Professional Practice – Blog 4 Sustainability
By Simon Marks
Student Number: 99003928
I believe sustainability is an important part of running a massage business. The three areas that a business needs to look at to call themselves sustainable are environmental, social and economic. I will talk about some of the reasons why sustainability is important when running a business and how someone in the massage profession can be sustainable in their business.
Sustainability is related to the quality of life in a community whether the economic, social and environmental systems that make up the community are providing a healthy, productive, meaningful life for all community residents, present and future (M. Hart 1998-2006). Businesses including the massage industry can have an effect on these things. With out taking these in to account the business is likely to fail or may not run smoothly. I believe that in massage the economic and social aspects are imperial to a successful business. Economic because without sustainable economic running the business would fail due to money lose and/or bankruptcy as economic sustainability can simply be interpreted as how companies stay in business (D Doane & A MacGillivray). Socially sustainability is huge as it is such a customer based profession. If a massage business had bad relationships with customers and the community then the business would surely suffer, through lack of clients.
Ways in which you can change the running of your business to become sustainable
Environmental:
• using environmentally friendly washing products (For linen/table)
• electricity use (using thermostats on heaters / limiting the use of dryers)
• Insulating the room used for massage to minimize need for heating
• Storing client information on computers instead of paper so as to keep paper usage down
Social
• Joining MNZ and working to guide lines to insure the public are getting a safe and regulated service
• Working in with other therapists by referring clients if others can treat them more appropriately
• Promoting health living to clients and other workers
• Looking after yourself so you can work to your potential
• not undercutting your business community
• not poaching other similar businesses clients
• Providing clear guide lines and systems in the work place
Economic
• Combine the aspects of both social and economic to become an economically sustainable businesses
• Businesses can incorporate triple-bottom line reporting into there financial reports this is now done by many large companies and could possibly become compulsory in the future as governments are becoming more aware of the need for it
• Use cash flow charts to show incomings and out goings to insure they balance of profit is created
There are benefits in working with some of the above ideas and becoming sustainable in a massage business.
• leads to improved service and processes
• saves on raw materials and energy, reducing production costs
• increases competitiveness through the use of new and improved technologies
• reduces the need for more environmental regulation
• reduces risk from on- and off-site treatment, storage and disposal of toxic wastes
• improves the health and safety of employees
• improves staff morale, leading to better productivity
• improves a company’s public image
• reduces the cost of increasingly expensive end-of-pipe solutions
(Queensland Government, 2008)
The importance of becoming sustainable in business in the past was not a priority and businesses were free to run there business without the need to worry about the impact they are having on the society, environment and other businesses around them. Time has shown that this can not last, as we are on a finite planet and are removing resources as if it were linear in design. Also people are more aware of the problems that arise if thing are not run I a sustainable way. They will soon frown upon businesses that don’t move with the times resulting in poor business. This is now more readily known and accepted and sustainable concepts will therefore get used more and more by business owners.
I believe sustainability is an important thing to consider when starting or running a business as there soon will be no place for businesses that don’t comply with the rules and guidelines of sustainability. I believe that people will come to see the benefits in lifestyle and financial gains both to businesses and consumers. This will prompt others too conform and we can start living in a world that has a long term future.
D, Doane & A, MacGillivray. (2001). The Business of staying in business. Retrieved 25/09/2009.
http://www.projectsigma.co.uk/RnDStreams/RD_economic_sustain.pdf
M, Hart. (1993). Guide to Sustainable Community Indicators. New Society Publishers. Gabriola Island, BC.
Queensland Government. (2008). Environmental Management – Cleaner Production. Retrieved 25/09/2009
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/sustainability/industry/cleaner_production
Friday, September 25, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Pathology Blog 3 – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Pathology Blog 3 – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Simon Marks
Due Date: Monday 14th Oct
Description – Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that causes abdominal discomfort or pain that is related to gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is a three part complex that characterizes irritable bowel syndrome, the first being abnormal bowel movements, the second hypersensitivity of the visceral sensory system and thirdly abnormal processing of the central nervous system. It is usually a combination of one or more of these complexes that causes the symptoms in an individual.
(Springerlink, 2007) (E medicine, 2009)
Etiology Although the condition is common, it has no known cause, and is diagnosed through a pattern of symptoms rather than by specific tests. IBS may often follow after an infection or stressful event suffered by the person, and lactose intolerance can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, but often there will be no known trigger. (Wikipedia, 2009)
Incidence -incidence of irritable bowel syndrome in the USA is 1-2% of the population per year. (E medicine, 2009)
Prevalence – The percentage of the population of Western civilisation with IBS symptoms is between 10 and 15% in most studies 2001.
(Digestion, 2001). With an estimated prevalence of 12% in Canada 2009. (CPF, 2009)
Signs and symptoms
Lethargy
Gastroesophageal reflux
Fibromyalgia
Abdominal pain and or discomfort,
Bloating
Abnormal bowel movements constipation or diarrhea sometimes alternating
A feeling of incomplete evacuation of bowels
Can suffer from depression chronic fatigue headaches back pain
Heart burn
Weakness
(Wikipedia, 2009) (K, Premkumar, 2000)
Diagnostic It is recommended that people suffering constipation older than 50 years should undergo a screening colonoscopy, check for parasitic infection, lactose intolerance, and celiac disease as they need to be considered as a causes of the pain and symptoms (CPF, 2009)
There are three main methods of symptom diagnosis; they are the Rome I Criteria, the Rome II Process, Kruis Criteria and the Manning Criteria. The six manning criteria below are the most common. (Wikipedia, 2009)
The Manning Criteria are:
1. Onset of pain linked to more frequent bowel movements
2. Looser stools associated with onset of pain
3. Pain relieved by passage of stool
4. Noticeable abdominal bloating
5. Sensation of incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time
6. Diarrhea with mucus more than 25% of the time
(Wikipedia, 2009)
Indications and contraindications
• There is no evidence that any drug is effective in alleviating IBS, although individual symptoms may respond to specific agents. Treatment trials are confounded by a placebo effect as high as 71%.
• Ingested peppermint oil relaxes intestinal smooth muscle cells to improve symptoms.
• Herbal formulas ease symptoms with minimal side affects.
• Acupuncture
• Stress relief and management techniques
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Mind body therapies including- biofeedback therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, relaxation, and stress management.
• Probiotics (living organisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, can help relieve symptoms
• Fibre intake helps the symptoms of constipation
• Dietary changes
For massage
• Relaxation massage as the condition can be brought on and symptoms increased with high stress levels.
• Progressive muscle relaxation techniques
• Stress relief and management techniques
• Massage to the stomach is advised for constipation, but to be avoided if they have diarrhea symptoms.
• If symptoms are severe consult their physician before treatment
(CPF, 2009) (CMAJ, 1999) (k, Premkumar, 2000)
Reference list
CMAJ. 27 July (1999). Recommendations for the management of irritable bowel syndrome in family practice retrieved 13/09/2009
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/161/2/154
CPF. 2nd February (2009). Complementary and alternative medicine for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. 14/09.2009
http://www.cfp.ca/cgi/content/full/55/2/143
Dr. Premkumar, K. (2000). Pathology A to Z: A handbook for massage therapists (2nd Ed.). Canada: Van Pub Books
E-medicine. 9th August (2009). Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Retrieved 13/09/2009
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/180389-overview
Prof. Stefan Müller-Lissner. (2001). Digestion - Epidemiological Aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Europe and North America. Retrieved 14/09.2009
http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowAbstract&ProduktNr=223838&Ausgabe=227607&ArtikelNr=48862
Springer link 23 May, (2007). New concepts of irritable bowel syndrome. Retrieved 14/09.2009
http://www.springerlink.com/content/f612h61560855g5k/
Wikipedia, 9th September (2009). Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Retrieved 14/09.2009
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome
Simon Marks
Due Date: Monday 14th Oct
Description – Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that causes abdominal discomfort or pain that is related to gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is a three part complex that characterizes irritable bowel syndrome, the first being abnormal bowel movements, the second hypersensitivity of the visceral sensory system and thirdly abnormal processing of the central nervous system. It is usually a combination of one or more of these complexes that causes the symptoms in an individual.
(Springerlink, 2007) (E medicine, 2009)
Etiology Although the condition is common, it has no known cause, and is diagnosed through a pattern of symptoms rather than by specific tests. IBS may often follow after an infection or stressful event suffered by the person, and lactose intolerance can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, but often there will be no known trigger. (Wikipedia, 2009)
Incidence -incidence of irritable bowel syndrome in the USA is 1-2% of the population per year. (E medicine, 2009)
Prevalence – The percentage of the population of Western civilisation with IBS symptoms is between 10 and 15% in most studies 2001.
(Digestion, 2001). With an estimated prevalence of 12% in Canada 2009. (CPF, 2009)
Signs and symptoms
Lethargy
Gastroesophageal reflux
Fibromyalgia
Abdominal pain and or discomfort,
Bloating
Abnormal bowel movements constipation or diarrhea sometimes alternating
A feeling of incomplete evacuation of bowels
Can suffer from depression chronic fatigue headaches back pain
Heart burn
Weakness
(Wikipedia, 2009) (K, Premkumar, 2000)
Diagnostic It is recommended that people suffering constipation older than 50 years should undergo a screening colonoscopy, check for parasitic infection, lactose intolerance, and celiac disease as they need to be considered as a causes of the pain and symptoms (CPF, 2009)
There are three main methods of symptom diagnosis; they are the Rome I Criteria, the Rome II Process, Kruis Criteria and the Manning Criteria. The six manning criteria below are the most common. (Wikipedia, 2009)
The Manning Criteria are:
1. Onset of pain linked to more frequent bowel movements
2. Looser stools associated with onset of pain
3. Pain relieved by passage of stool
4. Noticeable abdominal bloating
5. Sensation of incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time
6. Diarrhea with mucus more than 25% of the time
(Wikipedia, 2009)
Indications and contraindications
• There is no evidence that any drug is effective in alleviating IBS, although individual symptoms may respond to specific agents. Treatment trials are confounded by a placebo effect as high as 71%.
• Ingested peppermint oil relaxes intestinal smooth muscle cells to improve symptoms.
• Herbal formulas ease symptoms with minimal side affects.
• Acupuncture
• Stress relief and management techniques
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Mind body therapies including- biofeedback therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, relaxation, and stress management.
• Probiotics (living organisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, can help relieve symptoms
• Fibre intake helps the symptoms of constipation
• Dietary changes
For massage
• Relaxation massage as the condition can be brought on and symptoms increased with high stress levels.
• Progressive muscle relaxation techniques
• Stress relief and management techniques
• Massage to the stomach is advised for constipation, but to be avoided if they have diarrhea symptoms.
• If symptoms are severe consult their physician before treatment
(CPF, 2009) (CMAJ, 1999) (k, Premkumar, 2000)
Reference list
CMAJ. 27 July (1999). Recommendations for the management of irritable bowel syndrome in family practice retrieved 13/09/2009
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/161/2/154
CPF. 2nd February (2009). Complementary and alternative medicine for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. 14/09.2009
http://www.cfp.ca/cgi/content/full/55/2/143
Dr. Premkumar, K. (2000). Pathology A to Z: A handbook for massage therapists (2nd Ed.). Canada: Van Pub Books
E-medicine. 9th August (2009). Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Retrieved 13/09/2009
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/180389-overview
Prof. Stefan Müller-Lissner. (2001). Digestion - Epidemiological Aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Europe and North America. Retrieved 14/09.2009
http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowAbstract&ProduktNr=223838&Ausgabe=227607&ArtikelNr=48862
Springer link 23 May, (2007). New concepts of irritable bowel syndrome. Retrieved 14/09.2009
http://www.springerlink.com/content/f612h61560855g5k/
Wikipedia, 9th September (2009). Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Retrieved 14/09.2009
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome
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