Creating a Virtuous Cycle in 7 Steps

Today I want to further highlight how breaking out of the intensive care environment can create a virtuous cycle for all stakeholders. Long-term ventilation with Tracheostomy in ICU is usually a vicious cycle, with ventilator dependency, depression and hospital acquired infection at its core.

We can break out of this vicious cycle and create a virtuous cycle. Home intensive care nursing is an evolving and dynamic alternative for long-term mechanically ventilated adults & children with Tracheostomy and their families and it has become a massive success in other countries, in Europe in particular and I was very fortunate to gain insight and 'hands-on' experience in the Industry in Germany for a number of years.

In order to go the extra mile and create something of value for long-term mechanically ventilated adults & children with tracheostomy and their families, as well as for hospitals and intensive care units, INTENSIVE CARE AT HOME is extending services outside of the traditional intensive care approach, by looking at ways of how innovative and effective alternatives can be created in the context of:

1) Creating a virtuous cycle by dramatically improving quality of life outside of an icu environment - just by taking a long-term ventilated adult or a child with tracheostomy outside of the ICU environment back home, gives them and their family such a boost, with the natural consequence of feeling so much better.

2) Establishing quality of life that is focused around a holistic approach towards the ventilated adult or child in their own home, outside of ICU.

3) Establishing quality of life that is focused not only on the quality of life of the ventilated adult or child, but is also focused on the quality of life of the family- we all know how much time families spend in icu to be with their loved ones and essentially putting their life on hold, whilst feeling very stressed and outside of their comfort zone.

4) Creating and freeing up expensive resources for hospitals and ICU's in particular that can be used for more acute and sick patients that have a much higher need for critical care, in comparison to adults or children who are long-term ventilated with tracheostomy and have little or no quality of life in ICU.

5) Creating win-win situations for long-term ventilated adults & children with tracheostomy, their families, as well as for intensive care units and hospitals, in view of intensive care beds being one of the most expensive resources used in a hospital

6) Creating a quality solution outside of the traditional hospital approach, where intensive care trained nurses can contribute and use their specialist skills to make a massive difference to the quality of life of ventilated adults & children with tracheostomy and their families, whilst maintaining high quality nursing standards in a home care environment that enable the customer's quality of life to be the main focus.

7) Breaking out of the vicious cycle of long- term ventilation in ICU, where long term-ventilation triggers depression and depression causes long- term ventilation. On top of that - more often than not-long-term ventilated adults & children with tracheostomy in intensive care catch a hospital acquired infection that usually prolongs their already expensive stay in intensive care, adding on another loop to the vicious cycle and putting additional costs on to their already long list of expenses.

The list could probably go on and please leave your comments on our blog, as I have put this month's newsletter on our blog, as well as in the newsletter section.

Have a great weekend!

Badminton Essentials - Choosing a Badminton Bag

A badminton bag is used in carrying badminton rackets as well as other equipment like nets and shuttlecocks. It is rounded on one end, tapering at the other, roughly taking the shape of a racket. Depending on design and style, it can also carry as many as eight rackets, with separate compartments for shuttlecocks.

Kinds

Over-the shoulder: Over-the-shoulder badminton bags are lightweight and slim, with a long strap slung behind a shoulder. They can normally carry about one or two rackets and have compartments on the straps or outside of the bag for shuttlecocks.

Duffel: Duffel badminton bags, on the other hand, are large tote-like bags that come with compartments to house several rackets. They can carry a maximum of eight rackets and have zippered sections for accessories such as clothes and shoes at the sides. While a badminton bag generally tapers on one end, duffels are different. Some duffel badminton bags are cylindrical or rectangular, much like any regular sports bag.

Buying tips

When it comes to buying a badminton bag, look for one that can fit all your rackets for convenience, with extra room for new ones. Make sure your rackets all fit comfortably into the compartments, with at least an inch of clearance from the walls of the bag to the tips of your rackets. And since you're looking for convenience, choose a bag that is easy to carry around. If you're driving, look for a bag that you can quickly secure to your car's roof or will easily fit in the trunk. Cushioned handles are also a plus because they make it more comfortable for you to carry your bag.

Real Estate: Buyer's Agent, Seller's Agent & Dual Agent (defined and explained)

There is a relatively new and not always well understood practice in Real Estate sales; it is called Buyer Agency or Buyer's Agent. Until recently Realtors and agents usually represented the seller, in opposition to the buyer, during the real estate transaction. Even the real estate agent who drove you from home to home was not truly working on your behalf. By law, the agent was required to work on the seller's side in order to get the highest price and the best terms for the seller -- Period! Some agents still work this way.

In the last few years, first the law and now the practice of representation has changed. We have an entirely different set of options and agreements when we are buying real estate. These options were previously only available and utilized by large companies or wealthy individuals. In the past, the buyer would get a buyer's representative by paying a fee up front and usually by the hour, until the transaction was complete.

Twenty five years ago, as a personal agent for wealthy clients and companies, I charged and worked an average of 20 hours a week for $30 per hour, plus expenses, plus 10% of the transaction (or when I was the buyer's agent, a $2,000 retainer fee to start with and then $30 per hour and 10% of the amount below the listed price that I was able to obtain for my buyer. If there was financing involved I also was paid to find and obtain the best financing).

That has changed dramatically. As a buyer's agent, a signature on a buyer's agent contract from my buyer begins the transaction. Usually the same original commission fee that would have been paid by the seller is split and half goes to pay the buyer's agent. In some cases the selling agent does not set up any fee to the buyers agent, or a very reduced fee, such as those agencies that advertise 2% or 3% or 4% commissions to the sellers, etc. In that case the Buyer just picks up the missing commission and at settlement another 4% or 5% comes out of the transaction and goes to us as Buyer's Agent. In other words there is a guarantee from us that we are working ONLY for you the buyer and in exchange you guarantee us a commission of 5% - which is usually already taken care of, or at least part of it, in the seller's commission.

I can draw this division of fees out for you on paper if need be when we meet the first time. Bottom line; you don't pay any more and you get the absolute best representation.

The buyer's agency arrangement begins with the initial interview, continues through an initial selection of properties to investigate and view and then to contract negotiations. This culminates with the final settlement and transfer of funds for property. The buyer may choose to have an agent specifically committed to representing his best interests.

The great part for the buyer is that he/she gets the benefit of decades of experience and professional knowledge, all of our connections and reputation with those connections, and pays nothing until final close of transaction. Where else can you get the best possible professional service and pay nothing until it's complete and satisfactory. Will your doctor, lawyer, accountant, mason or carpenter do that... NO. We do, if you contract with us first. Otherwise we represent the seller at your expense! This is true of all Realtors by law. Which would you like?

Recently real estate laws in virtually every state are being rewritten to allow and suggest that the buyer have his own specific representative. If you are the buyer and have a buyer's agent, your agent will try to get you the best deal possible, even if that is NOT in the best interest of the seller.

Legally: "Buyer's Agency" is a relationship where the real estate agent is working FOR you with fiduciary responsibility (financial and legal responsibility). The agent is then legally bound to only the buyer and owes his entire loyalty and allegiance to the buyer alone.

In the past, and even most of the time today, all real estate agents and brokers represent the seller alone; to get the highest price for the seller. In fact seller's agents MAY NOT disclose fully all that they know about a property to the buyer as they seek the highest price. The relationship of a broker and agent is established in writing with the seller when the property is listed for sale in the "Listing Agreement".

In Delaware we are required to give each person we work with; buyer or seller; a written explanation regarding agency status. We have professionally written brochures that explain the "seller's agency" and it's opposite "buyer's agency". This agency disclosure must be explained, in writing, at the first significant contact of the agent with the buyer or seller.

Agents in our office talk with a great number of long-distance buyers over the phone. We must, when we finally meet in person, disclose and determine which position we will take with the person we are speaking with. Some agents work mostly as seller's agents; some work mostly as buyer's agents and some work as a dual agent (where we act as full representative to both buyer and seller). Regardless of the role the agent takes -- it should be fully and completely known by all agents, buyers and sellers involved -- and it should be in writing.

Let us now put this forward again:

Seller's Agent: has the full and complete and sole duty to obtain the best deal for the seller. The seller's agent is ONLY allowed to give the buyer material facts about the property. It is customary for a cooperating broker and agent to be a subagent to the seller's agency established by the brokerage that has the written contract with the seller to sell the property.

Buyer's Agent: has the full, complete and sole duty to obtain the best deal for the buyer. The buyer's agent may convey any and all information obtained in any fashion, including in depth investigations about the seller or the property.

Dual Agent: has to be legally and financially loyal to both parties. Dual agency occurs when a real estate agency is contracted to sell a home. That means they have the listing, and an agent from that same brokerage, working as a buyer's representative, shows that listing. Dual Agency must be disclosed and agreed to in writing by all parties. Some people feel that Dual Agency is potentially a conflict of interests. It can be unless the agent is fully honest to all parties and they are fully aware of and in agreement with that relationship. Here, the entire purpose of the dual agent is to get the best possible deal, in all it's components, for both the buyer and the seller.

There are, in general, two major personalities of buyer's agents. First is the agent who only and always represents buyers. The other is the agent who takes each transaction and each customer into account before making that decision. An agent who usually works as a buyer's agent, for instance, may NOT want to represent a particular buyer as that buyer's agent for one reason or another. The reason is usually one of some personality difference. As I put it, when speaking with a buyer whom I wish to represent "I will be your gladiator. I will do battle on your behalf, and at the expense of and against the interests of, the seller and the seller's agent."

The buyer's agent must still be honest, but he need not be fair. For instance, if the buyer's agent is able to find out that the seller is in big financial or personal trouble and that the seller has a small mortgage on the property or that there is some impending deadline for selling the property, then the buyer's agent will tell the buyer. Together they will use that information to get a great deal for the buyer at the seller's expense... it that is possible.

If I were a buyer, I would not even consider doing a real estate transaction without a buyer's agent to act on my behalf. I suggest that you are wise to do the same. If there are detailed and extensive negotiations that need to be done; such as unique and difficult terms that must be negotiated then (being the buyer) I'd ask that the buyer and the seller agree to have me as a dual agent. Whatever your choice, it should be in writing with your agent and must be known to all parties involved.

Copyright © 2001-2004 by www.JodyHudson.com

Great Things About GPS Vehicle Tracking Devices In Fleet Monitoring

In order to continuously keep track of the exact position of each vehicle along their transport route, it's critical to have a GPS tracking system. Implementing GPS technological innovation can improve traffic conditions as well as linking backend system and thereby, revolutionizing the fleet driving industry. One can see their progress on a map in a display, and ensures constant communication with the fleet throughout the entire journey

With a GPS vehicle tracking system, vehicle arrival times are predicted more accurately, unauthorised usage could very well be reduced and/or eliminated, and notification sent when a driver speeds or departs from the designated route. Even more rewards are increased safety and reliability guidance for drivers losing direction or for vehicle breakdowns. With leaps in mobile technology to deliver high-speed access, sharing and storage of ever larger quantities of vital information can today utilize cloud based computing and virtualisation that integrates and operates with other platforms.

Without waiting for historical details when it enters a non-reception area, the info is buffered until it can transmit as soon as signal is once more out there. Known originally as the Navstar Global Positioning System, the GPS (Global Positioning System) was first conceived at the Pentagon in 1973 in response to the demand for an error-proof satellite system. Further characteristics such as wireless communication, automatic downloads and two-way text messaging are right now out there for smart phones, PDAs and laptops.

Fleet enterprises who operate multiple delivery automobiles in the same transport consignment can deploy an superior kind of trailer tracking app. As more gadgets capable of numerous and versatile connectivity intersect with the next generation of implemented telematics, it is predicted that a corresponding explosion in on the internet and smartphone interoperability should be shortly expected to be very actively in operation. Improved connectivity performance between fleet control rooms and cab mobile, reduced driver distraction, and faster and easier upgradeable platforms are seen to become the cornerstones of dependable support to making sure continuity of new services.

In 1978 the first operating GPS satellite was launched and by the mid-1990s the system was completely operational with 24 orbiting satellites constantly transmitting radio signals. Fuel levels and other vehicle speeds are in addition monitored by alerts signalling a vehicle stopping. Within minutes, email reports and a record of vehicle maintenance are provided to the business owner which can have complete control over his cars in spite of a huge number of miles away from him.

Such information ensures safe, obtain and faster on- time delivery services as well as decreasing common concerns associated with delivering goods. The position, route, stops, and velocity of vehicle are among a few of the info provided to the business owner.

Gainey's Back In The Groove

With a newfound perspective on both his career and life, Tommy Gainey has finally gotten his first ever win at a PGA Tour event during the 2012 McGladrey Classic. I wonder if he can pull another upset and win the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic...

As this ongoing PGA Tour event signifies the end of the current season, it ironically represents the start of Gainey's "two-gloved" progress in his career and in his life as well. He's not just another funky golf swinger that's struggling to make a name for himself on the tour. He has become a formidable opponent and he's beginning to gain attention among his peers. Who can forget about all of his birdies dropping in to finish at 10-under-par 60?

In an interview with the press just before the event at Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida, the unconventional swinger mentioned how his first PGA victory has changed his life.

"Winning the McGladrey was indeed the best thing that has happened to me," he explained. "Let's just say that a lot of players were coming up and saying congratulations and great playing. They know how difficult it is to win here and now I have finally won. It took a long time because I believed I played like 150 or something to finally get a single win. So it's really hard. And all of them saying well done, means a lot."

With that victory weeks behind him now, Gainey has set his sights on one goal - going to Augusta. The baseball-style golfer obviously doesn't lack motivation because his win did not include an invitation for next year's Masters, something he is still seeking to pursue through world rankings.

An inclusion in the top 30 season-ending money list will send him to Magnolia Lane; however this week's top prize ($846,000) is just not enough to really make it. He is currently ranked 56th in the money list with a recorded earnings of $1,524,703; he will need around $959,392 to be included in that list.

Even if Gainey won't be able to go to Augusta National riding on a win at this Disney-sponsored classic, he'll be able to get there by winning a staple tour event at the FedEx Cup right before the Masters next spring. He can also reach it if he cracks the top 50 in world rankings either at the end of the year or a week before the coveted Masters. Either way, a win this week would definitely guarantee him a spot in the U.S. Open next year.

How to Capture Your Kids Memories - Digital Scrapbooking for Parents

I remember becoming a parent in 2001 for the first time. Was I elated. Actually I was on a big high all throughout my pregnancy like I had done the greatest feat in the world. But when my daughter was born, I wanted to capture every smile of hers, every inch of her growth. I wanted to be able to keep a record of how many times she does pee and poo in a day. I did what I could best at the time - jot it all down in a paper journal.

I did it earnestly for first few years and then the process became tedious and I started journalling once in a few months. Soon it was only on her birthday that I wrote her a letter.

With my second one born in 2004, I had no time to even click picture forget about writing anything down on paper.

I was discussing this with a fellow mom the other day (These days all I seem to discuss with other people is school, hobby classes, kids, and maids anyway.) She suggested that I try Digital scrap-booking. I had never heard of the term and decided to Google it and understand more.

Digital Scrapbooking is a way for you to highlight your precious photos and memories by overlaying these photos and memories on beautifully designed professional templates. You can also decorate your templates with alphabets, embellishments like buttons, ribbons and stickers and try out different textured papers - all digital in nature and all FREE. Some sites require that you download a software and then create scrapbooks while others allow you to do so online without any downloads. All you have to do is upload the picture and write a journal entry. That's it! Your online memory gets created and can be shared online instantly with friends and family.

Best part is that some of these now have mobile apps and sms integration so I can capture the unique moments in my kids' lives as soon as it happens, even while I am on the move, or while I am waiting for them in an after-school class.

I am really having the time of my life digging up the old pictures and chronicling my memories to preserve them for ever. Every time my daughters say something beautiful, it gets rare when they are over ten years, I capture it using my phone in my online digital scrapbook. I wish I had had this option when my girls were still little and the innocent words were easy to come by.

So if you are a parent who is busy and want an easy way to keep a record of your parenting moments, Digital scrapbooking is your answer.