Category Archives for Blog

Top 3 Ways Technology Has Improved Healthcare

February 22, 2018

With each passing year, technology offers more and more advances that improve healthcare for everyone involved. From patients to family care providers to specialists and hospitals, there isn’t a branch of medicine or dentistry that hasn’t benefited from these ongoing advances. Here are just three ways in which technology has improved healthcare.

1. Allowing Patients to Be Proactive in Their Care Plan

While everyone has been touting the benefits of wearables because they communicate functions within the body directly to the provider, it seems like those very same people have forgotten the benefit of the Internet. Patients now have the capability to go on sites like Health Row to learn about conditions they have been diagnosed with or common concerns they may have in plain, ordinary everyday English.

They can now cut through the jargon on sites like the National Library of Medicine, which is provided by doctors and scientists around the world, but not in a language the layperson can usually understand. With this information in hand, patients can not only stay better informed but they can ask intelligent questions when visiting their providers.

2. Accuracy in Diagnostics

Every single day, technology is being developed to improve diagnostics. From various scans being developed to decoding genetic markers associated with specific illnesses and diseases, diagnostics is probably the one big push towards greater accuracy in diagnosing and treating patients. One example would be technology based on Google Earth imaging that enables doctors and medical scientists to get what is being referred to as a “navigational view of the brain.”

Previously, scans enabled doctors to see what would be compared with a view of earth from outer space. This new technology is more like how Google Earth enables you to view earth right down to the street level with clear and accurate images of structures on properties. Now it is possible to see how the brain functions on a neural level, which is an amazing breakthrough by a team of researchers from the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, Argonne National Laboratory, Northwestern University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

3. Rapid Response Times and Greater Mobility

What doctor do you know who doesn’t carry a cell phone? Not only can doctors and patients move about more freely because they carry a smartphone, but response times are greatly improved when technology worn by the patients communicates with providers that certain triggers have been set off. Providers can immediately communicate with that patient, no matter where the doctor or patient happens to be, simply because they have a smartphone with them.

Also, when a patient is in crisis, there is no longer a need to page the doctor and await a callback. That provider can be reached instantly to give instructions for immediate care. Of course, doctors need to utilize this technology in order to receive the benefits from it, but a greater number of doctors are making themselves available in this way.

These are just three of the top ways in which technology is improving and advancing healthcare. Not mentioned would be the sharing of data through Electronic Health Records or Electronic Medical Records. There are just so many advances that they are too numerous to elaborate but the key takeaway is that more lives will be saved and enriched all thanks to technological advances.

5 Tips For Taking Incredible Photos On Vacation

One of the best things about going on vacation is having the chance to escape your everyday life and to do something truly amazing. Then, in the years to come, you can look back on these incredible memories and take comfort in the fact that you made the most of every opportunity. If you are determined to look back on images that accurately reflect your experience, it is important that you think carefully about the photos that you are taking. Below are five tips that will help you to get it right.

Invest in a camera that suits your needs

The first step is to invest in a camera that suits your needs. For instance, if you are traveling with your loved ones to a water park, you will benefit from purchasing a GoPro camera that can work underwater. Or, if you are heading off on an exciting safari, you will need a camera with an impressive zoom setting. Alternatively, you might be hostel hopping and trying to pack light. In that case, you should look out for a lightweight camera or a high-quality smartphone.

Think about your wardrobe

If you are hoping to star in your vacation photos, it is important that you feel comfortable and confident. It is also vital that everyone else on the trip is more than happy to have their picture taken. That is why you should all think carefully about the clothes that you are packing. Ideally, you should select flattering garments that will show up nicely in pictures. You should also plan fancy outfits for your evening meals. Additionally, you should visit ecouponshub.com to find beautiful swimwear that will ensure everyone is looking and feeling their best.

Fill your days

Although it may be tempting to spend all of your time lounging around your hotel complex, if you are going to take incredible pictures, you need to make the effort to go out. Before you set off on your holiday, why not create an itinerary? You should research the area that you are visiting and find out about the local attractions. You could even book your tickets in advance, so you have no excuse but to push ahead with your plans. Filling your days with exciting activities will increase your chances of feeling inspired and creative in regards to your photography.

Embrace variety

You should also endeavor to take your pictures at different times of day. This will make your collection more interesting to look at, as you will end up with a wide variety of pictures. Why not set yourself the challenge of taking a set number of photos in the day and a set number in the evenings? Just make sure that you get plenty of practice beforehand and understand the difference between capturing images in the sun and in the dark.

Think about how you are going to display your images

Finally, you need to think about how you are going to display your images. Why not take a walk around your home and lookout for spaces that could be filled with striking images and beautiful memories? This will provide you with an incentive to persevere with your photography. It will also give you something to think about when you are selecting your subjects, as you will have to consider whether or not they fit with your chosen space.

How To Start An HVAC Business

February 16, 2018

Starting an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) business is something that you can do with a relatively modest investment of time and resources. Once you are up and running, an HVAC business is something that you can grow as quickly or as smoothly as you like. There are always going to be individuals and businesses in need of your maintenance services. Not only are HVAC technicians in near constant demand, the industry has historically mirrored the fast-paced and forward-thinking attitudes of the wider tech industry.

As improvements continue to be made to the equipment used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, HVAC technicians are having to continuously learn how to work with the new designs and functionality. This constant state of flux also ensures that trained and qualified HVAC technicians are always in demand.

Starting a business always involves a degree of risk, but HVAC technician is one of the safer business ventures that you can embark upon. Here are some words of advice for those who are looking to get started in this new venture.

Get Certified

The first thing that you need to do before you begin thinking about anything else, is to make sure that you have the appropriate certification to start the business that you want to. Obtaining the appropriate certification is, thankfully, an easy process, which can be undertaken at any time. You can find information on how to obtain HVAC certification in your area from sources such as Best HVAC Training.

If you are looking to open an HVAC business but will be taking a strictly management role and not undertaking any repairs or other maintenance work yourself, then you don’t personally need to earn your HVAC certification. However, you might find it useful to undertake the basic training so that you can better understand the work that your employees undertake.

Choose a Specialty

Assess what skills you have, and those that your team possess, and then decide which kind of service you perform best. This service should then be at the forefront of all your promotional and marketing materials. For example, if the thing that your team does best is repairing automobile air conditioning, then make sure that you are specifically promoting this service to your customers.

There is no shame in accepting your limitations. In fact, it is better for you as well as your customers if you are honest about them about what you are and aren’t capable of. HVAC encompasses a very broad range of services and functions. This means that it is easy to tailor the service you offer to the skills you are most proficient in without dramatically narrowing the list of services you perform.

Find Partners

Once you have worked out exactly what it is that your company will do, it is time to start looking for strategic partners. Construction businesses, for example, will be able to help your business by sending customers your way. Forming long-term relationships, which will generate business, should always be a priority.

There has never been a better time to start an HVAC business. In a world where everyone wants to be an entrepreneur, the HVAC industry offers a number of benefits and good job security. So, get ready to start your HVAC business today!

The World Of Niche Photography

You might think of photographers as people who take pictures at weddings and schools or as part of an elite, jetting around the world photographing catwalk models and media stars. Then there’s the paparazzi, lurking about wherever they might get a juicy snap of a celeb in a compromising situation. There is in fact far more to being a photographer, and there are many niches that it is possible to specialize in. With the rising demand in picture media for advertising and the internet, the prospects of being able to make a living out of photographing your favorite things are very good.

Sport

Sport photography could be considered a niche in itself, but a lot of photographers concentrate on one type of sport, such as ball games, swimming or equestrian sports or even exclusively on one individual sport. Live action shots are always popular, but there’s plenty of scope for mood shots, training, views of sports fans, the stadium or location of the event, family members and friends, famous visitors and so on. Having an understanding of the game and what will be of most interest to people is a necessary attribute of the sports photographer. A food photographer doesn’t need to be a chef in order to take stunning pictures, but for sports, the photographer needs to be familiar with the rules, tactics, and participants to take the best photos.

Food

Publishers are always in need of expertly shot food pictures, given the popularity of cookbooks and the proliferation of food-related websites. Good quality, well-structured photos that make the food look mouth-wateringly delicious are key to capturing peoples’ attention. Some food looks and sounds so good it is a joy to photograph, like the blueberry pancakes at Pocket Change Gourmet. Other dishes can be a little more challenging, for example, there is a huge appetite across the world for insects as food, but how would you photograph dishes made from crickets or mealworms to make them look appealing to a Western audience?

Travel

The travel industry is a massive business, and it’s expanding all the time. Travelers are looking for new and exciting places to visit, cityscapes are changing all the time, new hotels and resorts are being built, and alternative styles of vacation are being launched on a regular basis. Then there are the activities, facilities, restaurants, native flora and fauna, local people, tourist landmarks that can be taken as travel photography. All these aspects need to be photographed for websites and brochures, and regularly updated to reflect the most current appearance of a location. There is also the transport side of travel; airlines, cruise ships, car rentals. The list of associated opportunities is long and varied.

If you have a passion for a subject and some knowledge to match, then using your photographic skills to capture the action and take photos that inspire and move people can be a very rewarding career. Whether your passion is for archaeology, rare mammals or car engines, there will be someone who needs photos of those things, and if you have specialist skills, your work could be very valuable.

If You Think A Nomadic Lifestyle Is Easy, Read This

February 12, 2018

Living like a nomad seems like the dream for many. It however has its fair share of shortcomings too. The advances in technology have made it possible for a lot of people to live a nomadic lifestyle. They can work from anywhere with a laptop and an internet connection. The new nomads though find it tough to get out of their comfort zones. To be successful as a nomad you need to have these qualities:

Learn and love to be alone:

As a nomad you will be meeting new people and making friends but at the same time you will not have a constant companion always. Most of the time you will be staying at a motel or setting up your tent alone, so you need to be prepared for that. You need to learn to live alone. Being lonely can be depressing for many but some people love the solitude. If you have decided on leading a nomadic lifestyle most probably you like some solitary time, and if so you will be a successful nomad. If you do not like to live alone then the nomadic lifestyle is not for you.

Learn to live without attachments:

To be a successful nomad you need to be averse to attachments. If you are attached to your family, friends and relatives you can never be a successful nomad. If you love your home and if you wish for its comfort you will not be a successful nomad. If you love your belongings and yearn for them, it is a sure sign that you will return to your home. But if you are not attached to your possessions and are willing to visit new places then the nomadic lifestyle will suit you. Some successful nomads return to their homes for a few months a year and then again revert to their nomadic lifestyle. While some nomads store their stuff in storage units. Since I hail from Oakland, I tend to store in storage units Oakland, CA and retrieve them whenever I return to Oakland, you can do the same in your city too.

Learn to live within a budget:

While the nomadic lifestyle has been romanticised a lot in movies and magazines, it is not a bed of roses. Unless you have unlimited cash, you need to be thrifty in your spending. You need to keep your finances going and hence you need to learn to live within a budget or even find a way to travel and work, so that you can maintain some type of income. You should not overspend and wherever possible you need to cut corners. This is one of the biggest advantages of a nomadic lifestyle because you will learn to live within your means. When you return to civilized living you will still keep up the good habits and not get into credit cards and loans that will eventually lead you to the inevitable debt trap.

If you have these qualities already or if you are willing to build these qualities you will be able to lead a successful nomadic life.

Mythical & Real-Life Thieves Who Take Your Breathe Away with Their Audacity

February 9, 2018

When it comes to people who manage to successfully lift and carry away another person’s possessions, there have been some famous ones over the years. There have also been some mythical characters who have enchanted us all with their dastardly deeds which are simply too wicked to speak of in public.

Here are a few of the mythical and real-life thieves who have such audacity with their chosen vocation.

Robin Hood

The many movies and TV series about Robin Hood focus on the idea of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. It’s an enduring theme with some appeal. Just think of the protests about how the top 1% make their living and the other 99% who don’t do as well economically; it’s easy to understand the appeal of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men.

The fable dates to the 13th century and has lasted because of its sense of derring-do, the swashbuckling adventure and swordplay, and romantic intrigue too. The Sheriff of Nottingham is almost as famous, especially as it was outrageously played by the late, great Alan Rickman in Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves.

Jesse James

Jesse James, the real-life American got busy in the Wild West taking down banks, trains, and stage-coaches for any valuables they were carrying. He gained his experience during the American Civil War as an unorthodox guerilla fighter, so improvising which target to take down next and how to do it must have come easy to him.

He later teamed up with the Young brothers along with Frank James where they laid waste to the southern part of the United States until he came to a sticky end. His folklore as a bandit is still known today along with other great Western figures like Doc Holliday, the Earp brothers, and Wild Bill. Find out about other famous thieves through history in this article from Smashing Tops.

Bonnie and Clyde

The tale of Bonnie and Clyde was immortalized in a movie of the same name starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. Their spate of bank robberies in the early 1930s made them notorious while they were alive due to new coverage at the time. The photos of the couple posing in each other’s arms left when they had to escape from pursuing law enforcement hit the press and increased the interest of the public in their escapades.

While their tale of crime made them famous, it also led to a vendetta by law enforcement who formed a posse to catch or eliminate them at any cost. The same fate befell Dillinger and his gang too. Crime pays, until it doesn’t.

The Grinch

The Grinch stole Christmas. Or did he? This children’s tale has endured, frightened and enthralled children in equal measure (not to mention quite a few adults). The Ron Howard movie starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch was a Christmas-themed hit with the grumpy, excessively green Grinch no longer able to behave badly if he was to be accepted. A good lesson for kids everywhere.

Whether a tall tale or real life from the 1800s or early 1900s, the stories about daredevil thieves who felt it was better to steal than work for a living remain interesting mostly because of their audacity. At a time when the laws were being drawn up or modified to deal with an increasingly lawless section of the populace, it’s left us with interesting stories about how things used to be.

Is It Really Possible To Make Money From YouTube?

The internet has provided a convenient and easy to use platform for sharing content and making money. Just about anything can be monetized if there is a willing audience. Content creators have constantly found new opportunities for making money from platforms such as YouTube. Most people are aware that there are now individuals who have become millionaires on the backs of their YouTube videos, but how exactly are these videos turned into cold, hard cash?

The Challenge

Making money on YouTube sounds easy and straightforward. You post some videos, attract millions of viewers, and cash out on the huge ad revenue. The actual process is a little bit more complicated than this and it isn’t nearly so simple and painless. If it really were that simple, everyone would be making their money on YouTube! The reality is that YouTube isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme and you will need time for your channel to gain subscribers.

Advertisers are certainly willing to pay a decent amount of money to promote their products and services through YouTube, but even so, only a portion of the money that they spend will go directly to the content creators. The majority of the funds will be taken by YouTube themselves. Because of this, if you want YouTube to become the source of a full-time wage for you, then you will need to be one of the most viewed channels on there. Fortunately, however, advertising revenue isn’t the only way of making money from YouTube.

Sell Your Products

YouTube is a powerful marketing platform, especially for small businesses, and it provides an excellent way to sell your products and services to an audience. It is now incredibly easy to set up an e-commerce website. In fact, it requires absolutely no prior knowledge of web design or coding. There are now a number of services, such as Etsy and Shopify, which allow anyone to easily sell their products over the internet.

By using your YouTube videos as a means to advertise your products to consumers, as well as giving them first-hand demonstrations of them, then it is easy to use the site to drive up your own sales.

Sell Premium Videos

Just as you can now easily sell products on the internet, it is also easy to sell on-demand media content such as videos. Using these services, it is possible for content creators to make money directly from their videos and to not have to depend on indirect methods such as advertising through YouTube. YouTube videos can be a very effective means of building up your brand’s reputation. Once you have made an impression on YouTube, you can then direct viewers to visit your main site or store.

If you are planning on selling videos, then they need to be of superb technical quality. Check out indreviews.com for reviews of webcams and other tools necessary to YouTubers success.

Making money from YouTube is far from easy, especially if you are hoping for the kind of revenue that will replace a normal, full-salaried job. However, it is definitely possible to make money directly through YouTube, as well as taking advantage of the possibilities that it offers such as, being able to travel and work, as a way of promoting other businesses and interests that you might have.

This Is The Year To Learn About The Benefits of Endodontics

January 30, 2018

With New Year’s becoming a distant memory and other holidays such as Family Day and Valentine’s Day coming up, it’s time to take care of your health and prioritize those resolutions, which hopefully include the nuances of oral hygiene. After many years of avoiding it, endodontic therapy may be a necessary option to help the new you prosper. Endodontic therapy is a more viable option to treat discomfort and tooth pain over tooth extraction. Even the best dentures, bridges, and dental implants do not function as well as your own teeth do. During root canal therapy the problem tooth is saved thus your pain is relieved and your cosmetic appearance is preserved.

Your teeth are composed of white enamel, a hard layer of dentin, and soft tissue called pulp that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue – they are fascinating matrix of interconnected parts and disparate materials and, consequently, there are many issues that can arise. Sometimes pulp can become inflamed or infected leading to pain and even oral abbesses.

If possible, you’ll want to research and consume the latest news and updates in dental health to ensure that you know what exactly needs to be done to ensure the health of your teeth; oftentimes, endodontists will perform variations of what is commonly referred to as root canal therapy – a treatment option that removes pulp from the inside of the tooth in order to eliminate pain caused by the inflammation and infection. Endodontic specialists will provide you with expert tips on maintaining the health of your tooth and preventing farther complications.


Endodontic clinics may also offer additional treatment such as:

  • Endodontic retreatment- an option used when a previous root canal fails
  • Microsurgery- a procedure that locates and treats cracks and canals in a tooth that are not seen on an x-ray
  • Treatment for cracked teeth
  • Treatment involving traumatic injuries of the teeth

Endodontic therapy is a common procedure, but as with all complicated medical procedures should be performed by an experienced specialist. Endodontic specialists have at least two years of specialized training in root canal therapy and will use the most advanced equipment to assure that your treatment will be both comfortable and quick. If you visit a professional, in one or two short visits you could be pain free in time to enjoy the coming new year.

One of the most important expert tips that your dentist can give you is that you do not have to suffer from dental pain. If you are considering tooth extraction or other drastic measures to end your pain, please ask your dentist to refer you to an endodontic professional. Your life and oral health could be changed for the better with one small decision. Root canal therapy cannot help everyone but, an evaluation undertaken by an expert is certainly a stepping stone towards taking your health seriously.

Key Statistics for Liberal Studies Students to Consider

January 30, 2018

Liberal studies programs are designed to prepare students for a wide range of job types and industries, with an overarching emphasis on the principles and concepts involved in the management and analysis phases of company operation. Graduates emerge with a well-rounded arsenal of interdisciplinary skills that equips them to apply for a number of high paying job positions in various sectors. Although the career possibilities for a liberal studies graduate are broad and diverse, there are some statistical constants that all students should consider to have a better understanding of the cost, time, and effort that will be involved in earning their degree.

1. Length to Completion

The amount of time it takes to graduate from a liberal studies degree program will depend on a number of factors, including your own individual pace, the school, and whether you’re going for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. However, in general your first liberal studies degree will require between 120-128 credits, which typically takes about four years. However, taking the online route via a distance learning institution like Rutgers University Online is one way to potentially speed up the process and/or work at your own pace if you have other pre-existing schedule obligations.

2. Tuition and Pre-Credit Costs

The cost of tuition and the amount you’ll have to cover upfront before beginning your schooling will vary greatly, but generally the pre-credit costs range from about $200 to about $700. Tuition fees range from about $19,000 to almost $90,000. Of course, these costs will be directly determined by the school you choose, which is why many students are opting for online universities like Rutgers as a more affordable and practical method of obtaining their degree in liberal studies. After all, since a degree will hold weight on your résumé regardless of which school it was earned from, it doesn’t make sense to pay 3 or even 4 times more than a reasonably priced $20,000-$30,000 range tuition.

3. Salary and Career Outlook

Although a liberal studies major is an ideal candidate for many different job positions, the most popular tend to be those related to human resources, analysis, and writing. One of the highest paying and most common jobs for liberal arts majors is sales manager, which carries an annual salary of about $120,000. Human resource managers also earn a $100,000+ annual salary, with medical and health services managers following close behind with an average annual salary of almost $97,000. Students with a Master’s degree from the aforementioned Rutgers University typically land jobs toward the higher end of the income spectrum due to the degree being the highest possible credential in liberal studies.

Consider the Convenience of Opting for an Online University

While you may be tempted to simply sign up for a local college and take the conventional offline route, nowadays it’s much wiser to consider an online degree program. This is a great option as it will accommodate your current lifestyle, especially if it is busy or if you’re looking to travel and work and, it offers more flexibly.

The Best Way to Store Photos Online

January 19, 2018

When storing photos online, every photographer has distinctive needs. For example, the best option for someone who wants to store family photos privately may differ from the best option for someone who wants to build a public collection and take advantage of tagging, organizing, and sharing tools. An array of storage solutions are available online, from those designed for general use to software made specifically for photographers.

Before you dive in and start uploading your images, you’ll have to review a few features with any photo storage option you examine. Before you commit, think carefully about the following items:

  • Available storage space
  • Software security features
  • Sharing and social tools
  • Organizing, tagging, and editing tools

To help narrow down the top choices for you, consider the following three strategies for storing photos online.

Start Small With a Basic Storage Option

Image via Flickr by WWW.MONTELIUS.INFO

Dropbox and Google Drive are two solutions for storage in general. Although you won’t find many options for sharing or tagging photos specifically, you’ll enjoy a simple interface and easy uploading and downloading. Dropbox provides only 2GB of storage for free, but Google Drive provides free unlimited photo storage. The latter option also offers automatic camera roll backup.

If you go with Google Drive, a resolution limit exists for photos (maximum 16 megapixels) and a limit for album size (2,000 photos max per folder). Also, Google Drive doesn’t feature any encryption options. If you use Google Drive Dropbox, investigate how a cloud access security broker can safeguard photos and other digital media in virtual spaces.

Upgrade When You Need More Space

If you need more storage space, consider Amazon Drive. This service offers 10TB of storage space for $50, and you won’t have to wrestle with resolution limits. However, this option is a bit minimal. No tagging, editing, or organization tools exist for photos with Amazon Drive.

If you can get by with less space, consider OneDrive. Microsoft’s storage solution offers 15GB of free storage — 1TB for Office 365 users. Additionally, the software will automatically tag the images you upload to help keep them organized. As with Google Drive, however, Office 365 lacks local file encryption and has a file limit (20,000 per account).

Consider an Option to Share and Back Up Your Photos

If your primary goal in uploading files is to share them, consider Flickr. Although Flickr is not a cloud storage solution, you’ll have access to 1TB of free storage and the ability to upload and edit photos. You have the option of keeping your images private, opening them up for use with a Creative Commons license, or making them publicly viewable but only usable under certain conditions.

Another excellent option for photographers who like sharing is IDrive. This service provides 2TB of cloud backup and 2TB of cloud sync space for an annual fee. IDrive also backs up the photos you upload to Facebook and Instagram and is one of only a few storage options that provide private encryption.

You’ll find many storage options as you continue your research. Keep these recommendations in mind, and remember that each one offers different benefits in terms of storage space, security, shareability, and organization.