Tag: work

What is Sleep Apnoea and how does it affect people?

Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and there’s evidence to suggest many more undiagnosed people. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and narrow during sleep, causing interruptions in breathing. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes, and can happen hundreds of times a night. People with sleep apnoea may not be aware of their breathing problems, but they often snore loudly and gasp for air. They also tend to wake up feeling tired, groggy, and irritable.

Sleep apnoea can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. It can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. It can also impair your concentration, memory, and decision-making skills, making you more prone to accidents and errors at work or school. Moreover, it can affect your relationships, mood, and quality of life.

The good news is that sleep apnoea can be diagnosed and treated effectively. The first step is to consult your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Loud or frequent snoring
  • Choking or gasping sounds during sleep
  • Pauses in breathing while sleeping
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Morning headaches or dry mouth
  • Difficulty staying awake or alert during the day
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Loss of interest in sex

Your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist who can perform a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis of sleep apnoea. A sleep study involves monitoring your breathing, heart rate, oxygen level, and brain activity while you sleep. You may be asked to wear a device at home or stay overnight at a sleep clinic.

Children can have sleep apnoea too. In fact, sleep apnoea is quite common in children, especially those who have enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can block the airway during sleep. Other factors that can increase the risk of sleep apnoea in children are obesity, allergies, hay fever, and certain genetic conditions. Sleep apnoea can affect the quality of sleep and the development of children, so it is important to seek medical help if you notice any signs or symptoms of sleep apnoea in your child.

The most common treatment for sleep apnoea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This involves wearing a mask over your nose, mouth or both, that delivers pressurized air into your airway, keeping it open and preventing it from collapsing. CPAP therapy can improve your breathing, reduce your snoring, and enhance your sleep quality and daytime alertness.

Other treatments for sleep apnoea may include:

  • Oral appliances: These are devices that fit inside your mouth and help to keep your lower jaw forward and your tongue from blocking your airway.
  • Surgery: This may be an option for some people who have severe or persistent sleep apnoea that does not respond to other treatments. Surgery may involve removing excess tissue from the throat, nose, or mouth, or correcting structural problems that cause obstruction.
  • Lifestyle changes: These can help to prevent or reduce the severity of sleep apnoea. They include losing weight if you are overweight or obese, quitting smoking if you smoke, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bedtime, sleeping on your side instead of your back, and keeping a regular sleep schedule.

In my case I use an APAP machine (similar to a CPAP but it automatically adjusts the air pressure depending on need) as I also have central apnoeas.  Central apnoeas are pauses in breathing that occur during sleep because the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. They are different from obstructive apnoeas, which are caused by a blockage in the airway. Central apnoeas can have various causes, such as heart failure, stroke, brain injury, or high altitude. They can also cause symptoms such as snoring, daytime sleepiness, headaches, and mood changes. Central apnoeas can be diagnosed by a sleep study

If you think you or a family member may have sleep apnoea, do not ignore it. Seek medical help as soon as possible and follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. By doing so, you can improve your health, well-being, and quality of life.

What is Multiple Sclerosis and how does it affect people?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing damage to the nerves that carry messages between them. This damage can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as problems with vision, movement, sensation, balance, thinking and emotions. MS is a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can also be mild or moderate in some cases. There is no cure for MS, but treatments can help manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency of relapses.

MS affects more than 2.8 million people worldwide and around 130,000 people in the UK. It is one of the most common causes of neurological disability in young adults. It is more common in women than men, and usually starts in the 20s, 30s or 40s. The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response against the myelin sheath, the protective layer that surrounds the nerve fibres.

MS is a complex and unpredictable condition that can affect people in different ways. There are four main types of MS:

  • Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common type of MS, affecting around 85% of people with MS. People with RRMS have episodes of new or worsening symptoms, called relapses, followed by periods of recovery, called remissions. The symptoms may disappear completely or partially after a relapse, but some may persist or get worse over time.
  • Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): This type of MS usually develops after many years of RRMS. People with SPMS have a gradual worsening of symptoms over time, with or without occasional relapses. About two-thirds of people with RRMS will develop SPMS within 15 years of diagnosis.
  • Primary progressive MS (PPMS): This type of MS affects about 10-15% of people with MS. People with PPMS have a steady increase in symptoms from the onset, without any relapses or remissions. PPMS tends to start later than other types of MS, usually in the 40s or 50s.
  • Progressive relapsing MS (PRMS): This is a rare type of MS, affecting less than 5% of people with MS. People with PRMS have a steady progression of symptoms from the onset, as well as occasional relapses. PRMS can start at any age.

The symptoms of MS vary widely from person to person and can affect any part of the body. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue: This is one of the most common and troublesome symptoms of MS. It is an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that can make everyday activities difficult or impossible.
  • Vision problems: These can include blurred vision, double vision, loss of vision, colour blindness, eye pain or flashes of light. These are often caused by inflammation or damage to the optic nerve (optic neuritis).
  • Numbness and tingling: These are abnormal sensations that can affect different parts of the body, such as the arms, legs or trunk. They are caused by damage to the sensory nerves.
  • Muscle spasms, stiffness and weakness: These are problems with muscle function that can affect movement, balance and co-ordination. They are caused by damage to the motor nerves.
  • Pain: This can be acute or chronic pain that can affect different parts of the body. It can be caused by nerve damage (neuropathic pain) or muscle spasms (musculoskeletal pain).
  • Problems with thinking, learning and planning: These are cognitive problems that can affect memory, attention, concentration, reasoning and problem-solving. They are caused by damage to the brain tissue.
  • Depression and anxiety: These are emotional problems that can affect mood, motivation and self-esteem. They can be caused by the impact of living with MS or by changes in brain chemistry.
  • Sexual problems: These can include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness or difficulty reaching orgasm. They can be caused by physical or psychological factors.
  • Bladder problems: These can include urinary urgency, frequency, incontinence or retention. They can be caused by damage to the nerves that control bladder function.
  • Bowel problems: These can include constipation, diarrhoea or faecal incontinence. They can be caused by damage to the nerves that control bowel function.
  • Speech and swallowing difficulties: These can include slurred speech, difficulty finding words or swallowing food or drink. They can be caused by damage to the nerves that control speech and swallowing.

The severity and impact of these symptoms can vary from person to person and over time. Some people may only experience mild or occasional symptoms, while others may have more severe or frequent symptoms that affect their quality of life. The symptoms can also be influenced by factors such as stress, infection, temperature, medication or menstruation.

MS can be a challenging condition to live with, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and cope with the changes. There are various treatments available for MS, such as medication, therapy, surgery or complementary therapies. These can help reduce inflammation, prevent relapses, slow down progression, relieve symptoms or improve function. There are also support services and resources available for people with MS and their families, such as MS nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, counsellors, social workers or support groups. These can provide information, advice, guidance, practical help or emotional support.

MS is not a fatal condition, but it can affect life expectancy to some extent. The average life expectancy for people with MS is about 5 to 10 years lower than the general population. However, this can vary depending on the type of MS, the age of onset, the severity of symptoms and the availability of treatment. Many people with MS can live long and fulfilling lives with the right care and support.

If you want to learn more about MS, you can visit the following websites:

  • MS Society: A UK charity that provides information, support and research for people affected by MS.
  • MS Trust: A UK charity that provides information, education and specialist services for people living with MS.
  • NHS: The UK’s national health service that provides information and advice on health conditions and treatments.

Take Control of Your Career By Building a Business From Home

This is a guest post by Elijah Dawson of Look for Jobs Here

Are you looking to take control of your career? Starting and running your own business allows you to be your own boss, work on your own terms, and live the life you want. With the right plan and some hard work, you can build a successful business from the comfort of your own home.

Have a Well-Appointed Office Space

When working from home, it’s important to have a designated office space in order to stay productive. This will help reduce distractions and allow you to focus on building your business without worrying about other household chores or tasks. You should also make sure that this space is comfortable and inviting, as this will make it easier for you to spend time in it. Also see that you make the space accessible and client-appropriate.

Setting up a home office can also add to your home’s value. Such improvements and updates often result in a boost in one’s property appraisal value, which is a great help should you decide to sell your home soon. Be sure to save all the receipts as you create the office space so you can justify the update in the future.

Write a Business Plan

Creating a detailed business plan is crucial for starting any successful business. It should outline start-up costs, target customers, market research, and marketing strategies. Harvard Business Review points out that a well-thought-out plan makes it easier for potential investors or lenders to understand the project and to decide if they want to invest or provide funding.

Hire Remote Workers

Hiring remote workers can be a viable solution for businesses looking to grow quickly and save on overhead costs. Remote workers offer flexibility in terms of work location and required resources, resulting in lower expenses over time. Additionally, remote work allows access to a wider pool of talent, including specialised skillsets unavailable locally.

Develop a Marketing Plan

A marketing plan is crucial for the success of any new product or service launch. It outlines how you will reach potential customers and convince them to choose your offer over others in the market. This plan includes creating an online presence, building relationships with influencers, advertising through multiple channels, and utilising referral programs to maximise customer reach and build brand trust.

Take Advantage of YouTube

Utilising Youtube‘s global user base of millions provides an incredible opportunity for effective advertising. By incorporating banners and ads within related videos, businesses can greatly amplify their reach and attract customers. And with Youtube‘s free and user-friendly platform, it’s easy to get started.

Take Breaks

The Wellbeing Thesis notes that taking regular breaks throughout the day is crucial to maintain productivity levels and avoiding burnout caused by overworking oneself. Engaging in activities like taking walks outside, reading books, or listening to music can help rejuvenate the mind and body from prolonged hours spent staring at screens. Even short breaks away from the workspace can have a significant impact on an individual’s productivity and overall well-being.

Get an Online Business Degree 

Going back to school to sharpen their current skill sets can benefit individuals who aim to become better entrepreneurs and leaders. Either by enrolling in a full-time study program or online classes, individuals can improve themselves professionally and gain a university degree which can increase their employment opportunities. This approach can also provide huge time savings and demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to personal and professional growth, which is highly valued by potential employers.

Building a successful business requires hard work and dedication, but the effort is worth it. One should consider having a designated office space. Utilising sites like YouTube and sharpening your skillset by going back to school to earn an online degree are all effective tips that can help you take your first steps toward owning your own business and tackle future obstacles head-on.

Image via Pexels

Turning the Tables – Employing Disabled People

This post on the Same Difference blog prompted some thoughts on the subject of employing disabled people.  It can be nerve wracking for anyone going through the whole job hunting process – updating your CV, applying for a job, writing the perfect cover letter and then, if you’re lucky, going to an interview.

For a person with a disability this can be even more worrying.  Not only are you in competition with the other applicants, you must also get past any prejudices and worries and pre-conceived ideas that the potential employer may have.  The employer may believe for example that a disabled person is likely to take lots of time off because of illness or for medical appointments.  If the role applied for is customer facing the employer may worry about what customers will think.

There are many other ideas that may, in the employers mind, put up barriers to employing the disabled person.  It may seem to be the easier option to employ an able-bodied person instead, even if their skills or experience are less than the disabled person.

Preparing for the interview is key to dealing with this.  Of course, it is always important to prepare for an interview.  Research the company or organisation, find out all you can about them, be prepared to answer questions about them – the employer will be looking for someone who has taken an interest.  In addition have some questions ready to fire back.  Has the company recently won a large contract or opened new premises?  Are they doing something new or interesting?  Mention it and probe into the details.  Not only does this show you have done some research and are interested but it also turns the interview into a 2-way conversation rather than a question and answer session.

That is standard interview preparation advice.  For the disabled person you could also prepare some information about your disability.  You don’t need to give your entire medical history but letting the employer know what effects your disability has on your day-to-day life and what adjustments might be needed in order for you to be effective in the role can be useful and gives you the chance to present your disability in a positive way and counter any doubts that the employer might have.

Let’s take a look at one of the most common worries employers have about taking on disabled staff, and some of the positive arguments:

“Disabled people need lots of time off, this costs money”

Sure, disabled people may need time off from time to time.  Sometimes we have  appointments for assessments, treatments and regular check ups.  But this also applies to able-bodied people.
Some people see disabled people as being ill simply because they have a disability.  This is quite common but untrue.  We do get ill, but we are not ill constantly.
Disabled people are more likely to come to work even if they are ill.  There can be a feeling that we have to work harder and better than our able-bodied colleagues in order to prove ourselves.
Following on from the above, disabled people are less likely to take time off for common problems that see able-bodied people staying at home.  Because we’re often used to pain, side effects of medications and struggling with every day tasks we are able to cope with back pain, headaches, feelings of nausea etc.

See how the negative can be turned around?  If nothing else, see the interview as a chance to educate and maybe, just maybe, change someone’s view.

Employer Attitudes Towards Disabled Employees

Attitudes Towards Physical and Mental Impairment in the Modern Office Environment

In 2006, at the age of 29, I became disabled. This wasn’t just an overnight thing but was gradual over several months and I believe, looking back, had been
going on for a number of years beforehand.

My disability consists of a mental illness, known as Conversion Disorder, which causes me several physical and mental disabilities. I have difficulty for example with walking, often using my wheelchair or crutches to get around. Among the more “invisible” problems are my poor memory and lack of ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

I have been working in 1st line IT Support now for around 11 years and in 2006 was employed in the private sector by a large multinational food company. I went from walking normally one week in the office, albeit with some stumbling and falling, to walking with a stick and then, after trying to avoid it for some weeks, using my wheelchair to get around full time.

The first time I entered the office in my ‘chair I was extremely nervous and wondered what my colleague’s reactions might be. I needn’t have
worried – the ‘chair was simply accepted and didn’t seem to phase anyone or provoke any unwanted attention.

For their part my employer contacted my GP for info on how best they could accommodate me and any changes they may need
to implement in my work or working environment. They also arranged an independent Occupational Therapy Assessment, again so that they could find out
how best to help me continue in my work.

My GP advised that I should avoid stressful situations which meant that my workload was reduced and at one point it was suggested that I could work in the company mail room which I found quite upsetting and which never came to pass. Other items that came out of these assessments were that a different keyboard/mouse might be useful as I often have problems gripping a mouse, so I use a touchpad instead.

Every suggestion that came back was run past me and if I agreed it was implemented – the company even decided to give me every Tuesday off to visit a support group but kept me on full pay and paid for taxis to and from work when I couldn’t drive. Nothing, it seemed, was too much trouble. Being new to disability I was completely unaware of the DDA and would never have dreamed of asking for any of the adjustments they made, even though they did help enormously. My view was that my problems were my problems and I had to deal with them.

That employment ended with redundancy when the company decided to outsource IT to a third party. We were transferred under TUPE rules to become employees of that third party who announced that they wanted us to relocate to Milton Keynes and admitted that the two office buildings they had there were both inaccessible to wheelchair users. So the only option for me was redundancy.

So now, faced with unemployment and still coming to terms with my newly acquired disability, I was forced to start searching for work. Cue much sending of CVs to various agencies and jobsearch websites. Most of the jobs I were applying for I was more than qualified for but it seemed that no-one was even interested in inviting me for interview. The only interviews I was getting were from the “two ticks” organisations – public bodies who had the “Positive About Disabled People” symbol on their forms and the guaranteed interview organisations.

A lot of these very blatantly were simply going through the motions and doing what they were required to do. Then there was an interview
in Leeds. Again I turned up, dressed as smart as I could (shirt and tie – jackets don’t go well with wheelchairs) and ready for yet another
disappointment. The interview itself I felt went badly and I left thinking I would never hear from them again.

Two days later I got a call from that organisations HR department asking why I hadn’t mentioned the fact that I was
disabled on the application form. I had completely missed the entire Equality section of the long form and had therefore gotten through to the interview on my
own merits! It transpired that they were offering me the job but needed me to complete the form first. I hastily completed the form and emailed it back to
them. I was offered the job and accepted straight away.

Being a public sector organisation there are a lot of things that need to be done it seems when a disabled person is employed. I was invited to visit the office for a day to assess whether I could get around and what adaptations might need to be put in place. It was decided that a powered door opener on the main entrance and my own parking space in the garage under the building were needed. Again I couldn’t have asked for this and the parking space, in Leeds centre, is worth its weight in gold!

So, adaptations in place and I was working again. Then my line manager took maternity leave and problems started. Another manager was appointed
to my team and his attitude and knowledge seemed to be based around 50 years in the past. I was made to feel unreliable, useless and a burden to the rest of the team everytime I had a hospital or doctor appointment, or one of the kids or my partner were ill. He would pick apart the work I had done each day looking for mistakes and making it known when he felt he had found the slightest thing wrong. It seemed nothing I could do was good enough, even when I was working longer hours and doing more work than the rest of the team.

The final straw came when I was excluded from a briefing session being held in London. I asked why I had been excluded and was told by this manager that it was felt that my mobility problems and family commitments would make it difficult for me to attend. I pointed out that I could deal with my mobility problems myself and was used to life being difficult. I wasn’t excluded again.

I think that becoming disabled has given me a unique viewpoint on life and on working life in particular. It has been a real eye opener to a whole world of which I knew nothing previously and has shown that in some people old fashioned attitudes towards disabled people are still rife, but also that there are good employers and people out there who will bend over backwards to accommodate disabled people.

The trick is to find them…..