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April 12, 2018

Common Issues Any Of Us Can Still Struggle With In The Workplace

This post has been contributed.
 
These days, we expect that going to work will be straightforward. Offering a safe and happy environment in which to do our jobs in the required time qe are allocated to do with. There is so much talk about equality, treating people the same, rising talks about pay, and even the way we talk to people being scrutinised, it might be surprising to hear that there are still common issues that have much to do with some of the above happening today.
It isn’t just women who face this problem either. Although it is reported far more about women in terms of some of the most common issues, but men can struggle in this environment as well. Dominating managers, employers that don’t care too much in terms of the welfare of their staff, it can be quite a toxic place to be if you are not careful. In some cases, you may not even feel there is an issue. You just might have that gut feeling that makes you feel uncomfortable, but yet, won’t say anything about it through fear of your job or making more from something. It has to stop. If the media are prepared to report everything there is to know about pay gaps, harassment and bullying, then people need to realise what is happening in their own workplace and take action. I wanted to share with you some of the common issues any one of us can still struggle with in the workplace today, and hopefully offer you a little insight and advice of what to do if you are feeling the pressure. 
Sexual harassment from colleagues or managers
Sexual harassment is such a big area and it isn’t as obvious as you may believe. In the workplace, especially in make or female dominated areas where you feel like a minority. You can find that sexual harassment can be something as trivial as remarks or phrases of a sexual nature directed at you. It can be inappropriate advances, being hassled on a regular basis by phone or email, and can even be physical if you are not careful. Sexual harassment is serious, and it is something that your managers and your employers should take very seriously. There is more about what you can do online if you want to take matters into your hands. Of course, one of the first instances should be to discuss your concerns with a line manager, although, in many situations, the manager is possibly the culprit. Feeling that role of “power” can give them some sort of sway over what they do and how they go about it. Find someone you trust and communicate your issues. If something has made you feel uncomfortable then it probably isn’t right, and definitely something you need to discuss further. 
Being targeted online
The online world can be a great place to communicate with your friends, reconnect with people you haven't seen for a while, and share your pictures and your lives with your nearest and dearest. But it has also become a platform where people are stalking and harrassing people, and this can be extremely common in the workplace where colleagues will look at your profile. Of course, friends and follower requests are there for a reason, and you can pick and choose who sees what you put up online. However, if your privacy settings are not set right, then you could be leaving yourself wide open. People who don’t have a fully private account and check in places are allowing people who they don’t know seeing what you're doing and where you are going. If you want to be involved in social media, then ensure that you have tightened up your privacy settings so that you can’t be targeted and harassed online. 
Made to feel alone
When you are in the workplace surrounded by people, you may be surprised to read that actually some people can feel very much alone in the workplace. Evn in today modern society we can naturally divided into groups and connect with people we have more in common with. This can happen at work very easily as you tend to spend a lot of time with these people, but what it can also do is isolate people, and some people who haven’t confirmed in some way can then be left out and made to feel alone. Perhaps you feel that way. Not party to the inside jokes or the plans being made for after work drinks. If you do feel alone in the workplace try and reach out to people and gain some confidence to step out of your comfort zone and communicate. If you do notice people being left out be the bigger person and include them. It is never a nice feeling to feel lonely. 
Pay gap differences
There has been a lot of coverage about gender pay gaps recently in the press. So much so, that people with celebrity status are speaking out and making the issue more known than ever before. It is calling upon big corporations to disclose what they pay people, and some of the results have been staggering. But on a more normal level, this is still a very prominent issue. Sure companies have a duty of care to be equal to both men and women, but the pay gap can still be evident. Of course, there are other reasons why someone might be paid more than you for a similar job role, and that can be down to experience and skills. But in the same breath, if you are being paid considerably less and there is no rhyme or reason as to why then make sure you raise it with managers and above to get what you deserve. 
Job description not being adhered to
Finally, there can be some employers that can take advantage of people in terms of their kindness and generosity, especially in the workplace. For example, having people take on extra responsibility for things that are predominantly not their area or in their job description. Furthermore, expecting these things to be done without any reward or remuneration. It can still happen today, and so if you do find yourself in this situation make sure you speak up. 
I hope that this has made you more aware of what can still happen in todays workplace. 
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April 12, 2018
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April 9, 2018

The Figures Of Sacrifice That Live In The Shadows

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
No matter how hard you think you have it, think again. Over and over we have to tell ourselves that we’re not the only ones in the world that are going through tough times. Sometimes you can’t even imagine someone else who is suffering and going through traumatizing experiences because you just can’t. Seeing is believing, which is why so many people explore through cultural such as reading stories, watching movies, listening to hauntingly beautiful music etc. it's very easy to allow yourself to believe, you’re the only one that is finding it difficult to cope, seeking answers in life and lacking the motivation to carry on. You’re not! We walk around the society not knowing who is standing or sitting beside us in public transport and when lining up at stores. Have you ever thought you might be standing next to someone who has been or is going through something that is testing their willpower to carry on? These are the figures that walk in the shadows, but bear the greatest burdens in our communities.
Credit AliziaZinn
The blues
They’re known as the men and women in blue. They’re just ordinary people at heart. They come from local communities where they grew up and made lifelong friends in. Every day without fail, they put themselves in harm's way for us. Whenever there is something that disturbs the peace, be it a terrorist attack, or a large house fire, these brave men and women will take the call and respond as fast as possible. So what happens to policemen and women when they retire and can no longer be on the force? There is NARPO which stands for the National Association of Retired Police Officers. They can reconnect with people they served with and live life after work together by going on trips and to events. For those who are injured in the line of duty, life can seem as if it has been robbed from you. Hope For Heroes is a charity dedicated to looking after disabled police officers that have had to leave duty to their injuries. Far from being allowed to fade away into the shadows of society, this charity stages events such as gatherings, dinners, picnics and days out with the similar company. It's a way for those who have lost limbs, eyesight and possibly suffering from PTSD to meet and stay in touch with a really supportive network that can help them stay positive. 
The scars of war
Veterans are some of the bravest and courageous people you can ever meet. When national governments call upon them to protect the country, they answer the call. Usually, in popular culture, we always hear about the aftermath of wars through the microphones of politicians who made those decisions that deployed soldiers to the battlefield. What Max Martini is doing is telling the story from the soldier’s perspective. He’s dedicated seven years of his life to making a movie about a serviceman who returns from war, with scars that many people cannot see. He survived an IED blast which made him the sole survivor of his team. Max is telling this story by looking at the very real impacts of traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorders. While everything may look fine on the outside, these warriors can often feel alone as they deal with mental conditions that war has left them with. 
 
All too often society gets lost in sensationalist nonsense. Whether it be some kind of celebrity spat or political scandal, we always seem to forget that line of men and women who become our shield against evil. 
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April 9, 2018
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April 3, 2018

The Gender Pay Gap: Is A Peaceful Protest Worth It?

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
We live in the most advanced time of our lives at the moment. Technology has advanced us in ways we could have only dreamed of thirty years ago, and yet in some ways we are still living dramatically behind the times. March holds International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate some of the most influential and inspirational women of our lives. With the social media posts, the announcements on the news and the general support of women who work, women who stay at home and women who change the world, there is still one rather large elephant in the room. Despite all our pushes for equality between men and women since the times of Emmeline Pankhurst and the Suffragette movement, there is still a tipped balance in the favour of men in the current world. I’m talking cash money, people!
Salaries are imbalanced and there is a great need for change. When the gender pay gap is being talked about from the stars in Hollywood to the cleaners in the local restaurants, you know it’s big news. It’s not avoidable, because it stares us all square in the face on a daily basis. The gender pay gap affects women of all backgrounds, all races and all ages. The question is, why? If a man and a woman are on the same level of education, the same job title and even the same race if you want to get into the nitty gritty, why does he earn more than her? We’re still trying to figure it out.
asphalt, communication, commuter
If women have less economic power in the workplace and less economic security, there’s a big nod to the phrase that no one says out loud: she’s just not as good as her male counterpart. It’s wrong. And yet many protests for salary equality are blacked out by the media. Usually the reason for this is that the bigwigs in the media corporations are mostly men, and they earn more than their female counterparts. Why would they want to highlight the greed? Why would they want to bring to the surface the fact that others are saying that this isn’t okay? It’s 2018 and it’s time to make a stand.  The last thing that anyone wants is for a woman to throw herself under the horses of royalty all over again to prove a point. We don’t want to go back to a time where women were thrown into prison cells, putting themselves through hunger strikes and force fed purely to be heard. Protesting should be done in a way that gets noticed, but this doesn’t have to include riots. Let’s be honest, rioting is literally the toddler equivalent of pulling a dirty diaper off and smearing it all over your own walls. If you want to protest, it has to be effective and it can’t mean messing up and damaging your own town and your own people. Rioting is also a crime, and companies like Wallin & Klarich can explain to you in layman's terms the futility of getting a felony purely because you want to make a point. We’ve all seen the riots in the news, and they may get attention, but they get the wrong kind of attention.
 
 
artistic, blossom, bright
 
If women want to stand up and be counted, be equal, we need to protest and march again, but we need to do so in a way that is effective and gets the right type of attention. Thankfully, due to the culture of social media in the world that we live in, blogs, vlogs and opinion polls go viral faster than anything. Peacefully protesting your point is lawful in civilised society. No one needs to act like animals to be noticed, because – as the police and lawmakers believe – animals belong in cages and that’s exactly where you can end up: jail. Peaceful protests are respected by the lawmakers and they can bring about change if enough peace can rock the boat. Women now have the right to vote, LGBTQ+ followers now have the right to be recognised and have insults viewed as a hate crime, workers now have the right to be a part of trade unions and be heard by their employers, and all because of peaceful protests. Being able to go out onto the streets and publicise the viewpoints of the public is a good way to gain interest and raise the profile of your campaign. If you’re protesting about the lack of benefits or pay for women, then holding a few days where every woman in your community does not go to work, does not do housework, does not ‘look after’ anyone but herself and her children can be an effective tool in proving their worth.
We need to live in a world where our daughters are as equal in their efforts as our sons. I would be mortified if one day, my own children had a different pay level purely based on their genders. There are companies out there that are still following draconian methods, where women are paid less based on the fact that one day they may leave their roles and procreate. It’s often easier to pay a man more to stay in his job, as he’s less likely to leave because of children. However, this is a very outdated viewpoint. Some women cannot have children. Some choose not to have children. Those who do are still women; they are still people who are educated and deserving of the salary that they have worked hard for. The right protest can bring about change, but it has to be done lawfully for it to be worth it.
Making demands and standing up to be counted has to be legal. Silent protests and sit-ins are very powerful, and women may have been oppressed by men for a long time, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Standing up and being counted takes grit and determination and we all know that women have those qualities in spades.
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April 3, 2018
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April 2, 2018

Do You Have A Dream To Understand The Appeal Of Inspiration?

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
Inspirational quotes are a marmite matter. Some people out there can’t get enough. They spam your Facebook feed with their best finds and even get tattoos of quotes which speak to them the most. Any hard situation they face, they have a set of quotes to hand which they know can see them through. For others, though, this inspirational frenzy makes no sense. You’ll know you’re one of these people if you’re unaffected by those inspirational memes. You’ve never in your life looked out for the motivational words of someone else when you’re struggling. Instead, you face all your issues head on, and deal with things in the present rather than looking at words from the past.
via GIPHY
But, what if we were to tell you that inspirational quotes could serve you better than you think? In fact, people who don’t at least experience some boost from these have possibly just never found the right words. We can almost guarantee that there’s at least a few quotes out there which could help you deal with difficulties. That doesn’t mean, of course, that you need to post your inspiration for the world to see. But, having a private stash of motivation could be a huge help when you need it.
The first thing to bear in mind is that motivation is vastly varied. For proof of how much so, let’s look at the variety found in even the most famous choices - 
  • ‘I have a dream’ - Martin Luther King said this in his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech, and it’s since gone on to be one of the most cited quotes of all time.
  • ‘And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.’ - Found in the Bible, this has since gone on to be an unofficial slogan for the CIA, and even appears on many a CIA challenge coin. Given its origins, it’s no wonder this gets the inspiration going.
  • ‘Be yourself; everyone else is taken’ - One of Oscar Wilde’s most famous quotes, though certainly not the only one worth your time.
  • ‘There is nothing permanent except change.’ - Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said this one way back when.
This is by no means an expansive collection, but it proves a pretty good point about the variety on offer. But, of course, throwing a few quotes you’ve likely already heard your way won’t sell you here. Instead, let’s look at a few of the reasons why many people find quotes so inspirational. You may find that a few of these reasons speak to you, too.
A guiding hand It’s in our nature to look to role models and leaders. Predominantly, this is because there’s always been someone in charge. When we’re younger, our parents lead the way, and our teachers take their place. But, once we fly the nest, it can feel as though we’re in it on our own. That is, of course, until we look to the advice found in quotes from others. Through our readings, we can sometimes convince ourselves that these figures of history are leading the way. Given that the feeling of flying solo is so frightening, it’s easy to see why that would be so appealing. You won’t have to go it alone anymore if you take the lead of these inspirational figures. It’s also fair to say that we often ascribe coach-like roles to those from whom these quotes originated. The fact that they aren’t actually in our lives doesn’t matter. While reading their words, we can still develop a sense of responsibility to them. And, that ensures we go out and be the best versions of ourselves possible. After reading something which speaks to you, you may feel driven to change those problems you’ve been putting off. You wouldn’t want to let your inspiration down, after all. A moment of pause Many of us have a habit of catastrophizing when things go wrong. We may lament ourselves with sentiments such as ‘why does it always happen to me?’. Sometimes, we even convince ourselves that there’s nothing we can do to fix things. And, with an attitude like this, you can be sure your situation will hit you that bit harder. But, having a backup of quotes to turn to can stop you from entering that downward spiral. Instead, you’ll absorb your situation, then have a moment of quiet in which you pick out a quote to make you feel better. You may even suspend thinking about that issue as you scroll through those words which mean so much to you. And, by the time you find the right quote, you should be in a much more peaceful and capable mental state. Instead of panicking, then, you can face the issue head-on and sort it much faster. Try this next time you get some bad news, and see how it serves you. You may find that taking that quiet time out becomes a little like meditation in the face of disaster. And, that’s got to help.
The pure power of words
 
Let’s not forget that sometimes, quotes find their strength purely through the power of words. It shouldn’t be news to you that many people turn to books and literature to make sense of themselves and the world. Reading can have a massive impact on who you are and how you perceive things. It’s a mind-altering experience for sure. In many ways, the same can be said for quotes which strike a chord with you. Only, these are like emergency shots for when you don’t have time to read a whole book. Still, those quotes have the power to impact how you move forward in your life. If you’ve never experienced that moment of recognition while reading before, you’re in for a treat. Nothing beats that moment when an author or famous figure finds the perfect words to describe how it is to be you. Experience this once, and you’ll fast see the appeal of those quotes.
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April 2, 2018
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March 29, 2018

Why Faith Is A Virtue All By Itself

Note: This post has been contributed.


Faith is a virtue all by itself. It’s difficult for many modern people to understand this. While religious belief in some form or another has been a core component in all societies around the world, it can be difficult to get that through to someone who isn’t interested. Of course, forcing beliefs on others is never healthy, but it can be worthwhile to discuss the benefits of faith to make it seem attractive to those who might one day need it.

We have collected some benefits of faith that are hard to ignore. They are as follows:

Faith Aims You Towards The Highest Good

The highest good is often the best place to start. None of us stick to the complete ideal as we all are flawed in our own way, but that doesn’t mean having something to strive for is useless. In fact, quite the opposite. Faith keeps us oriented in the best livable reality we can conceive for our lives to be part of. Without this grounding, it’s easy for people to fall into disarray. It might be that reading Jesus quotes in the morning can help you start your day with compassion and strength.

 It might be that trusting in a higher plan can help you through the most difficult of circumstances. The world is complex and overly strange, and having an ethical and moral aim can help us stay strong and sharp in that environment. Faith is not a weakness, rather something that helps us stand up stronger and stay humble in that effort.

Faith Keeps You Humble

Humility is a big part of a happy life. Not because you should feel that your achievements mean nothing in comparison with the grandeur of the world. It’s more that keeping humble allows you to calibrate your intent. Instead of working hard to help people in your community for pride and to get recognized as citizen of the year, you enjoy genuinely connecting to people. You understand that it’s a privilege and a gift to be able to do so, even in the hard times. This keeps you not only well targeted towards what you hope to do, but fills you with an inner richness that any superficial intent can never replicate.

It Keeps You Safe

When you have faith, you have a behavioural framework. You can attribute all your actions within the scope of a certain framework. It’s easier to stay strong in your morals, and prevent being swayed by bad people in your life. It allows you to take pride in your wisdom and maturity, and not be fooled into thinking this is somehow unmanageable or something that makes you naive. It also helps you against the general proclivity of feeling existential dread. After all, we all know that life is finite and difficult. To have something that keeps us happy, connected, progressive, well calibrated with life and filled with meaning is something that many people would love the chance of experiencing. It’s best to be grateful for this, and try to expand it where possible.

In summary, faith is a wonderful thing. No matter who you are, you can derive some value from it. So, be sure to experience this where you can. You’re sure to see the benefit quickly.
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March 29, 2018
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March 28, 2018

Dealing With Difficulties In Life? Throwing In The Towel Is Not An Option

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
There comes a time in our lives where things can get a little difficult. We all have periods where careers and jobs are tough, finances are a burden, relationships are breaking down, and it can feel like everything is just too much. Can you relate? Many of us will have been through something like this in the past, and many of us will go through it at some point in the future. But, it is how you handle the situation and move forward that makes you the person you become. Strong, independent, motivated. So don’t throw in the towel when life gets a little difficult. I thought I would share with you some of the options you could consider to help you through tough periods in life. 
Changing your mindset
Your mind is such a powerful tool. It really can be the thing that is controlling your very reactions to tough times, and in most cases, this might be in a negative way. A negative mindset isn’t something that can easily be cured, but changing the way you think can ultimately change your reaction to situations and help you to take positive steps forward rather than hiding in the dark. It could be as simple as forcing a positive thought. It might be focusing on what you are happy about in life, what your are grateful for maybe. Small actions done consistently can become habits, and once you do develop a positive mindset you may be able to clearly decided on the best actions to take for the future. 
Talking to someone
Maybe you need to think about opening up to someone and talking about your feelings and what is going on. Often speaking to someone who isn’t involved directly gives you a safe place and platform to really open up. It might be something like Christianity-based counseling where you discuss things, or it could be more psychologically based where you try talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whichever option you choose, talking and discussing your feelings and getting them out in the open is only going to be a positive experience, helping you to move forward. 
A lifestyle change
Finally, it could be as simple as changing your lifestyle. Many of us will agree that when we feel down and depressed, or things like anxiety are taking hold of us, we can become more insular and stop taking care of ourselves. We eat the wrong things, we don’t spend time outside, and generally these habits can make us feel worse in the long term. A lifestyle change doesn't have to be drastic. Just start by having a more balanced diet or drinking more water each day. It might be that you have the goal of being active each day, or just getting outside for some fresh air. Implementing positive changes to your lifestyle can help you to feel better physically, which then gives you the energy and focus to start working on the problems that are causing you to feel bad emotionally and mentally. 
 
I hope that these options help you through a difficult time. 
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March 28, 2018
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March 28, 2018

Downtime: Finding Your Body’s Power Outlet

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
 
 
Over the last century or so, the way that people work has changed dramatically. With a lot of roles going from being based outside and involving loads of manual labor, to office-based desk jobs. This change is good, as it means that fewer people are having to work in risky positions. But, along with this, it can also create some issues when it comes to downtime, and a lot of people struggle to get what they need outside of work.
Sitting at a desk all day can be surprisingly easy when you have the threat of financial disaster hanging over your head. Of course, though, this doesn’t mean that it will be fun. Instead, as a lot of people find, this sort of job can be extremely boring, and this will impact most people’s ability to do it effectively. If you’re in a job like this already, a little bit of rest wouldn't hurt, and this post is going to go through some of the best ways to get it.
Shooting: If you live somewhere with easy access to firearms, shooting can be a great way to ease yourself after a long day. Being incredibly cathartic, taking down a target or two can relieve a lot of stress, and it doesn’t take much effort. This will be a little less active than the other options, and this means that it might not be for everyone.
Watersports: Surfing, wakeboarding, and loads of other different kinds of watersport can be found around the world. If you live near the coast, sites like Boaters Outlet can be a great place to go when you’re looking for a way to relieve some tension. This sort of sport is very intense, and will use a lot of your energy, making it perfect for those with an excess after sitting at a computer for the whole day.
A Team Game: Learning to work with other people will always be a great skill to have. Along with this, though, playing as a team can do more than benefit your resume, and will be a great way to unwind. Finding a good middle ground between watersports and shooting, this sort of option will be best handled with friends, and will be easy to get started without any investment.
Pushing Yourself: One of the biggest issues people face in desk jobs is stress. Over time, doing the same thing repeatedly will make it hard for your mind to stay healthy, and this can lead to issues in the future. To help you with this, simply pushing yourself harder when you’re outside of work can be a great route to take. Not only will this improve your free time, but it will also give you the chance to improve skills related to your current role.
 
With all of this in mind, it should be a lot easier to get started on the downtime you give yourself. For anyone working in a stressful or boring role, having a way to release some energy while having fun is a great way to stay motivated. At the end of the day, you’re only human, and this means that it can be hard to do things which you don’t want to.
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March 28, 2018
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March 26, 2018

The Shocking Truth About Nursing Home Abuse (And How You Can Protect Your Loved Ones From It)

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
For younger generations it can feel like we’ve come to accept the world as caring and unkind by default. There are, after all, precedents throughout the natural world of stronger life forms doing everything they must to survive and flourish even if it comes at the expense of other species. Kill or be killed quickly becomes not just the law of the jungle but of the boardroom. In the frantic struggle to achieve success, we glibly take backstabbing, duplicity and betrayal in our stride, shrugging them off as life in the big city. If we’re not careful we can even come to view compassion, altruism and selflessness as signs of weakness that must be quelled in order to survive in an uncaring and uncompromising world… Even though we see lots of examples of them in the natural world too. 
 
There are some areas in the professional sphere where we do not expect (or even ask for) compassion or altruism and some where it is absolutely essential. We expect those in the healthcare profession to be motivated by compassion as they deal with our quotidian aches, pain and injuries but if there’s one area in which we absolutely demand a sense of compassion alongside professionalism and dedication it’s in our nursing homes. When we commit someone we love to the care of a nursing home, we do so with certain expectations. We expect that their individual personal health needs will be met, but also that they will be treated with respect, compassion and dignity in their dotage. The reality, however is that while the overwhelming majority of nursing home professionals work with tireless passion, dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism, there’s also a worrying rise in elder abuse in nursing homes all over the world. Even if a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney isn’t necessary for your loved ones, it certainly pays to be abreast of the issue as it has serious ramifications to how the system may need to be improved in the future to sustain an aging population, with an estimated increase of over 100% in the world’s population of over 60s from 900 million to 2 billion by 2050. Here we’ll look at the extent of the issue and elucidate you as to how you can detect signs of elder abuse where your loved ones reside.
The scope of the problem
A World Health Organization report last year paints a damning picture of the state of elder care across the globe. The report indicated that a shocking 1 in 6 elderly people had experienced some form of abuse in the past year. In the USA, a staggering 95% of residents claim that they have witnessed the abuse of a peer. There are many different forms of physical and psychological abuse endured by our elders from the physical to the psychological and even the financial. Nursing home residents who are abused face a 300% increase in mortality risk, regardless of which form the abuse takes. 
According to the report 11.6% of the world’s elders are subject to psychological abuse in the form of bullying or psychological torment, 6.8% are subject to financial abuse including theft and identity fraud, 4.2% encounter neglect with their basic needs going deliberately unmet, 2.6% encountering physical abuse and 0.9% encountering sexual abuse.
Since many cases of elder abuse go unreported (with an estimated 1 in 24 cases actually being reported), this already shocking figure may only be the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous reasons why elder abuse may go unreported. It could be that the nursing home has insufficient preventative checks or whistleblowers could be silenced by threats and intimidation. Many abuse cases also go unreported as in many cases the abuser is actually a close friend or relative. If you have a parent or other loved one in care, this is likely very worrying reading. However, you can arm yourself against this grave and worryingly widespread injustice by spotting the signs. 
Knowing the signs of elder abuse
If you visit your relatives in care regularly, you are well placed to identify any untoward changes in appearance or behavior that could demonstrate signs of abuse. While we may be tempted to react strongly to the sight of bruises, it’s important to remember that even with the best of care, nursing home patients can encounter trips, falls and bumps just like the rest of us. As we get older, our skin loses the protective fatty layers that protect blood vessels, and as a result we bruise more easily. That said, recurring bruises can be indications of physical abuse. 
Other signs of physical abuse
Physical abuse takes place when carers strike patients or tie them to beds or wheelchairs. In some cases they may also be deliberately burned or cut. Signs include persistent cuts and bruises that fade then reappear in the same places, sprained or broken bones and a pronounced reluctance to report any injuries to a doctor.
Signs of sexual physical abuse include torn or bloodied clothes or bedding, bleeding from the genitals or anus, bruises around the body including on the breasts and genitals and evidence of sexually transmitted diseases.
Signs of psychological abuse
As the most pervasive form of abuse, we must be particularly wary of the signs that our loved ones have been abused in this way. While psychological abuse leaves no cuts or bruises, it leaves equally profound scars which can be determined by changes in behavior. If you notice any of the following it may be an indicator of psychological abuse;
  • Sudden quietness and lack of enjoyment in favorite activities.
  • Seeming frightened or withdrawn.
  • Rocking back and forth, or biting or sucking on sleeve.
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Mood swings
If they have been neglected they may bear signs such as persistent bed sores, dirty clothes, unkempt hair, sudden weight loss or loss of appetite. 
Signs of financial abuse
Financial abuse is becoming increasingly common as carers and fellow residents try to take advantage of wealthier residents. Signs to watch out for include;
  • Unexpected transactions on bank statements
  • Missing bank statements
  • Missing legal documents
  • A new friend or romantic partner who may be taking financial advantage
  • Unpaid bills
  • Signatures that look different and could possibly be forged.
 
If you see any of these potential indicators of abuse, report them immediately to the nursing home and request a consultation with an elder law specialist.
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March 26, 2018
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March 24, 2018

What Could Affect Your Chances Of Success?

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
 
When it comes to the world of business, it would be great to know that you’re going to find success. If you’re someone that has always dreamt of having their own business, you may agree that you see big things in your future as an entrepreneur. So much so, that you don’t really expect to fail. But when this is the case, when you first launch your business, you will need to be pretty prepared. Because when you’ve not make a proper plan, there could be a bunch of things that go wrong. This means that you have to have thought of pretty much everything that could hold you back. And it’s really not always that easy to know exactly what can hold you back. So let’s take a look at some of the things that could affect your chances of success.
Your Mindset
Whether you realize it or not, the very first thing is your mindset. If you don’t have the right attitude or approach to your business, you may struggle to even get it off the ground. You really do need to be determined to succeed. Sometimes, business can be hard - and when you let it get to you, you’re going to find that you struggle and you may even fall at the first hurdle. So you have to keep your drive and passion up. Getting your mindset on track is a great way to seek out success.
Money
Next, you have money. Right now, you may not think that it matters. And it may not. It’s perfectly acceptable to bootstrap your way to success. It’s often what a lot of people will do to find their successes. But depending on the business that you’re starting, you may also need money to get off of the ground. So, you’ll want to make sure that you are making the right plans if you’re hoping to find financing.
Your Experience
You may believe that your lack of experience will hold you back. However, it won’t always. In that scenario, again it’s more likely to be that your attitude does. As long as you’re willing to learn, put the work in, and keep on trying, you should find that you can gain the experience you need to succeed.
Your Credibility
One thing that may impact your success if your image and credibility. So you’ll want to get this in line by finding the right resources. There are many that can get you out of sticky situations, such as A Be Out Bail Bonding and a good PR firm. You can definitely always build up your credibility too - so don’t let your past define your future.
Market Conditions
 
And finally, there are also market conditions that could contribute to the success of your business venture too. And these are a lot harder to control. So be sure to do your market research and do it well! You’ll want to make sure that there is a market for your idea, so that you can then make a success of it, rather than see it fail.
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March 24, 2018
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March 22, 2018

Headspace: Why Getting Away From It All Is Crucial To Your Success

Note: This post has been contributed.
Life seems to be getting more hectic by the second; if you’ve got a busy career and family life, it can be a challenge to find the time to switch off and enjoy what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. However, more people are having to take leave from their jobs due to stress and fatigue, because they weren’t making themselves a priority. Therefore, it’s crucial to the success of your future lifestyle, to know when it’s time for a breather and to get some much-needed headspace. Whether it's a couple of days and nights away or a regular vacation with your loved ones; a getaway and break are just what you’ll need to recharge, refocus, and give yourself a boost for whatever comes next.
 
Your calendar and diary might be heaving, but there’s no time like the present to schedule in some you time and work around the moments you’ll be spending away alone, with your partner, or with your family. Now is the time to think about those place where you feel most at ease, and know that you’ll be able to benefit from some fresh air and relaxation time to read a book or partake in your favorite activities. It’s not necessarily about lying back for the whole of your getaway and doing nothing, but more about a change of scenery, and taking your mind away from the craziness of everyday life. The following are some ideas and inspiration for those who need a push to go and get some headspace for their health, happiness, and wellbeing so that they can continue succeeding at what they do.
 
 
Out On The Water
 
Traditional jobs in business and offices don’t tend to leave much time or room to spend some quality moments enjoying the open water. Therefore, it’s worth thinking about booking a getaway somewhere you can enjoy an open expanse of H20. Check out sites like themarinebattery.com before you visit your lakeside retreat, and think about investing in a kayak for yourself, or you and a loved one. Inflatable ones will fit in your car with ease, and you can look forward to hours of relaxing kayaking on the water ahead. Or, hire a boat on arrival for some sailing or fishing; whatever you decide to do, maker the most of the environment around you, breathe in and out, and blow out those cobwebs for clarity and a clear head.
 
Nourish Your Body
 
 
You’ve probably got yourself into a routine of a quick coffee for breakfast, whatever fast food you can grab for lunch, and late dinners. Therefore, you should be making the most of fresh local produce during your time away; cooking from scratch with quality ingredients is another way to concentrate on something simple, and your body will reap the rewards when it’s time to serve up. Book somewhere with a BBQ, and take some simple recipe ideas from pinterest.com along to fuel your time away. You’ll return feeling refreshed and keen to book your next mindful getaway. 
 
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March 22, 2018
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