or the part of it.

Convert balcony into cooking and working space

Currently, the pandemic is ruling the world and most of the employees are working from home. And, you need to balance both cooking and working at the same time. So, why not covert your balcony into a working space? Arrange a table and chair so that you can sit there whenever you have a call or important work to attend to. In between, you can go to your kitchen and cook whatever you have planned for the day.

Balcony with a BBQ grill or wood-fired oven

One of the biggest advantages of having a balcony adjacent to the kitchen is you can use the space for meat grilling and pizza baking. Place a barbeque grill and invite your loved ones to have a fantastic party with delicious meals. Or you can go for placing a wood-fired oven to have that much-needed pizza break in your life. Having such a handy balcony means you can cook things faster and attend to the guests without keeping them waiting.

A multi-functional kitchen – Living room/ Balcony

You can turn your balcony into the living room by placing sofa-sets, lounging chairs, bookshelf, etc. You may ask, why is there a need to convert when you already have one in your home? But remember a living room adjacent to the kitchen can help you in many ways than you think. You can use the space for relaxing, entertaining guests, playing with your kids, etc., all the while having an eye on what’s happening in the kitchen. The only thing is you have to construct proper balustrades and walls to have protection and security to your balcony.

Flowers and plants adorning the balcony kitchen

The best way to bring colour to your balcony kitchen is by placing a few flowering plants. Choose flowers with vibrant colours like red, yellow, orange, etc., to bring liveliness to your kitchen. However, when placing plants, don’t go overboard and be subtle in arranging plants.

Conclusion

Hope the above ideas are triggering creative points in your mind. Talk with your engineer or builder to have a balcony kitchen in your home. It’s not only multi-functional but also creates a mood whenever you are feeling down. You can also enjoy a glass of wine with your partner or have some alone time for yourself. Whatever you do, a balcony kitchen is one of the top trends in kitchen renovations happening in 2020.

Smart SEO strategies you need to use

Reena Aggarwal
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Smart SEO strategies you need to use

It may seem early but have you started making plans for your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy?

What do you plan to do more of and which strategies do you plan to drop?

It’s high time that your team starts avoiding SEO mistakes like keyword stuffing, using exact-match keywords, and not having a strategy at all.

Which strategies should you continue using? Which ones are likely to help improve your rankings in Google search results?

Find out below.

1. Fix technical errors

Technical errors can affect Google’s ability to crawl your site. This can affect your online presence leading to the loss of customers.

But what kind of technical issues can affect your site?

They range from major ones that could cause website rendering issues to minor ones like broken links. Some of the issues that you may need to fix include:

  • Under-optimized metatags
  • Server issues
  • Duplicate content
  • Poor link optimization
  • Indexability issues
  • HTTP errors

How can you find and fix technical errors?

You should use Google Search Console to identify errors that may prevent Google from crawling your site. You can also use third-party tools to analyze your website performance and get an in-depth report that can help you find errors.

Then, you should use those insights to fix each issue and make your site healthy. Ensure that you audit your website regularly to identify and deal with problems before they escalate.

2. Add structured data

Structured data provides explicit clues to help Google understand your content and what each page is about. It’s a standardized format for classifying and providing information about your web pages.

Adding valid structured data can make your page eligible to get featured in the rich snippets of search results.

Structured data
Source: Google search screenshot

The above search results for fluffy pancakes, for example, feature three sources as rich results on the top of the search results page. As you can see, each offers more details, which includes ingredients, cooking time, and ratings.

Although using structured data doesn’t guarantee that you’ll appear in the rich snippets, it increases the eligibility of your page to be featured there.

But how can you add structured data?

There are many versions of structured data, but Google prefers JSON-LD, which is great because it’s also an easier version to work with than the others. It does not alter your page’s HTML and you can place it anywhere in the code of your web page. You can also copy-paste it from any code or text editor.

Adding structured data may sound hard, especially if you have no coding experience but you can leverage plugins like Yoast SEO to make it easier.

You should consider structured data as a way to tell Google what your site is about. This can help improve your search rankings and also increase your chances of being featured in the rich snippets.

What’s more?

It increases the chances that your website will be found by cosumers who are interested in the products or services you offer.

3. Optimize core web vitals

In 2021, page experience will be one of the official Google search ranking factors. It will include metrics like HTTPS, mobile-friendliness, non-intrusive interstitials, and safe browsing.

How will Google score page experience?

Using core web vitals, which are a set of factors that measure usability dimensions like interactivity, load time, and content stability as the site loads.

How will Google score page experience?
Source: https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2020/05/evaluating-page-experience

But how can you optimize your site for core web vitals?

You should leverage updated developer tools like Lighthouse and PageSpeed Insights to get information about the core web vitals of each of your web pages and receive recommendations.

You can also use Google Search Console to get a dedicated report about the areas that need improvement. You should use these insights to improve your page experience.

4. Create high-quality content

It may sound cliché, especially since everyone talks about offering quality content, but what is quality content in the eyes of Google?

Google measures content quality based on E-A-T, which stands for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.

How can you provide quality content?

First of all, you should understand your target audience, their pain points, the content they value, and their consumer journey. Then, you should use those insights to create content that addresses their problems and provides solutions.

You should also back up your claims with facts and link back to authoritative sites.

Second, focus on creating long-form content. According to statistics on content marketing, articles with over 3,000 words get more social shares, traffic, and backlinks when compared to those with fewer words.

However, you should ensure that your content keeps your audience engaged. You should break up the long-form content into shorter subheadings, link to authoritative sites, and make it shareable.

Third, try to get featured in a rich snippet.

featured in a rich snippet
Source: Google search screenshot

Featured snippets are crucial for SEO since they boost your organic click-through rates. They quickly answer a user’s question and appear at the top of Google search results.

But how can you get featured in snippets?

You need to become an authority in your niche and include long-tail keywords in your content. You need to make sure that your posts answer the questions your audience asks and help them move through their buying journeys.

5. Make your website mobile-friendly

Most people search for information using their phones, which is why you need to optimize your site for viewing on mobile devices. It is even more important now because Google has started using mobile-first indexing to rank content in search results.

To effectively optimize for mobile-first indexing, you should:

  • Create your site’s mobile version with users in mind. Use HTML5 to create special effects instead of using Flash and avoid pop-ups.
  • Add structured data.
  • Optimize for local searches.
  • Feature an easy search option and a clear menu.
  • Increase page speed by optimizing images, reducing redirects, and minifying code.
  • Don’t block images, JavaScript, or CSS.

6. Focus on local SEO

COVID-19 has caused many businesses to change their strategies to survive. Consumers have also changed how they search for information and products. They look for ways to get items delivered at home.

You should use local SEO strategies to help your website get featured in the results for “near me searches.”

Here’s how you can optimize your site for local searches:

  • Update your Google My Business account.
  • Encourage customers to review your business.
  • Include local and location-based keyword phrases in your content.
  • Build local citations.

7. Optimize for visual and voice searches

According to forecasts, there will be 8.4 billion units of digital voice assistants in use by 2024.

Voice search marketing will change the dynamics of SEO and marketers who leverage this opportunity will be able to meet their consumers’ needs better. That’s what makes optimizing for voice searches important for digital marketers.

It’s the same with visual searches. If customers can find your products with the help of images, your sales cycle will shorten and you can make it easier for consumers to shop.

How can you optimize your content for voice and visual searches? You should:

  • Include conversational phrases in your content so that those using voice search can find it. You should include phrases that people use when searching for information using voice assistants.
  • Optimize your content for local searches.
  • Use high-quality images and optimize them for fast loading.
  • Use product images in your content.
  • Customize your metadata – image titles, captions, URL paths, and alternate text descriptions.
  • Use relevant keywords when describing images to improve accuracy.

Ready to kick-start your SEO strategy?

While you may need to refresh your SEO strategies, implementing these tactics will make it easier for you to rank. Also, don’t forget to pick the right SEO tools for your SEO endeavors.

You should focus on improving user experience, optimizing for local searches, making your website mobile-friendly, and optimizing your content for visual and voice searches. You should make it easier for people to find your content and deliver great user experiences when they visit your site.

Need help with your SEO strategy? Get in touch and I’ll give you more tips on how to improve your SEO strategy, boost your rankings, and grow your business.

5 IoT trends that will drive 2021 and beyond!

Shaun Smith
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5 IoT trends that will drive 2021 and beyond!

Think of 2020; a sudden sigh of relief gets released from your mouth, and you end up thinking of the disaster you have experienced in the past few months. Seriously, thinking about the current year, we are left with more depression and stress shadow, but technology brought us a ray of hope, and help us see the future with many possibilities.

In the scope of technology, I am specifically discussing the IoT App Development in 2021, which is likely to drive our businesses and services around us in a comforting manner. Looking around we can see that there has been an explosive growth of IoT use cases, that is offering a number of opportunities to businesses to thrive ahead.

Indeed, IoT has initiated a revolution that is creating a stir while empowering businesses to draw competitive advantages. 

But there is much more to explore in the coming year, and here in this post, we have brought you a quick look at the hit IoT trends that are going to shape the future.

Our future would be driven by IoT in 2021!

Location Data would be the new IoT trend

Social distancing is the new norm, that would be practiced for the longest possible. And amid this chaos, one thing that has grown prominent and relevant is the location data. Due to the coronavirus, most of the retailers and other businesses have shifted their delivery system to curbside pickup and remote check-in, to practice social distancing. And this trend would continue to grow in the upcoming year as well, as it will elevate a smooth and convenient delivery experience for the customers. Here IoT would come into practice, bringing location data that can be trusted by consumers at large.

Workspace would experience smart initiatives

Our working routine has experienced a massive shift and the credit goes silently to the pandemic impact that has coaxed each of us to follow the new pattern of working. It is expected that we shall continue working from home in the coming years, or till the time a robust solution comes into existence to be called as the treatment for this vicious virus. However, it will trigger different industries to opt for the smart working environment, just like other industries. 

And this can easily be done with the help of IoT apps, which will enable workers to experience smart lighting, energy and environmental monitoring as well as sensor-enabled space utilization among many other facilities.

Smart cities would be IN

The very concept of ‘Smart Cities’, would witness a change in the coming years, where IoT sensors would collect data and generate insights for better management of our housing amenities. And worth to mention this will keep the human intervention to switch the lights or touch the doorbells among many other facilities, to drop down to zero.

Healthcare would ramp up with IoT

COVID-19 has already given us a warning, that the more you are alerted about the illness, it gets better to manage it. You can use IoT to connect healthcare solutions to control and monitor health. And further, this will drive a surge in embracing different technologies to keep track of chronic health conditions and give such patients convenience to have an improved health system.

IoT will boost remote operations

Since the pandemic impact, different types of industries and business sectors would experience remote operations collectively. In the coming year 2021, there will be a growing demand from customers to meet their demands. This would enable companies to increasingly rely on remote repair systems, which would result in minimalistic downtime. And this further allows industries not to halt the production, and continue meeting the users’ demands. It goes without saying but using this approach, would make connected machines through the hands of IoT technology, more ubiquitous and possible.

Bonus; IoT would elevate predictive maintenance

Yes, you heard me all correct and strong! The predictive analysis is no more going to be limited within the capacity of AI technology only, but it is likely to be a very much part of the IoT as well. The smart housing system would alert the homeowners of any sort of leakage, appliance failure, or any problem that can result in some major disaster. So get ready to get intimated about any major issue that is likely to take place in your home and save your house from any major disaster.

Is there any room for improvement?

Well, just like any other technology, IoT also has sufficient space that helps it to grow and make improvements. It can be cited from the range of security, complexity, or any other technical challenges within its capacity, there is a lot this tech trend has to cover. However, despite having these concerns, or I should call the market barriers, still IoT has made a significant space for itself to boom. And with time there will be better and improved advancements to be experienced within this technology space.

Final thought

Indeed, IoT is much more than meets the eyes, the only fact you need to keep your hands-on IoT Trends in 2021, to keep yourself abreast with the ongoing changes and the transformation in technology. Having said that, its invasion in the app development industry is very prominent, which would drive a revolutionary change that would be beyond imagination even.

There are few out there, who arguably state that IoT might not impact a positive change in every industry, but keeping these moot points aside, it is but obvious that the IoT ecosystem would channelize a promising future that will gradually impact different industries.

It would be immensely exciting to consider these predictions and trends, turning into a reality, and would be worth waiting.

Are you willing to know more about IoT solutions?

Keep watching this space for more intriguing information coming your way.

3 Best online loan providers in Australia

Samantha Rigby
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3 Best online loan providers in Australia

Are you looking for an online loan that allows you to access money quickly? There are a variety of options out there, but it can be challenging to know which is right for you.

Making the right decision on an online loan provider requires careful research and consideration. The different lenders you can find vary significantly in terms of both the convenience of their services and the total value of the finance arrangements they offer.

Remember; borrowing money is something you need to think carefully about and have a legitimate reason for. Don’t borrow on a whim or to buy something you don’t really need!

Top Australian online loan providers:

Below are the 3 best online loan providers, according to our internal research and evaluation.

1. SpotMeNow

SpotMeNow

SpotMeNow is an online loan provider whose speciality is providing fast, flexible, and near-instant loans. How do they do this? SpotMeNow leverages advanced real-time risk assessment technology that enables their team to make instant loan approval decisions.

Online and available 24-7, loan applications can get a quick decision and the money can be transferred within the same business day. SpotMeNow’s loans are highly flexible, allowing anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to borrow from $1000 to $5000 with flexible repayment terms.

SpotMeNow is upfront with its fee structure and has nothing hidden in the fine print for anyone borrowing to worry about. With the total costs of each loan stated clearly, potential customers can make a fully-informed decision about whether or not to proceed.

The online member’s dashboard each customer signs up to makes it easy for them to manage their repayments and stay on top of the loan. They also have 24-7 online support available to help their customers with any questions or concerns they may have.

2. CashnGo

CashnGo

CashnGo is a short term finance lender delivering quick loans to those who need some extra cash in a hurry. They provide access to loans of $300-$2000 with flexible repayment options, allowing potential customers to set up their repayment calendar before confirming their application.

CashnGo is fully-transparent with what the total repayment amount of each loan will be, with an emphasis on ensuring their customers are comfortable with the arrangement they enter into. Anyone with a steady income can apply for a loan from CashnGo, and applications can be submitted online 24-7.

Applying for a loan is easy with CashnGo, and they utilise intelligent technology to provide a fast approval decision. Upon approval, funds are also transferred almost instantly (although bank transfer delays can be unavoidable).

3. Moneyspot 

Moneyspot

Moneyspot provides hassle-free personal loans that are 100% online and processed on a 24-7 basis. Designed for short-term borrowing to cover financial shortfalls, Moneyspot loans can be applied for up to a 20 week period and allow customers to borrow between $200 to $5000.

They offer personal or instalment loans from $200 to $3500 with a quick application and approvals process. Moneyspot typically processes, approves, and sends funds within an hour (or the next day if applied for outside business hours).

With a commitment to responsible lending, Moneyspot provides a cash loan calculator that allows potential customers to gauge what their repayments would look like before they finalise their application. Through their stringent eligibility standards, Moneyspot ensures that only employed individuals who can repay the loan are approved.

Who will you choose?

While the short term finance lenders above all operate in similar ways, they differ subtly in terms of both the amount that can be borrowed and the specific terms of their loans, as well as the speed in which money can be approved and transferred. Ultimately, you will need to decide which borrowing option is most convenient and beneficial for you depending on your own individual circumstances.

 

How Kelvin Teo’s “The Neuroscience of Daily Success” can help you make change in your life for the better

Samantha Rigby
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How Kelvin Teo’s “The Neuroscience of Daily Success” can help you make change in your life for the better

“The Neuroscience of Daily Success” is a publication that is soon to be released, authored by Kelvin Teo. Kelvin Teo was once a 9-5 worker who was paid well, however he was left with no time and failing physical and mental health as a result. The dissatisfaction he felt in his life is a grievance that is shared by many workers across the world. The general formula that has been handed to people is that schooling and a good job with good pay will create satisfaction and happiness. However, many people are now realizing that this is not the case, and the average worker is usually unsatisfied with their life.

Kelvin Teo discovered that by changing his ‘mental filter’, his perceived outlook on his life, he was able to create meaningful changes that led to lasting impacts on his overall life. In 2017, Kelvin went on a personal development journey to find the answers amongst all the motivational talks and ‘fluff’. What he discovered were neuroscience techniques which had concrete results, and were no nonsense in their science, application and results. Through the application of these methods and techniques, Kelvin explains that you are planting a seed, and while this seed may be small and insignificant at the moment, that seed (or changes) will turn into huge impacts on your life.

For Kelvin, one of those seeds was changing his mental filter, and how he perceived life. This change grew into something significant, because Kelvin ended up leaving his job in order to pursue personal development. Now, he makes a living through his work and helping others to achieve this in their life, as well as being able to spend time with his family and take care of his health.

The Neuroscience of Daily Success

He has since committed to further changes that have become major impacts on his life. Within his book, he teaches the reader how to understand mentalism better, learn and identify mental filters and how much they can impact your life, understand how to achieve continuous success on a daily basis and to understand how to take full control of your universe through the application of effective mental strategies.

The content written above, featured from the book, is enough for the user to be able to read through the whole book, and then upon finishing it, implement changes into their life that will sprout into significant changes for the better.

For anyone looking for a good read into neuroscience applications on everyday life, or for those searching for personal development journeys and techniques/methods, then look no further than “The Neuroscience of Daily Success” by Kelvin Teo. It is definitely worth a read.

Guide to coming back to the gym

Mike Ransfield
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Guide to coming back to the gym

Recently with restrictions easing and gyms opened back up again in Melbourne, people have rejoiced and started heading to the gym and getting back into the swing of things.

It’s completely normal to feel worried about returning to public venues and wanting to make sure people get back on track to their Summer fitness goals.

So, here are some tips and guidance for getting back into the swing of things and making the most of your return to the gym post-lockdown.

Look back on what you’ve achieved

Look back on what you’ve achieved

It’s normal to feel like you haven’t done your best or eaten the greatest during the Melbourne lockdown, but think about all of the great things you’ve done and don’t feel afraid to give yourself props for all your little wins so far.

It’s been a pretty unique year for everyone, and maintaining your physical health has been difficult for us all. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and everyone has been feeling this way. BestInAU has posted a recent article with 10 tips on the importance of weight loss and eating healthy which is a great resource to integrate while getting back into the gym.

Some of you may have taken up walking and built your own home gyms and workout areas in your home. It’s also normal to have stopped focusing on your fitness goals and just focused on getting through the year with your family and taking care of yourself first.

We might’ve all been somewhere else in between trying to balance working out at home while being unable to feel the normal freedoms we’ve all been accustomed to.

Lastly, really take the time to be proud of making it through lockdown physically and mentally and get excited to get back into the swing of things at the gym.

Stay safe and follow your local rules and regulations

Stay safe and follow your local rules and regulations

Before heading back to your local gym or fitness studio, take the time to check and make sure you’re up to date on the current restrictions and safety procedures in your area.

Social distancing, pre-booked sessions and hygiene practices are going to be standard for the near future. It’s wise to bring your own sanitiser or wipes for the equipment (most gyms will wipe everything down after use and provide you sanitiser upon entry) and always wash your hands before and after your time at the gym, it’s about being safe for yourself and also everyone around you and in the community.

You’re going to need to wear your face mask, unless you’re out of breath. It’s a good idea to try a workout at home or go for a run with your mask on to get yourself used to wearing a mask at the gym.

Make sure that you’re keeping yourself and everyone around you safe, and if you need any help with restrictions and procedures, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website can show you the most up to date information, and you can also give them a call.

Don’t expect too much

Don’t expect too much

It’s really important to curb your expectations when you dip your toes back into the post-lockdown gym experience.

It’ll be difficult to socialise with the restrictions on numbers inside gyms and social distancing measures in place. While this can impact your experience, it’s important to stay positive and realise it’s for the best and that it can allow you to spend your time focusing on your workout and breaking a sweat.

It’s normal to also feel your body adjusting to the change of going back to the gym and you can find yourself getting short of breath or not being able to lift the same weights. With all of us getting out of an extended lockdown, take care of yourself and remember to celebrate all of your little wins.

Make sure to start slow as well, it can be easy to feel impatient in wanting to get back to things before lockdown. There’s no rush, and as we all know, recovery is the most important part of the workout, so don’t be so hard on yourself.

Be patient & take your time

Be patient and take your time

It’s important to stay safe and remember you’re getting back into the swing of things and there’s no point starting up and getting injured again, so manage your time and exercise safely while increasing the intensity gradually.

You can talk to your local gym about organising and crafting a workout plan and you can get back to smashing your fitness goals.

A professional trainer can help you gradually and safely get back to your old self while also keeping you from getting injured while trying to go too hard.

Place your time and focus in trying to get back into form and implementing proper technique. It’s important to get back into a regular workout habit as well, so try to commit to a routine and include your resting days to allow your body to catch up.

Personal trainers are here to help and keep you motivated and safe. Remember to keep a routine and be patient.

Have fun

Have fun

This should be your mindset and the most important thing in returning back to the gym, have fun and enjoy yourself.

We’ve all been missing working out, but it’s time to get back on the grind and work on your goals for 2021.

Gyms are places where you can focus on personal improvement and help others achieve their goals too. Things may be a little different, but personal trainers are here to help and get you back to the old you, or even take the opportunity for a new you.

If you have any questions, get in touch with a personal trainer in your area and they can help you get on your feet again.

Darren Herft’s insight on innovation as a solution to fiscal policy measures worldwide

Samantha Rigby
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Darren Herft’s insight on innovation as a solution to fiscal policy measures worldwide

When we think of innovation, we may think of introducing new products and technologies to the market. But have we also considered the positive effects they could have on the economy?

Australian businessman Darren Herft has considered these factors before. As an innovator himself, he educates people about fiscal policy and innovative new technology on his website, where he also covers topics such as private equity and economics.

Darren Herft believes that innovation is the key to economic growth and prosperity. He says that innovation can make economies more sustainable and even lower their overall debt burden over time by opening new jobs and opportunities for citizens.

That’s why he thinks it’s important to educate people about the value of innovation on a global scale. He also believes reforming current fiscal policy measures to incentivize innovation is the first step in the right direction.

There is a correlation between the innovation index of a nation and the growth of its economy. The more nations innovate, the better overall effect it has on their economy over the long term.

That is why nations are working to refine their innovation strategy across sectors. Take the U.S. for example, as they attempt to improve innovation in their manufacturing sector. Countries in East Asia and Europe are beginning to top the charts in global innovation in those sectors by implementing concrete policies to grow innovation. To summarize, innovation doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a thoughtful plan.

A report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Manufacturing Institute (MI) produced a joint study on global innovation in 2009, where Singapore topped the list. For over the past decade, this has remained true with Singapore consistently ranking in the top 10. In Bloomburg’s 2020 Innovation Index, Singapore ranked in the top three.

Innovation is often calculated using several metrics such as: research and development spending, manufacturing capability and concentration of high-tech public companies.

But what does innovation mean to Darren Herft?

For Darren, it’s all about integration. It’s about developing new technologies and expanding the role of current technologies to make people more efficient, and to ultimately make the most out of current resources. He believes in improving productivity, optimizing workflow and improving business processes using technology.

Darren recognizes that we can provide people who are out of employment with financial benefits, but we can also advance fiscal policy so that governments can play an active role in incentivizing innovation. Innovation improves the economy and therefore helps alleviate the potential economic burden that individuals and nations may face over the long term.

Darren says, “You can provide the same type of monetary funding to individuals but do it via companies that are creating new revenue sources, new jobs and new innovation.”

Darren Herft believes this is an effective way to address the unemployment problem with a totally new, innovative approach.

He mentions that innovation is not always perfect. Sometimes, there will be a company, corporation or idea that fails to work. That’s simply a consequence of innovating. It’s impossible to get it right every time but trying is a step in the right direction.

Darren Herft is an entrepreneur with a vision, and he believes that innovation is the key to building sustainable, thriving economies. He says it’s a process that needs to be enacted through fiscal policy.

Top 5 myths about pregnancy and uterine prolapse

Sinead O'Donovan
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Top 5 myths about pregnancy and uterine prolapse

Becoming a mother is inarguably one of the best moments in the world. It also brings together many physical and psychological changes for the woman. If this is your first pregnancy, the chances are that you will be bombarded with information both offline and online about all you can expect during this phase. Added weight, cravings, bloating, etc. are just some of the changes experienced by mothers all around the world.

For many women, one of the changes to your body that come along with pregnancy and childbirth is the infamous uterine prolapse. It is a condition where the muscles supporting pelvic floor organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum become weak or loose. These organs drop or press into or out of the vagina.

This is a non-life-threatening but uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and extremely embarrassing situation. It may limit a woman’s physical and sexual activity. Despite this, prolapse has been rarely talked about and hence properly dealt with. Today, thankfully the tide has turned and many more women are now aware of the condition and are willing to talk and deal with it head on to lead a more active and fulfilling life. However countless myths around prolapse remain to this day. Let’s debunk a few of them.

Myth 1: Long or difficult labour is to blame

Prolonged or difficult labour can be challenging. It may also include extended pushing, deliveries using vacuum pumps or forceps, which might prove stressful for your pelvic floor. But these aren’t the only culprits to be blamed.

Pelvic organ prolapse can begin during the pregnancy when the added weight of the baby stresses your pelvic floor. Activities such as lifting heavy weights can also add to the troubles.

One way to deal with this change is to watch what you eat. Although pregnancy will bring in a range of food cravings, you don’t have to give in to each one of them. Follow a prescribed diet plan and choose nutrition over unhealthy foods that only add to your weight.

Of course, you may have a cheesecake once in a while, but eating one every day is not wise. You may also want to sign up for pregnancy exercises at the gym. They help maintain stronger muscles and ease stress. Don’t forget to consult your doctor and physiotherapist when beginning or trying to maintain a particular exercise program during pregnancy.

Myth 2: It worsens with each childbirth

According to studies, women who have never had babies have also experienced prolapse. In contrast, many of the women with multiple childbirth have little to no prolapse. There is no direct correlation between childbirth and uterine prolapse.

The key is to keep yourself healthy with the help of exercise, healthy food, and the right maternity clothes. Your physiotherapist may suggest you wear maternity compression garments that are meant to support your lower back and pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and postpartum.

These garments provide gentle medical-grade compression in a strategic way that makes your daily tasks easier. They can also be worn during exercise and at work. Ask your doctor or physiotherapist about selecting the right size for you.

Myth 3: Caesarean sections can help prevent pelvic floor dysfunction

Women with c-section surgeries have also experienced pelvic floor dysfunction. Avoiding vaginal childbirth alone cannot guarantee you relief from prolapse or incontinence. You also have to consider many other factors.

Many a time, it is seen that women born with weaker muscles are at a greater risk of prolapse. Genetics hence can be a deciding factor to the relative strength or weakness of muscles.

The only thing that can help you with prolapse prevention is keeping your pelvic floor muscles healthy. You may focus on strengthening your pelvic floor before planning for a baby and during pregnancy. Consult a doctor when you are planning to expand your family, and they may be able to guide you about inculcating healthy habits right from the beginning.

Myth 4: Pelvic floor damage during pregnancy is permanent

Fortunately, this is not true! The human body can surprise us at times. All the significant changes you undergo during pregnancy, such as abdominal muscle separation, incontinence, etc. during pregnancy can heal naturally under normal conditions. Only conditions with higher severity need external help.

The weight you put on and the stress caused to your pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy will reduce in due time with proper care. You don’t necessarily have to suffer the wrath of pelvic floor dysfunction postpartum. With adequate nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits, you can be back in your pre-pregnancy body.

Remember to get enough rest and do not exercise too early or too strenuously, but make sure to stay active in a healthy and supervised way.

Myth 5: Prolapse repair surgery is delicate between childbirths

All prolapse repair surgeries are done when the women have finished having children. Pregnancy and childbirth after the surgery can return us to ground zero. And every time you undergo this surgery, you are at higher risk of damaging your pelvic floor further.

Prolapse surgery is also often the last resort. It is only recommended if you cannot improve your condition with the help of Kegel’s exercise or are suffering from any other neurological diseases that prevent you from exercising. Normal cases do recover without surgery.

You must take this fact into account if and when planning for such a surgery. You may also want to take a second opinion when suggested this surgery, to be sure.

In conclusion:

Despite the challenges, you may overcome uterine prolapse by following your doctor’s advice. Many women with less severe symptoms often find their condition improving postpartum. It can be a lot to go through for new mums. But remember you are not alone, and you don’t need to believe in every myth that comes through the grapevine.

Please check any myths with your doctor, GP, physical therapist, or midwife. They will be able to guide you better.

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