During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re doing our best to protect ourselves and our communities by staying home—but the same surroundings for weeks on end can get a little boring. If you find yourself with the time to start (and finish!) home improvement projects, you can take the opportunity to transform your space, freshen up whatever’s feeling stale, and establish a new sense of peace in your home.

Experts on the Vacasa Interior Design team rounded up a list of tips and inspirational vacation homes to help bring your most coveted Pinterest boards to life—plus, a little redesign will give you a much-needed sense of control over your environment in this period of uncertainty.

1. Declutter your spaces

Right now, many of us are feeling worn out by the unpredictability and chaos surrounding the global pandemic that governs our lives. By consuming news about the virus every day, we are overstimulating ourselves—and it’s possible our living spaces could reflect that state of mind.

Small changes can make a world of a difference here. Start by examining your home with a critical eye, thinking about what gives you comfort versus what may be subconsciously adding to your stress. Here are some of the ways to give yourself a mental break:

• Take your mail, including pesky bills, off the dining room table and establish a drawer where they can live until you’re ready to revisit them—then, wipe down all your counters!
• Consider whether there are too many items on your bookshelves and dressers. Does the arrangement look hectic to you? Do any of the items conjure up unpleasant memories? If so, remove some, putting them in storage or a box to eventually donate.
• While you’re at it, check out your pantry and closets, too. Odds are, they could benefit from some serious reorganization.
• Examine your home for stray cords, and tack them along the walls for a much cleaner, more orderly feel.

2. Rearrange your common areas

It’s tempting to spend all day in front of the television when you’re working from home or trying to entertain the kids. But, wouldn’t we all rather have meaningful conversations with loved ones, read, or play board games—at least some of the time?

Think about whether your living room furniture is arranged to foster interactions between those in your household. Set up your couches or chairs so they’re facing one another, and make sure you have a coffee table in the mix where drinking glasses can rest, novels can be set down, and Monopoly can be played!

3. Spruce up the kitchen

Kitchens are essential spaces to connect with members of your household—especially right now. More than ever, people are enjoying the art of baking cookies with their kids, or creating a home-cooked meal with a partner. Maximize circulation as much as possible, and provide extra hang-out room with chic barstools, or reimagine the flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

If you don’t already have one, considering adding a kitchen island to give yourself more counter space. We know bumping arms in the kitchen is never fun, and can result in a sliced finger!

Proper layered lighting in kitchens is also crucial, both for creating ambiance and for aiding in specific tasks. Pendant lighting over an island, under-cabinet lighting, and overhead lighting should all be considered.

4. Experiment with new pops of color

Color gives a room its feeling and can evoke warmth and comfort. Spring is the perfect season to introduce new hues to your home, so there’s no better time than the present for a quarantine refresh.

DIY painting is a cathartic way to brighten your mood and enhance day-to-day living. Consider the best location in your home for an accent wall. Is it in the living room behind the couch, or would it be better suited for the bedroom? Think warm jewel tones and cheery bold colors—but remember to stay true to your own personality and style.

If you want to make more subtle updates, try replacing pillow slipcovers or investing in a new throw blanket for an added splash of color and texture.

5. Play up the bedroom

Many of us are having trouble sleeping right now due to pandemic-induced stress. Maybe you’re having bad dreams, just can’t get to sleep, or wake up too frequently. And, let’s be honest, we all need some R&R right about now.

Consider what aspects of your bedroom may be disrupting (or, at least, not helping) your REM cycle without you knowing it. Make sure you have plenty of pillows, including accent throws, and think about investing in new, high-quality sheets.

Put up some art that brings a smile to your face, but make sure it complements the overall feel of the room. Equip your bedside table with essential items that give the room character and added utility, like a lamp or a clock.

For more interior design tips and tricks, visit: https://www.vacasa.com/property-management/interior-design.

25^th  June, 2020, DUBAI, UAE: The closure of gyms and working from home has created more time for adult learning, UAE-based website A Life Of Education (alifeofeducation.com) reports. Many people in the fitness industry are using that time for self-improvement, investing in their futures, boosting their resumes, and benefitting from the knowledge of world-renowned thought leaders.

Offering a wide range of fitness courses, the portal was co-founded by Caroline Leon, who suffered a rock climbing accident that left her learning to walk again after 14 reconstructive surgeries to her spine, pelvis and feet, and her rehabilitation trainer Keith O’Malley-Farrell, the website was launched in September 2019.

A Life of Education co-founder Keith O’Malley-Farrell said “Our platform’s mission is to bring knowledge and expertise from around the world to fitness professionals here in Dubai. It is fantastic to see how the fitness industry is turning what would otherwise been unallocated time, into time spent investing in themselves through education and self improvement. Online CPD courses for teachers will pay significant dividends over the near term as they return to more regular work patterns. Furthermore, the long term benefits are clear as fitness professionals are able to create more diversified and sustainable offerings that benefit the increasingly sophisticated and varied needs of their clients.”

A Life of Education is now home to over 100 online courses from experts across the globe, covering topics including Human Anatomy courses, fitness courses, Human Anatomy Course, Pain and Injury Rehabilitation Courses, Courses on Diabetes,Pilates Courses, Exercising with Parkinson's Disease, Women's Health Courses on the Menstrual Cycle, PCOS, Nutrition during pregnancy, Exercising during and after Menopause, & the recently popularised Ketogenic Diet.

It has never been easier to access the expertise of doctors, lecturers, physiotherapists and more, with the likes of London-based Ollie Blenkinsop, the Course Director of the Masters in Sport Rehabilitation, London) and diet researcher and prolific author Dr. Cliff Harvey sharing his knowledge on low carb and Ketogenic eating.

Simply scroll through the offering to find your area of interest, whether it’s understanding stress or the art of yoga sequencing, and click to sign up. You enjoy lifetime access, zero deadlines and can learn from home. All courses are internationally recognized by REPs (Register Exercise Professionals) so they come with the highest available endorsements for online learning, with participants receiving downloadable PDF notes, and a short multiple choice Q&A in order to gain their certificate of completion.

The general public has also been visiting alifeofeducation.com for a huge range of FREE online workouts, with Pilates, HIIT, exercises for teens and stretching available.

-ENDS-

For more information contact Keith O'Malley-Farrell: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About A Life of Education:

In 2015, A Life of Education founder, Caroline Leon survived a life threatening rock-climbing accident, after she fell 7m. Over the course of two years she underwent 14 surgeries to repair; two shattered calcanei, reconstruct multiple broken bones in each foot, along with re-attaching her shattered right ilium, reconstructing her right pubic bone and replacement/reconstruction of her T12, L1 & L2 vertebrae.

By the time Caroline had taught herself to walk again, it was time for her to progress and step out of the clinical setting. Her effort to find a rehabilitation instructor to effectively take her through this complex stage of her rehab, proved more difficult than anticipated.

After numerous negative and disappointing experiences, Caroline was finally recommended to contact injury rehabilitation personal trainer Keith O'Malley-Farrell from The Physical Training Company. Keith had a wide ranging experience rehabilitating patients recovering from complex trauma injuries during his time working in the UK with the British Military.

It was clear to both, that while the general health and fitness community was well versed in weight loss, body building, yoga, Pilates and gym instruction, as a whole, the in-depth understanding of the complexities involved with effectively supporting those confronted with out of the ordinary challenges, just didn't do the industry justice.

From this, Caroline invited Keith to collaborate with her and A Life of Education was born. Our aim was to bring leading experts from around the world of health and fitness together on one brand new platform to share their knowledge and expertise on a global scale. By watching and learning from those specialists in their fields students will continue their professional development and education through a more flexible, more accessible and more affordable education platform.

All in one capture and mixer device wins award presented by Sound & Video contractor

IRVINE, CA – June 25, 2020 – ATEN Technology, Inc., the technology leader and global manufacturer of KVM and AV/IT connectivity and management solutions, today announced that it received the 2020 Future Best of Show InfoComm Special Edition Award by Sound & Video Contractor for its UC3022 CAMLIVE PRO™. The recently launched video capture and mixer device streams two 4K cameras seamlessly to a global audience with seamless transitions and extraordinary image quality. The device fulfills the growing requirement for video conferencing, live streaming, distance learning and online worship by allowing users to publish and stream professional-level content.

Future’s Best of Show Awards are evaluated by a panel of engineers and industry experts, and are selected based on innovation, feature set, cost efficiency and performance in serving the industry. Winners receive an award for display and will be featured in Sound & Video Contractor, the definitive technical resource for integrators, contractors, dealers and consultants. All nominated products are featured in the special Best of Show Awards Program Guide, to be distributed in digital edition form to more than 100,000 readers of Sound & Video Contractor, AV Technology, Digital Signage, Installation, Government Video, Pro Sound News and Tech & Learning.

ATEN’s UC3022 CAMLIVE PRO combines mixing, video capturing, encoding, two-channel video source switching from HDMI cameras and a professional-grade audio device all into one compact and portable device taking away the difficulty of heavy and complex equipment. Moreover, with its accompanying Android and iOS apps, users can control their video stream freely and wirelessly while editing it in real time from anywhere. 

“The CAMLIVE PRO was introduced as part of ATEN’s growing portfolio of professional-level content creation products. Whether its live streaming events, remote learning, onsite interviewing, house of worship streaming, professional live streaming, or gaming, it always ensures smooth-flowing events and content that truly stands out,” said Aaron Johnson, senior product manager, ATEN Technology, Inc. “We’re excited for it to be recognized as one of the best new products at this year’s InfoComm Connected show.”

Key features:

• Capture and transition– Mix and capture two non-HDCP 4K live videos at 1080P UVC format on a PC or mobile device via USB with seamless transitions.
• Free ATEN OnAir Lite App for Androidor iOS– Control wirelessly, edit in real-time, and arrange multi-elements into the program mix with continuous feature updates.
• Stream anywhere– Set up your camera gear and direct your show from any location; also supports real-time HDMI program video preview and audio mixing.
• Easily identifiable chroma keys– easily change the background to make it look like you are anywhere.
• Switch easily– Supports protected video switching for regular event usage.

“We are proud to be able to celebrate the achievements of product teams in this most unusual year,” Sound & Video Contractor editor Cynthia Wisehart. “In many cases these products are the result of years of effort to provide features and innovation that move the industry forward. Normally these products would have debuted on the show floor. We are happy to be able to acknowledge them in a uniquely 2020 way and help draw attention to the efforts of all the engineers, designers, product managers and executives involved.”

For more information about ATEN’s UC3022 CAMLIVE PRO, product features and technical specifications, visit: https://www.aten.com/global/en/products/usb-&-thunderbolt/content-creation/uc3022/.

About ATEN Technology, Inc.

ATEN Technology, Inc. is the technology leader and global manufacturer of KVM and Pro AV connectivity solutions, and the U.S. subsidiary of ATEN International Co., Ltd. (TWSE: 6277), established in 1979. A certified member of the HDBaseT Alliance, holding over 640 industry patents, ATEN offers integrated KVM, Professional Audio (Pro AV) and Intelligent Power solutions, across all industries including corporate, commercial, government, industrial, entertainment, educational and retail environments. 

A technology-first company, ATEN’s advanced ability to quickly develop customized solutions in KVM, Pro AV, PDU, USB and data communication lines allows the company to build products that connect, manage and optimize electronics based on customer need. ATEN’s comprehensive portfolio of innovative, reliable products is available worldwide, with local U.S support.

For more information, visit: www.aten.com/us/en/ and follow @ATENConnect on Twitter or on LinkedIn.

Products, service names and company logos mentioned herein may be the registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

PR Contact:

Isha Kamani

MRB Public Relations for ATEN

+1 732.758.1100, x. 109

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Sequence Health, a medical marketing company has programs specifically for bariatric clinics to help them prepare for the wave of people wanting to take on weight loss surgery after the lockdowns end.

Atlanta, GA - USA | June 25th, 2020 -- The COVID-19 epidemic has forced many non-essential businesses to close. For their own safety, many bariatric clinics, orthopedic programs, and other private practices have decided to shut down temporarily.

It’s not easy to maintain a business when nobody is coming through the doors. However, an Atlanta-based marketing company is helping many different private practices during these crazy times.

Sequence Health, a medical marketing company that specializes in helping private practices grow their clientele, has programs specifically for bariatric clinics to help them prepare for the wave of people wanting to take on weight loss surgery after the lockdowns end.

They also provide help for orthopedic programs and other kinds of private medical programs.

“Though there are some unknowns, one thing is certain - there will be a dramatic surge in demand for bariatric procedures as the country emerges from this crisis,” explains Marie Rosenzweig, Director of Operations at Sequence Health.

In Sequence Health’s COVID-19 statement, Marie lays out how Sequence Health is helping closed down businesses during this crisis.

“Because of the service-oriented nature of our business, we maintain disaster and contingency plans, and we wanted to assure you that we are fully committed to ensuring the continued delivery of your services.”

“Whether those are patient contact and activation-related, web or marketing-related, or in the online seminar and software areas. In this regard, our plans allow us to rapidly deploy resources across all of our offices and to support a variety of remote work setups should that ever be necessary.”

The main concern that private practices have is how they’re going to deal with the increased demand once they reopen. Sequence Health has prepared by offering website marketing services, as well as help setting up online webinars.

“Webinars, or web seminars, are ways to provide a lot of great information without requiring people to come in for an info session,” says Rosenzweig. “It’s an essential part of medical marketing, especially during these times.”

They also offer medical call center services so that practices don’t have to spend an inordinate amount of resources fielding calls, scheduling, verifying and authorizing insurance, and setting up patient priority. This way, practices will be able to deal with the increase in demand after the crisis ends.

Sequence Health is offering clinics the opportunity to host their standard weight loss surgery seminar, and their Telehealth platform, for a free 6-week trial. To learn more, call 888-986-3638 or visit sequencehealth.com for more details.

Press & Media Contact:
Jeff Smith
Sequence Health
115 Perimeter Center,
Place NE, Suite 1045,
Atlanta, GA 30346
United States
+1 888-986-3638
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://sequencehealth.com