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Understanding COVID-19: Could You Have a Natural Immunity?

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Understanding COVID-19: Could You Have a Natural Immunity?

Let’s find out if some people have a natural immunity to the current coronavirus in this article by Sara Winokur.

Most of us (thankfully) have never faced a pandemic such as the one affecting nearly every aspect of our daily lives today. The Spanish flu, polio, and cholera epidemics are a distant memory at best. But with an ever-increasing connectivity across the globe, the exotic pathogens that cause outbreaks in the jungles and forests of Africa and densely populated regions of South-East Asia have reached our shores. That’s why understanding Covid-19 is important.

The steps we can take to stay healthy and protect our loved ones are clear: vigorous hand-washing, social distancing, and—if symptoms occur—self-isolation and seek medical attention. But what do we know about what causes the current disease, COVID-19?

Why are certain groups more resistant? How do our immune systems work to keep us healthy? Understanding these and other questions can help us gain a measure of control in these worrying times. Knowledge is power!

First, let’s determine: what is COVID-19?

COVID-19 stands for COronaVIrusDisease-2019. It’s caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, one of several members in the class of coronaviruses associated with respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis. Corona means crown, which is what the outer shell of the virus looks like. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus because it hadn’t been identified until recently.

What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world. So far, at least 114 countries have been affected by COVID-19, causing the World Health Organization to declare the outbreak a pandemic. An epidemic, on the other hand, is a sudden increase in cases of a disease that’s unique to one country or community.

Do some people have a natural immunity for COVID-19?  What does the science say?

There are two types of immunity: natural (innate) and acquired. Natural immunity is our immune defense that is present by birth without prior exposure to pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.). Natural immunity provides an immediate response to foreign invaders by recruiting white blood cells and other components to attack the pathogen. However, this response treats all foreign invaders in much the same way.

Unfortunately, we do not have a natural immunity that is specific to COVID-19. Our immune systems react in ‘damage-control’ mode, triggering white blood cells to spring into action. Many of the symptoms that make a person suffer during an infection—fever, malaise, headache—result from the activities of the immune system trying to eliminate the infection from the body. But the natural immune system cannot specifically target the COVID-19 virus. If you want to strengthen your immune system and prevent migraines, you can start taking magnesium supplements.

That specific attack on the COVID-19 virus can only be accomplished by acquired immunity, which develops only when our body is exposed to pathogenic antigens (e.g. viral particles or bacteria surface proteins). This exposure leads to our immune system developing antibodies after either an infection or vaccination.

A vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens. To do this, certain molecules from the virus or bacteria must be introduced into the body to trigger a response. The immune system can then safely learn to recognize the pathogens as hostile invaders, produce antibodies, and remember them for the future. If the bacteria or virus reappears, the immune system will recognize the antigens immediately and attack aggressively well before the pathogen can spread and cause sickness.

Are different groups of people more resistant to COVID-19?

There definitely is an age bias. Children under 10 account for only 1% of cases while adults 30-70 years old account for 87% of cases.  Seniors are much more likely to be severely affected, just as they are with seasonal flu. This may be because they have weaker immune systems, underlying health problems, or live in residential senior communities. Another possibility is that the lining of their lungs may contain more receptors for the virus to latch onto.

Could someone carry the COVID-19 virus and not know it?

Absolutely. Infection with the COVID-19 virus does not necessarily lead to symptoms or disease. Depending on how efficient your immune system is and your general state of health, the disease may be mild, moderate, or not even apparent. In fact, it’s now believed that most cases develop after exposure to someone that’s infected but not showing any symptoms.

Disease occurs when the cells in your body are damaged as a result of the infection. Many symptoms such as fever, malaise, headache result from the activities of the immune system trying to eliminate the infection from the body. Heat (fever) inactivates viruses and fatigue may result from the high energy demands of the immune system fighting the virus.

How can I protect my child from COVID-19 infection?

You can encourage your child to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching them to do the same things everyone should do: wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, avoid people who are coughing and sneezing, clean and disinfect high-touch household surfaces such as. tables, doorknobs, light switches, and remotes.

If you have young children, remember to launder items such as plush toys and dry items completely.

Remember, this is especially important if your children have contact with seniors such as grandparents, as these represent the most vulnerable people among us.

What if it remains in the body like HIV? Will this mean everyone will eventually be infected?

Some viruses like HIV and varicella (chicken pox) can lie dormant in the body and reappear at a later time to cause symptoms, either the same as the initial disease or, in the case of varicella, a new disease: shingles. While this does not appear to be the case with coronaviruses, there is still much that is known about SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19.

A vaccine will not be available for some time, as the development of the vaccine and safety measures are crucial to ensuring that more good than harm is done. Those that have had the disease will have antibodies to fight off future infections, but for those of us that have not been exposed to the virus, it will be essential to be vaccinated.

Vaccines don’t just work on an individual level, they protect entire populations. Once enough people are immunized, opportunities for an outbreak of disease become so low even people who aren’t immunized benefit since the virus won’t be able to establish a foothold in the population. This is called ‘herd immunity’. We all need to consider how our actions affect others.

Now, more than ever, we need to protect those among us who are most vulnerable and cannot be immunized: infants, young children, the elderly, people with severe allergies, pregnant women, or people with compromised immune systems. Let’s come together to help one another, as this is probably the most important kindness we can extend to others during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding Covid-19 is more important now than ever.

Sara Winokur is a geneticist, researcher, and author. Sara has a master’s degree in cytogenetics and a Ph.D. in molecular genetics. Her research helped identify mutations underlying muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, dwarfism, and a rare craniofacial syndrome. She continues to work as a consultant on potential therapies for genetic disease.

As an ovarian cancer “thriver”, Sara has a sense of gratitude, strength, and perspective. She is the author of the forthcoming Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders. She resides with her husband and writes in Southern California.

Sara Winokur Author of Double Blind
Sara Winokur

How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many?

Maren
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How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many?

Easy spending, enticing sign-up bonuses, cash back, and rewards: Credit cards are a pretty sweet deal. 

Two-thirds of American adults have at least one credit card, and the average person has 3.1 credit cards. If you’re keeping up with your monthly balance — meaning paying off the full statement balance every period — keeping lines of credit open won’t hurt your credit score. In fact, long lines of credit help prove your reliability to lenders.

At some point, the risks start to outweigh the benefits. Juggling different reward-earning options, statement periods, annual fees, and payments can make holding multiple credit cards unwieldy. When a credit card creates stress, it might be time to re-evaluate whether you should close the card.

There’s no one-size-fits all answer to the optimal number of credit cards you should hold. Instead, there are a variety of factors and measures you can use to consider how your credit cards are impacting your overall financial health.

Understand your credit score and utilization

We all know higher is better when it comes to your credit score. But what does that number represent, and how is it determined?

Your credit score helps a lender quickly decide whether to loan you money. The three-digit number represents the likelihood that you’ll repay a loan. Your FICO score, the most commonly used credit-scoring model, is a composite: 35% payment history; 30% amounts owed; 15% length of credit history; 10% times you’ve applied for new credit; and 10% credit mix, meaning the different types of credit you use.

Let’s home in on “amounts owed,” or amount of debt, which makes up 30% of your credit score. It’s reflective of how much of your credit line is being utilized. This number is likely the same as the balance you owed on your credit card bill. Experts recommend keeping your utilization below 30%.

For example, if my credit card has a $2,000 limit and I purchase $1,000 of electronics on Black Friday, I’ve utilized 50 percent of my available credit. It’s OK to utilize a high percentage of your credit line to make a big purchase, or in case of emergency, if you don’t carry the balance and pay it off in full. However, consistently high utilization negatively affects your score because it suggests you’ll have difficulty making future payments. 

Holding several credit cards and utilizing most of your credit line regularly will negatively impact your credit score. Exercise caution when carrying a balance or spending big on your cards. 

Choose cards wisely

Before applying for a credit card, think about the goals you have for the card: Is it rewards at your favorite clothing store? Is it earning an introductory bonus for spending a certain amount in the first three months? 

Do your research, and consider the card’s annual fee, reward-earning capacity, and interest rate. Know the difference between cash back, points, and store-specific rewards, and ask yourself whether you’ll really use them.

Pick a card that checks lots of boxes, such as a card that has high reward-earning potential on everyday purchases and no annual fee. If you open many cards with lots of perks but are splitting your spending between the cards, you’ll never reach your reward goals.

Go debit

If you’re worried about your credit utilization but still need a cashless solution, check out your financial institution’s debit card vs. credit card offerings. 

Although debit transactions don’t build credit, they also won’t hurt your score, regardless of the proportion of available funds you spend. You also won’t have to worry about missing a monthly payment because the money immediately comes out of your bank account.

The tradeoff, of course, is that you won’t be earning rewards on your debit card purchases. And few debit cards offer perks like purchase protection, which many credit cards do. 

Track your spending

One way to hold multiple cards while keeping your credit utilization low is to monitor your purchases instead of spending blindly. 

To start, do the math to calculate the amount of spending that’s equal to 30% of your limit. For example, if your total credit available across three cards is $20,000, 30% utilization is $6,000. However, if one of your cards has a limit of $5,000, you wouldn’t want to max out the card or utilize more than 30% of that credit line. Ideally, you’d spread your spending out across all three cards.

If this math and spending plan feels too complicated, you might consider reducing the number of cards you carry. How many credit cards is too many? The short answer is that it’s up to you, how you utilize your credit, and when you pay them off. 

If you’ve decided the amount of cards you’re holding is too many, don’t rush to close your old accounts. Keeping a long line of credit boosts your credit score and presents you as reliable to potential lenders. That way, when you do need a larger line of credit, you’ll be able to get it.

Why The Colored Engagement Ring Trend Is Here To Stay

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Why The Colored Engagement Ring Trend Is Here To Stay

Over the last several years, colored engagement rings have held the spotlight. Celebrities like Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson, and Eva Longoria celebrated their engagements with brightly colored gems, and millennials flocked to the style.

Still, as colored stones dominated fashion spreads, many assumed they would fade out – but diamond alternatives aren’t going anywhere. Unlike other headline-grabbing fashion trends, emerald, aquamarine, and amethyst stones are here to stay.

A Rich And Royal History

Colored engagement rings may seem like a new trend, but a quick look at history’s most famous rings reveals that leading ladies have been wearing colored gems for decades. Jacqueline Kennedy’s engagement ring featured both emerald and diamond stones, while Kate Middleton inherited Princess Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring.

These gems broke through the mass of more common diamonds and set these famous rings apart. And, in the case of Kate Middleton and Princess Eugenie, who sported a coral-colored sapphire for her engagement, they may just have started a trend.

All About Individuality

Setting aside their famous history, today’s brides-to-be are attracted to colored gemstones for another reason: their individuality. Even as colorful stones become more popular, by mixing stones, metals, and cuts, millennial brides want unique rings that reflect their own personalities.

That might mean setting a colored stone from another piece of family jewelry into their engagement ring, selecting a ring featuring their birthstone, or passionately pursuing a sustainably sourced gem, less likely to be marked by the violence of the diamond trade.

Vintage’s Wide Variety

In the hunt for a unique engagement ring, many millennials have turned to vintage rings to uncover even more uncommon styles, like these Art Deco aquamarine rings. Art Deco styles are notoriously bold, featuring larger stones, multiple colors, and cuts rarely seen today – and they’re also seeing a resurgence.

For the women who started seeking out these rings a few years ago, though, such rings are a dramatic departure from the otherwise dominant gold band and diamond solitaire combination that remains the top seller. While colored gems have gained in popularity, they still play second fiddle to this more conventional style, the choice of brides with a commitment to tradition.

A New Ring For A New Generation

While most of the buzz around engagement rings focuses on millennials who range in age from their late 20s to nearly 40, Gen Z is aging into the marriage market now, and like millennials, they’re looking for something a little different in their engagement rings. In particular, they’re seeking sustainably sourced materials, both in stones and metals, which is often easier to achieve with colored stones than with diamonds. Companies producing alternative jewelry styles have better tracking procedures for their supply lines and they’re less likely to be sullied by past unethical practices.

Colored stones may not control the majority of the engagement ring market, but they’re undeniably an ongoing trend in 2020 with no signs of fading soon. Creators offering unique, sustainable options, from the vintage to the upcycled, should step up to their place in the engagement ring market.

Colorful stones aren’t relegated to the accessories market anymore – they’re center stage players.

Social Activism by Paul Alan Smith Shows How to Stay Engaged

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Social Activism by Paul Alan Smith Shows How to Stay Engaged

With the added exposure afforded by the internet and our increasingly interconnected world, the need for engagement in social causes has never been more apparent. However, it is not always clear how an individual can take actionable steps to combat social injustice, especially within the bounds of a traditional workplace. To help our readers navigate this area, we looked to work by Paul Alan Smith, an agent and manager who has focused a large deal of his time on issues pertaining to social activism.

Personal background

Any work to address social issues is typically much more effective when it is personally meaningful to the individual activist. For this reason, it can be helpful to first look at the background of the entertainment professional and to see from where he draws his drive to produce change. As a child of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Paul Alan Smith is no stranger to political and social activism. Since his youth was spent in the San Francisco Bay Area, he became familiar with this work at a very young age and soon understood the power that can come from the concerted efforts of dedicated groups of people.

In addition to his early exposure to activism, he was also introduced to entertainment, in the form of musical theater, at a young age. This provoked a lifelong love of the art form and provided the first inklings of what he wanted to do with his life. These two influences would eventually lead him to move to Los Angeles with the goal of starting a repertory company that could create individual television content aimed at inciting social change. Though the project never materialized in its intended form, the move would help to set the stage for his career in talent representation moving forward.

Bringing people together

There are many components to successfully contributing to lasting change when it comes to social issues, but perhaps one of the most important is one’s ability to bring people together. This type of work not only helps to spread a message that one feels is pressing in nature, it also allows for the energy of many different people to be focused towards a common good. In the present day and age, this type of power is often organized over the internet, via the power of social media. However, earlier forms of this type of organization relied much more heavily on word of mouth and in-person gatherings.

This was an area in which the entertainment professional has thrived, showing a marked ability for bringing people together throughout his life. Perhaps the most pronounced example of this has been his “speaker soirees,” which he began organizing in the early 2000s. These events were inspired by his observation that many progressive gatherings carried with them a high price of entry, essentially excluding less affluent individuals from attending. To remedy this situation, the agent/manager created events where motivated individuals could come together to participate in talks by thought leaders in progressive areas. These no-cost events became wildly popular and helped further the entertainment professional’s goal of inciting lasting social change.

Change in action

Of course, this kind of change requires more than just the attendance of events and talks, it also relies heavily on actions by individuals. In this area, Paul Alan Smith has again shown himself to be a role model for others. Throughout his professional life, he has repeatedly shown an ability to take on efforts within the framework of a particular workplace to further issues of social importance.

One example of this is his effort to promote alternative means of commuting to the office for his coworkers at the agencies at which he has worked. In the course of these activities, he has helped companies establish incentive programs that cover costs or reimburse individuals who commuted to work utilizing methods other than driving solo in a car. The program helped push individuals to utilize public transportation, bicycles, carpool shares, and more. As a result, his workplaces have been able to cut down on the emission of greenhouse gasses and make a contribution to the fight against climate change.

Change moving forward

The type of dogged commitment to social change that has been displayed by Paul Alan Smith has served to set him apart from his peers throughout his career. By viewing the problems confronting society as issues that can be fixed with concerted and collective effort, he has been able to develop a penchant for thinking outside the box in everything that he does. This has led to the implementation of social programs, such as those listed above, but it has also helped color the very manner in which he conducts his work.

The most recent example of this ability has been the creation of his new company — New Deal Mfg. Co. The newly formed venture operates as both a talent agency and a management company, which is a rarity in the typically stratified environment of Hollywood representation. However, this unique setup allows the company to offer a range of additional options to its clients and provides the ability for increased partnerships with other companies. Through this increased access to possibilities, clients are better able to achieve their professional goals and further develop their careers. It’s also another example of the power of the entertainment professional’s firmly held belief that bringing one’s unique skillsets to a problem can result in a host of benefits that might have previously seemed unattainable.

When it comes to issues of social importance, we have reached a never-before-seen level of awareness throughout society. However, many individuals still struggle to find ways to turn their awareness into actionable change. Our above look at the professional work of Paul Alan Smith, and the ways in which he has encouraged social activism, can provide a helpful perspective on how to become more engaged. For further guidance on this issue, look for additional information on the entertainment professional or seek out additional examples of those who have made social change a personal goal in all aspects of their life.

10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE APPLYING A LOAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Maren
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Business is an ever-growing field of work that has no ends when it comes to flourishing and expansion. Most people open to the idea of setting up a small business consider it seriously for this reason. And the best part is that you don’t necessarily have to be qualified to start. But still, it is in your best interest to be educated on the subject. Especially about the cash flow, since that is the capital requirement and the end goal of any business.

You can introduce and establish a business with personal capital investment, but there’s a lot more that goes into sustaining it. Any business succeeds when you have a diligent workforce, a smooth supply of goods, necessary equipment to execute operations, investments to make it possible, and impressive returns on all these efforts. Technically speaking, all of these things aren’t independent. You can get employees, goods, and equipment either from the profits or the investment that goes into establishing it. And you only start generating returns on your services when you have made a substantial investment. For this reason, you need to have a significant amount at your disposal at all times to maintain a smooth flow of work.

Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as it sounds since there are a lot of unforeseen expenses that spring up when you are in this line of work. Luckily enough, when the ideas of businesses were trending, the comfort of getting business loans also spiked. Banks, personal money lenders, and MCA services, all gained popularity as they supported business with their finances and investments. People also started turning to these platforms readily enough to get lump-sum amounts and clear their debts. The promotion of it was also exemplary, as the details and requirements for business loans were publically available online. While applying for a business loan, the applicants had to fulfill a requirement set, and their applications could even be submitted online. The ease and the sheer necessity of getting this amount tipped many people over, resulting in booming this service.

However, there are certain things that you need to know and possess while filing a business loan application. Here are 10 of those absolute musts that you should be well aware of before applying for a loan.

1. Personal Information

Even business loan applications have a head applicant that is held accountable for payments and is communication with the moneylender for assurance purposes. Along with all the details such as name, contact details, and residential address, you also need to provide your social security number and an employer identification ID (if you have one) to allow money lenders to run background checks on you and the business. It is a security protocol exercised by every money lender and banks to make sure that they are giving money to a reliable investor.

2. Business Registration

The next important thing in line is your business registration details. These details help classify the nature of your work and help to get an estimated evaluation of your business. Entities sanctioning business loans often study these details carefully to determine the amount they could loan you. A flourishing business industry also plays a vital role in getting a decent figure from the lender or a bank.

3. Ownership Percentages

Businesses are no longer owned by an individual as there are shareholders, and stocks of your business are available on the market. The paperwork lets money lenders know your current shareholdings. Entities sanction loans based on these figures and also decide the amount that you could be entitled to get. So business ownerships are very important when applying for a business loan.

4. Bank Statements

The quickest way to know about the health of any business is to go through its bank statements. They are reliable records, which are more detailed and revealing than the words of an applicant. Lenders can know the position of debt and credits, the investment figures that they usually operate around, and even possible sources of stable income from already made investments. All this serves as the foundation reasoning for getting your loan application approved. 

5. Stability

The stability of your business also helps your business loan application to stand out. Running a business smoothly for some time lets you have all the necessary documentation to prove it. Bank statements, balance sheets, and cash flow analysis help you lubricate the status of your application. The overall process becomes easier and gets done in a minimal amount of time. So make sure to include all these documents when filing for a business loan.

6. Future Prospects

Planning ahead of time is the best way to run a business. The business loan that you are getting may not be to make your ends meet but for expansion purposes. In this case, it is preferable to have a detailed file describing your business model and plans. Banks and money lenders can often find prospects in your ambitions and would be willing to sanction a loan based on the condition of the industry and model valuation.

7. Personal Credit History

As mentioned earlier, the head applicant for the loan is accountable for paying EMIs. Similarly, to issue a loan to any person, he has to present a solid credit score. Without it, the applicant seems unreliable. Also, an individual with a bad credit score and history of delinquent acts would worry a moneylender, regardless of the business’s market standing.

8. Business Credit History

Since the application is for a business loan, the company should have a smooth credit history and solid credit scores. It will allow the lender to loan you the money at the best possible interest rates and get you the maximum amount. In case you don’t have this, some platforms can even get you loans against the bare minimum credit scores, thanks to the many online portals that are now available to connect with money lenders.

9. DSCR

Before shouldering any more debts, it is best to assess the current state of affairs of your business. The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is the standard of banks to establish how much you can afford to pay. Businesses buried under bank loans and debts have little to no chances of getting a loan from any source. However, if the debt is about to be paid off, you are a candidate to apply once it waives.

10. Collateral and EMI/Interest Rates

The most important before taking any business loans is to compare interest rates, EMIs, and the collateral that is demanded by the lender or the bank. Some money lenders don’t require any deposits or guarantees and ask for a set percentage of the expected profits instead. While some ask for baffling interest rates from clients. For this reason, it is best to compare your options and choose the best lender.

Summary

These are some of the highlighted areas that you need to examine while applying for a business loan. If all your affairs are in order, then you are an ideal applicant. If not, then you still get to discuss your options with online money lenders. This way, you can choose the most feasible one from them.

Choosing the Right Essential Oil for You

Maren
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Choosing the Right Essential Oil for You

Essential oils are extremely diverse, and sometimes picking the right one for you can be hard. There are so many different types, blends and companies, and all of them are made differently. With different oil combinations, hot oils, carrier oils, and intensities, it can be hard to make the right choice.

Price

It’s also worth taking in consideration the price. Buying expensive essential oils can certainly add up over time. You have to find the right balance for you between quality, quantity, and what you can afford to spend on the oils.

Quality

It might be worth finding a couple solid essential oils of higher quality that you invest, or maybe a lot of smaller bottles or less expensive oils. Whatever the case may be, it’s a good idea to do your research so you can get what you need without breaking the bank. 

Intent

It’s also important to take into consideration the oils you choose. Blindly buying essential oils won’t really get you anywhere. Each oil has its own properties and scents that come with it. Some oils have calming effects, some help increase focus or make you feel more awake. So make sure you read the description and label, instead of purely picking one based off of scent. This can help save you a lot of money in the long run, instead of buying a lot of oils that you don’t understand, and having to buy more to fit your needs.

Needs

You also need to take into account the needs you have. There are edible essential oils that you put in pre-workout drinks, shakes, or other foods. An oil that is growing everyday in popularity is CBD oil. And for good reason! Top CBD Companies say that using natural CBD oil can improve your well being in unlimited ways. You have to make sure you pick these carefully, because of the flavor they add to a dish, and the nutrient benefits they have. Many of these will also have dosage levels that you need to pay close attention to. Make sure you don’t get edible and non edible oils confused, and refer to directions on the label or contact a poison control center if you digest an oil not designed for that use. The oils used in any mix should be non toxic, so don’t worry too much about it, but still follow instructions carefully and never ingest an oil not made to be eaten.

Helping Business Teams With Mental Health Issues During COVID-19

Maren
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Helping Business Teams With Mental Health Issues During COVID-19

How do you lead and inspire employees amid a global pandemic that’s creating anxiety and uncertainty everywhere? This is the most unusual and unpredictable crisis most of us have experienced in our lives. But there’s no need to start from scratch in trying to confront it.

In times of crisis, there are two directions human nature can take us: fear, helplessness and victimization — or self-actualization and engagement. On the latter, if leaders have a clear way forward, human beings are amazingly resilient. There is a documented “rally effect.”

Gallup polling has found four universal needs that followers have of leaders: trust, compassion, stability and hope. These needs are especially urgent during crises. People look for these traits in their leaders as a signal that their life will be OK and that they can be part of the solution. But how can a business leader fulfill those four needs?

Cheril Clarke of PhenomenalWriting.com has written quite a bit about how business leaders should be addressing their employees during this COVID-19 outbreak. Her most recent piece, entitled, Mental Health Will Be the Next Pandemic – How Business Leaders Can Help, points out that the way leaders treat employees now will heavily influence their company’s fate when it all ends. Cheril says that the main message business leaders need to convey to their employees to help soothe their stress levels is: 

“Things will get better. Even though the economy is now contracting, at some point, it will expand again. In the meantime, we are here for you. Retaining employees and supporting them during this difficult time is our top priority. After all, there is no business without people. COVID-19 may have caught us off guard, but we are dedicating every resource at our disposal to respond to this unexpected challenge.”

Set expectations early and clearly. About half of all U.S. employees — remote or not — don’t know what’s expected of them at work. And a current poll shows that only 39% of U.S. employees strongly agree that their employer has communicated a clear plan of action in response to COVID-19. That’s a bad beginning, and it’ll get worse for employees sent home without good guidance. 

The supervisor or manager is the key conduit, responsible for translating the organization’s response to COVID-19 for each employee. Only the direct manager can know each employee’s situation, keep them informed, and adjust expectations, coaching and accountability to inspire high performance. However, less than half of employees (48%) strongly agree that their immediate supervisor keeps them informed about what is going on in the organization as it relates to the impact of COVID-19.

Managers must make expectations crystal clear. A Gallup meta-analysis has found that during high-stress times, managers need to go back to the basics of clarifying expectations, reviewing material and equipment needs, and readjusting roles so that people can leverage their strengths in new ways. Further, each employee needs to see how they fit into the bigger picture of the organization — its mission and purpose. Executives should provide higher-level expectations aligned with the company’s purpose: We’ll keep our customers engaged by doing X, we’ll maintain our standards by doing Y, we’ll fulfill our mission by doing Z. The more detail, the better. 

Employees who are accustomed to working in-house may feel cut off from the resources, information or relationships they need to do their jobs well, so plan for more conference calls. It’s OK to pad socializing into the timeframe; indeed, it may be vital for people who need lots of interaction to keep their energy up. Managers will have to be diligent about communicating productively — coaching high performance requires frequent conversations, and there won’t be chance conversations in the hall.

But your staff needs to hear from executives too, especially as economic fears worsen, to maintain their trust in leadership. Keep the lines of communication open, honest and broad. Send emails or post videos about your reasoning, intentions and expectations. Make it easy for managers to know your thoughts and contribute their own.

Before the novel coronavirus outbreak, work and life were more blended than ever before. Now, with millions of people required to work from home and with millions of kids kept home from school, blending work and life is even more complicated — and it’s creating all kinds of unprecedented stress on employees’ wellbeing.

A key predictor of low worry and high confidence is whether each employee believes, and experiences, that the organization is looking out for their best interest. Gallup has found five elements of wellbeing that each organization can act on in many different ways: career, social, financial, community and physical. When asked to consider the recent impact of COVID-19, less than half of employees (45%) strongly agree that their organization cares about their overall wellbeing. Only just over half of employees (54%) strongly agree that, considering the recent impact of COVID-19 on their job, they feel well-prepared to do their work. We are all adapting to this massive disruption.

Exploring South East Asia: Yacht Chartering Solutions

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Exploring South East Asia: Yacht Chartering Solutions

If you are thinking of taking a holiday in South East Asia, there are many options, of course, and if the idea of sailing around the southern Thai region that includes the Andaman Sea, appeals to you, then read on. The southern Thai island of Phuket is the perfect hub for those who wish to explore the amazing marine life that is found in this tropical region, and with affordable yacht chartering, you can create the perfect route to explore this unique region of South East Asia.

Why Charter a Yacht?

This gives you the ultimate freedom to go where you want and stay as long as you wish, and should you wish to change the plan at any time, you are the boss. The waters off the tropical island of Phuket are amazing, then there is the very long stretch of stunning beaches along the coast of Malaysia, not to mention the pearl of the region, Phi Phi Island. You can literally drop anchor in a quiet cove and enjoy the luxurious service, as your friendly crew look to make this an experience to be remembered.

Online Solutions

If you would like to explore the possibilities that chartering a yacht offers, simply search online for affordable yacht charter in Phuket and this will bring up a list of companies that specialise in creating memorable experiences for their clients. The charter company has a fleet of quality vessels and they know all the best locations to include in your route, which means you can create the ideal schedule that makes the most of your time in this unique part of the world.

State of the Art Vessels

When you book a yacht with an established charter company, they have a large fleet of amazing yachts that include the following:

  • Traditional Thai Teak Boat – This vessel has 3 first-class double cabins, and the 90ft boat is powered by an inboard motor and can take you to many unique locations around the Phuket area. Ideal for a party of 6 and this boat can be hired by the day.
  • Modern Motor Yacht – State of the art technology allows for a luxurious 4-cabin vessel with a crew of two, and the wet bar and leisure area is ideal for relaxing. Smooth and very fast, this ocean-going vessel can whisk you away to tropical bays with crystal-clear water and amazing marine life.

The 90-100ft yachts are ideal for 2 or 3 couples that wish to experience the oceans in sheer luxury, stopping off at hidden gems that are not on the tourist track, and with your menus and drink stock, you can listen to your favourite MP3 playlists in idyllic tropical locations.

If, for example, four couples would like to book a holiday on a yacht, when you divide the all-inclusive price, it becomes very affordable. The ultimate holiday experience awaits when you hire a luxury yacht; most people will go on to repeat the experience, and who could blame them?

Cannabis Plant – The Difference Between Young Male and Female

Digital Team
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Cannabis Plant – The Difference Between Young Male and Female

Cannabis plants are best known for their medicinal purposes, and to utilize this plant to its maximum, it is important that you understand the gender of the plant. This is because the female marijuana plant has the right buds that are extremely beneficial for medical purposes. The THC content in the female marijuana plant is relatively high when compared to male plants. This THC compound found in the female cannabis plant is used for medicinal and recreational purposes worldwide. Below mentioned are some of the ways you can distinguish between a male and a female marijuana plant.

  • The male marijuana plant has significantly fewer leaves when compared to the female plant.
  • Male marijuana plants have thicker stalks than the female ones as they are much taller than female plants. They have a more robust stalk to support their growing height.
  • To sex your marijuana plant, you have to keep a close eye on them from July to September. This is the time the female plants are ready to fertilize. Remember that once the female plants are fertilized, it does not produce enough THC content. This is because the plant now focuses more on producing seeds after the fertilization process.
  • It is essential to check every plant cautiously to determine whether they are the male or the female species of the marijuana plant. If there is a single male plant in the bunch, it may destroy the THC production as the male plant will fertilize all.
  • If the marijuana plant is kept outdoors, then within three weeks, the male plants reveal their sex before female plants. If the male plants are kept indoors, they reveal their sex earlier than the female plant and usually within ten days.
  • Male plants have small balls that grow at the stalk joints. If planning to reproduce, then it is advised to keep the small balls in the stalk undisturbed. The female plant has small bulbs but is hairy and can be easily distinguished when looked at carefully.
  • If growing marijuana for medicinal purposes, ensure that you can recognize the hermaphroditic plants. These plants are male and can harm the entire marijuana crop as they produce pollen to attract the female plants for fertilization. Cut off these plants if seen between the marijuana plants.
  • Allow the plants to grow for a minimum period of 6 weeks to distinguish their gender correctly. In 6 weeks, these plants can develop their organs, making it easy to distinguish between the male and female plants.
  • Sexing cannabis plants – Always watch for how bushy they can become The female plants are bushier and shorter in size when compared to the male cannabis plant.

Male and female marijuana plants have their benefits, of which the female cannabis plant is more beneficial to humans. This is because they produce high levels of THC, which is very popular for medicinal purposes worldwide. Also, female cannabis plants can seed and produce more plants that are beneficial when it comes to producing enough THC for medicinal purposes.

5 Ways the World Wide Web Can Help your Business Grow

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5 Ways the World Wide Web Can Help your Business Grow

We all know that the Internet is full of great resources and Google can answer just about any question you care to ask, but there’s a lot more to the Internet than that. In this article, we will look at a few ways that the web can assist you and your business.

  1. Social Media – What began as a method for college students to communicate, quickly morphed into a global platform that is used by billions of people on a daily basis. Ask any digital marketing agency what is the most powerful form of advertising and they will tell you it is social media, so if you haven’t already opened an account with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, it is time to put that right. Regular posting of quality content will ensure that your business develops a large following suggests jasondmills.com, plus you can run several promotions using your social media pages.
  2. Human Resources – Using digital platforms such as LinkedIn and Craigs list, you can check out the many skilled people who are looking for a career change, and using such networks is by far the best way to reach the high fliers. Those looking for job opportunities must post their CV and a lot of information regarding skillsets and goals, which really helps you to create a good shortlist of people to interview.
  3. Sourcing Materials – Whatever the industry you are in, there will be online suppliers, such as https://www.sqdgroups.com/, who supply electrical equipment to a range of industries. Finding such suppliers couldn’t be easier using a search engine like Google and shopping online saves both time and money. It is simple to compare prices and as most suppliers have a lot of competitors, you can often negotiate a discount.
  4. Training your Employees – Whether you are looking for free online training resources, or you are happy to pay for some expert training, the Internet can help you source both, and with free downloadable printouts, you can train your staff on any aspect. You can teach your sales team new closing techniques, train your workers on safe manual handling methods and empower office workers by digitalising all paperwork. Using online sources to use clothing branding and providing your employees with custom company swag can help spread the word about your business.
  5. Digital Marketing – The obvious way to boost our business is to enlist the help of a digital marketing expert, who can help you to compile an aggressive marketing plan that would utilise several techniques to drive web traffic to your website. E-commerce is most definitely the future, and with a leading SEO company in your corner, you can develop your business accordingly.

The Internet is many things and it offers numerous avenues for you to develop your business in all of the above ways, plus a few more we did not discuss. Your employees can learn a lot from free online resources, plus you can learn about the latest generation of business software packages that can make running a business much easier.

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