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The Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Planning a home renovation? Here's everything you need to know
WHILE HOME RENOVATIONS are often a great source of excitement, we all know that such a major financial outlay is never a decision to be taken lightly. We want to get the most out of our homes, whether that means an extension, an attic conversion, or transforming any of the rooms where we spend so much of our quality time. If you're currently considering putting a significant chunk of money towards a home renovation, you'll know that there are plenty of factors to consider before you feel comfortable with your decision. One way to go about financing home renovations is with an An Post Money Home Improvement Loan, which offers customers Ireland's best fixed rate on loans from €20k-€30k*. Paul Merriman, the financial advisor behind Ask Paul , also has some essential tips for how you can finance your dream home while maintaining healthy spending and budgeting habits. Financial advisor Paul Merriman What is the smartest way to go about budgeting for home improvement, such as renovations? Start with your 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves.' Be realistic about what your budget will actually cover. That means getting at least three quotes and factoring in hidden costs like skips and permits. Always build in a contingency buffer of at least 10–15%. Don't make guesses: use a proper budgeting spreadsheet or app that breaks down materials, labour, and timelines. If it doesn't fit on paper, then it won't work in reality. What are the advantages of a Home Improvement Loan from An Post Money, compared to a loan from a bank or credit union? An Post Money Home Improvement Loans are unsecured personal loans, meaning you don't need to put up your home as security like a remortgage might. They're also very transparent with fixed rates, making it easier to budget your repayments. Plus, the application process is simple and fast, ideal if you've got contractors lined up. It's peace of mind without the red tape. What are the pitfalls that homeowners need to be most wary of when paying money for significant work being done on the house? Scope creep is a killer. That's when you start off replacing the kitchen cabinets and suddenly you're rewiring the whole house. Advertisement Also, beware of not having a written contract. It should clearly outline costs, timelines, and payment terms. Never pay large amounts upfront. What sort of questions should homeowners be asking themselves before seeking a loan for doing up the house? Is this renovation adding value or just adding cost? Can I realistically afford the repayments over the full loan term? Will this work improve how I live in the home every day? Have I explored all options like savings, grants, supports? Am I taking on debt for lifestyle reasons or actual home improvement? How can our readers keep their budget on track during a big home renovation? What tracking methods? Use a simple Excel or Google Sheet tracker and log every expense, no matter how small. Group them by category (materials, labour, tools, fees). Review weekly and cross-check against your original budget. Is it easy to find out how much more my house will be worth after the works are completed? Talk to a local estate agent before you begin. They'll give you a ballpark figure on what similar upgraded homes in your area are selling for. Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, energy upgrades, and extra living space as these tend to give the best return. Remember, some works are about lifestyle value not resale value, and that's okay too, if it makes your home work better for you. Is there a best practice when it comes to paying contractors? Yes, always agree a payment schedule in writing before any work starts. Typical stages are deposit (no more than 10%), mid-point payment(s), and final payment after work is completed and snagged. Avoid cash payments where possible. Use a bank transfer or card for traceability. And don't pay the final instalment until you're 100% satisfied. That's your leverage if anything needs fixing. Enjoy Ireland's best fixed rate on Personal Loans from €20k-€30k with An Post Money*. *Information correct as of 14 May, 2025 (source excluding green loans). Lending criteria T&Cs apply. Rate is dependent on your financial profile and credit history. An Post acts as a credit intermediary on behalf of Bankinter S.A., who provide loan and credit card services and facilities. An Post trading as An Post Money is authorised as a credit intermediary by the CCPC. Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
News18
7 days ago
- Health
- News18
‘Calm, But Cautious': UP Government Hospitals On Alert Amid Rising Covid Concerns
Last Updated: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while reviewing the state's preparedness recently, emphasised the need for vigilance Amid a spike in Covid-19 cases reported in various parts of the country and globally, state-run hospitals and medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh have been directed to reserve at least 10 beds each for potential Covid-related emergencies. The move comes as part of precautionary measures ordered by the state government, particularly following the detection of four Covid cases in Ghaziabad, including one hospitalisation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while reviewing the state's preparedness recently, emphasised the need for vigilance. 'There is nothing to worry about given the present situation in Uttar Pradesh, but being alert is significant," the CM stated, urging medical institutions to focus on readiness without causing panic. He also instructed that the emergency response infrastructure developed during the Covid-19 waves in 2020 and 2021—such as oxygen plants, ventilator-supported beds, and ICU units—should be rechecked and kept functional. The CM specifically cited the emerging JN.1 Covid variant, which has been detected in Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as a reminder that proactive steps must be taken. 'The Government of India has not issued any new guidelines yet, but we must not let our guard down," he said. He further advised health officials to monitor other vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and kala-azar, which remain seasonal challenges in the state. HOSPITALS BEGIN GROUND-LEVEL PREPARATIONS In compliance with the directives, government-run hospitals across the state, including key facilities in Lucknow, have started making arrangements. According to Dr. Rajesh Srivastava, Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Civil) Hospital, the 10-bed Covid ward is already in place. 'These beds were created during the earlier outbreak and remained ready. The facility is equipped with ventilators and oxygen supply and recently proved its utility when patients from Lok Bandhu Hospital were shifted here after a fire incident last month," Dr Srivastava said. Meanwhile, Balrampur Hospital has not yet received formal orders but is prepared to act as soon as directions are issued. 'We have not received an official order yet, but will comply immediately once it comes," said Dr. Himanshu Chaturvedi, Medical Superintendent, Balrampur Hospital. The state's 44 government medical colleges have been asked to submit a comprehensive status report via a Google Sheet, listing essential supplies and emergency infrastructure. These include bed availability, ventilator support, stock levels of gloves, testing kits, key medications, and staff strength. Each institution has also been instructed to prepare staff duty rosters to ensure round-the-clock emergency care capability. 'Preparations in advance can make all the difference during a health emergency. The goal is not to alarm but to be ready," said a senior health department official, adding that past experiences from the pandemic had demonstrated the importance of preparedness over reaction. FOCUS ON OXYGEN PLANTS AND ICU INFRASTRUCTURE The state government, during earlier Covid surges, had established over 1.20 lakh beds and set up more than 550 oxygen plants across hospitals and medical colleges. All such facilities have now been asked to undergo a status check and functional verification. 'Facilities created during the last waves of Covid-19 are an asset. They should be treated as active components of emergency response and not be allowed to fall into disrepair," said the official. PUBLIC ADVISED TO STAY CALM BUT CAUTIOUS While hospital-level preparations are being fast-tracked, the administration has reiterated that the public need not panic. 'Our systems are in place. From medical staff to oxygen support, we are capable of dealing with any situation that may arise," said an official at the Directorate of Medical Education. Dr Anurag Verma, a senior epidemiologist based in Lucknow, said, 'The virus may be changing form, but our response strategy should be constant—test, trace, treat, and above all, prepare in advance." Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 15:35 IST News cities 'Calm, But Cautious': UP Government Hospitals On Alert Amid Rising Covid Concerns
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
COVID scare: Lucknow hospitals gear up to deal with potential emergencies
State-run hospitals in the city have launched preparations following directives from the state government to reserve at least 10 beds each to handle any potential COVID-related emergencies amid growing number of cases in the country. Government medical colleges and hospitals in Uttar Pradesh have been directed to check and ready their emergency wings following the recent detection of cases in Ghaziabad. According to officials at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Hospital, commonly known as Civil Hospital, 10 beds reserved during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 and 2021 were ready. Chief medical superintendent (CMS), Civil Hospital, Rajesh Srivastava said that a dedicated Covid ward with 10 beds is already reserved. He pointed out that the 10-bed facility proved helpful when patients from Lok Bandhu Hospital were transferred after fire broke out there about a month ago. He added that the reserved facility is equipped with ventilator and oxygen support system. 'We have yet to receive any order to reserve beds to deal with potential COVID-related emergencies. However, we will comply when we receive the order,' medical superintendent of Balrampur Hospital, Himanshu Chaturvedi said. Preparations are underway at all other hospitals as well as state-run medical colleges and institutes, including Lok Bandhu Raj Narain Hospital. A senior health official stated that arrangements beforehand could play a vital role in emergency conditions, as patients' health is the primary motive for any hospital. In the recent days, four cases were reported in U.P's Ghaziabad, with one patient currently hospitalised. COVID infection cases were also reported in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai, after which the state government asked all state-run medical colleges to submit the status of essential supplies and infrastructure required for emergency care. This includes the number of beds that can be reserved, stock levels of gloves, testing kits, essential medicines, and availability of staff. The government hospitals across the state have already been asked to arrange 10 beds each with ventilator/oxygen support. College principals have been asked to fill Google Sheet detailing the facilities available on their campus and to report any additional requirements to ensure preparedness. The state has 44 government medical colleges which have been asked to keep rosters of staff duty ready to meet any kind of medical emergency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government had arranged 1.20 lakh beds across the state and over 550 oxygen plants were set up in medical colleges and hospitals. All medical institutions have been asked to check the status of these plants and ensure they are functional.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two Real Brides on the Challenges of Planning a Wedding with Migraines: 'It's Added Another Layer of Stress'
Wedding planning can be stressful. Between finding the perfect dress, choosing a venue, and wrangling guest lists, even the most laid-back bride can feel overwhelmed. But for brides living with chronic illnesses like migraines or autoimmune disorders, that pressure multiplies. What's supposed to be the happiest time of their lives often becomes a constant battle between what their bodies can withstand and the demands of the day. Anna Konstantopoulos, a graduate student getting married in 2025, knows this struggle intimately. Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) at 15—a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and, in her case, causes chronic migraines—she's spent the past decade learning to manage symptoms that don't always follow the rules. 'People confuse [migraines] with headaches and think, 'Oh, it's just a bit of throbbing in your head,'' Konstantopoulos says. 'But for me, they always occur on the left side of my head and feel like a stake has just been driven through my left eye. I cannot stand any light or any sound. I just have to lie in a dark room.' Mikaela Agnolin, a Miami-based real estate agent and another bride-to-be, knows that pain well — she's been 'dealing with migraines for about five years.' For her, it feels like 'a dull ache behind my eyes that builds into a throbbing pain on one side of my head. Sometimes it feels like a screwdriver is being drilled into the sides of my head.' Living with an invisible illness like migraines often means being hyper-aware of one's body. Konstantopoulos, for instance, keeps a Google Sheet full of her triggers, which help her try to manage the unpredictability of when a migraine might occur. But even the most careful preparation can't guarantee relief. Migraines can come on suddenly, and even the mildest ones leave both women unable to function. 'Even the weakest ones I've had, I still can't do anything,' Konstantopoulos says. Her most severe episode lasted nearly two months and left her bedridden. 'I had to drop out of school and was homebound. I could barely function,' she says. Agnolin had a similar experience. She remembers having to leave her job after her illness started impacting her professional life. 'I've had a few major instances at big work presentations in front of crowds that led to me having to stop in the middle of the presentation, which for me felt very embarrassing to explain,' she shares. Despite the inherent challenges of their conditions, both Konstantopoulos and Agnolin are determined to enjoy their wedding days. But living with chronic illness means making accommodations and adjusting every decision to reduce the risk of a flare-up. That includes choosing a venue with soft lighting, scheduling moments to rest throughout the day, and briefing the bridal party on what to do if a migraine strikes. It also means taking steps weeks before the wedding to prevent a flare-up. 'I need to be extra cautious about the food I put in my body, eat, avoid strenuous exercise, and keep extra hydrated,' Agnolin says. Konstantopoulos echoes this, adding that she's going to be focused on prevention and being very clean with her diet leading up to the wedding. And if she does have a migraine on her big day, she'll try her true-and-tried methods like eating sour gummy worms (she swears it works!) or wearing an ice pack. If it gets too bad, she'll go to the ER and get a migraine cocktail. Ultimately, though, when it comes to migraines, there's only so much you can do. 'They're generally one of those things you don't have any control over,' Konstantopoulos says. 'It's not something that's just mind over matter.' That's why being open about migraines is important. Agnolin says she often feels guilty when her illness forces her to cancel plans or miss out on key moments. 'There's a lot of guilt and shame because you feel unreliable when you have to cancel, and I wish more people understood the invisible toll migraines take on your life and relationships,' she says. "I have to think ahead about lighting at the venue, how much downtime I'll need before the wedding, and how to manage overstimulation during the event," Agnolin adds. "I've also had to say no to some pre-wedding events to protect my energy. It's added another layer of stress." Just like any bride, there's a lot that goes into one of the happiest days of your life — and having the support of friends and family through unpredictable moments is key to a memorable day, no matter what happens. Read the original article on People
Time Business News
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Mastering Keyword Mapping with a Keyword King
Keyword mapping is one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of SEO. Without it, your site structure becomes cluttered, content overlaps, and ranking opportunities are lost. At the heart of effective keyword mapping lies a powerful concept — the Keywordkönig. In this article, you'll learn how to master keyword mapping by using a keyword king strategy that brings structure, clarity, and ranking power to your website. Keyword mapping is the process of assigning specific keywords to specific pages on your website. It helps you organize your content so each page has a unique SEO focus and avoids keyword cannibalization. By strategically mapping keywords across your site, you guide both users and search engines through a clear, purposeful journey. A keyword king is the primary keyword each page is built around — it's your strongest, most relevant term that captures the main topic and user intent. Using one per page keeps your SEO focused and ensures better keyword targeting. Integrating a keyword king into your mapping process allows you to: Build topic clusters with proper hierarchy Avoid duplicate content and keyword overlap Ensure each page ranks for its intended search query Increase topical authority and search engine trust Let's break down how to build a keyword map using the keyword king method: Use tools like: SEMrush Ahrefs Google Keyword Planner Ubersuggest Gather keyword ideas related to your industry. Look for a mix of: Broad keywords (pillar content) Long-tail keywords (cluster content) Questions and FAQs Location-based phrases Transactional vs. informational intent Go through your existing or planned content and assign a keyword king to each page. This should be the most focused, high-impact keyword for that specific topic. Example: Homepage: 'Online Fitness Coaching' Blog Post: 'Beginner Bodyweight Workout Plan' Service Page: 'Virtual Personal Training Programs' Make sure each page has only one keyword king to avoid internal competition. Use a simple Google Sheet or Excel file with columns like: Page URL or title Keyword King Search Volume Keyword Difficulty Intent (Informational / Commercial / Navigational) Supporting Keywords Notes / Internal Links This sheet becomes your SEO blueprint and makes your content strategy highly organized. Group your pages into clusters based on their topic. Each cluster should be built around a main pillar page with a strong keyword king and several supporting pages with long-tail variations. Example: Pillar Page: 'Home Gardening Guide' Cluster Pages: 'How to Grow Tomatoes at Home' 'Organic Compost Tips' 'Watering Schedules for Garden Plants' This cluster approach boosts topical authority and allows for smart internal linking. Once your keyword kings are mapped, apply them in: H1 tag Title tag and meta description URL slug Introductory paragraph Image alt texts Subheadings (H2, H3) SEO is not static. Update your keyword map every few months: Remove underperforming pages or keywords Add new content topics Adjust for changes in search trends Track ranking improvements by page A live keyword map ensures your strategy evolves with your site and the SERPs. Avoid these common errors: Assigning the same keyword king to multiple pages Ignoring keyword intent differences Failing to track supporting keywords Overstuffing pages with unrelated keywords Mapping without analyzing competitors ✅ Eliminates keyword cannibalization✅ Maximizes ranking potential for every page✅ Creates a stronger site structure✅ Helps prioritize future content creation ✅ Boosts internal linking and user experience Keyword mapping may seem like a technical SEO task, but with the keyword king approach, it becomes a powerful content planning tool. By assigning one strong keyword to each page and supporting it with related content, you'll build a site that both users and search engines love. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
