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9 Lifestyle Tips to Manage Tachycardia

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William
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For most adults, the heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. When someone’s heart beats more than 100 times per minute, they have a condition called tachycardia. During certain specific experiences, it’s normal for your heart rate to go above 100. This may happen during exercise or when something scares you, and it’s called sinus tachycardia.

Sometimes, your heart beats faster than 100 beats per minute due to a problem in the heart,or an underlying health problem such as diabetes or thyroid disease. Other times, doctors aren’t entirely sure why a person’s heart rate is higher.

Some types of tachycardia cause episodes during which the heart rate goes irregularly high – someone’s heart rate refers to how often the heart beats per minute. Other types, such as inappropriate sinus tachycardia, are associated with a high resting heart rate. This means that even while sitting down, someone with this type of tachycardia may have a heart above 100.

Types of Tachycardia

There are different types of tachycardia. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Atrial fibrillation, also called afib. This is used to describe an irregular and often fast heart rate. About 3 million to 6 million people in the U.S. have atrial fibrillation.
  • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or atrial tachycardia. Your heart has two upper chambers and two lower chambers. With SVT or atrial tachycardia, a fast heart rate is caused by abnormal firing of the electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers.
  • Ventricular tachycardia. This type of tachycardia is caused by an abnormal firing of the electrical signals in the heart’s lower chambers. Ventricular tachycardia can be life-threatening, especially if you have other previous heart damage. That’s because ventricular tachycardia may not allow enough blood to pump throughout your body.
  • Inappropriate sinus tachycardia. This type of tachycardia causes a person to have a higher-than-normal heart rate without a clear cause. “I often explain to patients that the brain and the body tell the heart how fast to beat. With inappropriate sinus tachycardia, that set point is off for whatever reason,” says Dr. Sandeep Jain, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

The Dangers of Living With Tachycardia

How serious someone’s case of tachycardia is may vary depending on the cause, how fast the heart races and whether the patient has underlying heart disease, says Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen, director of electrophysiology and pacing for the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond and an American Heart Association volunteer medical expert.

Ventricular tachycardia is considered more serious and must be addressed. Having afib increases your risk for stroke because your irregular heartbeat can allow blood to collect in the heart and potentially form a blood clot that can travel to your brain. This makes it another type of tachycardia that requires monitoring.

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia isn’t life threatening and doesn’t appear to weaken the heart muscle, Jain says. Still, if a person has it and their heart rate shoots up extremely high, it may require medical attention.

Treatments for Tachycardia

Treatments for tachycardia, depending on the type you have, include:

  • Medications such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.
  • A procedure called an ablation, which destroys the cells causing the tachycardia. Doctors may try ablation if medications have not helped enough.
  • A pacemaker, which is a type of device inserted under the skin that uses electrical pulses to help correct an abnormal heartbeat.
  • An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, which is a small device that detects your heart rhythm and sends electrical shocks to help correct it. This is used when you have life-threatening tachycardia.

Treatment can help cure certain forms of tachycardia, such as ablation that fixes an abnormal electrical circuit in the heart.This can include atrial fibrillation, SVT and ventricular tachycardia.

Other treatments like medications may not cure tachycardia but can lessen the burden of it, says Dr. Nikhil Warrier, a cardiac electrophysiologist and medical director of electrophysiology at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

In addition to treatment, there are certain lifestyle changes that can help keep your heart rate under control when you have tachycardia.

9 Lifestyle Tips for Tachycardia


Anything that’s considered a stimulant can potentially increase your heart rate. Two big triggers for tachycardia are caffeine and alcohol. In fact, alcohol can raise the risk for afib and make existing cases of afib worse.

Other potential food triggers for tachycardia include:

  • Salt.
  • Spicy foods.
  • Sugar.
  • The chemical MSG, used in some Chinese food.

You should listen to your body to track what triggers are strongest for you, Jain recommends. Each person’s diet-related triggers may slightly vary.


Studies show that weight loss in overweight patients with atrial fibrillation can help to keep their heart rate lower, Ellenbogen says.

For instance, a 2015 study presented at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting that included 355 obese patients with afib found that losing 10% of their body weight made them six times more likely to no longer have afib or its symptoms.

You’ll want to check with your doctor or a registered dietitian on the best tips to help you lose weight. However, a heart-healthy diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is always good for the body, Warrier says.


If you have tachycardia but you’re otherwise healthy, your doctor will most likely recommend that you exercise regularly. “Any form of exercise will work as long as you aim for 150 minutes a week,” says Dr. Leonard Pianko, a cardiologist and founder of Aventura Cardiovascular Center in Aventura, Florida. The goal of moderate physical activity 150 minutes a week can break down to 30 minutes daily, five days a week.

Some exercise possibilities to keep in mind include:

Check first with your doctor to see if you should keep your heart rate below a certain level. Some providers may follow a pre-established formula to determine your heart rate limit when exercising. The American Heart Association has a resource that addresses target heart rates, but again, always ask your doctor what’s right for you.


Certain medications can raise your heart rate and may be better to avoid. These can include:

  • Cold medicines like decongestants (for example, pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine).
  • Albuterol, used often in inhalers to treat asthma.
  • Certain antidepressants, including selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

If you use medication for your tachycardia, it’s also possible for certain drugs to have an interaction with the medications you currently take. That could lead to unwanted side effects.


If you know you have tachycardia, then your doctor probably already did some tests to rule out health conditions that sometimes cause a faster heart rate. These can include:

These conditions can raise your heart rate for different reasons. For instance, your heart must work harder when your body has excess thyroid hormone, and one common result is a faster heart rate. Anemia, which is a low iron level, forces the heart to work harder to make up for decreased oxygen in the blood.

Continue to monitor your overall health and let your doctor know of any new unusual symptoms that may require further testing, just in case they’re associated with your faster heart rate.


Heat can lead to a higher heart rate in some people. More specifically, the dehydration that often happens when you’re out in the heat puts extra stress on the body. That’s what can make your heart rate shoot up. If you live in a hot environment, do your outdoors exercise first thing in the morning or in the evening, Pianko advises.

Stay well hydrated, and replenish electrolytes that your body uses after exercise or extreme heat. Sports drinks and coconut water can help replace electrolytes.


Excess stress and anxiety can cause your heart rate to speed up. Try to identify what’s causing your stress. Use some common-sense tips to help you cope with stress, such as:

If you still have trouble managing stress, consider seeking further help from a mental health professional.


Knowing what your heart rate is throughout the day and during certain activities can be empowering. If you want to know your heart rate specifics, consider buying a fitness smart watch that will track your heart rate.

The watch will also track your heart rate data over time so you can share those numbers with your doctor. If you go to a gym, you can also monitor your heart rate on most exercise machines.


Once you have diagnosed tachycardia, you may plan to return to your primary doctor or a cardiologist every few months for monitoring. It’s also helpful to know when you should see your doctor sooner rather than later, Jain says. Plan to set a doctor’s appointment if:

  • You’re having more frequent tachycardia episodes. An episode may last a few seconds, a few minutes or longer, but it’s a time period where your heart races more tha normal. For instance, a person with SVT may have a heart rate of 150 to 220 beats per minute during an episode. You may also feel chest pain, dizziness and is if you are going to faint.
  • Tachycardia gets in the way of you doing the things you want to do.
  • The condition is affecting you emotionally.
  • You have to visit the ER for your tachycardia episodes.

6 brilliant strategies that helped these people pay off more than $800,000 in debt

By
William
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Getting out of debt isn’t easy. It usually requires a lot of time and sacrifice. But having a game plan can make the process easier no matter how much you owe.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider these six success stories about paying off debt with the help of simple tricks, tools, and strategies. All told, these people have paid off, collectively, more than $800,000 in debt.

1. Visualize your debt

An $18 dry-erase board proved to be a good investment for David and Alana Almonte. The couple, who live in Exeter, Rhode Island, say they used this simple tool to help them tackle student loan debt.

“I’m a very visual person, and my wife is very visual,” David told Grow earlier this year. So he decided that a good method to help them ditch their debt was to track the total on a board in their kitchen. That daily reminder nudged them to spend less, helping them pay off $18,000 from 2016 to 2018.

2. Organize your home

Abigail Ness, a 34-year-old research analyst from Nampa, Idaho, took inspiration from decluttering guru Marie Kondo and used home organization as a way to improve her finances. She made an inventory of her belongings, which led her to change her shopping habits and reduce unnecessary purchases.

“I made it my mission to be resourceful with the things I already own,” Ness told Grow earlier this year. Getting organized helped her pay off $43,500 in debt over three years.

3. Adopt a one-income lifestyle

Bernadette and AJ Maulion of Charlotte, North Carolina, realized they would need to cut their spending significantly to quickly pay off their more than $300,000 in student loan and mortgage debt. So they made a plan to only live off of one income — AJ’s $91,000 salary. To keep their bills in line with that single-income strategy, they sold many of their possessions, including one of their two cars and unneeded furniture and clothing.

“Seeing how much I was paid for things [I sold] and how much they depreciated deterred me from wanting to buy things,” Bernadette told Grow earlier this year.

4. Use cash — and only cash

Cash is king for 23-year-old Kristy Epperson of Dayton, Ohio. Using a cash-only spending strategy, Epperson was able to pay off $20,000 in student loan and auto loan debt in just one year.

By ditching plastic, Epperson found that she was more mindful about where and when she spent money. That helped her avoid online shopping and ordering takeout. “I would look at my credit card bill and not even remember some of the charges,” she told Grow.

5. Communicate about money with your partner

After their honeymoon in 2014, Michael and Taylor Lacy of Houston, Texas, realized they were $61,000 in debt. That didn’t sit well with the newlyweds, who became motivated to pay it off as efficiently as possible.

The couple made a budget and had monthly money meetings to discuss their saving and spending habits. They credit their candid conversations with helping them stay on track even through setbacks like a job loss.

6. Account for every dollar you spend

After leaving graduate school in 2014, Kayla and Ryan Anderson had a combined $336,676 in student loans to contend with. To make the most of every cent of income, they used a zero-dollar based budget. That means you account for each and every dollar you spend so that your income minus your expenses equals zero, leaving no room for frivolous spending.

The Andersons keep just $25 each per month to spend as they wish on small indulgences like eating out. They are on track to have paid off $400,000 by the end of 2019.

“It’s those structures and that system that have helped us learn a financial lifestyle that is sustainable,” Kayla told Grow. “It’s not like a quick-fix diet.”

Business insurance costs up 15% despite reforms survey finds

By
William
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The cost of insurance for businesses and voluntary groups continues to rise despite reductions in the value of certain personal injury awards introduced earlier this year, a new survey has found.

The Alliance for Insurance Reform says recent insurance renewal costs are up 15% on average, despite the changes made by the Judicial Council being put in place in April.

The organisation has been carrying out an ongoing survey of insurance costs since the new personal injury guidelines took effect, with over 380 businesses responding.

While respondents reported private motor insurance renewals fell on average by 10%, there were substantial increases in charges on commercial policies.

Homecare businesses have seen the biggest increases in premiums, up 122%, while nursing homes have seen their insurance costs rise 35%.

The results also show that hospitality premiums are up 9%, even though many providers have been operating at reduced capacity or have been closed for much of the period.

A related survey of 74 members by the umbrella body for the community, voluntary and charity sector, The Wheel, found nearly half of its members saw their liability premiums increased by more than 10%.

Last week, the Personal Injuries Assessment Board said its average awards since the new guidelines came into effect had dropped by 40% compared to last year.

But the Alliance claims the benefit from this, as well as a reduction of liability related personal injury claims over the past decade, the commencement of the Perjury Act, the opening of Garda Insurance Fraud Office and hugely reduced claims in the last two years due to less economic activity, has not yet been passed on to customers.

 

“Everything is being done to facilitate affordable insurance,” said Tracy Sheridan, owner of Kidspace play centres and director of the Alliance.

“And yet we still see premiums increasing.”

The Alliance has called on the Government to urgently act to boost competition by getting more underwriters into the market.

It also claims a range of other reforms need to be carried through on, including by rebalancing the duty of care, reforming PIAB and establishing a publicly-owned fraud database.

Last week the Tánaiste said he expected the drop in personal injury award levels would be reflected in reduced premiums for individuals, businesses and volunteer groups.

He added that the Government will continue to work with the insurance sector to make sure this is the case.

Insurance Ireland said today that the market for Employers Liability and Public Liability has been loss making for a number of years and remains very challenging.

“The reality is that the number of insurers providing El and PL cover in the Irish market has been reducing because of these challenges,” Insurance Ireland said.

“The reductions in claims pay outs announced by PIAB following the introduction of the new Judicial Guidelines on Personal Injuries are very welcome, but they are relevant only to the PIAB cases and we don’t yet know the impact on claims that are being litigated through the Courts,” said Moyagh Murdock, CEO of Insurance Ireland.

Caption

“The Public Liability and Employer’s Liability insurance market remains very challenging in Ireland and needs to be more attractive in order to attract more competition,” Ms Murdock said.

She also said it is essential that, apart from the introduction of the Judicial Guidelines earlier this year, the other measures in the Action Plan for Insurance Reform are progressed.

These include the strengthening of the powers of PIAB, the rebalancing of the duty of care between business and the citizen, and increasing competition in the market.

“It is particularly crucial that we see a strengthening of PIAB’s ability to settle cases so that fewer claims go to the Courts, where the legal costs add so much to the overall cost of settling claims,” Ms Murdock added.

Your Guide For Picking The Best Laptop Battery

By
William
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Laptops are the most popular type of computer on the market. This is because they are portable and can be used anywhere. Their portability is greatly attributed to the fact that they have rechargeable batteries. The best laptop batteries are designed to hold a charge that can power the machine for at least a couple of hours. Laptop batteries are some of the most overworked components of a laptop. This is why they often get spoilt and stop operating as they used to when they were new. This is why you may need to get a replacement laptop battery after a few years. Choosing the best laptop battery to replace the old one requires a lot of consideration. Whether it is the Batterie A41-X550A or any other type of battery, the market features a host of products.

How to choose the right laptop battery

The following are some important things you need to consider when choosing the best battery for your laptop.

1. Compatibility

One of the first and most critical things you should consider when choosing a battery for your laptop is its compatibility with your device. A battery that is not compatible with your machine will have functionality issues. To ensure that a battery is compatible with your computer, check the serial number and specs. You can find this information at the back of your computer or on your old battery. If you do not find it here, you can also search the internet or reach out to the manufacturer to help you make the right choice. Note that using an incompatible charger could result in issues like the swelling of your laptop battery or malfunctioning of your charger.

2. Consider the battery material

Another important thing you must consider when selecting the best laptop battery is the material. The material will determine how long the battery will last and how properly it functions. Note that you must consider the type of computer you are working with and the materials for the original battery.

3. Power rating and service life

It would also be wise to look at the power rating and service life of the laptop battery. These two elements have a significant impact on the performance and lifespan of the battery. The power rating is usually indicated on the battery. It would be wise to consider the power rating of your old laptop battery before choosing the new one.

4. The brand

The brand of the laptop battery is also something worth considering. It would be wise to choose a battery from the same brand as your laptop. This will ensure compatibility and proper functioning. Generic laptop batteries are always an option. However, such batteries are usually less efficient, and their qualities are questionable.

Conclusion

Other than the elements listed above, you may also want to consider the price of the battery. Various stores feature different prices. You may be tempted to go for the lowest prices. However, before doing this, you must consider the quality of the product and the shop’s reputation.

Ultimate Guide to Heated Gloves for Winter Activities

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William
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Heated gloves can help you fight cold weather during winter. Although winter is one of the harshest seasons, it is also the epitome of various activities, such as ice fishing, skiing, and snowboarding. If you want to enjoy these activities, you need to get the best electrical heated gloves. However, they are not all made equal. It is now possible to keep my hand warm in winter. Before you buy a pair to keep your hands warm, you need to gather a lot of information about them.

Types of Heated Gloves

The following are the common types of heated gloves for winter.

1. Battery-Powered Heated Gloves

These gloves come with a rechargeable battery. They are ideal if you want to enjoy short rides outdoors. Since the battery is inbuilt, your mobility is not hindered. The problem with these gloves is that their batteries can be a bit heavy. You might also need to purchase the battery separately.

2. Chemically Heated Gloves

The chemically heated gloves have a pocket for placing an air-activated heating element. Usually, the heat will last for up to 10 hours before replacing it. This also means you can put on your heated gloves without the heating element.

3. Motorcycle Gloves

Make sure you only use heated gloves designed for riding a motorcycle. Although you might come across gloves meant for skiing, hiking, and driving, they do not have the required protection you need if you fall.

Features of Heated Gloves

1. Material

It is advisable to choose gloves that are weather-proofed and wind-proof. This will ensure you are comfortable when you wear them. Consider the outer shells that are made with polyester or nylon. Waterproof protection helps keep the hands protected. However, they feel less breathable and can make your hands clammy. Leather is wind-proof and waterproof. Also, you can be assured of a solid grip that prevents entry of moisture and allows for breathability. This also means leather can protect the hands from excessive sweating.

2. Fit

You need to ensure you get heated gloves that fit properly. It is advisable to measure your hand and confirm with the size chart if you decide to buy online.

3. Battery Life

Heated gloves feature rechargeable batteries, which can offer up to 12 hours of heat. If you want long-lasting times, you should consider getting an additional pair of replacement batteries.

Reasons to Get Heated Gloves

1. Adequate Protection

Frostbite is a common problem you will experience if you are exposed to extreme cold for an extended period. Unfortunately, frostbite can result in damage to your hands. Thus, it is advisable to get heated gloves to protect you from this health risk.

2. Comfort

Icy conditions can result in pain, particularly when working. When you wear heated gloves, it is advisable to keep the joints comfortable.

3. Waterproof Abilities

Heated gloves are designed to repel water. Thus, you do not have to be concerned about the dampness of the skin. The heated gloves retain heat, and you can continue with your outdoor activities normally. Since these gloves keep cold away, you do not lose much of the body heat. This means you can enjoy your outdoor time.

The modern heated gloves come with other features such as smart touch. This means you can use your touchscreen devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches, without taking your hands off.

Paramount Pictures Shakes Up Business Affairs Division

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William
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There are more changes at Paramount Pictures under president and CEO Brian Robbins.

The studio said on Tuesday that Courtney D. Armstrong is joining Paramount as president of business affairs and administration. Meanwhile, senior executive vp business and legal affairs Stephen Plum is departing Paramount. Jay Galston, executive vp strategic planning and business development, is also leaving.

 

In the new role, Armstrong — a longtime veteran of Warner Bros. — will oversee business and legal affairs for all of the studio’s live-action and animation production divisions. Additionally, he will also lead the studio’s business development team. In that capacity, he will not only oversee the analysis and evaluation of all new business opportunities for Paramount, but will work on the company’s strategic planning activities.

Why You Need To Purchase An Android TV Box

By
William
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An android TV box is a combination of the latest powerful technology and a TV box. It allows for one to watch whatever channel or movie they want at whatever time they want to. The android box invention provides a great source of entertainment at home. It offers the best way to relieve stress and unwind after a long week or day at work. There are several reasons to purchase a smart tv box android. This article aims at informing you of reasons to purchase an Android TV box.

What is an Android TV box?

An android TV box uses the android operating system to operate. It is a device that you can use to stream services. It would help if you plugged the android box into your TV to operate. In addition, you can use an android box to get services such as Netflix. Setting up the android box is quite a simple process. You need to plug it into the HDMI port available at the back of your TV. Once you finish setting up the android TV box, you can start streaming immediately.

Reasons to purchase an Android TV box

1. Easy to connect

It is very simple and easy to connect the android box to either your TV or the internet. For the internet, you can easily use Ethernet or wireless wifi to connect. After connecting the box to the internet, it is very simple to acquire streaming services on your TV. After all the connection processes, you can begin to enjoy the entertainment services immediately.

2. An endless source of entertainment

The number of channels available in an android TV box is over a thousand. The channels such as free movies, sports live channels, and adult channels are among the free channels usually available in an android box. Also, the android box usually provides channels from all over the globe. Therefore you are spoilt for choice. Furthermore, an android box is a vital source of entertainment in the comfort of your own home.

3. High-quality entertainment

The best thing about an android TV box is that it can help you turn your home into a cinema. The services offered are of high-quality. You can download as many apps as you want.

4. User-friendly

An android TV box is usually made to be user-friendly. It is easy to operate. Also, once you purchase, you do not need to incur the costs of monthly payments. You pay the initial cost of purchase, and from there on, it is free. Also, for any firmware upgrade, you can opt to upgrade at no fee at all. The free services provide you with a lifetime of maximum benefits.

5. After-sales services

Most android TV box sites offer the best after-sales services. In case you have any inquiries, you can contact them via social media, phone number, or even mail.

6. User manual

An android TV box comes with a user manual. The user manual can help guide you on how to plug the TV box into your TV, connecting to the internet, installing apps, and operating it.

Conclusion

An android TV box offers an endless source of entertainment to you and your family. It is very cheap and has very many benefits. Get yourself an Evpad pro and get to enjoy amazing TV programs.

4 Classifications of Name Necklaces

By
William
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0

Name necklaces have been trendy for many years as a way to show one’s identity. However, their styles have evolved into a modern and more stylish masterpiece that fits well with most outfits and looks. The necklace can have your name, your partner’s, your child’s, or that something significant in your life. The personalization process is easy and quick, thanks to companies like Ineffabless, who offer customization services for name necklaces at an affordable price. Click https://www.ineffabless.de/namenskette.html to get your necklace. In this extract, we expound on the name necklace categories.

Categories of Name Necklaces

Common name necklace classifications include;

1. Necklace Style

Various styles of name necklaces exist in any jewelry store, such as 3D name necklaces, two name necklaces, photo, and name locket necklaces and bar necklaces. For more customization options, 3D name necklaces are the best. A designer can incorporate various accents, metals, and other essential elements based on your preference. The two name necklaces are mostly designed with a heart/love sign or an infinity sign to signify unending love between two people. They make good gift pieces to that special person in your life. Just like the name, bar necklaces have a rectangular bar that’s etched with a name of your choice. The bars can be made using different metals, making the necklaces stylish and trendy.

2. Material/ Metal

The materials used in making name necklaces differ and have their special characteristics. Examples include gold, diamond, silver, and add-on elements like pearls and gemstones. Gold is among the best metal though it is difficult to find jewelry in pure gold. Though it doesn’t tarnish, it is soft and is often mixed with another metal to retain its quality and enhance durability. However, the combination of gold plus another metal causes a change in the original color resulting in different colors such as rose gold.

The gold amount in jewelry varies, whereby more karats indicate more gold used. Sterling silver is used in place of silver, which is an alloy of copper and silver. Diamonds, pearls, and gemstones can be set on the necklace to your liking to make it pop.

3. Method of Creation

Etching or engraving are the main techniques used to create a name on any name necklace plate. Several steps are taken during the creation process to develop a unique jewelry piece. Special cutting machines are used example, drill and laser machines which make the procedure effective. After cutting, the pieces are crafted and shined to produce market-ready items.

4. Event/ Occasion

When picking out a name necklace, in most instances, you already have the occasion in mind. Though they can be worn to various places, where you are going often guides you. Statement pieces are good for laid-back events where you are required to dress in casual wear. For office looks or formal events, simple name necklaces are ideal since they go well with most outfits.

Bottom Line

Name necklaces are stylish, trendy, and beautiful to wear, thereby enhancing your look. You can add a personal touch or style by customizing them using your preferred material, creation method, and style to fit your occasion. In addition, on the nameplate, the name can be written in the language you choose.

UK supply chain crisis to last until at least 2023, business leaders warn

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William
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The UK’s supply chain crisis will continue into 2023 and beyond, driving up inflation and delaying Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s domestic policy agenda to “level up” the economy, a broad coalition of business groups warned on Tuesday. The leaders from a range of sectors told MPs that small businesses would bear the brunt of labour shortages and price rises that have hit swaths of the economy this year, including haulage, hospitality, food and drink, construction and autos. “Six months ago our businesses all thought this was transitory, now every business I know expects this to last into 2023 and 2024. Every single one,” Ian Wright, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation told the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee. With materials costs rising 30 to 40 per cent as the global economy struggles to reopen after Covid-19 shutdowns and international freight rates up 10-fold from pre-pandemic levels, manufacturing groups said inflation was now “baked in” to the UK economy. Wright said inflation in the food and hospitality sector was running at a “terrifying” 14 to 18 per cent. Stephen Phipson, chief executive of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, said that while demand was returning strongly, companies were struggling to fulfil orders and were facing “really serious issues” in terms of price increases and component availability. “What we have seen in the last quarter is companies starting to pass those costs on . . . which does imply that inflation is now more or less baked in. This is not a transitory inflationary demand,” he added. He warned that it was a “matter of months, probably six months, before we start seeing failures in business”, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises that served big manufacturers. Asked what impact this would have on the government’s levelling up agenda, which is central to the Conservative party’s re-election pitch ahead of a poll expected in 2023 or spring 2024, Phipson replied that “it just means the whole programme will take longer than we wanted it to”. The business organisation chiefs were unanimous in complaining about the government’s failure to take a strategic approach to tackling labour shortages that they said were now a “structural” feature of the economy and would not pass quickly. Under pressure from business, the government has in recent weeks announced a three-month visa scheme to cover lorry drivers and meat workers, but the groups said the “save Christmas” approach completely failed to address the scale of the shortages.

‘We are the leading business bank’: CBA continues push into SMB market

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William
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The Commonwealth Bank has sharpened its attack on National Australia Bank’s title as the country’s leading business bank, launching a suite of new merchant products and declaring its services now lead the pack.

CBA’s general manager of merchant solutions Karen Last declared CBA was now Australia’s leading business bank, despite NAB still retaining the largest market share, according to recent data released by the prudential regulator.

“We believe we are the leading business bank across the spectrum of products,” she said. “We are laser focused on meeting customer needs. We believe new customers will be attracted to that … We certainly think we are taking a leading position.”

CBA general manager of merchant solutions Karen Last with group executive for business banking Mike Vacy-Lyle and Charles Wang, business owner at cafe Nevaggio.
CBA general manager of merchant solutions Karen Last with group executive for business banking Mike Vacy-Lyle and Charles Wang, business owner at cafe Nevaggio.CREDIT:LOUIE DOUVIS

Services for small business owners is emerging as a key battleground as the banking industry competes for returns amid historically low interest rates. NAB has long branded itself as Australia’s biggest and leading business bank, but CBA has made inroads over the past 18 months beginning with a recruitment drive of 120 business bankers.

Chief executive Matt Comyn has expressed his desire to grow market share in the lucrative sector and in June senior executive Mike Vacy-Lyle described CBA as the “sleeping beast” in business banking, pledging to disrupt the sector through product innovation.

CBA wakes up ‘sleeping beast’ in business banking

CBA on Wednesday launched a new fleet of merchant terminals that enable small business owners to plug into two network providers and Wi-Fi to avoid restrictions on accepting payments during service outages. Next week, CBA will roll out a flat fee of 1.1 per cent for all instore transactions, slightly cheaper that NAB’s 1.15 per cent starting rate.

Ms Last said the revamped merchant terminals were an important tool for the bank to attract new small business customers, and the new features were implemented in direct response to customer feedback.

“If you sit in one of our call centres and listen to calls for any duration of time, connectivity is always a key issue. You can never afford to have merchant terminals down,” Ms Last said.

Ms Last said the merchant terminals would pave the way for its new and existing small business customers to take up additional products within the bank, like loans.

“[It’s] setting up your [transaction] account first, and then merchant facilities coming off it are at the core of any relationship we have and a key enabler actually for some of our lending propositions as well,” she said.

The latest APRA data shows NAB retains its number one position, with 21.9 per cent of the business banking market. Ms Last said she could not discuss modelling around what impact the terminals will have on CBA’s market share but added she was “very comfortable” it would claw new customers away from competitors.

NAB’s business banking boss Andrew Irvine in March brushed off concerns over competition in March, after announcing 134 new small business bankers had been hired. “More competition breeds better outcomes for customers. I welcome competition,” Mr Irvine said.

NAB’s merchant services executive Mark Raymer said in a statement he was “focused on what matters to our customers”.

“And they’re telling us they want us to support them to ensure they can bounce back quickly, so that’s what we are concentrating on with more bankers in our network, simpler and faster lending to small businesses and a simplified and competitive merchant offer,” he said.

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