11 Essential Items You Must Have In Your First Aid Kit

By

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June 15, 2020

first aid kit — Source: verywellfamily.com

When minor injuries and accidents occur at home you want to be able to treat them adequately and promptly to reduce the risk of infection and to aid in the healing process. The best way you can do this is by having a well-equipped first aid kit at home. We have put together a list of the most important items that should be included in your kit.

1. Antiseptic wash and ointmen

Antiseptic wash and ointments work by slowing the growth of microorganisms. By washing and/or applying antiseptic ointment to minor cuts, grazes, and scrapes, you can minimize the number of germs on the wound and reduce the risk of infection. Antiseptic solutions come in many forms such as washes, ointments, wipes, and sprays.

2. Instant ice/cold packs

Ice is a great way to treat many injuries. A cold pack or ice can be used to alleviate pain from bites and stings and can reduce itching. They are great to use on twists and sprains as they slow the blood flow to the area, which will decrease bruising and swelling. Having a few instant cold packs in your first aid kit is great for those times you might not have ice ready to go in the freezer.

3. Adhesive bandages

Adhesive bandages, more commonly known as Band-Aids here in Australia, are a necessity for your first aid kit and are typically used for minor injuries such as scrapes, blisters, and small cuts. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit different parts of the body. You should have a selection of traditional Band-Aids and be sure to include some waterproof, antibacterial, and butterfly clip style bandages to your kit also.

4. Disposable gloves

Gloves are highly important, not only to protect the person giving the first aid but also the person receiving it. They reduce the risk of transmitting germs and bacteria and minimize the risk of infection by keeping the area sterile and clean. They are useful to have at home as they enable you to clean up blood or bodily fluids safely. You can purchase gloves in various sizes and there are latex or latex-free options available. You can select the glove type that is suited to your needs, as long as it is sterile.

5. Scissors

Most of us have scissors in the house somewhere, however, a quality pair of medical scissors is an invaluable item that should be kept in your first aid kit. They are easier and safer to use than regular household scissors. There uses are endless, from snipping medical tape, cutting gauze to size and trimming clothing that you are unable to get out of the way to treat an injury.

6. Medical tape and sterile gauze pads

Gauze pads are typically used to stop bleeding and to treat bigger wounds that traditional Band-Aids aren’t suitable for. It is a smart idea to have bigger sizes of gauze on hand rather than smaller ones. If a smaller one is required, you can just cut it to size. Medical tape is used to keep the gauze or other types of dressing on a wound.

7. Thermometer

A thermometer should be an essential part of your first aid kit. They are designed to test the body’s temperature and are a great way to monitor fevers. When you are looking to purchase a thermometer, look for a digital one, they are far more accurate. There are few methods to taking a temperature it can be done rectally, orally, via the ear or under the armpit. The armpit tends to be the least reliable.

8. Tweezers

A good quality pair of medical-grade surgical steel tweezers are a must-have for your kit. There are a few options to choose from, however, for a basic kit you should choose a pair of needle-nose tweezers, they have a very fine point that is perfect for removing splinters, stingers, thorns, and ticks.

9. Elastic and non-elastic bandages

You should have a variety of elastic and non-elastic bandages in different sizes and shapes in your first aid kit. Elastic wraps are stretchy and can be used for a multitude of purposes such as wrapping a sprain or holding heat or cold pack in place. Nonstretch bandages are more commonly used for compression purposes and to stop bleeding.

10. The sterile eyewash solution

Eyewash solution is used to flush out substances that may potentially damage the eye if left untreated. Common uses include eyelashes in the eye and sand and dirt particles. An eyewash solution is suitable for use for minor irritants to the eye.

Medications for first aid kits

Keeping medications in your first aid kit is not advisable. First aid is defined as the provision of emergency treatment and life support for people suffering injury or illness. Distributing medication to others is not generally apart of this definition. The First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice state that first aid kits in the workplace should not contain medications of any sort.

If you have prescription medication or over the counter medications within your home, you should ensure that they are kept out of reach from children and not apart of your first aid kit.

Here are some ways you can reduce pain without medication

If you have sustained an injury, minimize the amount you use the affected area. If possible, rest, and recover. Only return to normal activities once you have the go-ahead from your health provider.
Ice and heat are effective ways to reduce pain, make sure that the pack you are using is not too hot or cold.
You can reduce swelling and pressure in an injured limb by elevating it.

Storage tips for your first aid kit

Ensure that you check the expiry dates on your products regularly and replace them accordingly
Make sure everyone in the household knows where the first aid kit is kept
Keep it in a cool, dry area of the house
Once you use a product, replace it quickly. This way you’ll never be without products when you need them the most

Learning how to use your first aid kit

It is a good idea to purchase a first aid book or do a first aid course so you can learn how to use your first aid kit properly. In serious situations, knowing how to do first aid could be the difference between life and death. We suggest you get a course on sites like tltraining.co.uk and learn how to use the first aid kit in a proper way! You never know when such skills can be useful.

Things to remember

Ensure your home, car, and workplace have a first aid kit – you never know when you might need it
You can buy a first aid kit from your local pharmacy or from us here at The First Aid Shop
Ensure the items in your first aid kit are quality products

In case of emergency

First aid kits are designed to help with minor injuries and medical issues. For serious and life-threatening injuries, it is important that you seek medical assistance immediately by calling 000.

We have an extensive range of first aid supplies at The First Aid Shop, if you have any questions regarding items for your kit, give our friendly team a call today, we are happy to help.

Travel Essentials You Should Never Forget

By

Billy Voss

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June 15, 2020

Vacation is always a good idea. Besides that, there are countless health-related benefits available too. Also, if you want to feel happier, then going on a vacation will help with that too.

However, if you have ever prepared to go on vacation, then you know how frustrating it can be to get prepared. This is especially true if you plan to travel internationally for a long period of time. For vacations lasting longer than a month, Msig suggests you to think about adding a travel insurance plan to your travel essentials.

Let’s take a look at a few other items that are prone to be forgotten at home that is equally important.

Cellular Chargers

With cellular phones being such a common item to have today, it goes without saying that needing a charger to go with it should be available. Keeping your charger with your cell is the best way to ensure that you’ll take it with you on vacation. If you do happen to forget your charger, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for a substitute.

Make sure to include your charger as part of your carry-on luggage so that you can charge your cell in-flight. The last thing you need is to arrive in your destination with no way to make a call when your cell is dead.

Your Favorite Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Sure, forgetting your toothpaste may not seem like an issue if you plan to be staying in a hotel for a few days, but what about those vacations where you plan to enjoy the great outdoors? Or, a few days by the lake? For these instances, having your toothpaste and toothbrush will keep you and your family smiling throughout your vacation.

Bathing Suit or Swimming Trunks

Bringing along your bathing suit or swimming trunks is always a good idea no matter what type of vacation that you plan. This is especially true if you enjoy sunbathing. Plus, it can come in handy if the hotel you book includes an indoor pool or Jacuzzi. The good part is that they don’t need much space to pack them.

Dirty Garment Bag

Having a garment bag to separate your dirty clothes from your clean is always a good idea. You can easily hang it behind a door for easy access. There are many styles available including mesh that will help eliminate the pile of dirty clothes that your family may accumulate.

Emergency Kit

You never know when an accident will occur while on vacation. Things can easily go from bad to worse when you see yourself having to buy some bandages that are extremely overpriced. Having a small emergency kit in your possession will help you to provide assistance instantly. Make sure that it includes everything that you need like alcohol wipes, betadine wipes, abo creams, and tape.

High SPF Sun Tan Lotion

Stash some high SPF sun tan lotion or sunscreen in your toiletries will ensure that you don’t forget it. Many vacationers forget this vital item. Have you ever seen how expensive sunscreen is in tourist spots? WOW, now you will know why it is important to remember to pack it.

ChapStick

Nobody like to have dry, irritated skin while having fun vacationing, and having dry, cracked lips is the last thing that you want. Tucking away a small tube will decrease the amount of harmful ultraviolet exposure that your lips experience. Make sure to have at least a couple of them with you especially if you know chapped lips happen often with you.

An Umbrella

Having an umbrella to keep you dry is always a good idea regardless of knowing there is going to be good weather or not. Besides protecting you from rain, you can use your umbrella to help protect against the bright sun and providing some nice shade. So if you don’t want to spend unnecessary funds on any rain gear, then just bring your own.

UV Protection Sunglasses

Having sunglasses available is another travel ítem that is often forgotten. The main reason is due to being left in the car, for obvious reasons. But if you remember them, then you will save some more money from buying a pair that will be both expensive and likely not your first choice in styles.

Finger Food and Snacks

For some reason, travelers and vacationers love to take along some of their favorite snack foods. For some reason people get hungry. Maybe it helps pass the time faster as you’re on your way or to help calm their nerves, however, there’s no real way to know why. To save time by making unnecessary stops, just stock up a day ahead so that you have all of your favorites ready to go.

Camera and Memory Cards

If you plan to take pictures while vacationing, then you need to make sure that you remember to take along your camera’s memory card if you plan to take thousands of photos. So make sure to keep it with your camera in the bag along with all of the extras.

Multiplug Strips

If you plan to take multiple electronics with you, then you’ll need to be able to plug them all in so they stay charged. So having a multiplug strip in your luggage will prevent any potential problem of having any of them die and being unusable.

The good thing about multiplug strips is that they are fairly cheap and you can find them just about anywhere.

Packing for a vacation can be a stressful undertaking and remembering what is important to take is not always possible. However, to ease the pain of forgetting something, you can do a few things that will help you remember everything that’s important to have. The best idea is to create a list of items that you know you should have. Then, you can just check them off as you pack. You can use the same checklist for times that you arrive and leave your hotel too.

7 Tips for Getting the Best Personal Injury Settlement

By

Billy Voss

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June 15, 2020

Business lawyer working about legal legislation in courtroom to help their customer — Source: 1800askfree.com

Whether it was you or your family member that got injured by being in an accident, you might want to consider filing a what is referred to as a ‘personal injury claim’ – especially if someone sustained some major injuries. Naturally, like every other case in court, this process will most likely be daunting, stressful, and of course, time-consuming.

Although most people agree that every single person needs to be settled for both physical and psychological pain, it is worth mentioning that most insurance firms will do everything in their power to give those wounded as little as they need to or want. But, there are some things that you can and definitely should choose to do.

The article below will feature a list of 6 tips that you must choose to remember and follow when filing a personal injury suit. Not only will the tips ensure that you improve your odds of winning, but, they will also make the entire process easier for you. Let’s take a glimpse at the list:

1. First Things First – Receive Treatment And The Necessary Documents

If anyone wants to win this type of case, the very first thing that they must do is seek treatment. This will allow you to create a representation of what has happened to you, as well as the wounds you might have got during the unfortunate event. The physician that examines you will document all of your wounds, and they’ll also provide you with a plan for your treatment – which you must comprehend and follow.

Firstly, the documents you receive will provide you with a way to get a better agreement. Secondly, although you may be and feel fine after the event occurred, you’ll definitely want to demand to visit the ER. If you don’t do this, you may not have the necessary proof for filing the claim, which indicates that you won’t receive compensation.

2. The Proof You Gather is Key

As you might know, every single case outcome that is presented in the court of law is determined by the jury. And, in order for them to determine whether or not you are eligible for a settlement, they will examine and look at all the evidence you provided. This means that you must, I repeat, you must keep every single proof that you have.

This means that you’ll need to gather all the photographs you or the police took, you must have pictures of all your wounds, and if there were police present at the scene, ensure that you get a copy of the report they have written. Do not forget to seek and gather info on any person that might have witnessed what has happened.

3. Never Underestimate The Value of Your Claim

A lot of people do not want to bother going through this process since they think that they are not eligible for it, however, this is not entirely true. In fact, there is a wide range of compensations for various injuries. Additionally, you might not even be conscious yet about the size of your wounds and how they might have affected your overall body and health.

You should not only file the damages you sustained in the event, but, you should also things about the psychological trauma that you sustained, and of course, any function that you might have lost during the unfortunate circumstances. Naturally, a lawyer can help you with this, which brings us to the next point of the article.

4. Find a Reliable Legal Representative

According to egenberg.com, a personal injury lawyer can assist you with a wide range of things including preparing all the documents and data for your claim, as well as filing the case for you. However, you’ll need to ensure that you choose the right one. Sure, typing in ‘personal injury lawyer near me’ is easy, but, it is not how you should choose your attorney.

Before you choose a legal representative, you must check a few things about them first. You’ll want to start by checking the reviews and experiences other people had. Next, you should also check whether or not the person is certified, which is something that you can usually check on the official website. Additionally, before you choose an attorney, you must sit down and talk to them in order to determine whether or not you can work with them.

5. File Everything Immediately

After you or someone close to you was involved in an accident, there are some time limits that you’ll have to follow when it comes to filing the lawsuit at court. The most important task you could do is to file it immediately, especially since you don’t need to worry about running out of time. Once the time limit expires, you will probably not be eligible for filing anything anymore.

Additionally, if you choose to register the claim, it’ll allow you to start gathering information and evidence that you need for winning the case. This is, perhaps, the most crucial thing that can allow you to save the proof that you’ll need to create a lawsuit. Also, it can aid you with your recovery time, which is also important for moving forward with the court hearings.

6. Never Opt For The Initial Offer

There is one thing that you should definitely keep in mind – do not be too excited to receive the very first offer. Why you might wonder? Well, the initial offer you get is usually the one that will stop you from getting proper compensation. Hence, in order to get the most desirable deal, you might need to discard the first few offers and work with your lawyer to determine what compensation might be best.

7. You Should Not Use Social Media

Do you know the expression ‘everything you say can and will be held against you in the court of law’? Yup, you have probably heard it. And, although you might not realize it, this expression also applies to the things you say and write on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

So, if you are, for example, filing a claim for some serious losses, but your Instagram account says differently, you might destroy your entire claim. This means that you should try and keep everything quiet and allow you, lawyer, to do the talking instead of you. Hence, you should try to stay silent until you win your case.

Conclusion

As you were able to learn, there is a wide range of tips that you can remember in order to negotiate and get the settlement you deserve for your injuries, as well as emotional trauma. Not only will the tips from above ensure you get the compensation you deserve, but, it can help you with making the entire process less time-consuming, as well as less stressful and overwhelming.

So, now that you know what you can and definitely should choose to do, you should really not waste any more of your time. Instead, start browsing the Internet for the best personal injury lawyer that you can find, one that will aid you with the process of getting your settlement.

3 New Trends in Hair Loss and Treatment

By

Billy Voss

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June 13, 2020

Luscious and strong hair is something that everyone on this planet wants. It helps fulfill the standards that were put by the society that we live in. Almost every country in the world glorifies long hair in women and good haircuts on men. But, unfortunately, when it comes to this subject not everyone has the same amount of luck. Hair loss happens to millions of people around the planet. This is basically engraved in our genes. So, what can a person do when they find themselves in this kind of situation?

Naturally, during the first few days, weeks, or months, a person that starts to lose his/her hair will feel quite ashamed and uncomfortable. They might start wearing hats, avoid pictures, and might even stop going out with friends. But, there really is no reason to feel shame. This is something that is natural and happens to a huge percentage of the population. Some countries even have a culture of shaving their heads. No one should feel bad about this kind of change in their life.

However, if you simply cannot accept the fact that you are losing your hair, maybe there are some things that you could do to change that.

In the past, there were a lot of drugs, tonics, and shampoos that claim they are able to help with restoration, but that was simply not true. There weren’t any solutions to this problem until we finally discovered the ability to transplant hair.

These days, there are a lot of new discoveries on the subject and if you’re interested in them, you should read this entire article.

1. Transplantation

It is no secret that transplanting hair is one of the most effective methods right now on the market. In fact, it might be the only real solution for people today.

This technique first appeared in the 19th century when Menahem Hodara made his first successful transplant. Of course, that procedure probably looked nothing like what we have today, but it was still the start and inspiration for something great. Once Menahem Hodara made this important first step, a trend for hair transplantation Japan began to be popular. Many doctors and surgeons became interested in this idea and started to train with all kinds of tools.

However, I think it is worth mentioning that the surgeons in Japan during the 20th century could only implement this technique for all lashes or eyebrows, they could not fix baldness. But, a couple of decades later, once the technique started spreading worldwide in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, we finally discovered a real treatment for baldness.

In the 1980s, 1990s, and the 2000’s, there were a lot of major changes from the original technique. At first, US surgeons used plugs and grafts, but then they changed to strip excisions and then to a bunch of other complicated medical procedures.

Today’s way of transplantation is much more effective and because it is acceptable worldwide, it has become cheaper. It is not something that only movie stars and celebrities can afford. According to forhair, follicular unit hair transplantation has the highest success rate than any other technique that was used in the past.

I should also mention that this medical procedure is minimally invasive. There won’t be any kind of scarring, the healing process is just a couple of days and you only need to do two or three checkups after the procedure. In other words, you should not be scared of it.

2. Revival of follicles

While transplantation currently has the highest success rate and is the most common method for fixing this kind of problem, I don’t think that it is the best solution that we can manage. Humanity and its knowledge of technology have come so far, there must be other more advanced things we can do to help people with baldness.

Well, since the number of people with baldness is continuously growing, the need for other solutions is growing too. This is why a lot of big companies have started to invest in researching and developing “cures” for baldness.

Medical and bioengineering experts believe that even people suffering from baldness still have hair follicles in their scalp. This follicle is a small sac that helps regulate growth by constantly supplying the hair with needed nutrients. Once all of these follicles on a person’s head die out, they will start to bald. Many experts believe that bald individuals did not have any follicles remaining, but recent studies show that they actually do.

These new discoveries may actually help us find a much better solution than transplantation. Through the correct intake of hormones through pills or food, we could activate those dormant follicles in bald individuals.

But, I think I should mention that this is still a distant future and it is not something that will be available in a couple of years.

3. Stem cells

If reviving follicles is in the distant future, then using stem cells for hair growth is a future that is much further. We still have a long way to go to develop this kind of technology and to understand how we could use stem cells to help people with baldness. However, this does not mean that we should give up on the idea or slow down the process. The more that we work on utilizing stem cells for this problem, the faster we will come to a solution.

Once we finally find a way to utilize this technology, we will still have to worry about other problems such as the color, the thickness, and the strength of the hair. But, we shouldn’t worry about that now. Right now, we need to worry about whether this is going to work or not.

It is obvious that baldness is a problem that we cannot simply ignore. Even if none of your predecessors have had this kind of issue, there is still a small possibility that this might happen to you. We must work together to find a solution and to help everyone that is suffering or going to suffer from this issue.

If you want to consult a professional about hair loss problems visit parsamohebi.com.

5 Tips for Choosing a Gas Boiler for Your Home Office

By

Billy Voss

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June 13, 2020

Imagine how difficult our lives would be if we didn’t have boilers. We use these things to heat our shower water, to wash the dishes easier and for many other things as well, so we cannot say that they don’t play an important role in our lives.

However, when it comes to boilers, there are multiple types of them that you can find on the market these days, some more advanced than others. Usually, the go-to choice for a lot of people is to purchase an electrical one, and in most situations, this is a complete “no-brainer”. But, is that the best option compared to all the others? Are there any better out there? Well, you’ll find out in this article.

Today we’re talking about gas boilers, and we’ll give you five great tips that you can use when purchasing one. By utilizing these, you’ll be able to make a better choice and spend your money on something worth it instead of just doing a risky purchase. We have a lot to talk about, so let’s end the intro right here and jump straight into the content.

The difference

Source: Wired UK

The difference between gas and electric boilers is quite large, and we’ll tell you why. An electrical one uses electrical energy to heat the water inside, but the gas ones use electricity as well, except in much lower quantities. Why?

Well, a boiler that uses gas as a primary resource to heat water requires something to set that gas on fire. All of this happens inside a chamber, and don’t worry, it’s safe. When the electric ignition device lights up the gas, it begins a process through which you get hot water a few moments later, shortly put.

Is there a difference in cost and maintenance? Yes, there is, and believe it or not, these models are a lot more cost-efficient and easier to maintain than the electric ones, which is why they’re so popular in the United Kingdom. If anything goes wrong, you can find a reserve part for it on the market almost immediately. So now that you know all this, you probably want to buy one, right? If the answer is yes, let’s take a look at the tips that we’ve promised.

1. Price

Source: Medium

To purchase anything, you’ll need to prepare a budget, and since boilers are not the cheapest things you can get these days, the price will play a huge role in your selection process. It’s sometimes true that you get what you pay for, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot find a reliable, cheap gas boiler on the internet.

Many companies allow you to get a replacement if you’re already fed up with your electrical one, and the entire process isn’t that costly. A great example of such a company that operates in Dublin is nrmplumbingandheating.ie. If you want to save money in the long-run, it’s better to switch as early as possible. Gas seems to be a lot more cost-efficient than electricity.

2. Capacity

Source: Farrows Heating Runcorn

Choosing a boiler is a process in which you’ll have to decide what capacity you want to settle for. If you are using this for your own home office, you can probably go for the smaller ones and have just enough water for all of your needs. However, if you’re looking to purchase one for your entire family, you’ll have to try and find a larger model. Capacity is important. You don’t want to run out of hot water in the middle of a shower because somebody washed their hands before you hopped into the bathroom, which happens quite a lot with smaller capacity models.

3. Brand

Source: Da Re S.r.l.

The brand is important because it determines how reliable the boiler will be to some extent. We’re not saying that you shouldn’t give the “underdogs” a change now and then, but you know what we mean. Keep in mind however that popular brands will usually have more expensive products, so be ready to pay quite a lot for your gas boiler if it’s coming from the top-tier brand in your area. If you’re on a budget, we don’t recommend doing this.

4. Quality

Source: COIL X

You cannot know the quality of a gas boiler until you purchase it and use it for at least a few years, right? Well, not really, because it’s 2024 and we have the internet to solve almost every single one of our problems. It doesn’t take more than just a few Google searches to find out if a certain product is good or not. Tons of reviews are available and by reading just a few of them you’ll be able to decide whether you want to spend your money on something or not. When you’re reading reviews, make sure to find them on 3^rd party websites, because if you only read the ones on the official site, you’ll most likely form a false picture of that certain product in your mind. Usually, they only tend to post positive reviews, which is why you should consider reading those from another website.

5. Availability

Source: Farrows Heating Runcorn

Last but not least, comes the availability factor which is of huge importance in case you end up experiencing some issues in the future. We already mentioned that gas boilers are used quite a lot in many countries, especially in the United Kingdom, but you still have to make sure that the model you’re purchasing is very common in your living area. Why? Because if something ends up breaking, it’s a lot easier to replace just the broken part than to purchase an entirely new boiler.

So, if you purchase from a brand that’s almost non-existent in your area, you won’t be able to find reserve parts as easily. Try to go for the ones that many people in your country use, and that way you’ll always be able to rely on some extra used parts when things go downhill.

Overall, you shouldn’t have any issues with gas boilers because they are pretty durable and a lot more cost-efficient than electrical ones.

Are Alt-Coins Really An Alternative To Bitcoin?

By

Iva Aris

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June 12, 2020

Are Alt-Coins Really An Alternative To Bitcoin — Source: Medium

Bitcoin is still considered the flagship cryptocurrency and for all the right reasons. Bitcoin (BTC) is one of the oldest and most well-known digital assets, but there are over 1,600 cryptocurrencies out there. These cryptocurrencies are typically referred to as an “Alt Coins”, and are competing alongside Bitcoin and each other for the ultimate domination.

With so many cryptocurrencies in circulation, how do you opt for one with a low price so that you can make some sizable profit in case you’re looking for an alternative to Bitcoin?

In this guide, we’ll give you the best Bitcoin alternatives based on features and current values. Whether you’re looking to diversify your cryptocurrency portfolio or simply want to pay goods and services online, these are the best Bitcoin alternatives. You can find a full list of trusted altcoin exchanges at brokerchoices.com.

A Lot Cryptocurrencies Cease To Exist, But That’s Hasn’t Stopped Developers From Creating A Better “Altcoin.” Today, it’s estimated that there are well over 5000+ cryptocurrencies in existence. The combined market value of all these digital assets is around $285 billion according to market valuation websites such as markets.bitcoin.com, and coinmarketcap.com.

Bitcoin still reigns supreme when it comes to overall market capitalization with its net value capped at $183 billion, which is about 63% of the global market. However, the market capitalization of today’s top ten cryptocurrencies is a lot different than they were a decade ago. As per coinmarketcap.com, BTC’s overall valuation was around $13 billion in December 2013, the market of the top ten altcoins has also changed tremendously.

The top three altcoins are:

Ethereum (ETH)
Litecoin (LTC)
Ripple (XRP

The 3 Best Alt Coins To Bitcoin (BTC)

1. Ethereum (ETH)

The first altcoin on our list is Ethereum. Ethereum is a decentralized software platform that enables ‘Smart Contracts’ and ‘Decentralized Applications (DApps)’ to be developed without the need for any interference, downtime, or control from a third party.

Ethereum is considered as the best performing digital asset after Bitcoin. When first released in 2015, it was currency was worth single digits, but soon its value soared to more than $1,200. In terms of handling transactions, it also happens to have a higher ceiling than Bitcoin at least for now. In early 2018, daily Ethereum transactions were more than four times that of Bitcoin, and the transaction rate was also higher than Bitcoin. Transaction costs are also significantly lower as opposed to Bitcoin, which results in notably low transaction fees when dealing with multiple trades.

Currently, Bitcoin is valued between $9,000 and $10,000 as of May 11, 2024. If you’re someone not familiar with Bitcoin, it means that the profits from mining Bitcoin transactions have been reduced to 50%. There has been plenty of speculations that this latest event can skyrocket the value of a single Bitcoin to high as $50,000, it has not yet materialized. Meanwhile, Ethereum is hovering at around $200 at present, and some cryptocurrency analysts and speculators are expecting that it could be worth over $10,000 per coin. Furthermore, there is also speculation that Ethereum can gain a 25% market share in the future.

However, despite all the rosy predictions, experts are still bullish that Bitcoin will remain the de facto cryptocurrency today and in the future. The value of Bitcoin is only expected to rise in value and become more useful in the years to come. Of course, just like most other cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin is facing some challenges. Ethereum and newer Altcoins are free from some of the potential difficulties plaguing Bitcoin, at least in the short term.

It will take some time for Ethereum to hit the price ceiling of Bitcoin. The transaction fees are still comparatively low when compared to Bitcoin, and with the integration of additional features like smart contracts—Ethereum and its currency, Ether, is poised to become the preferred cryptocurrency for many industries in the days to come.

2. Litecoin (LTC)

Like any other Altcoins we mentioned, many cryptocurrency investors hoped they’d bought plenty Litecoin when it first came out in 2017. In January 2017, a single Litecoin was available for $4, but at the end of the same year, Litecoin reached its peak when investors had to dish out $350 for each Litecoin.

Although nobody can tell when the price of Litecoin or any other cryptocurrency for that matter will one day reach or even surpass that price point, it is currently being offered at about $46 at the time of writing this article. This makes Litecoin a popular investment choice for its relatively low price.

As opposed to Bitcoin, Litecoin is a better choice for regular transactions as the block time is said to be 75% faster than Bitcoin. The transaction fees at a fraction of a dollar. Furthermore, developers and merchants are increasingly accepting Litecoin for their products and services.

We can’t escape the fact that Litecoin doesn’t have the same potential as Ethereum, especially when it comes to building new transaction platforms.

3. Ripple (XRP)

Although Ripple has its share of critics for being a centralized cryptocurrency in a famously decentralized space, it’s only fair to say that Ripple has the potential to be a rising star in cryptocurrency category—thanks to its increasing value and industry support.

Launched initially in 2012, Ripple’s value skyrocketed at the end of 2017 from around $0.20 in October, to over $2.50 at the end of the same year. The market value of Ripple tends to rise and frequently fall, which isn’t often seen in other significant market-value cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Ripple, known by its transactional protocol, XRP, is a sound investment that promises a lot of potentials. It is also supported by a lot of large organizations such as Santander, American Express, RBC, and other major banking and financial institutions. This has positioned Ripple as one of the best-performing cryptocurrency in the market. Additionally, Ripple technology is being used by some groups for international wealth transfers such as Money Gram which has partnered with Ripple Labs in 2018 to use XRP as its payment gateway.

Why Does Altcoins Exist?

People often ask why Altcoins exist. The definitive and most logical answer would be simply because some people, developers, and groups believe they can create a better cryptocurrency that will outpace Bitcoin. They also want to see a cryptocurrency that offers better compatibility and different features than BTC, such as better privacy, anonymity, and more decentralization.

Furthermore, people interested in Altcoins want a cryptocurrency that caters to a specific industry like entertainment. Now that Pandora’s Box of cryptocurrency is open, there’s no going back, and we will only see newer Altcoins in the days to come.

Business Image – Why Should You Care?

By

Дмитра Врачарић

-

June 12, 2020

1444043092_shutterstock_250822573 — Source: entrepreneur

First impression, the phrase usually used on meeting people and product introduction. Fact is, people judge you the second they in contact with you or your product. That’s why capturing the heart of your consumers in first contact is important to pro-long your business.

Although many factors affect business success, such as productivity, management, and quality control, your upfront business image needs to be prioritized first. If nobody is buying your product and service, no matter the amount of hard work you put into your productivity, management, and quality control, they will never be profitable ever.

But wait! What exactly is the business image? Don’t worry; here, we will discuss how and what you should consider when optimize or building a trustworthy model for your business.

1. Branding

We are not talking just about your business logo; branding includes your product appearance and how they will print a significant effect on potential consumers. First off is the use of text or typography on your business logo, ok, we all want that timeless logo but to achieve that, you’ll need a right and reliable choice of typography and decide what you want to represent with your logo brand. The word “keep it simple stupid” or “K.I.S.S” had been the following trend when it comes to rebranding, many businesses slowly adopt a simpler logo for their business, take Yahoo and Google, for example. Both company rebrand transition from an old school serif font to a bolder, reliable, and modern sans serif font in recent years.

One of the reasons to adopt a simple but recognizable logo is for the implementation brand on your product. What I mean is your product packaging design, a simple and printable logo design is more suitable to apply in packaging such as product box, flyer, company t-shirt, banner, or even on the selling product itself. For example, did you notice in every iPhone, there’s an apple logo, no text on the back of the phone, that’s how product branding should be executed?

2. Website

Imagine if your product is of high quality and many consumers search them through search engines, but when they land on your website, they immediately lost interest and click away. Why? Simple, you have an ugly website, a site that looks like it’s infected with a virus, well not really, just a figure of speech.

First off, we’re not living in the 90s anymore; we do not need to cramped all the information in one single page, all the text format squeezed together whatnot. There’s a reason why web 2.0 design principles were a hit and trendy back in the 2000s. A brighter color schemes, bolder and more extensive text, jQuery implementation on website UI…among others. People want to read without squinting their eyes on each paragraph line from your site.

that being said, your website needs to look professional and trustworthy for the consumer to feel secure when browsing or purchase your product from your online store if available. Stick with 2-3 color variations from your logo color when applying a color scheme to your website. You don’t want to have a different color between logo and website that might confuse visitors that interested in your product.

3. Social Media

Let’s face it; social media is not just an interaction tool anymore. Social media is becoming a collaboration tool for businesses. There’s nothing faster than getting your business exposure from social media; all the viral content or video originated from social media sharing platforms.

Therefore, your business should utilize the use of social media; 3 of the most popular social media platform below can help your communication and collaboration with potential customers.

Facebook

The best platform to promote your product and business. With the average age of Facebook users around 30-60 years old, this is what we called a spender age. The possibility of this group age purchasing your product is around 60%, according to statistics. With the Facebook ads campaign, you can efficiently utilize paid promotion according to your monthly budget and target audience and even filter target by country or regions, so if you only want to target your nearby shop neighborhood, it can be done with it.

Instagram

Instagram is best known for social image interaction; However, this platform mostly uses for sharing selfies or events photos, and it can also help businesses engage with a potential customer; communication through Instagram is much more comfortable according to user data. People tend to interact with each other on Instagram rather than on Facebook, maybe because Facebook more like a business-ish and Instagram more like social-ish.

Twitter

Twitter usually used to convey short updates or messages. I see many business owners or management employee posted a quick update on store status like “Today 50% off on all our product, hurry!” message so their followers can retweet it and spread the words. Yes, the retweet is a quick and straightforward click re-sharing function that is better than other platforms. The #hashtag usage of Twitter might be one of the reasons why Twitter still favor by users when it comes to spreading awareness and news updates.

Final summary

Whether you’re running a small or corporate business, what people see and think about your establishment is essential, a stranger can become your potential customer, sometimes a loyal customer can last for years, imagine 1000 loyal customers purchased your product every month, your continuing revenue will expand or help to grow your business over the time.

This is one of the reasons why businesses have PR (public relation) department to handle any situation that might affect the business image, good or bad. You can visit mkels.com for more web and business development tips.

The Secrets of a Successful International Company CEO

By

Дмитра Врачарић

-

June 12, 2020

Starting and building a company is challenging. There are many obstacles to consider. There are even more challenges for those that are trying to grow further and take their brand from a local success to an international giant. There are a few things that you have to emphasize when it comes to growth on a global scale for those that are open to challenges.

Here are some essential tips to focus on that will help you with your company’s growth.

Marketing

Marketing is one of the most important factors when it comes to the success of any international company. Marketing is so important because it will allow your company and brand to expand much further than your local market. Different marketing using online resources and platforms help you extend the reach that you would generally get from typical advertising routes and market towards a more global audience. The different opportunities you have for marketing expand from social media content to email and text messaging. There are plenty of means to market but choose your methods wisely, as https://messente.com/ recognizes that some communication methods are more personal and effective than others. Your approach on how to market will have to combine both aspects of earning new customers while making sure you retain your returning clients as well. This will provide a safety net to fall back on and be especially necessary for the first few months or years of your transition.

Communication and Relationships

Along with marketing, it is essential to begin building relationships and open lines of communications, not only with your customers and clients, but with your business partners and those that you will be working with on various areas such as marketing, production, and manufacturing. You will want to learn languages or have the people around you that can help translate your speech and your passion into an international success. Establishing these lines of communication early and maintaining a good and professional relationship is ideal for making a global or cross-country transition easier, but it will be necessary for the longevity of your relationship, as well as the growth and future of your company.

Resources

With all the difficulties of expanding your brand worldwide, there are plenty of opportunities that you can and should take advantage of as a business owner. Many countries want to promote the growth of businesses locally and encourage and boost their local economies. Because of this desire for inner growth, funds are often available for different businesses in the form of startup funds, bursaries, and grants. It would be wise to learn about everything there is to offer for companies in the areas you are interested in growing and see if there are any available opportunities catered to your brand. Finding mentors is another important aspect of utilizing your resources around you. Going to meetups to seek out those that will be able to help you grow your business are valuable opportunities that are available if you take the time to research and find them.

Strategy

Going into anything requires planning. Similar to how you start a company locally by doing your research first and having an ample amount of knowledge regarding the desired industry before you invest your time, money, and energy, you have to take a similar approach when it comes to building an international brand. If you have already created a local company, the good thing is that you have the knowledge to start, and you are not beginning from scratch. However, you will face plenty of new challenges, so having a strategy is important to anticipate them. Build international contacts and get a gauge of the local market. Learn about the demands for your company and if there is an opportunity there, set timelines, and budgets. It is better to be overly prepared and not needing the information going into business than it is to be unprepared and caught off guard.

Persistence and Patience

One of the hardships of taking a local company and transitioning into a more global and international market is that opening new locations and stores, or even extending your online options is the amount of time that you need to dedicate to this new expansion. It will feel in some instances as if you are starting over, as you won’t be sure about the demands and interest of the new market. Making this transition, you will have to have patience and understanding that it won’t always be as easy. There will be new obstacles and challenges that come into play, and some of the hardships may be new and ones you have not had to deal with before. Taking your company from a local level and seeing local success and trying to establish a global and international brand will be a long and tiring process that you will have to make sure you are prepared for.

Business laws

Understand that when you are opening a new business in a different country, there will be different laws that you have to deal with. The laws and legalities you are aware of from your home country will not always translate to opening a new company in a different locale. It is a good idea to have a professional or a lawyer that will be able to give you legal counsel on your business practices and matters. The last thing you want to do is expand your business and fall into trouble with certain practices or legalities that end up costing you more than you make or can afford. This would put all your time and assets in jeopardy. Being uneducated about the local laws will lead your brand to failure before it even has the opportunity to grow.

For those that are seeking success on an international and global level, the process and journey are a long and difficult one. But it is possible. You have to come in with the right mindset to meet all your challenges head-on and tackle them with creative solutions. Your hard work, dedication, and persistence will create avenues to your goals and will lead you to success.

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner for You

By

Дмитра Врачарић

-

June 12, 2020

Choosing the right air conditioner for you and your family can be very difficult at times. When you are going out to purchase an air conditioner you should give it some due diligence and make sure that you are purchasing the right air conditioner for your home; purchasing air conditioners is not as simple as just picking one and buying it, rather you have to be sure what you are purchasing and make sure it will be a welcome addition to your home. Your home and your family come in all shapes and sizes, as do air conditioners, and there would be little point in purchasing an industrial air conditioner for a two-bedroom apartment, nor any point in purchasing a small low-specification air conditioning unit in a twelve-bedroom mansion.

When purchasing your first unit, or your second, or your third, you must be sure to make sure its specifications mesh well with your own. Climate also plays a big part in deciding whether or not you purchase a specific air conditioning unit, as it is important you purchase one that will provide you relief from soaring temperatures, as after all that is its purpose.

Some air conditioning units are not well suited to extremely high temperatures, and therefore in this situation, you must be careful which you are buying. So, here is a full, comprehensive guide, on how to purchase the right air conditioner for you, your home, and your family.

Whichever You Choose, Keep It in Good Condition

Whenever you do go out and purchase an air conditioning unit, you should be certain to make sure that you keep it in the best condition you possibly can. Servicing a unit, or just cleaning it yourself, is relatively cheap and easy. Whenever you are having your unit serviced it is important that you hire respectable, peer-reviewed tradespeople, and not just anybody. Your air conditioning unit will often keep you in good health and able to withstand scorching temperatures, so it is important, it is treated equally well and given the care that it requires. If left to fester and clog up, it will certainly break, and thereby leave you to deal with the side-effects of hot temperatures, such as heat stroke, heat rash, and others. You can also clean it yourself for free, and it can take no more than a couple of hours.

You should always clean your air conditioning unit. The professionals of billyaircon.com.sg specialize in cleaning and servicing units, and if you cannot do it yourself, be sure to hire somebody who can. Cleaning your unit can be as simple as removing the filter and vacuuming up the dust and bacteria within, then following that, you should make sure that you soak it in water, then spray a power shower on it so that you can clear away any stubborn bacteria or debris. Give it a wipe with some antiseptic, then it’s good to go. Keep it clean, after all, you will be breathing air from it.

Can You Afford to Go Solar?

Using a solar air conditioning unit can be a great way to save money on energy and keep yourself cool. Very often, if you live in a climate that requires an air conditioning unit, or rather you simply are experiencing a summer with soaring temperatures, you likely will be exposed to a lot of sun. This then is a perfect reason to forsake a more conventional electric air conditioning unit and use a solar-powered one. Solar-powered air conditioning units have become all the rage in recent years and many professionals recommend them over more conventional units.

A solar-powered air conditioning unit is not only environmentally friendly, but they can actually save you a lot more money in the future. Air conditioning units are known for sucking up electricity and causing sky-high electric bills. You can circumvent this by using a solar-powered air conditioning unit, which is virtually free, other than upkeep. Rather than paying for energy, you simply use the sun’s natural energy to keep your air conditioning unit functioning. They can be very cheap and very effective.

This is perhaps the best option for those who want to become environmentally friendly and cut down on their electric bill, and if you are buying an air conditioner for the first time, seriously consider purchasing a solar-powered air conditioning unit. You should be able to find them at a home appliance store or a specialist website.

Make Sure You Choose Effectively

When you are picking an air conditioning unit it can be hard to know exactly what you are purchasing. Their packaging is often inundated with jargon the layman may not understand, and thus, you may end up purchasing a unit that is unsuitable for your home. Certain air conditioning units also have an air clean function, and this function can be a fantastic way to keep the air that you breathe clean. If you live in a dusty old house this may be a perfect option for you, so pick one up.

If you live at a very hot temperature, it may be worth buying a high-specification air conditioning unit that can withstand scorching heat. Some air conditioning units are built for more temperate climates, but some are not, and it is important you buy one that is specified strictly to your climate.

In recent years many people are beginning to find themselves suffering from heatstroke and heat rash, so if you do and you cannot withstand hot temperatures, you should make sure that you purchase an air conditioning unit that can keep your entire house cool. If you have a big home, it would be worth picking up a few, or a big one, so that you can keep your entire house cool and not have to worry about the unwanted nasty side-effects the sun can offer.

When you employ a contractor to set up your air conditioning unit you should endeavour to make sure they are well-reviewed and held in high regard. You do not want to risk having cowboy builders coming into your home and damaging goods or stealing things. Only let respectable, peer-reviewed tradesmen do work on your home.

8 Ways To Relax After A Stressful Day At Work

By

Billy Voss

-

June 12, 2020

Everyone talks about stress and how dangerous it can be. But no one mentions how to decompress or properly relax after a stressful day at work.

Truthfully speaking, it is our professional lives that generate the most stress. With the current pandemic still looming over our heads, a lot of people are fearful for their jobs, leading to more and more stress buildup.

But not only that, some people have crappy bosses and that’s something that contributes towards making our days a lot more stressful.

In this article, we are going to help explain the 8 ways to relax after a stressful day at work. We understand the need for such a topic as this is something that every person on the planet can benefit from. Another way to relax is to use a bath bomb while soaking in your bath tub. Bath bombs are full of soothing epsom salts that will help relax muscles and soothe away stress. You can get some of the best bath bombs at the market by visiting Nectar Bath Treats.

So, if you happened to have a few minutes to spare, this is the ultimate article on decompression.

1. Take a Deep Breath

Getting home from work can be a salvation for many people. That first step when you get inside is met with a relief of emotions that only our stressful jobs can do to us.

But to properly decompress, the first thing you do is take a deep breath, hold it for ten seconds, and let it out.

This is quite possibly one of the easiest ways to release tension from your body and even feel it as it goes through you. One breath is not enough and you should repeat this step for a total of ten times.

2. Massaging

If you have someone living with you then a great way to relax and decompress is to have them give you a massage. While this isn’t always possible since many of you probably live alone, it is still one of the best ways to relax after a stressful day at work.

The best areas for massaging are the shoulders, neck, and lower back. A lot of people love massaging their heads since the head can be the place of a lot of tension buildup.

If you’re under a lot of stress from your day job, then do consider getting yourself a massage at least once a month.

3. Go For A Walk

Take 5; very simple and very self-explanatory. Everyone has bad periods and periods of their work when things are more stressful. For many people, this is their normal day-to-day dealings and that’s certainly unhealthy.

If you’re under a lot of stress recently, then why don’t you simply take 5? Go for a walk in the park or even around the building. It will loosen you up and release a lot of bad energy. Also, you can practice the previous methods and combine them. What I’d like to do is stroll around the building for five minutes while also practicing the breathing technique.

Combining multiple methods into a single one is quite possibly one of the best ways to release tension and stress.

4. Watch Something Mesmerizing

Have you ever seen those aquarium videos and cannot help but feel mesmerized? Did you know that these types of videos are used as a proper way of releasing stress and tension?

Watching something mesmerizing, whether that’s fishes in an aquarium or sounds of forests can greatly help you with this problem.

The thing here is that you need to fully immerse in the video for it to take effects. Luckily for you, these videos come in all shapes and sizes. The bigger the size, ex 4K videos, the more it will affect your mind.

So, if you happened to own a 4K TV and need something mesmerizing to watch to help cope with your stressful job, then make sure to click here.

5. Exercise

Just like taking a walk, exercising is a great way to loosen up and forget about your crappy day at work. People love exercising before going to work, but they also love doing it afterward.

Depending on what works better for you, you can either get up at 5:30 AM and do your daily exercise or do it after work. The bottom line remains that you should exercise none the less.

Feeling stressed shouldn’t be the tipping point as to why you should exercise, as there are tons of advantages of living a healthy life. As it stands, there is yet to be proven a better way to release stress and tension from our bodies than by exercising.

6. Take a Day Off

Sometimes all we need is to simply take a break. Sometimes we are put under so much stress and tension that it’s only a matter of time before we explode.

Not in a literal sense, but it’s very easy to have a mental breakdown from all the stress at work. That’s why a great way to cope with your stressful job is to take a break from it once in a while.

Call your boss and try to explain to them how you feel. If your boss doesn’t allow the break, then maybe it’s time for a change of plans and even a change of careers.

It’s not worth compromising your health for the sake of someone else’s business.

7. Read a Book

Sometimes, reading a book is a great way to get your mind off things. If you feel as your job is preoccupying your thoughts every day, then why not read a book?

It’s been medically and scientifically proven that books are a great way to get people’s minds off negative thinking. If your job is the main contributor to negative thinking, then throwing yourself on the couch and reading a good book may quite possibly be the best cure for it.

8. Meditate

Meditation is a cure for the body. But not only that, meditation cures the body by affecting the mind and soul. Meditation is a great way to loosen up tension and stress after a hard day of work.

It is also a great way to disconnect from the world and focus on self-improving and self-healing. Through the teachings of mediation, you will practice breathing exercises that help you cope with the negativity surrounding your job.

Through the teachings of mediation, you will practice breathing exercises that help you cope with the negativity surrounding your job. For more information check https://www.mindpanda.com/morning-meditation/.