11 Dec, 2024
2 mins read

Find Employment in Fort McMurray

Find Employment in Fort McMurray

With global labour markets still under the fringes of recession, northern Alberta is booming with job opportunities across industry. Known as “Canada’s energy capital” for its extensive oil sands mining industry, the region experienced a slowdown in employment activity following suspension of various projects by oil sands producers in response to the global recession. Today, employers are back on the prowl for skills and there has never been a better time to consider employment in the region for the following key reasons;

Excellent Compensation: Fort McMurray is known for having one of the highest compensation rates in the world. For anyone seeking better compensation for skills, employment in Fort McMurray almost certainly guarantees that. In fact, for many positions across industry in the region, compensation is almost double compared to rates in other provinces of Canada. Many fast food establishments in the region start their employees off at $14/hour or more compared to the minimum wage offerings in other provinces, a trend observable for other occupational groups across industry.

Affordable Housing: There’s been a radical change in the cost of housing in Fort McMurray and that is an incentive to anyone who has previously considered employment in the region but decided against the cost of housing. Today, rental rates in Fort McMurray are comparable to Atlantic province rates in cities like Halifax, Nova Scotia. This change can be attributed to growth in the real estate market and the drop in demand for housing following the economic slowdown. So whether you are looking for a room in shared accommodation or a place to call home, rates are available from $800 a month.

Career Growth: As home to Canada’s youngest and most dynamic workforce, the region is a perfect environment for career advancement. If you are a hardworking, skilled individual with a drive to succeed, opportunity for career success awaits you in Fort McMurray no matter which industry you choose to work in. The oil sands industry offers employment for people from all works of life and is supported by an equally substantial variety of industry that provide opportunity for all who have the drive to succeed; to earn an honest reward for a job well done.…

3 mins read

Steps to Follow When You Are Making an Important Decision

Steps to Follow When You Are Making an Important Decision

When Larry was asked if he would be interested in taking over a distributorship for a locally produced line of Italian products, he thought it over carefully before he said yes. He knew the product was excellent and he himself enjoyed the spaghetti sauce and succulent meatballs whenever he had the chance but he wondered if he had what it would take to be responsible for delivering the goods to prospective customers. He researched storage possibilities for the huge volume of food he would be in charge of storing until he could line up clients who would contract with him for delivery. He was gratified to find a public warehouse that was not only affordable but offered great service as well. His area of distribution was mostly limited to the city and this facility specialized in Los Angeles fulfillment of orders in a prompt and efficient manner leaving Larry time to contact clients and arrange for new business.

Thinking things through is a must in every area of our life and it is always wise to weigh the pros and cons of every major decision before acting upon it. Rushes to judgment are most often seen in the personal areas of our lives and inflict the most pain upon our peace of mind and that of our loved ones. Many people have made a rash decision to get married for instance because they were infatuated and then discovered to their horror that the person they married was not at all as they imagined them to be. When considering a major lifestyle decision like getting married it is best to follow these suggestions:

• Give yourself time – It is not wise to rush into anything that requires a major commitment either from yourself or the other person unless you have taken the time to get to know and observe the person in all kinds of situations. When you date for awhile, you allow yourself the opportunity to see how that person will react to adversity and also how he or she will relate to you as you go through various trials in your own life. Whether kindness and consideration will prevail or indifference or impatience are displayed will give you a true picture of this person.

• Introduce this person to friends and family – Include your loved one in family events and celebrations so that he or she can develop a better appreciation of where you come from and how you have developed into the kind of person you are. This is also a good way for your family and friends to observe how the two of you interact and sometimes they are able to pick up on things that you may be blinded to that are definite warning signs that may signal trouble in the long run.

• Communicate as much as possible – This seems like it would be a given but actually many people are not …

3 mins read

The Perks of Having Rack Systems in Your Data Center

Data centers need high-quality rack systems, and having them near Nashville can help them achieve this. Companies like LanLink Communications can provide these systems to customers to help them organize patch panels and wire management while mounting network equipment. Rack systems can be of two types: open-air and enclosed. In fact, these systems are commonly used in data centers, and they provide a number of benefits. Here are a few of those benefits.

Drive-in rack systems eliminate aisles in a warehouse

Drive-in rack systems, Nashville eliminate the need for aisles in a warehouse, allowing for more efficient storage density. Drive-in racks have no aisles, making them the densest static storage application available. See more photos of Drive-In systems at UNARCO’s photo gallery. Some benefits of drive-in racking include it being easier to find items and saving floor space.

Designed for a single or double aisle, drive-in rack systems increase density and reduce forklift operating aisles. The drive-in system allows forklifts to pass through the shelving from the back to the front, thereby increasing the number of pallets workers can pull at a time. Drive-in rack systems are the preferred choice for cold storage applications, where more density is needed.

Maximize productivity

You can increase your productivity by installing a good rack system in your warehouse. A good rack system is designed to maximize the horizontal space in your warehouse and minimize costs per position. Almost every warehouse stores some kind of commodity. Active distribution means that a forklift must circulate throughout the warehouse to pick up the items, which increases the risk of damaging the racks. There are several different types of racks. A drive-in pallet rack system will save you a great deal of space and allow for high-density storage.

Drive-in racking provides easy access to stored goods, and it can be customized to fit your needs. Drive-in systems can be ordered in either structural steel or roll-formed steel, and they are ideal for LIFO inventory management. A drawback of this system is that it can be difficult to rotate time-sensitive products. To avoid damage, make sure your rack system is structurally sound and has good support. It’s also important to check bearings and cartwheels for free-flowing moisture or liquids.

Cost-effective

When you’re looking for a warehouse storage system, you need to consider whether or not drive-in rack systems will meet your needs. Drive-in systems allow you to store more inventory than a shelf-supported system, and they are best for high-volume warehouses with low turnover rates. Drive-in rack systems are also advantageous for those looking for LIFO inventory management. Drive-in systems are more difficult to rotate time-sensitive products, so you should be sure to have structurally sound racks with adequate support. They’re also more prone to damage from forklifts. Bracing the front uprights is important, too.

If your existing racks have become rusted and discolored, a licensed professional can tear them down and install new ones. This way, you won’t have to spend money on additional racking. Afterward, …

2 mins read

Labor Law – Corporations and Companies Should Have Equal Bargaining Power with Labor Unions

Labor Law – Corporations and Companies Should Have Equal Bargaining Power with Labor Unions

There are people who are pro-business and those who are pro-union, for the rest of society, they just want everyone to get along, and don’t like to see power labor unions attack a company, nor do they wish to see big corporations cheat their workers out of an honest wage for a good days work. Okay so, this is not just a United States challenge, it’s a world-wide power struggle that is never ending between big labor and big business.

Indeed, if that doesn’t throw a giant bull in the proverbial China shop, I don’t know what would. So, let’s begin this debate shall we? Not long ago, a pro-union, pro-labor, and socialist leaning individual from a Middle Eastern Nation and I (me being a capitalist) got into a heated debate over the how capitalism worked. My antagonist was under the belief that workers and labor should have equal say in the company no matter what, and he stated;

“I believe in Central Bargaining among union and employers also.”

Okay, but if the workers are allowed to walk out and strike, the company should be allowed to tell them to never come back and hire a new batch of people too. Are you okay with the responsibility on the union side of things? Most people aren’t thus, there is no real negotiation, just union extortion, threats, etc. And if a union walks out and hurts the business, the owner should be allowed to deduct the pay from the workers for lost profits, if the workers do come back ever.

Therefore I ask the question, why do we have such lop-sided laws in the nation, and why are labor unions so likely to use strong-arm tactics to bully their way in negotiations? We need new labor laws in this country that allow for greater competition for employment, after all, if everyone wants to enjoy the fruits and abundance of capitalism, lets’ make it a competitive endeavor all the way around. Please consider all this.…

3 mins read

Planning to Buy Warehouse Shelves? Read This First

Planning to Buy Warehouse Shelves? Read This First

Warehouse shelving has gained significant importance over the period of years. In the past, there was only one size available, and they were mainly made of wood. But with recent trends, lots of significant changes have been made in warehouse shelving to cater to the different needs of diverse individuals. The most significant change is the materials used for making the shelves.

Nowadays the storage shelves are made of safe and sturdy materials that have the capacity to hold any type of goods. The wooden shelves of the past had several downsides. They used to chip or crack easily, and were also prone to fungus and termites. These issues have has been overcome by replacing wooden shelves with other materials that are free of these downsides and can hold heavier items. Also today’s warehouse shelving has a variety of big and small shelves than can hold the smallest as well as the largest things.

Warehouse shelving is also called as industrial racking. This requires certain specific rules of coding. It is essential to adhere to these set of rules and regulations. This is indispensable as your industrial racking will be inspected regularly and if your warehouse does not comply with these regulations then you will be served a citation that would make you part with a lot of money. So if you plan to continue with your industrial racking business, you must always have a complete set up in order to avoid any future embarrassments. Make sure that your shelving meets the requirement of the codes and complies with the size of your warehouse building area.

This can be achieved by seeking the services of a professional company that can offer you with great advice on which racks should be purchased and in what sizes they need to be purchased along with the arrangement in the interior of the warehouse. This will save you a lot of space and help you to stay away from trouble. The professional company will also provide you suggestions subsequent to a preliminary inspection in your premises.

Another important thing to consider is the type of warehouse equipment you must have. This is highly important to be able to reach the highly placed shelves to store or remove the goods. Purchasing an industrial rack will provide you with all the required equipment and tools for racking. With extensive equipment, you can reach up to a rack that is 11 metres in height. This will offer you full advantage of accessing all the spaces in your warehouse and would also help you to use it for storage without wasting any space in your warehouse.

Once you establish proper shelving in your warehouse, it becomes easier for you to provide various benefits to your customers such as maximum storage capacity, accurate delivery to the customers, perfect maintenance of goods until delivery, and so on. It also enables the businesses to maintain a proper record of the goods that come …

3 mins read

Everything You Need to Know About Property Appraisals

The appraiser will tell you your home’s value, which can be a scary experience. While this situation can be frustrating if it does not go the right way, it is also an excellent opportunity for you to make the deal work. You can ask for assistance from Flagler County Property Appraisal professionals to help you with your needs.

Pests Affect Property Appraisal

A pest infestation can significantly lower the value of a property. Not only do these pests cause damage to the structure of the building, but they also carry disease and compete for human food sources. In addition to affecting the property’s value, rodents can spread various conditions, including plague, murine typhus, leptospirosis, and rickettsialpox. Termites and other rodents are classified as either commensal or predatory.

While most real estate agents agree that termite infestations lower the property’s value, the number of potential buyers willing to spend the money to buy the home may be significantly higher than those in a more temperate market. In addition, the presence of termites may cause buyers to lower the property price, which could lead to a negotiating process. If you find signs of termite activity on your property, it may be worth hiring a pest control company to assess the situation.

Location Affects Property Appraisal

Actual property appraisal depends heavily on location. Many factors affect a home’s value, including safety, community facilities, and utilities. A home’s proximity to schools and employment opportunities may increase its value, while a property near a busy road may decrease its value. Some features are more desirable than others, such as nearby parks, beaches, and shopping centers. Schools should be nearby. Many homebuyers with young children are looking for a home in a neighborhood with good schools. It’s also good to be near entertainment. Located close to a mall, theater, or other amenities can improve the value of a property. While proximity to entertainment may not be essential, it certainly increases its value.

Home Improvements Affect Property Appraisal

You may be wondering how home improvements affect your property appraisal. While a building permit will indicate the cost of a home improvement, it is not the most crucial consideration. Instead, assessors will look at the work and its effect on the home’s overall value. While making a few cosmetic changes can be tempting, your changes might not increase the property’s assessment. Despite the potential return on investment, few home improvement projects will result in a full-fledged return on investment. Whether or not the home is move-in ready, the property’s value will still be determined by comparable sales in the neighborhood. Making the house look new and well-maintained will help justify a higher price. Appraisals use ‘comps’ to assess the cost of comparable homes. Newly renovated homes have a higher value when compared to old or outdated ones.

Refinance Your Home Before The Appraisal

You may want to prepare your home for appraisal by doing some home repairs. This is an excellent way to improve the appraised value of

3 mins read

How Is A Secure Self Storage Our Responsibility As Well?

How Is A Secure Self Storage Our Responsibility As Well?

It’s undeniable that self storage brings so much convenience to our lives. However, with convenience comes a whole bunch of new worries, especially in terms of security issues. We often take for granted that the self storage company should be responsible for the security and we will just blame them if our things go missing. However, self storage security is our responsibility as well!

Lock

Most self storage companies will often recommend on what locks to be purchased. A good quality and sturdy lock that cannot be cut by a bolt cutter is an investment that must be made. Although it will definitely cost a lot more than simple locks, it provides a barrier that cannot be broken. Do make sure that you do not misplace the key to the lock. Some self storage companies may require you to leave a key with them in the event that you misplace yours so that the unit can still be opened. For added security, you can even consider using a sturdy number lock or even a biometric lock.

Mobile camera

If you are intending to store things that are extremely valuable, a very good security investment would be to install a mobile camera in your self storage unit. You are able to remotely control the camera by sending SMS instructions to it such as tilting and zooming and all these images can be viewed on your mobile phone or on your computer. Since the mobile camera uses a 3G sim card to work, it eliminates the need for cables and increasing the stealthiness of it. Monthly subscription charges are relatively affordable at around $7. Through the use of a mobile camera, any unofficial access to your units can be monitored real time and you can even capture the image of the intruder, making it easier to trace back your items if they get stolen.

Eliminate tailgaters

One common modus operandi of thieves is to tailgate a user and gain entry into the self storage facility. You should inculcate a habit of covering the keypad when you are keying in the access code into the self storage facility and always shut the gate before you move on even if someone is approaching the gate. Do not be nice by trying to hold the gate for them. If the person approaching is also a user of the facility, he will know the access code. In fact, he will even be grateful to you for reinforcing the security of the facility.

Total security of the self storage facility requires the cooperation of both the service provider and the customers. No matter how sophisticated the security features are, if the customer unknowingly invites potential thieves into the facility, things will still be stolen.…

3 mins read

Warehouse Consulting

Warehouse Consulting

Warehouse Consulting Services are a great way to improve your warehouse operations and/or design your distribution center. This includes maximizing material flow through a facility, minimizing operational costs (such as labor), maximizing productivity and order accuracy levels.

Improve your Warehouse Operations – here are some ways to help you bring value to your warehouse and distribution operations.

Benchmark warehouse operations and costs – Benchmarking is a tool that allows us to determine whether we are “On Course” or “Off Course” and measure progress in a very objective way. If we are “On Course” stay the course, if not; then determine what it will take to get back “On Course”. This is one of those simple yet powerful principles… You can’t manage what you can’t measure!

Benchmarking in logistics organizations enables the company to constantly monitor and assess its performance and operating techniques against other logistics practices both within a specific industry (Retail, Wholesale, etc.) and against best of class companies.

Implementing Benchmarking in a logistics operation involves using the following major steps:

1. Choose which process or processes to benchmark. The choice can be based upon which function in the logistics organization is the most expensive to perform, causes the most trouble or has the greatest impact on customer service.

2. Identify the key performance variables for the selected functions. These items can include efficiency (timing, cost, productivity, etc.), quality (errors, customer service parameters, etc.) or cost (cost of outbound transportation as a percentage of company sales, cost per unit sipped, etc.).

3. Document the current processes, steps required and operations flow observing all physical activities and supporting information system interactions. This documentation should be kept at a summary, high level so as not to get bogged down with detail.

4. Identify competitors and best-in-class companies with whom to compare benchmarks. Best-in-class information is relatively easy to obtain. Many companies are willing benchmark partners.

5. Decide which competitor or non-industry practices or measures would be the most beneficial to a company. Choices should be based upon strategic quality and/or customer service and not just for cost cutting.

Distribution Center Design

To achieve any of the above, you need to find powerful & experienced warehouse consultants that specialize in these areas. I would also recommend asking your proposed consultants to offer references, real life Case Stories to demonstrate their abilities and most importantly to take you on some warehouse tours to see some real world stories in action..

Design new facilities (including space calculations) or redesign existing operations

Produce CAD facility designs for both physical layout improvements and new facility designs

Deliver improved layouts and operating plans for distribution centers emphasizing materials flow, staffing & equipment

Specify material handling equipment, storage equipment and warehouse automation

Perform analysis and recommend materials handling systems, operations, engineered work standards and management productivity control systems

I would also recommend a consultant who is familiar with material handling systems design capabilities.…

3 mins read

Determining Whether it is Worth Joining a Warehouse Club

Determining Whether it is Worth Joining a Warehouse Club

The economy has caused many families to become incredibly frugal with their money. The question is whether it is worth joining a warehouse club such as Sam’s Club, Costco, or BJ’s Club. Some families decide to cancel the memberships to save money while others question if it is worth joining or not.

How do they decide if it is worth it? The best way is to really compare prices and let the whole family take part. Decide the type of items you would purchase at the warehouse. The purchases could be just your non perishables or your food only or a combination.

When making the decision about the items to purchase some things should be taken into consideration. Make sure the warehouse location is close enough that it is not going to be an ordeal to get there. If it is too far, you will never go and your current grocery store will always win. Even if it is 5-10 miles away, for many that is too long especially if there is heavy traffic normally during the time they would go.

Take your storage availability into account. The non perishable items need a place with easy access to retrieve when you run out. If you will be purchasing items that can be frozen, take a look at your freezer and the amount of room available.

Once the decision concerning items to be purchased is made, go to your regular grocery store and write down the items you will be purchasing, price and quantity included. Get the kids involved and let them keep track. They will enjoy doing the math at the end to find out which store offers a better deal. Only keep track of items you purchase on a consistent basis. Items such as trash bags, laundry detergent, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet paper, Kleenex or napkins. Next, go to the warehouse even if you are not a member. Many warehouse clubs allow you to look around before you join. Take the time to compare the same items with price and quantity. Stick to the items you looked at your grocery store.

If you find it is cheaper to purchase at the warehouse, then decide how often you would purchase those items. Is the savings enough to justify the membership cost?

It is easy to get caught up in the quantity and variety the warehouse stores have to offer. Take a list with you just like you do the grocery store and stick to it. It is easy to buy more than you planned and then you are defeating the purpose of saving. Obviously, occasionally there will be great deals on items that were not on your list, but make sure you really need them and have a place to store them.…

3 mins read

How to Relax Into Success This Labor Day Holiday

How to Relax Into Success This Labor Day Holiday

Each year Americans celebrate the first Monday in September as a national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well being of the United States. Thanks to the planning of labor unions back in the late 1800s, workers in this country are awarded a “workingman’s holiday” or quite simply an extra day off for personal time. This was quite contrary to the notion of “working your fingers to the bone” that seemed to build a great nation. So what is it? Does time off from work really cut production? The answer to this question is not only surprising, it will give you back valuable time for your loved ones, personal hobbies and interests, vacations, and more!

If you’re the type of worker who believes you have no time for a “holiday,” let alone a day off from work, I’ve got news for you… This can be dangerous to your business, your family and your health!

The key to getting more done with less time is penciling in fifteen to twenty minute “Me Breaks” throughout your day and planning not just your work schedule, but also your personal time. The reason many people see ‘taking a break’ or a ‘day off’ as being lazy is because these same people don’t even schedule their work time. These people are just full on. The difference with having a schedule for work and personal time is that it allows you to plan your entire day and gain total control of your life

So if you haven’t done it yet, it’s not too late to plan some fun and relaxation this weekend. Go ahead…. you deserve a break today! Here are some action steps or ideas to help you have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. And, you can use this holiday as a “Customer Appreciation” opportunity — hint, hint.

The obvious thing to do is throw a party, a barbecue or a picnic this Labor Day. Of course, invite family and friends; and also invite customers and clients. There’s nothing better to create customer loyalty than sharing fun times and allowing your customers to know you on a personal level. Ask your tax adviser about the tax write-off opportunity (see, I told you this was helpful for your bottom line.) However, don’t think about work, just relax and have fun; and remember a day off is not selling at your party. The important thing here is to just have fun.

To make this Labor Day easy on yourself, plan ahead to save time and avoid frustration. You may want to cook some of your dishes ahead of time. And you may also need to schedule time for decorating. You can even invite others to bring and share their favorite dish and recipe.

It is important to delegate some of the tasks; you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Kids love to help decorate and party plan. And …

3 mins read

The Prospect of Transition From Work in the Office to Work at Home

The Prospect of Transition From Work in the Office to Work at Home

The prospect of transition from work in the office to work at home. At any time in the world there is a vacancy suited to your desires. Working in this position, you can implement any serious financial goal. If you have a strong desire to get good money, you should be active immediately.

A looking for job only at first glance it seems a simple process.

First, you need to present yourself as one of the objects of the labor market. The employer will evaluate you just as you evaluate any vending item before you buy it. Therefore, you must provide a way to “look and feel” to the buyer. To do this well you should know that the most important to the buyer, what his criteria of preference. This is especially important when you are pursuing rather severe financial goals.

In a global labor market is a growing trend of gradual transition from work in the office to work at home. Admit that you are working in an office, often caught yourself thinking: “This is what I do now; I could still do with great success at home, where one would not disturb me.”

You must have a clear idea about the state of the overall picture of supply and demand in the labor market in the light of the above trends. Submissions on the labor market are usually very large.

In this regard, a few tips that should be heeded:

1. Determine, above all, their preferences, i.e. their financial goal, work on their specialty, how many hours a week do you want to be employed and in what country you want to work. 2. Do not spend much time to looking for a job independently. Currently, there are many companies that have a solid database of vacancies; it is their business to find a suitable candidate to fulfill the order to another company for this search. Use them while your interests are aligned with their interests. 3. Fill up their simple forms (only tell what you think it possible to tell). Usually they ask your name, how to contact you (phone, email address), your specialty, financial goal, and the country where you want to work. No need to report on the first stage of your mailing address, age, and, all the more, any bank details. Avoid companies that require fill up complex and voluminous yourself, you would require from any additional information not related to the subject of the request. 4. Ask provide you with a list of vacancies on the basis of filled forms. A receiving lists of vacancies that match your requirements from various companies – this is the first important phase of job search. 5. Choose not more than five of the most suitable jobs to you from each list. 6. Next the most important phase of job search is your personal self-esteem and the answer to a question, but if you …

3 mins read

Don’t Leave Mold Unattended

Mold remediation services in Morris County can quickly and safely remove the threat. They prioritize their customers’ and employees’ health and safety, so they document conditions and processes before starting work.

Mold is a fungus

If you notice funny odors or stains on your walls, chances are that you have some form of mold growing on your property. The best way to deal with this problem is to contact Restoration 1 for Mold Remediation Services. Mold is a fungus and requires professional help to eradicate. Calling Restoration 1 for mold remediation services in Morris County is the best way to prevent it from spreading in the future.

Professional mold remediation services include removing and mitigating the fungus and prevention techniques. They also address the underlying causes of the mold, including excess moisture in the crawlspace and other areas of the home. Professional remediation services may take a few days or even weeks, depending on the type and location of the mold. Fortunately, Restoration 1 offers emergency services, so you can call them whenever you notice a problem.

It is a fungal bacterium

The human body is host to several different fungi. These organisms eat organic matter, releasing too tiny spores to be seen with the naked eye. These spores then wind up on surfaces throughout your home. Fungi live in a network of multicellular fungi, or mycelium, which is the fungi’s home. Mycelium has a rigid cell wall to protect its spores, as do the septa.

During its early stages, mold appears as a tiny spot confined to one area. However, the mold spores are live and will continue to multiply if you leave them unchecked. A small patch of mold can grow to the size of a sheet of paper if you don’t treat it immediately. A water-bleach compound can be used to remove surface mold. If you see multiple spots, the mold may have spread throughout the food.

It is a fungus

Fortunately, it is not difficult to prevent the growth of mold. You can avoid it by keeping the bathroom and kitchen cabinets and countertops dry and sealed. Avoid moist bedding and curtains, and regularly clean your mattress and other items. Keep your windows closed to prevent water damage and mold growth. The cold drafts in winter will cause the glass to sweat. If this moisture continues to sit, mold spores can quickly propagate.

Full-service mold remediation services in Morris County can help mold remediation, including prevention techniques and addressing the underlying causes. For example, water and moisture are the most common causes of mold growth; if these factors are not addressed, the problem will return. In addition, mold growth typically proliferates in hard-to-reach places and can make cleaning difficult. Using a professional mold restoration company will eliminate the problem for good.

It is a bacterium

What’s the difference between mold and bacteria? In simple terms, mold is a type of fungus. Both fungi and bacteria have spores. However, a fungus spore has a nucleus, whereas

2 mins read

Racism, Immigration Reform, and Disenfranchising Minority Voters

Racism, Immigration Reform, and Disenfranchising Minority Voters

As election season approaches, we are seeing a lot of ugly politics surrounding voting and immigration aimed at disenfranchising people who are traditionally seen as liberal voters. New laws have been passed or are being debated in a number of states with the explicit goal of stopping people from taking part in the democratic process.

The first nasty trick being pulled is harsh immigration laws (most notably in Arizona). These laws allow officers to randomly stop anyone they suspect of being an illegal immigrant regardless of whether they him of having committed a crime. It also gives police broader deportation powers and criminalizes being in the United States without a new green card, perm labor certification, or like document.

The Obama administration is assembling a team that features many a US immigration lawyer, as well as constitutional law experts to fight the Arizona law. It is clear the law is going to disproportionally effect Mexican-Americans, even individuals with legal green card status. It will also lead to an increase in crime because no Mexican-Americans will report crime due to fear of deportation. Tension between the Mexican-American community and the police will rise.

The people behind these laws claim that they are designed to prevent crime and illegal immigration, but their real intension is clear. They hate Mexicans and want them to leave America, even those who have new green card statuses.

The same could be said about voting reform laws, which are up for debate in several states where Republicans hold state office and have a majority in both state houses. They want to make laws requiring people to provide ID and other information to vote. Previously, proof of residency (a college ID or utility bill) was the only thing needed to vote. They claim this is an anti-fraud measure but there has not been a notable instance of voter fraud in this country for decades.

They also want to cut down on grass roots voter registration and early voting. They are targeting young voters, old voters, and minority voters (all left-leaning groups) and trying to stop them from participating in the democratic process. Instead of applying to more voters they are trying to stop democracy from working.

Redistricting is another attempt by Republicans to stop democracy from working. They draw up voting district maps along racial and economic lines to try to limit the impact of minority and liberal voters. They don’t care about green card status, citizenship or voter fraud. There one goal is keeping liberals away from the polls.…

3 mins read

Why Are Warehouses Always Places of Violence in Movies?

Why Are Warehouses Always Places of Violence in Movies?

Does any location get as a bad a reputation from the movies as warehouses do? Think about it, they’re essential to modern life yet movies like The Departed, Kick-***, Layer Cake, Unknown, Hard Boiled, Shoot ’em Up, etc… all show warehouses as havens for criminals to do bad things. They should be celebrated for getting us everything we need to stay alive (food and other goods) in an efficient and timely fashion.

So why is this? Why does a place that’s so integral to everyday life get such a bum rap?

1. Isolation – you’re rarely going to see a warehouse in the heart of downtown; they’re usually on the outskirts away from ears and the centralized police forces. To somebody who’s not a criminal, it seems like it would be the ideal place to commit crimes. Movies are all about allowing the audience to project their thoughts onto the characters up on the screen. Obviously, something about warehouse violence just makes sense to the people who watch these movies.

2. “Cold” Surroundings – warehouses in movies are typically relatively uncluttered. Just like the old saying, “a place for everything and everything in its place,” movie warehouses are heavily organized and typically lack any characteristics that make it unique. They’re coldly efficient, have a distinct workflow to them that characters can work their way through, have lots of places for a quick rest and to duck behind and are filled with machines that can dispose of any “messes.”

3. Common Perceptions – like it or not, people think they’re shady places, run by shady people. Take a hyper-violent movie like Kick-*** for example, where a crime boss headquarters his operations from a warehouse. Or in The Departed where the Boston Mafia centers its operations around one as well. Warehouses may be great, well-run businesses but they just can’t shake the perception that they’re a front for something nefarious.

4. Isolated Real-life Incidents – perform a Google search for “Warehouse Violence” and you’ll be treated to a cavalcade of stories about shootings in a city’s “warehouse district” or results for arsons and murders that have taken place. Sometimes it only takes a couple bad eggs to spoil the bunch.

5. When it Comes Down to it, It Just Looks Cool – watch an early John Woo movie and focus on the stark contrast between the cold backdrop mentioned above and the mess of violence. It can be breathtaking to behold. In their essence, movies are just supposed to entertain us visually and warehouses provide a great setting for that (if you’re into violent movies).

There is a bright spot on TV though, where NBC’s The Office includes a warehouse with smart hardworking people, where fun events like jam sessions and basketball games can take place to let people blow off some workday steam.…

2 mins read

Organizing Your Space Through Warehouse Racking Systems

Organizing Your Space Through Warehouse Racking Systems

Nothing is more frustrating than working in a place that’s cramped, unorganized and unmanageable. There are in fact many work spaces, warehouses and even homes packed with so many things that believe it or not, not everything inside the place is worth keeping or being used regularly. This is where a warehouse racking system can help you to organize all of your belongings in a manageable way. Because the last thing that you would want done is to empty out your house out just to get everything organized.

If you are now on the verge of calling people to clean up your house, office or storage space, your money would be better spent visiting the nearest home improvement store in your area and purchasing the right tools to organize your belongings yourself. Chances are, home improvement experts would recommend using warehouse racking systems to get things organized and clutter free. However, if you own a business that needs serious organization to display your items efficiently, then these warehouse racks are the best solution. Finding the best kinds of warehouse racking systems can help a store owner like you, which is often the perfect accessory when it comes to making sure that all your items are in good selling condition.

Be certain that you are aware of the size and weight of your merchandise so that you can buy the best racking system available. As soon as you have this information, your shopping will be effortless. Once you have purchased all the racks that you need for your shop, warehouse or home, it’s now time to consider the best place to display your racking system to maximize the most space. Of course it is best to do an ocular inspection of the place to decide where you would like your warehouse racking systems installed or put up.

If you are one who doesn’t have a knack for installing things, then it would be best to contact experts who can set up the racks for you. Of course, if you are into trying new things out, feel free to put up the warehouse racking systems while keeping in mind that you should always adhere to the safety measures in the work area. Just make sure that you are ready for this job and that your work will not collapse after sometime. If you do not want to risk experiencing such things, then step aside and let the experts handle the project.…

3 mins read

How to Have an Easy Birth – 3 Exercises to Have a Less Painful Labour

How to Have an Easy Birth – 3 Exercises to Have a Less Painful Labour

Becoming pregnant can be both a time of joy and a time of uncertainty. If this is your first pregnancy your body will be going through a transformation for the first time and this can feel a little strange. Closer to the time of delivery you may experience premature contractions. You can view this as your body’s way of helping you become prepared for what to expect on that glorious day when your baby makes his or her appearance.:)

The question of how to have an easy birth is a common one. There are exercises that you can do to make labour less painful and the experience more of a joy.

Each woman will experience pregnancy and labour in her own way…while some may tolerate the pain well, others may need help dealing with the contractions. Therefore, taking the appropriate steps during your pregnancy in order to prepare yourself for the day of the delivery should always be at the forefront of your mind. Yoga is an exercise that prepares the body and the mind in order to release stress and embrace calm state. It takes an individual through various exercises to increase flexibility and peacefulness.

However, yoga can be challenging and thus there is an altered form of yoga called pregnancy yoga which is specifically designed for the health and safety of pregnant women.

Walking is also a great exercise. The entire body gets a work-out without the impact of running or jumping jacks. All you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes and loose-fitting clothes and you are on your way to feeling better and helping prepare yourself for an easier labour.

Moreover, you are preparing your body to be stronger during and after childbirth, which will speed up your post-pregnancy recovery. Start out with three days of walking for 30 minutes then you can increase days and times as you feel fit.

Another beneficial exercise to help ease childbirth is swimming. Some women actually find swimming easier and more beneficial than walking. Swimming on a regular basis provides an entire body workout with no impact. Your body weight is reduced because of the water, and you can work against the water, creating resistance, making it an effective workout.

It’s also a great way to get out and not join a special pregnancy swimming class at your local pool. Meeting up with other moms-to-be is a super way to share your experiences and get some added motivation.

Staying fit during your pregnancy will help when the delivery day comes. While the above tips are will help you out when deciding how to have an easy birth, make sure to get the green light from your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.…

2 mins read

Tips For A Successful Apparel And Accessories Distribution Business

Tips For A Successful Apparel And Accessories Distribution Business

Earning your living by picking and choosing the latest trends in fashion and accessories could be a dream come true for many people. In fact, many people have a special talent for this type of of occupation. Learn how your love of fashionable clothing and accessories could turn into a successful business.

Years ago, traders and barterers set the path for modern retailer businesses. Your role as a distributor would involve price negotiations with your suppliers. Getting your merchandise at the lowest cost is an important part of making a profit. Avoiding piled up and unsold merchandise in your warehouse is always best.

Consider the financial part of your business. Getting started means you purchase a start up inventory. The potential distributor should begin making a list of all prospective vendors for the purchase of usable merchandise. Securing the services of a trusted accountant is a good idea as well. Keep in mind the addition of accessories and jewelry to your garment shipment as well.

Most clothing and accessory warehouses consist of several departments for separating, preparing, and shipping merchandise. One department might hang clothing while another sorted and packed belts and costume jewelry. Researching the most successful process for the sorting and shipping of your inventory is vital to profitable operations. You might consider available software for allowing you step-by-step instructions for the most important parts of your business.

Choosing a special area of sales could be a part of your business plans. However, if you are considering apparel, accessories, and jewelry, you might keep in mind the more variety you maintain, the better sales you will make. Another important part of specializing in the distribution of clothing and accessories is staying on top of the latest styles and trends.

Larger apparel distributing companies generally hire buyers for dealing with the purchase of new merchandise. These are the people you should trust in choosing the best of the best. Making sure you have meetings about what you want and what your buyers have come across in the industry is important and recommended by successful professionals.

Being a successful clothing distributor means you staying ahead of the competition. Keeping a close eye on what your competition will allow you the advantage of getting ahead. Hiring only the employees you know you can trust to help you maintain smooth operation is another way you can ensure success, even if you only have a few people in your entire business.…

2 mins read

Getting Your Cervix Ready for Labor

Getting Your Cervix Ready for Labor

As the time for your birth approaches you may feel anxious, wondering if there is any way to make your labor easier. The answer is a definite YES! Starting at 38 weeks pregnant there are some very real steps you can take to make your labor progress more smoothly and lower the risk of a c-section. These very simple actions that can be done in the comfort of your home will put you on the road to a successful and easier delivery.

Not to be too graphic, but your cervix is a bit like a peach. It needs to be soft and ripe to be ready for labor. In the last weeks of your pregnancy your body produces prostaglandins to help soften the cervix and prepare it for labor. You can actually give your body a helping hand with this by taking Evening Primrose oil capsules beginning at 37 weeks pregnant.

Evening Primrose Oil capsules contains a prostaglandin that helps your cervix to soften and become favorable for labor. Evening Primrose oil will not cause contractions or send you into labor. It’s main function is to ripen the cervix, making it soft and ready to open once labor has begun. If you are looking at a possible induction Evening Primrose oil will make an induction much more likely to succeed. This is a safe and natural alternative to induction agents such as cervadil. If order to achieve maximum effectiveness you must begin Using the Evening Primrose Oil capsule’s 1-2 weeks prior to delivery.

The capsules look like large vitamin E pills. They will not make you nauseous and can be taken on an empty stomach. I recommend you get capsules that are 1300 – 1500 mg. Take three capsules daily starting at 37 weeks in your pregnancy. An additional side benefit of taking the Evening Primrose oil capsule is that your hair will be very shiny. Once you have reached 39 weeks gestation, in addition to taking the capsules orally you can insert 3 capsules vaginally at bedtime. The capsules will completely dissolve. Try to lay on your side for at least 30 minutes after you insert the capsules. This will allow the Evening Primrose oil to sit on your cervix and do it’s important work.

If your cervix is soft and ripe when your contractions start it will help to shorten the length of your labor. The uterus will no longer have to do the pre-work of softening the cervix and can move on to the important business of opening the cervix. This will mean a much shorter, less painful labor. Allowing you a glimpse of the precious baby you have waited so long to see.…

3 mins read

What Is TABC Licensing and What Does It Mean For Your Business?

What is TABC licensing and what does that mean for your business? Are you interested in gaining TABC certification? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about TABC licensing, what it means for your business, and how you can renew your license online. You may even be surprised to know that you can even get a free TABC map!

TABC licensing

There are many different aspects of TABC licensing and what it does, but what makes this particular agency unique is that it has jurisdiction over all of the industries in Texas. The state requires a license holder to file a report if there is an incident of a breach of peace within a certain time period. For example, a shooting or stabbing incident should be reported within 24 hours, and any incident causing serious bodily harm must be reported within five days. Those who have a license need to adhere to strict rules, including reporting crimes and incidents of moral turpitude.

Underage drinking is prohibited in Texas, and the TABC has strict penalties for underage drinking. This is a class A misdemeanor and carries with it a fine of up to $4,000, a year in jail, and a 180-day suspension of your driver’s license. The TABC also holds adults personally responsible for damages caused by underage drinking. A license is required for a business to sell alcohol, so you should be aware of these laws before you open your establishment.

TABC certification

To obtain a TABC license, you must first have the proper qualifications. TABC licenses are granted for manufacturing, distribution, and retail establishments. In some cities, you will need to obtain the approval of your county or city comptroller before applying for a TABC permit. If you violate any of the COVID-19 safety guidelines, your license will be suspended for thirty days or 60 days. In Texas, however, the TABC can issue temporary licenses without a formal review process.

Taking a TABC license is not difficult if you have the right resources. You can complete the application online and find resources to help you along the way. Online courses are available for TABC licensing. These courses will provide you with everything you need to complete your application. You can even save your work and come back to it later. The TABC is ready to assist you in every step of the application process. If you’re not sure how to proceed, visit the TABC office for assistance.

TABC-approved diagram

A TABC-approved diagram is required by law for a business. It helps a business expand and protect the safety of employees, customers, and the community. In addition, the TABC provides informational guides and datasets to assist public officials and tax assessor collectors in their work. These documents can also help businesses expand their sales area and outdoor dining space. You can also access TABC resources at their website. TABC members can share their expertise in building, remodeling, and landscaping projects, allowing you to

3 mins read

Great Ideas on What to See and Do While Visiting the Great City of Houston, Texas

Great Ideas on What to See and Do While Visiting the Great City of Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas is the largest city in the state of Texas and is a wonderful melting pot of various cultures. In fact, over 90 languages are spoken in this city showing just how diverse the population there is. It is a great place to visit as it is a sunny, warm location and has many fun and exciting things to do and see and to offer you a complete Houston fulfillment experience. This article will be a bit of a travel guide offering some information on what to do while there and some recommendations made by a Houston contract warehouse owner as well.

There have been quite a few celebrities from the entertainment industry that are from Houston, several musicians started here like Destiny’s Child, ZZ Top, Lyle Lovett, Hilary Duff and Patrick Swayze. There is also a huge hip hop music scene in this city as well. There are a variety of venues around the city to go to see and listen to a variety of concerts and bands playing which is fun. Because it is the South, there are also quite a bit of places to see some good old country music as well.

One place to go to in Houston is known as the Theatre district which is an area that is 17 blocks large located right in downtown Houston and also has the wonderful Bayou place. The bayou place is a huge complex that has a lot of different types of entertainment like restaurants, movies, parks and plazas. There is also a theatre that has live concerts, plays, small independent films, and stand up comedy shows also. Another great place to visit are the many parks and green spaces throughout the city that are beautifully maintained. Being such a big city, it is nice to see what a green one it is too.

Other great places to go see is the Houston Zoo and the Houston museum of Natural Science. Both of these places are some of the most popular tourist attractions with over two million visitors a year, so be sure to arrive as soon as it opens to avoid long lines and crowds. Three of the favorite parts of this historic museum are the planetarium, the IMAX theatre and the Cockrell butterfly center. This is the second highest rated museum in the United States and is a must see on your visit to Houston.

One of the other great things to see while in Houston is the Space Center Houston which is the official NASA visitor’s station for the Lyndon B. Johnson space center. The space center has many different interactive displays like moon rocks, and a simulator that lets you feel like it would on a space shuttle voyage. Other than museums, there are also fun things to do like go shopping in the Galleria which is the largest shopping mall in the entire state of Texas …

3 mins read

Data Mining Basics

Data Mining Basics

Definition and Purpose of Data Mining:

Data mining is a relatively new term that refers to the process by which predictive patterns are extracted from information.

Data is often stored in large, relational databases and the amount of information stored can be substantial. But what does this data mean? How can a company or organization figure out patterns that are critical to its performance and then take action based on these patterns? To manually wade through the information stored in a large database and then figure out what is important to your organization can be next to impossible.

This is where data mining techniques come to the rescue! Data mining software analyzes huge quantities of data and then determines predictive patterns by examining relationships.

Data Mining Techniques:

There are numerous data mining (DM) techniques and the type of data being examined strongly influences the type of data mining technique used.

Note that the nature of data mining is constantly evolving and new DM techniques are being implemented all the time.

Generally speaking, there are several main techniques used by data mining software: clustering, classification, regression and association methods.

Clustering:

Clustering refers to the formation of data clusters that are grouped together by some sort of relationship that identifies that data as being similar. An example of this would be sales data that is clustered into specific markets.

Classification:

Data is grouped together by applying known structure to the data warehouse being examined. This method is great for categorical information and uses one or more algorithms such as decision tree learning, neural networks and “nearest neighbor” methods.

Regression:

Regression utilizes mathematical formulas and is superb for numerical information. It basically looks at the numerical data and then attempts to apply a formula that fits that data.

New data can then be plugged into the formula, which results in predictive analysis.

Association:

Often referred to as “association rule learning,” this method is popular and entails the discovery of interesting relationships between variables in the data warehouse (where the data is stored for analysis). Once an association “rule” has been established, predictions can then be made and acted upon. An example of this is shopping: if people buy a particular item then there may be a high chance that they also buy another specific item (the store manager could then make sure these items are located near each other).

Data Mining and the Business Intelligence Stack:

Business intelligence refers to the gathering, storing and analyzing of data for the purpose of making intelligent business decisions. Business intelligence is commonly divided into several layers, all of which constitute the business intelligence “stack.”

The BI (business intelligence) stack consists of: a data layer, analytics layer and presentation layer.

The analytics layer is responsible for data analysis and it is this layer where data mining occurs within the stack. Other elements that are part of the analytics layer are predictive analysis and KPI (key performance indicator) formation.

Data mining is a critical part …

3 mins read

Dimensional Data Modeling For Data Warehouses

Dimensional Data Modeling For Data Warehouses

Dimensional data model is the most common design concept used by data warehouse designers to build data warehousing systems. The data model design is the underlying data model used by many of the commercial OLAP products available today in the market. Some of the terms commonly used in this type of modeling are: Dimension- a category of information (e.g. The time dimension); Attribute- a unique level within a dimension (e.g. Month is an attribute in the time dimension); and Hierarchy- the specification of levels that represents relationship between different attributes within a dimension (e.g. Year → Quarter → Month → Day).

Dimensional data model contains two types of tables. They are:

Fact Table: Fact table in a dimensional data model contains the measures of all interest, such measurements or metrics or facts of business processes. Take the example of the sales amount of a business. The amount can be a monthly sales number or sales number for a day. This measure is stored in the fact table with the appropriate granularity. For sales measures, a fact table generally contains three columns: a date column, a store column and a sales amount column. Besides the measurements the table will also contain foreign keys for the dimension tables.

Dimension Table: The dimension table in a dimensional model represents the context of the measurements. The context of measurements can also be understood as the characteristics such as who, what, where, when, how of a measurement (subject). For example, in a business process Sales, the characteristics of the ‘monthly sales number’ measurement would be a Location (Where), Time (When) and Product Sold (What). A dimension table contains a number of dimension attributes or columns. In the Location dimension the various attributes can be Location Code, State, Country, Zip code. Further, dimension attributes contain one or more hierarchical relationships.

If you are looking forward to building a data warehouse for your organization, you should first decide what your data warehouse will contain. Depending upon your organizational goals, you can choose the type of dimensions that can best meet your requirements. For example, if you want to build a data warehouse that would contain monthly sales numbers across multiple store locations, across time and across products then your dimensions would be Location, Time and Product.

In designing data models for data warehouses or data marts the most commonly used schema types are Star Schema and Snowflake Schema.

Star Schema: In this type of schema design, a single object or the fact table is placed in the middle and is radially connected to other surrounding objects or dimension tables like a star. Here, each dimension is represented as a single table and the primary key in each dimension table is related to a foreign key in the fact table. A simple start schema consists of one fact table and a complex star schema may contain more than one fact table.

Snowflake Schema: This type of schema design can be called as …

3 mins read

Advantages Of Hiring An Expert Witness For Banking Matters

The testimony of an expert witness from the banking industry is generally considered to be credible as they possess relevant experience and knowledge. The testimony of an expert witness banking is also highly valued in cases involving lender liability and predatory lending. The credibility of expert witnesses also improves when they have undergone ongoing professional development, including seminars and conferences. The following are some advantages of hiring an expert witness in banking matters.

Experience

If you need assistance with a financial dispute, banking expert witnesses can help determine who is responsible for the financial mess. Disputes between financial institutions can involve anything from commercial banking practices to inaccuracies in financial statements. Attorneys representing either party will frequently need the services of a banking expert witness. Therefore, it is essential to retain a banking expert as early as possible in the case. 

When a contract is in question, the parties may interpret the content differently or take actions that are not beneficial to the other party. In these cases, testimony from a banking expert witness can help determine which party wins the case. Regulations and class-action lawsuits are continually challenging modern financial banking practices. Lenders have been accused of predatory lending practices, while borrowers have been accused of overstating their income and assets to obtain mortgages.

Knowledge

Expert witnesses in banking are used in lawsuits involving money and the financial system. Their testimony is valuable in cases involving predatory lending and lender liability. The high volume of transactions and the need for detailed record keeping make this area of expertise complex. Additionally, the area of finance can be a volatile one with unforeseen issues. These issues include economic damages, claims and loss, patent valuations, investor relations, and revenue.

Independence

Independent judgments of expert witnesses in banking cases require the member to be unbiased. However, independence may be compromised by certain circumstances. For instance, a member who also serves as a director of the bank is not considered independent. The member’s independence is also compromised if he accepts an unusual consideration from the client. For example, if he accepts a gift from a bank, his firm will know about it. However, his independence would not be compromised if he joined a trade association or served as an equivalent to management.

Ability to testify on economic damages

The ability of an expert witness to testify on economic damages in a banking case has many advantages. While it can be difficult to obtain such testimony in some cases, the rule allows experts to provide evidence-based on principles, scientific concepts, and other non-opinion forms. This rule does not, however, prohibit the use of opinions. Although it requires that the trial court ensure the integrity of the expert, it has the potential to provide helpful insight. The Daubert Rule addresses the admissibility of expert testimony in many situations, including cases involving economic damages. In such cases, trial courts evaluate whether the testimony is reliable in light of the scientific principles that guide economic damages.

2 mins read

The Importance of Storage Purpose in Warehouse Construction

The Importance of Storage Purpose in Warehouse Construction

Are you interested in building your own warehouse at home? Do you want to know the first things you should consider when building warehouses? If your answers to these questions are yes, then here are a few things you should think about planning on building your own, personal warehouse.

In essence, warehouse construction is simple. There are several things you have to consider, but the very first thing you should think about is what will be its purpose. What will you be storing in your little warehouse? Base your warehouse construction plans from you answer to this question. You should base the construction of your warehouse on the needs of the items you will be storing in them.

For example, if you are planning on storing gardening materials in them, then you can go with a regular warehouse. You can settle with something made of hardwood and build your warehouse by the book. You can also place it anywhere you want to in your front or backyard. The less the needs of your items, the less effort you need to exert on building your warehouse.

However, if you plan on storing food or other consumables, you might want to add other features to your little warehouse. For one, you might be interested in add insulation to your warehouse so your food can be safe from excessive heat. You might also want to add screens to the door and windows so no insects can come in and eat the food.

You should probably place this kind of warehouse somewhere where there is a shade. This will keep your food safe from the elements. When thinking about building a warehouse, make sure to plan your construction around your warehouse’s purpose. Do your best to serve the needs of your items for storing.…

3 mins read

Avoidable Factors That Can Lead to a Premature Delivery

Avoidable Factors That Can Lead to a Premature Delivery

Normal pregnancies often occur within 37-40 weeks. A delivery before this duration is often a premature delivery. Premature labor is often signaled by multiple and frequent uterine contractions within the span of one hour, constant abdominal cramps, backaches especially when felt below the waistline, and vaginal discharge of fluid. Research shows that about 12% of pregnancies result in premature labor.

Although, science and medicine have worked together to produce high-end technologies that can address the problems with premature labor, the consequences of premature deliveries are still evident. Babies born prematurely are susceptible to diseases and can be born with birth defects because they were not able to acquire the adequate amount of nutrition from the mother’s womb.

There are certain risk factors that could lead to premature deliveries such as medical risk factors which include infections in the kidney, vagina, urinary tract, and bladder, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight problems, sexually transmitted diseases, and thrombophilia or blood clot disorder. Women who have given birth prematurely in their last pregnancy are also at risk for premature labor. Abnormalities with the cervix and uterus also make some women vulnerable to premature deliveries.

Apart from those already mentioned, a lot of premature deliveries have to do with one’s lifestyle choices. Dangerous lifestyles involving smoking, the intake of illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and hallucinogens such as PCP and LSD, and addiction with alcohol are very detrimental to the health of a pregnant woman most especially to the baby.

For as long as the baby is within the mother’s womb, it depends upon the mother’s body as its primary source of nutrients and vitamins. Since this is so, it follows that whatever the mom takes in is taken in by the baby as well. Hence, toxic fumes and substances such as carbon monoxide and nicotine from cigarette smoking, teratogen from alcohol, and hazardous chemicals from illegal drugs are also taken in by the baby. These substances are able to permeate the placenta and reach the baby. Moreover, smoking has been known to produce about 14 percent of premature deliveries while alcoholism has been associated with high chances of FASD or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (birth defects) and exposure to illegal substances are linked with birth defects, placental abruptions, and miscarriages in pregnant women.

About 15 percent of women experience anxiety and depression during their pregnancy. First-time mothers with unplanned pregnancies become concerned about their bodies and develop eating disorders such as anorexia (characterized by an overly strict diet and / or over exercise) and bulimia ( characterized by binging, purging, or/and the intake of laxatives). Women with eating disorders are prone to infections and will not be able to provide the adequate amount of nutrients that the baby needs.

To ensure a safe and timely delivery and consequently a healthy baby, make sure to address medical, health, lifestyle, and behavioral issues accordingly. Moreover, always remember that you are not alone in this …