NH Forge

NH Forge

Gregory

John Kang WebMD Discusses Artificial Intelligence Fear And Hype In Healthcare

by

Whenever discussing modern healthcare it is hard not to mention artificial intelligence since AI stands out as a huge hope and fear for future developments. John Kang WebMD, surgical oncologist and healthcare IT specialist, discusses the hype and fear surrounding artificial intelligence as it is now used in healthcare and how it might be used in the future.

John Kang starts by talking about the fact there is a constant increase in the number of tech firms and startups that are now active in AI research and development. There are various possible sophisticated solutions offered for healthcare, ranging from nurse-bots to AI wearables the elderly can use. Most of the AI research done at the moment is highly interesting but it is not yet transformative. John Kang WebMD believes that fear surrounding artificial intelligence is not warranted since almost all new solutions proposed did not manage to improve life expectancy or quality.

The biggest hype surrounding AI use in healthcare comes from aspiring entrepreneurs that believe AI will be the next big thing and that humans will be replaced by machines. Interestingly, this is also the biggest associated fear. What should be known, according to John Kang MC, is that the fear noticed is simply grounded in Sci-Fi culture, not in reality. Computer intelligence does advance much faster than our own intelligence but this actually opens the doors to opportunities, not dangers.

Various reports highlighted that computer speed is doubling every few years. If this keeps happening and we see a 5 times speed increase in the following ten years, inexpensive diagnostic software and machine learning tools can easily become as common for the doctor as we all know the stethoscope is.

Unfortunately, those working in healthcare will be affected if AI keeps evolving. This is a reality. Technology can lower healthcare costs and improve quality. Because of this, there are healthcare jobs that are going to disappear. Studies show that AI can take over around 47% of the entire US employment market if it keeps evolving at the current rate. However, this is not an accurate representation of healthcare. Blue-collar jobs are mostly affected.

John Kang is a truly positive light in the modern healthcare industry since he is one of those that embrace everything that has the potential to improve life quality. Progress is something that can improve lives while lowering healthcare prices. Similarly to how robotics affected manufacturing, artificial intelligence can impact modern medicine. However, the need to have doctors is still strong and will most likely not change. Computers cannot show compassion or empathy and most decisions are made based on probabilities.

Businesses and entrepreneurs will keep investing in the development of artificial intelligence applications. This means hyping all applications. However, even if machine learning can take medicine to a whole new level, this is not going to happen as fast as promised. At the moment we need to keep our feet on the ground and understand that all the hype and fear associated with AI use in healthcare is wildly misunderstood.

Arnon Dror and Other People Who Inspire Me

by

I have always felt that looking around to people who have found success and learning from how they have gone about it, has been one of the things that serves to motivate me. Around the world there are all kinds of inspirational people who’s life, opinions and actions can greatly help you to stay motivated and to reach your goals. I try not to have too many heroes but rather people who inspire me to go on and do as much as I can with my life. Today I want to talk to you about 3 of the most inspirational people in my life right now, and why they keep me inspired.

Arnon Dror

I first heard about the incredible Arnon Dror when I did a case study on him in my business class. Arnon is a senior operations executive who studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. At a young age Dror go his MBA in finance and an M.A. in Micro Economics. This high level professional reached VP level in Xerox and he is arguably one of the greatest business minds here in Portland, Oregon. Even beyond Portland, Oregon I would say that this man is incredibly smart and successful, and a real inspiration. I was fortunate enough to watch him give a speech here in Portland, where he discussed his love for business and the Boston Celtics, truly a man after my own heart. Check out the career of Arnon Dror for more inspiration.

Mark Zuckerberg

There is very little about the Facebook CEO which is not inspirational and his story continues to inspire me daily. Whilst studying at Harvard, Zuckerberg fell upon the idea for the social media page which would go on to change the world, so he quit the prestigious university to commit to his idea. Since Facebook blew up, Zuckerberg has not just shaped the company but has gone on to become one of the wealthiest and most powerful CEOs on the planet, who is using his power for good. Advertising trafficking on the site has set new models for marketers everywhere and there are very few industries which have not been re-shaped thanks to this man.

Steve Jobs

The reason why I am so heavily inspired by the late Steve Jobs is not just the success he found, or the incredible products which he helped to design. What I really like about Steve is his constant search for perfection, his attention to detail and most importantly, his ability to bounceback from failure. Steve’s first stint at Apple didn’t end well and he was forced out of the company, undeterred he went away to find further success and then cam back to Apple with a boom, and changed the world with devices like the iPhone and the iPad. Steve’s life, both personally and professionally has long been a great source of inspiration for me.

CBI Tulsa on Value Improvement After Home Renovations

by

 

A lot of people believe that the minute they renovate their property, it becomes a lot more valuable. This is true to a degree comma but CBI Tulsa believes it is equally important to really do the math. If a home improvement, for example, cost $50,000, and the value of the home increases by $30,000 as a result, the reality is that there is no return on investment. One of the things this highlights the importance of knowing exactly why someone may want to do a home improvement.

 

CHI Tulsa on Reasons for Home Improvement

 

The vast majority of people invest in a home improvement not because they want to increase the value of their home but because they want to increase their own enjoyment of the property. Different reasons for Renovations bring with them different methods of renovating. Indeed, what matters to want may not be what matters to the other and this further complicates the determination of whether or not there is a return on investment by increasing the value of the home. Some reasons for renovation include:

 

  1.  To increase how much rent a landlord can ask for their property.
  2.  To sell a property for a greater value.
  3.  To modernize a property and thereby make it more comfortable to live in.
  4.  To add space to a property, thereby avoiding the need for elderly care period

 

Clearly, these are all very different reasons for home improvement comma making it more difficult to determine whether or not these improvements really make a property more valuable. Not just that, the reasons behind the need for renovation but also determine what a good budget is. For instance, someone who wishes to sell a property for greater value could do renovation as easy as repainting walls. The mathematical calculations also become a lot more complicated if someone ends up holding onto their property. For example, if somebody adds a granny annexe, this might be a significant initial expense, but if that means they’re elderly relative does not have to move into assisted living, thereby saving high monthly cost for many years, the high expense will be worth it.

 

In essence, any renovation add value to a home. However, not any renovation provide a return on investment. For instance, changing double glazing in a property will significantly increase the value of the home, but usually not by as much as the cost of the windows. This is why the recommendation is to change the windows several years before selling the property, as the added value will hold and the return of investment will therefore come by the reduction in energy bills while you still live in your property.

 

To other home renovations that certainly increase the value of a home are a kitchen renovation and a bathroom renovation. Both can be done reasonably cheaply, which would lead to a return on investment. If you, however, decide to put a kitchen in with the most modern appliances possible, then it is unlikely that you will see a full return on investment.

Gary Friedman Explains Luxury Home Decor

by

Luxury home decor is designed to create a home in which the lifestyle of the Property Owner is fully reflective. It tells others that the Property Owner is comfortable and locks of nothing, and update put quality before price. It means the home is filled with artistic and tasteful contents that has been carefully placed in the right position. Additionally, it means there has been involvement of people such as Gary Friedman, who has ensured the furniture is to both the tastes and needs of the individual.

 

Luxury Home Decor According to Gary Friedman

 

Luxury home decor is all about being both beautiful and convenient. It ensures that the homeowner is completely comfortable at all times. Hence, it must also be individualized. Some people want to have smart homes with the latest tech all around them whereas others prefer items from the Victorian era that have been artfully restored. Then there are those who prefer the minimalist style and others like oriental styles. Luxury home decor, therefore, isn’t a fixed style. Rather, it is about ensuring that the homeowner is in style that they prefer and that all items are of the highest possible quality.

 

There are five key things that brings luxury home decor together however at all times come out these five elements focus on the accessories, the ambience, and furnishings. The five pointers are:

 

  1.  That it is unique. No luxury home decor is an exact copy or replica of something that everybody else has already. It stresses uniqueness and individuality that cannot be found anywhere else. Anyone who views this type of home should leave with a lasting impression.
  2.  That it is artistic. Luxury homes contains items that can be functional when used but they should also be pleasing to the eye. In all elements of the home, beauty and class should be made apparent.
  3.  That it is designed to the most professional standards. Indeed, this is where people like Gary Friedman come in, who have the advanced knowledge and experience in current trends, materials, restoration, and so on.
  4.  That the designer has a keen eye for detail. A luxury home, everything is fine tuned to the personality and taste of the homeowner. No stone is left unturned to make things absolutely perfect.
  5.  That the property has attitude. Luxury living is about being a connoisseur not a patron. This means acting according to a certain class as well. Those who believe that the best things in life are not luxuries but necessities are the ones who can create true luxury homes.

 

These are the five key points that should be followed in the creation of a luxury home. Every item of furnishing and decoration used in the property should be of the highest possible quality, made with true professional workmanship and craftsmanship. No flat pack piece or MDF should be given a place in these types of homes. Instead, each item is unique and made of the best materials money can buy.

How To Combat Fat Loss Once And For All

by

It’s one of the biggest problems of modern-day life (you don’t have to check the obesity statistics to see this in its full glory), and unfortunately it’s not going away anytime soon. From both a general health and aesthetics point of view losing fat is a big deal for millions of people – which is quite surprising when the equation to rid your body of it is actually quite simple.

We’re not going to bore you with the technicalities of the calories burned versus those consumed calculation. We all know it exists, but translating it into actionable advice is quite difficult.

Therefore, it’s that “actionable advice” that we are now going to turn to. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to shed your fat for good.

It’s not just about what you eat

According to Sono Bello, one of the main reasons patients check into their clinic with obesity-related problems is because they are stressed. Of course, this isn’t the only reason, but the correlation between stress and weight gain is plain for all to see – and there is scientific backing as well.

It has been found that higher stress levels result in increased cortisol. The upshot of this is that your appetite will be on the rise, while you are more likely to have abdominal fat.

As such, one of your primary tasks should be reducing that day-to-day stress. There are umpteen ways to achieve this, we’re not going to speculate, but you might be surprised at the overall effect to your waistline.

Resistance training can be your best friend

Something that seems to be drilled into a lot of our minds is that cardiovascular training is absolutely essential if we are to burn the dreaded fat.

Well, let’s put this myth to bed for good.

Sure, cardio training has its place, but to say that it has to be at the centre of all of your training in your quest to burn fat is a gross exaggeration. In actual fact, one of the best forms of training is with weights.

Weight training is something that can gradually increase your rate of metabolism through the course of the day, meaning that you will continue to burn calories hours and hours after your actual workout concluded.

None of us get enough sleep

Sleep might sound “lazy”, but used correctly it’s one of your most powerful weapons. Unfortunately, very few of us get anywhere near as much sleep as we really need.

Countless studies have shown that without sufficient sleep, your waistline is going to balloon. Not only that, but these very same studies have shown that most of the population don’t get anywhere near the right amount – which is thought to be in the region of eight hours per night.

The problem is heightened for those of you who train as well; your body doesn’t have enough time to recover and this just impacts your results no-end.

University life: How to prepare effectively

by

For a young person, it’s one of the biggest steps they will make. Heading off to university is probably the start of one of the most memorable experiences of your life, so learning to prepare accordingly should be well and truly part of your agenda.

According to Kevin Rolle Alabama, students nowadays tend to settle into university life very quickly. However, to help you along your way, we have penned today’s guide which should help you with some key issues.

The importance of budgets

Let’s start with something of a mundane topic; but one that should serve you very well indeed.

One of the biggest mistakes made by students is that they blow most of their quarterly budget in the first couple of weeks of enrolling. This is probably the first time you have ever had responsibility over money, so it can be tempting to spend it all in one go as you bid to keep up with the evening activities that are inevitably planned.

We’re by no means suggesting that you shouldn’t attend these activities; it’s something that makes the whole university experience. However, at least make sure you keep tabs on your expenses, and perhaps take a set budget out every evening. Without this, you’ll soon find yourself without a dime to your name – and that’s no fun way to spend your university days.

Participate in as many groups as possible

Something that will become immediately apparent when you enrol is the sheer number of groups and activities that are available to you. Even if you don’t regard yourself as a particularly social person, getting involved in these groups is essential during university life.

They allow you to integrate with new groups of friends, whilst also opening you up to new activities. It’s one of the easiest ways to settle into university, and one that will probably bring you the most enjoyment over the duration of your course.

You will need to read

We’re not talking about reading your favourite novel here, but more the course material. Sure, your professors will deliver lectures and you’ll learn a lot from them, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you don’t take a proactive approach to learning, and this means reading in your own time, you’ll soon find that you’ll have all the tools required to pass your degree – but you’ll be severely lacking when it comes to the world of work where you need that extra knowledge.

Learn organisation… and quickly

It’s a familiar sight; for the first couple of months you might not have many deadlines, but this isn’t going to be permanent. Your deadlines will suddenly come thick and fast and before you realize it, you’ll have a week where four pieces of work need to be delivered at the same time. The best way to approach this is to research your coursework schedule, and know from the very start what is going to be expected from you for the rest of the year.

Save Money By Avoiding Common Car Maintenance Problems

by

Cars today come in a greater range of sizes and shapes than ever before, the choice is simply mind-boggling, and becomes greater every day. However, one common theme runs through them all, and that is increased complexity. In response to our demands for more power, more luxury and more gadgets, the cars manufactured today are more complex than ever. Most are run by powerful computers, and problems are diagnosed by them as well, making it more and more difficult to repair them yourselves!

In turn, the motorist of today is much less well educated about car maintenance than the driver of 30-40 years ago, simply because in that time they broke down so often you had to know how to fix them! Despite the DVLA adding in more mechanical parts to the driving test, such as changing oil and other fluids, it seems we are even more clueless that ever. Some might say this is a general theme with the younger generation, who are far more adept on their phones and online that with their hands!

However, despite the complexity of the modern car and the seeming lack of interest of the modern driver to fix them, there are still basics that everyone should know in case of emergency. These include simple fixes, but also what to look out for in order to diagnose more complex problems, which might turn into a serious accident if not fixed. We have compiled the most common car problems and some simple advice of what to do:

Won’t Start
– If the car wont turn over at all, the battery is likely dead. Jump start
– If the car does turn over but wont start, it could be the starter motor or a problem with the fuel. Call a garage

Steering
– If the steering feels very heavy, you may be low on fluid. Check power steering fluid, wheel alignment and tyre pressure
– If the steering feels light, check tyre wear and pressure

Braking
– If the brake pedal is stuck down or up, the brake booster likely needs work. Call a garage
– If the brakes feel spongy, check brake fluid levels
– If the stopping distance increases, or the car veers off to one side under braking, brake pads may need replacing

The AA has an excellent reference section on their website to diagnose simple car problems, and this infographic from Autodoc gives more detailed information and is a handy take away guide to possible braking problems.

7 Best Beaches In Spain

by

If holidaying in Spain, well, then you got to plans some favorite beach holidays. After all, Spain boasts of some of the best beaches out there in the world. While many vacationers arrive here for its major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, but there are scores of others who come to Spain only for its spectacular beaches. One can sunbathe on those silky sand beaches stretching across hundreds of miles of coastline. With stunning shorelines and islands, it is no surprise to come across some awesome beaches here. Nothing could be better than enjoying the beautiful beaches and excellent climate form a beachfront villa. Explore the wide selection of Spanish villas for rent to enjoy a relaxing seaside holiday. Just find a villa that fits your needs and meets your preferences and budget.

Spain is known for its diverse geography, cultures and of course the gorgeous beaches. Here are some of the leading beaches of Spain.

  1. Asturias
    The emerald-green coastline of Asturias is far from the typical tourist trails and boasts of some of the most exquisite beaches in Spain. Amidst the low-key beach town, you will find remote golden crescents and rocky coves where a buzzing surf scene awaits. What is special about the region is that one is never far from both sea and mountains. Thus, one can enjoy sunbathing sessions and well as explore the mountains. Those long sandy shores along this stretch of coastline with striking backdrops add to the holiday appeal. These beaches are just perfect for solo travelers, families and groups alike.
  2. Ibiza
    If you are looking for a mix of lazy days, grooving all night and sailboats, then head for Ibiza. This is just the place you are looking for, as these Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni are well known for buzzy nightclubs and techno beats sound. Packed with revelers during summertime peak season, Ibiza is not just about partying and music. Explore family-friendly beaches and quaint villages plus those secluded coves. Enjoy great Balearic foods from vendors and hawkers. Ibiza is everything beach lovers are looking for. Its modest population gets overpowered by millions of tourists that arrive here enjoying sunset chilling or boho-glam style fun.
  3. llas Cies, Ria de Vigo, Galicia
    Well known as “Galician Caribbean, the trio of pristine islands located in the northwest region of Galic is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. You can reach Cies from the town of Vigo by ferry and from there the two main isles, Illa do Faro and Illa do Monte Ayudo. Rodas Beach is undoubtedly one of the prettiest beaches of Spin because of powder-white sands and sparkling blue water. There are beach bars, campground and flea markets that pull the crowds. One can bring their own tents and supplies for camping.
  4. Canary Islands
    Spain’s Canary Islands are situated towards the North Atlantic Ocean. These islands flaunt great strips of shoreline and aquamarine waters. You will find the shores busy with plenty of windsurfers, surfers, scuba divers and sunbathers. Laze on the soft sands and explore the vibrant underwater world. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote, some of the bigger islands boast of luxury accommodations and villas. Parque Nacional del Teide contains the third-largest volcano on the planet. Travelers love taking camel rides in Timanfaya National Park. Thus, it is one of the few islands where you can enjoy a mix of luxurious accommodations, beautiful beaches, and great world natural parks.
  5. Cala Mesquida
    Cala Mesquida is a stunning beach that lies on the north-eastern tip of the Majorca Island. Those long stretches of pale sand frames by dunes and pine forests is indeed hard to resist by the beach lovers. There are many bars and restaurants on the beach that will keep your hunger and thirst contented. Cala Mesquida beach looks unusual because of its porcelain-colored sand and the dunes and greenery. It is just perfect for boarding and windsurfing thanks to the calm, sky-blue waters. Most people are drawn by the powder-fine sands as well as the traditional Majorcan cuisine.
  6. Playa de Bolonia
    Playa de Bolonia lies in the Andalusian territory of Spain and is teeming with tourists. It is indeed impossible to find a blemished stretch of sand in this part of Iberian Peninsula. The beach’s 2.4 miles of shoreline curves around Bolonia Bay and has the planet of sand and surf. Though Playa de Bolonia beach feels wild, it offers all the amenities such as restrooms, showers, and umbrellas. You will also find some history buffs here as Roman ruins of Baelo Claudio lie next to the beach. Playa de Bolonia beach is a favorite with Spanish families as well as tourists. You will find surfers and kite-surfers making their way down to the beach. Because of its isolation, it remains largely unspoiled.
  7. San Sebastian
    San Sebastian may not as popular as other beaches of Spain but has some remarkable offerings to make. The oceanfront resort town boasts of timeless beauty and offers world-class culinary and cultural experience. Spaniards flock to the cooler waters and shores of San Sebastian for a respite from soaring temperatures. One can relax on the isolated spots along the ocean and explore the famous hillsides. One can gaze over the coastline from some fine vantage points and the hilltop heights. The gently lapping seas and powerful waves across the picturesque sweep of sandy beach attract surfers from all across the world. Those pristine white sand beaches have attracted beach-goers who come here looking for sun and sophistication.

5 Simple Ways to Engage and Motivate Employees

by

When it comes to having a productive, profitable workforce, few factors are quite as important as employee engagement. Engaged employees are more focused, more productive and generate more profit, and an engaged workforce will produce a far lower staff turnover rate, saving a business substantial sums of money in hiring costs.

But what makes an employee feel engaged? According to the Society for Human Resource Management, cited by STL Training, the most important contributors to job satisfaction are:

Treating the staff with respect (67%)

Compensation and pay (63%)

Feeling of job security (58%)

Opportunities to use skills (55%)

Of course, many businesses can’t afford to simply increase wages across the board, but there are some clues there as to how we might be able to improve overall employee engagement. Our five recommendations would be:

Ask about pain points

Communication is one of the simplest yet most effective ways of improving engagement, and taking part in an honest discourse with staff about their pain points is a great place to start. It not only show staff members that you care about them and that you’re willing to listen, but it gives you a list of potential problems to solve to make your workforce feel happier and more engaged.

Be clear about goals and expectations

Numerous research projects into disengaged employees report that they don’t know what’s expected of them at work, or that they are unclear about their goals and targets. An easy way to avoid this in your own business is to ensure you clearly communicate goals and expectations of the business to employees, both in terms of their individual role and the business as a whole.

Show that you care

There are lots of ways you can show employees you care about them, from showing appreciation of a job well done to recognising personal events such as birthdays or the birth of children. Research has shown that when an employee feels cared about, the become more engaged at work, leading to a dramatic increase in productivity and performance.

Provide opportunities for growth

There is a direct correlation between the engagement levels of employees, and the amount a business invests in development. Whether it’s skills training, management and leadership training or a clear route of progression through the business, providing your employees with the opportunity to develop and grow can dramatically increase loyalty, trust and overall engagement.

Celebrate achievements

Recognition has been shown to be a crucial factor in employee engagement, and one of the best ways to ensure an employee feels recognised and valued is to publicly celebrate their achievements. Anytime an employee hits or exceeds a target, achieves a new qualification or performs particularly well, the achievement should be celebrated via a reward like personalized challenge coin, cash bonus or announcement, and this can be made both to clients and the rest of the team.

Properly Looking After Your Eyes in the Workplace

by

There’s a considerable amount of attention paid to health and safety in the workplace, particularly to elements such as accident prevention and ensuring employees have a comfortable work environment. Surprisingly however, not nearly as much attention is paid to protecting our eyes, despite them being a crucial to our ability to work.

This is particularly pertinent for those who work with computers, with digital eye strain becoming an increasingly common cause of time off work, lost productivity and general ill health. Symptoms of this condition can include neck and back ache, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and general irritation of the eyes, which can often prevent employees from working with computers until they’re fully recovered.

So how can we look after our eyes at work? Luckily, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re properly looking after your eyes and vision:

Keep hydrated

Dry eyes are a common problem for millions of people worldwide, but you can limit the likelihood of developing dry eyes by ensuring you’re properly hydrated. Aim to drink several bottles of water every day if possible, and you should note a drop in the frequency of dry, irritated eyes, as well as a general improvement in overall health and wellbeing.

Ensure you wear corrective lenses, or get regular eye tests

I’ve regularly worked with people who are prescribed corrective lenses, but don’t always wear them when they’re working at a computer. Similarly, don’t neglect your prescribed lenses when you head out for lunch or on a break, and if you opt for shades during the summer, make sure you have the correct prescription sunglasses (rather than just a standard, store-bought pair). Whether you need corrective lenses or not, be sure to get regular eye tests (once every year is recommended) and that you follow up with any advice given to you by a vision professional.

Take a short break, every 20 minutes

Every 20 minutes you’re working with a computer, take a 20 second break and focus on something around 20 feet away. This is known as the 20-20-20 rule, and can help relax your eyes and prevent the development of digital eye strain.

Wear protective eyewear when appropriate

Whether you’re working with machinery, irritant chemicals or with computers, if it’s recommended that protective eyewear then ensure you do at all times. Eye injuries due to debris, dust or irritants are a common reason for hospital admission, and can be easily avoided by ensuring the correct eyewear is worn when appropriate.

Listen to your body

You can dramatically decrease the likelihood of damaging your eyes by simply listening to your body and acting accordingly. If you find you’re regularly getting headaches, you may need corrective lenses. If you find you’re having to strain your eyes frequently, you may need to reposition your screen or replace your chair.