Most people are aware that a clean house is more visually appealing than a dirty one and can save you the hassle of dealing with things such as ants and roaches down the road. The same is true for office spaces. A clean office is better for those who work in the office as well as visitors to the office. Here are three reasons to keep your office areas neat and clean.
Whether you are dealing with new hires, customers, or vendors, a tidy space shows others that you and your coworkers take pride in what you do and pay attention to the details. Not only is a clean space nicer to look at, but it is likely to smell better too, which is also a factor in making a good first impression.
2. Health Reasons
Keeping a clean office reduces the amount of dust and the potential for mold growth. These things can cause allergies and other health hazards in susceptible people. Some signs of mold exposure include rash, red eyes, and itchiness. Always have some janitorial supplies Dorchester County MD on hand to clean up spills and other messes in the office. Getting rid of clutter is also beneficial for reducing the likelihood that someone will trip and fall on something stored on the floor.
3. Productivity
Most people work more efficiently when their space is tidy and as free of distractions as possible. Keeping your desk and the surrounding areas clean allows you to focus more closely on the task at hand as well as any customers you need to attend to. If it is not possible to keep your workspace clean and still get your work done, consider hiring an outside company to clean the office weekly.
These are three reasons to keep your office clean.
Have you been planning to work from home? Here are tips from experienced professionals that you might find helpful in your plan to start a career while you are at home.Â
(Got these tips from my Jobstreet email subscription)
Hundreds of millions of people are on lockdown as the world battles the coronavirus. As our front liners—health workers, security and maintenance personnel, police officers, soldiers, supermarket employees, pharmacists, delivery riders—continue to protect and serve us, many of us have the tremendous fortune of being able to work from home.
While these are days that can fill us with restlessness and anxiety, let’s find ways to be both calm and productive. Here are some tips on how to stay focused while working from home.
Have a designated workspace
This could be a corner of your dining table, a small desk and chair in your living room, or one end of the couch. No matter how small, a designated workspace will help your brain stay in work mode. If the only workspace you can set up is in a communal area, keep all your work things in a bag or box for easy set-up and pack-up.
Keep your workspace tidyÂ
When you can find what you need when you need it, you’re more productive. Clutter can distract your brain from the task at hand. A clean, organized workspace keeps you focused.
Make a schedule
Working from home means having to juggle both your personal and professional responsibilities. Whether you’re living alone or with others, there are chores to be done, people to take care of, and errands to run. Making a schedule will allow you to maintain a clean home, which is very important as we battle the coronavirus. It also lets you set boundaries with your co-workers—working from home doesn’t mean you’re on-call 24/7. Plus, if you have children, they’ll know—and happily anticipate—when they can have quality time with their parents. Establishing a routine is also best for mental health, bringing consistency and structure during an uncertain time in our lives.
Get ready for the day as though you’re going to your office
Because that’s where you’re headed, even if it’s just ten steps away. Take a shower, put on some nice clothes (not your pajamas), have a healthy breakfast, organize your workspace, and get cracking.
Stay away from social media
Easier said than done when we’re all anxious to know what’s happening around us. But anxious is the operative word here—it’s just going to stress you out and distract you from your work. Limit your online activities as you focus on your tasks.
Make time for exerciseÂ
This becomes even more important as we stay indoors and live in uncertain times. If you’re a morning person, you could exercise once you wake up. If you tend to get sleepy mid-afternoon, a quick workout could give you an energy boost. If you used to hit the gym after work, then you can exercise once you’ve finished the day’s tasks. It can be a short, ten-minute HIIT workout, or an hour-long yoga session—what’s important is that you get moving.
Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to work from home
Let’s be grateful we have that choice and the resources to do so. Let’s continue to stay home, practice good hygiene, and find both calmness and productivity indoors. Be safe, everyone!
Five years ago, a cousin succumbed to breast cancer complications. I thought of sharing a brief story about her cancer journey in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
My cousin was newly married and starting to build a family when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy to remove the early stage of cancer from the affected breast.
Photo by Klaus Nielsen from Pexels
But two years later, her oncologist disclosed she had stage IV cancer. The cancer cells from her breast were not contained but had spread to her brain.
Despite the pains and rigors of cancer treatment, my cousin remains positive through her battle. Even up to her few remaining days, we know that she is holding on to her life. She loves her family so much that despite being sick, she still thinks of their welfare. I remember her saying, “Kailangan maging malakas ang loob ko para sa pamilya” (I need to be strong for my family).
Photo by Olya Kobruseva from Pexels
She may be terminally ill, but nothing prepared us for her passing.
My cousin died peacefully at the hospital four days before Christmas. She was only 46.
Our extended family welcomed 2016 with a heavy heart. She was laid to rest after a long, painful fight with cancer.
My cousin, Cecil
The observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Philippines highlights the importance of regular self-breast examination and the early detection and treatment of breast cancer among Filipino women.
A breast self-examination (BSE) is a method to detect any noticeable changes in one’s breast. Early detection of any changes in the breast and seeking immediate consultation will increase one’s chances of successful treatment.
The 2020 Global Cancer Observatory showed that breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the Philippines.
The high global incidence of the disease paved the way for the popular movement called Pink October in the 1990s. Source: DOH
Have you had your Covid19 vaccine yet? I hope you did. Getting vaccinated the soonest possible time protects yourself and the people around you.
Covid19 vaccines will give you an extra layer of protection against the severe effects of the virus.
Taken at a vaccination site inside a mall in Quezon City
My family was able to register with the LGU-supported registration site online. We finally got our doses separately a few weeks later.
Hubby, myself, and our daughter are fully vaccinated now. Our son will have his second dose a few days from now. I’m glad that we were allowed to get the vaccine at the right time. Many are still waiting for their vaccine schedule in our area.
Taken inside a public school in Quezon City
Three of us are on the priority list being in the A3 category or those with comorbidities. Health experts said Covid19 vaccines prevent possible hospitalization and emergency room visits due to severe illness.
As for the vaccine side effects, what we experienced were all the common ones. These include pain at the injection site, mild fever (for me), the feeling of weakness or fatigue, and headaches for a couple of days.
Get the available Covid19 vaccine if you are not vaccinated yet. Protect yourself, the people you care about, and those you meet outside your homes.
Even when you are vaccinated, health experts remind the public to observe the minimum health protocol. Wash your hands frequently, wear a face mask, practice social distancing in public or crowded places.
Here at home, we wear face masks when we do not feel well. We do not know what afflicts us, so we wear face masks to be safe. We do not eat together, keep our distance when talking to each other. And we sleep in separate rooms.
Five years ago, I underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy to save my life. Surgeons removed the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix to prevent certain illnesses from developing.
It was a difficult decision to make if I were still of child-bearing age. But, since I was in my late 40s and unlikely to conceive, I chose surgery as a life-saving treatment.
The Ordeal
I have suffered from painful and prolonged menstruation for years. I have not lived my life well because of this health problem. In the latter part of 2015, my condition had gone from bad to worse. Hospital is not a good place to spend the first month of the year, but I was admitted to one to undergo dilation and curettage (D&C) and to have blood transfusion for anemia. I thought this would address my dilemma.
A doctor in a private hospital suggested abdominal hysterectomy to cure endometriosis. But it would cost a hefty sum. The family has been relying on a single source of income which means raising the amount entails more years of suffering.
Three weeks after my D&C, I was back at the hospital for profuse bleeding. We decided to go to the nearest government hospital to ensure minimal expenses for the possible operation. Explaining the possible complications of the surgery, doctors gave me a non-invasive option to address endometriosis that causes bleeding.
Doctors prescribed Visanne for six months. Finally, I was relieved of the painful monthly period. However, hormone therapy only provided temporary relief. I was bleeding once more the following month. I waited three more months before I took the plunge. By this time, we were able to raise enough funds for the operation.
Dienogest given in isolation is available for the treatment of endometriosis under the trade name Visanne. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dienogest (mumwrites.com)
An abdominal hysterectomy will address the cause of the bleeding and remove the growing mass in my uterus.
Preparation
Before the surgery, I read about hysterectomy, its advantages, and its disadvantages. I also got helpful tips from a support group that caters to hysterectomy patients. It took several weeks before I decided to go under the knife and change my life for the better.
I brought all my medical documents to discuss with the OB-Gyne everything I need to know about the surgery; what to expect, the operation and hospitalization expenses, and the operation schedule.
The will to heal for my family, my faith and the support I get from my family, and prayers from a few friends who knew about the surgery have given me enough strength.
Operation day
The operation took place on December 13, 2016, at the East Avenue Medical Center. The procedure went well. Thankfully, it did not require a blood transfusion. I am grateful to the doctors, anesthesiologists, and nurses who were part of the successful surgery.
These were parts of the reproductive system removed during surgery. I need to blur the photo because it might be too graphic for the readers.
Without a sign of complications like fever or pain, I started to feel well two days after the surgery. The doctors said I should get up and walk inside my room to hasten recovery. I was home after five days.
Healing well
Being an obedient patient, I don’t have a hard time recovering because I followed the doctor’s advice. I’ve got plenty of rest at home. But I made sure to move around the house. I started doing light chores in my second week. There may be occasional irritation and pain, but all of it was bearable and subsided in a few minutes.
Healed operation scar after a month
Best decision
This surgery was the best decision I have ever made in my life healthwise. I will never worry about bleeding again or fear that I may develop grave illness in the future. My only concern, at the moment, is the recurring joint pain. I’m (surgical) menopause now, so joint pains and other health issues will certainly happen.
Piece of advice
Young women and women nearing menopausal age are prone to endometriosis and adenomyosis. If you are suffering from the same condition, consult a doctor. Reading about the disease can help you better understand it. However, a visit to a medical professional is the right thing to do to avoid complications.
I first wrote about this in my other blog, mumwrites.com.
