Latest news with #Windmill
NBC News
6 days ago
- General
- NBC News
Select editors' favorite air conditioners for any sized space
Your air conditioner probably isn't the prettiest appliance in your home, but it is one of the most important in the summer months. Whether you have a single window unit or multiple portable ones, an A/C will keep your space cool and comfortable when the weather outside is anything but. To help understand how to choose the best air conditioners for your space, we consulted appliance and energy experts on the features and specs to look for. We rounded up top-rated models based on their advice, including different types of A/Cs across a range of price points. How we picked our favorite air conditioners The experts we spoke to helped us to understand better the more technical aspects of air conditioners, and how best to compare different units. Using their expertise as guidance, we selected air conditioners using the following criteria: Btu (British thermal units): British thermal units are a measurement of the amount of power an air conditioner uses to cool a space. The higher the Btu, the more efficiently it will be able to cool a space of different sizes. For example, aan air conditioner with a Btu of 5,000 is best suited for a small room, while a Btu of more than 8,000 or more may be suited for a small home. Room size: We picked air conditioners fit for different room sizes ranging from 150 to 450 square feet. The product details for air conditioners will often say what size room or home the unit is best suited for, so it's easy to choose one for your space. Type: The main types of air conditioners are window and portable units, which we included below. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks and which one you choose depends on your preferences and what setup is easiest for you. Our top picks come from a mix of large appliance companies like LG and Frigidaire and newer brands like Windmill Air and July, which NBC Select editors use themselves. With each recommendation, we've highlighted important details like cooling power, rated room size, dimensions and air conditioner units Let's face it: Window-unit air conditioners aren't the prettiest. The Windmill A/C is one of the most aesthetically pleasing options — which is why NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson bought one to cool her 250-square-foot living room. She found it easy to set up, install and control. You can operate the A/C via the on-unit buttons, a wireless remote or your phone via the Windmill Air app. Swanson likes that she's able to turn the unit on and off and change the temperature through the app when she's away from her apartment. This Windmill A/C unit also has an inverter version that is quieter and more energy efficient, according to the brand. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown also tested the Windmill last year and really enjoyed it. 'The installation process requires an extra set of hands because it is heavy. But once it's in, it is pretty powerful,' she says. 'I love using it with the app, which came in handy while traveling. I was able to shut it on and off, and adjust while traveling abroad.' I have two Midea U air conditioners, which is an inverter A/C, at opposite ends of my apartment — one in my bedroom and one in the living room. The Midea U is everything I want out of a window A/C. It's quiet, effective and easy to use. I love that I can control it with the physical buttons on the unit, the included remote (also physical buttons) or, if you connect it to Wi-Fi, the Midea SmartHome app, Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice assistants. I also love the little cover that comes up when you turn it on and moves down when it's off. The 8,000 Btu version cools rooms up to 350 square feet. The Midea U also comes in 10,000 Btu and 12,000 Btu versions. For smaller spaces and smaller budgets, this window air conditioner from LG is recommended by NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. She uses it in her kitchen, which is about 200 square feet. This LG model is one of the smaller and lighter air conditioners on our list. It comes with a wireless remote that can be used to control the unit from afar, but it doesn't have a dedicated app. One downside to this model is that it is noisier than others. 'I don't really mind it because I hate silence, so I almost see it as a noise machine,' says Malin. 'But if you're looking for something you can't hear, look elsewhere.' I use a larger, discontinued Frigidaire Gallery A/C to cool most of my apartment, specifically my living room, kitchen and hallway. Those three spaces only measure to about 200 square feet, but because the kitchen has heat-generating appliances like the oven and stove top, I bought this larger, more powerful unit. It works efficiently and effectively, keeping my space cool even while I'm cooking. The newer model from Frigidaire is just as powerful but has more bells and whistles, including Wi-Fi connectivity, app control and an inverter design. According to our experts, inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient than non-inverters — you may save money on your energy bill with one. This unit is the largest of our recommendations. Make sure to measure your window and windowsill clearance so you know if it will fit your space. There is also a smaller 8,000 Btu model as well as an even larger 12,000 Btu model, rated for 350 and 550 square foot rooms respectively. If cost is your first priority, this top-rated window air conditioner from Midea is the lowest priced on our list. It is rated to cool a room size up to 150 square feet, making it well-suited for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or home offices. You control the A/C via the dials on the unit — it does not come with a remote that you can use to set it to a specific temperature like our other recommendations do. According to data provided by the brand, this is the loudest air conditioner on our list. If you are sensitive to noise, it may be worth spending a little more on one of our quieter recommendations. The Midea EasyCool comes in a range of sizes, starting with this small 5,000 Btu model all the way up to a large 12,000 Btu unit. One of the most unique window air conditioners on this list, the July A/C has an extremely simple design and appearance. It doesn't have a bunch of obvious buttons or LED displays on the front of it — it's mainly a flat panel with a subtle button on the top, around the window frame. The brand has options that are suitable for windows that close up and down as well as from left to right. There is also a through-the-wall option for those that don't want to use a window. The A/C comes in a 6,000- or 8,000-Btu air conditioners Portable air conditioners are typically easier to install than window units, and they are easier to store during cooler seasons. This unit from Black+Decker is one of our favorite portable air conditioners. It is rated for rooms up to 350 square feet, and it comes with both on-unit and a remote control to manage the temperature. It has four built-in caster wheels that allow you to move it from room to room. Black + Decker makes a variety of models ranging from this 8,000 Btu version all the way up to a 14,000 Btu model that has both cooling and heating capabilities. On Amazon, it has a 4.3-star average rating from over 41,000 customer reviews. How to shop for an air conditioner Consumers have many choices when it comes to picking the right air conditioner for their home. Window units are the most popular among the Select team, and are 'best when cooling a single area like a bedroom or large living space,' says Brice Bowley, senior director of air conditioner technology at GE Appliances. For larger homes with multiple rooms or floors, 'it may be cheaper and more energy efficient to choose a central or multi-split cooling system like central air conditioning or a heat pump,' says Leslie Jones, media and public affairs specialist for Energy Star labeled products. Regardless of your space, there are a few key terms and labels to understand in order to purchase the best, most efficient air conditioner possible, according to our experts. Btus (British thermal Units) An air conditioner's cooling power is measured in Btus, or British Thermal Units. The higher a unit's Btu rating, the larger a space it can cool. Below is a breakdown of the number of Btus needed to cool different-sized spaces, according to Jones and Energy Star: Up to 250 square feet: 5,000 to 6,000 Btus From 250 up to 350 square feet: 7,000 to 8,000 Btus From 350 up to 450 square feet: 9,000 to 10,000 Btus From 450 up to 550 square feet: 12,000 Btus From 550 up to 700 square feet: 14,000 Btus Your room's square footage isn't the only number to think about when assessing how powerful an A/C unit you'll need, according to Energy Star. If the space is heavily shaded, you need 10% less Btus. A very sunny room, meanwhile, needs 10% more Btus. Any A/C unit used in a kitchen should have an extra 4,000 Btus to counteract heat-generating appliances. CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) CEER stands for combined energy efficiency ratio. It is 'the ratio of measured cooling output (in Btu per hour) to measured average electrical energy input (in Watts) and measured standby/off-mode power consumption (in Watts),' says Jones. Essentially, it is one way to measure how efficient an air conditioning unit is. A unit with a higher CEER is more energy efficient than a unit with a lower CEER. For window-unit A/Cs, you'll typically see a CEER between 11 and 15. Since 2014, all window units with a Btu rating under 8,000 must operate at a minimum CEER of 11, following standards put in place by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This standard is currently being updated: By 2026, the minimum CEER for similar products will be 12.8. For window units with a Btu rating above 8,000, the DOE is pushing for an even higher CEER, and encouraging manufacturers to use inverter technology to get there. Per FTC guidelines, all window A/Cs are 'required to have an energy guide which displays the CEER value,' says Bowley. Portable A/C units are less energy efficient, so it's more common to see CEER scores ranging from five to nine. Look for an A/C that uses inverter technology Most older or smaller A/Cs are non-inverter units. Non-inverter units use a simple compressor that is either 100% on, trying to cool your space to the temperature you set, or 100% off, having reached the desired temperature. Inverter A/Cs have a variable speed compressor to more efficiently maintain the temperature you set. Instead of running at full-blast or completely turning off, an inverter A/C will run faster or slower depending on the needs of the space, similar to a car using cruise control to maintain a certain speed, says Jones. Inverter A/Cs tend to be more energy efficient and have a higher CEER than non-inverter A/Cs. They are usually more expensive to purchase than non-inverter A/Cs but can save you money in the long run with lower energy bills. Look for an Energy Star certified A/C Energy Star is a program within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy efficiency in a broad range of appliances. Products that earn an Energy Star symbol are 'independently certified to help consumers to save energy and money while protecting the environment,' says Jones. For a window A/C unit to meet Energy Star certified requirements, 'it must be at least 10% more efficient than the federal minimum for this product type, and meet other requirements outlined in the most recent Energy Star product specification,' says Jones. You can verify a product is Energy Star certified through Energy Star's online product finder tool. Can I use my A/C if it's smokey outside? The air quality outside can shift dramatically during certain weather patterns or natural disasters like wildfires. Poor air quality can cause irritation, trigger allergic reactions and lead to long-term health problems, according to the EPA. Certain types of air conditioners should not be used if there is heavy smoke outside. If you have a window unit, you can still use it if the air damper is closed. Just make sure the seal between the air conditioner and the window is as airtight as possible, says Jones. Do not use single hose portable air conditioners if there is heavy smoke outside, as these will potentially bring smoke into your space. Dual hose portable air conditioners can be used, but monitor them carefully and make sure the seal between the window vent kit and window is airtight, says Jones. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Brice Bowley is the senior director of air conditioner technology at GE Appliances. Leslie Jones is the senior media and public affairs specialist for Energy Star labeled products at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who has covered consumer technology for years. For this piece, I interviewed appliance and energy experts to better understand air conditioners and their most important specifications. I leveraged my own personal experience and the experience of Select staff members to help select recommended products. I also conducted thorough research of other top-rated air conditioners.
Buzz Feed
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
37 Summer Bedroom Makeover Products You'll Love
A roll of scented liners that'll turn your underwear drawer into your very own version of the wardrobe in The Chronicles of Narnia — transporting you into fantastical fae gardens every time you reach for a pair of briefs. A floor mattress you can use all on its own. Eliminate bland bed frames from your life and create an open, organic vibe in your bedroom with this beautiful bedding set instead. A carved cabinet sure to give your bedroom its own main character energy, when even your shoe storage has eye-catching craftsman details. A bed canopy that'll be a seasonally stunning way to replace the winter twinkle lights in your bedroom, making it feel airy and bright now that the summer weather has you opening up your windows again. A ceramic incense dish for folks with limited bedside dresser space who know they've gotta decorate with items that are equal parts beautiful and functional. It'll give a cozy vibe, even on a hot summer day. A set of cult-favorite extra soft cooling bedsheets (boasting a mind-boggling 245,000 5-star reviews!!), folks say feel like sleeping at a luxurious hotel. If you've found falling asleep a chore because of tossing, turning, and *sweating* at night, then treat yourself to these must-have sheets. And a pair of cooling pillowcases with thousands of dreamy reviews from *previously* sweaty sleepers. Don't keep waking and flipping your toasty pillow over in frustration — it's gonna be your cool sleep summer! An artificial olive tree for folks who love *window* shopping at Pottery Barn and West Elm, but prefer getting clever and creating the vibe at half the cost. An arched floor mirror, you're gonna realize, is a classic for a reason. The arch makes the reflection feel open, helping to visually increase the size of any room. This is also a particularly great option for wardrobe you were wondering. A chic Windmill window AC so your bedroom's aesthetic isn't ruined by your need for AC. Reviewers (and this very BuzzFeed writer!) love that this is efficient, quiet, easy to install, and can be controlled by a smartphone. The fact that this can be turned on using voice control was the single best thing to happen to my marriage last summer, when neither of us had to get out of bed to change the temperature. Bless. Or an oscillating tower fan with six speeds (we're talkin' up to 24 feet per second velocity), three modes, and a surprisingly quiet design despite its power. If you're intimidated by installing an AC unit in your fourth-floor gonna be a big fan of this gadget. An upholstered bed frame made with kiln-dried hardwood and covered in 100% polyester with a foam and fiber fill. The rounded cushions and curving vine Winnie Hattie pattern create both a refreshing *and* cozy vibe that'll make any bedroom feel better. A mattress lifter sure to delight A-types who want their hospital corners looking *crisp.* AND if you hate making the bed because tucking the sheets under your two-ton foam mattress makes you sweat, this may be the key you need to unlock your bed-making abilities. This elevates the heaviest of mattresses to make tucking in sheets *way* easier. Your bed is about to look its very best. A cross-hatch tissue holder that's unnecessary, as it is simply placed around the tissue packaging, but it's giving Bottega Veneta, gonna be your next "need." A round rattan wall mirror for homes filled with natural elements and neutral details. The woven fibers add texture and interest while providing a warm space to check ya face. Velvet room-darkening curtains so luxe you may avoid looking out your window because pushing these aside ruins the your unreasonably elegant curtains. Plus, they'll do a great job blocking the sun when you're trying to snooze. Or a sheer linen panel — a sunny option for apartment dwellers who want to keep light in their apartment while blocking the view of the neighbor's bathroom window at the same time. A sunshine quartz candle with pyrite, clear quartz, and honey calcite. The soy-based formula is gonna smell like honeysuckle and jasmine with top notes of lemon and ginger. It's also filled with sparkling dust, making the candle shimmer as it burns. Somehow, this small business managed to put sunshine in a cup! A TikTok-famous sunset lamp to give yourself some soothing light therapy every night — letting you enjoy a sunset even if the view from your window is the brick wall from the building next door. An irregular mirror made with a wood frame covered in plush fabric, giving the entire piece a high-end vibe that'll improve the look of any room, all on its own. Dang, this thing is so nice it's making me feel all squiggly inside. And a mini squiggle mirror to add some cheeky fun to a gallery wall or shelf. If you've started to tire of your straight-edge aesthetic, give yourself a little wiggle room and try decorating with something a little more quirky. A bunch of faux tulips (with over 18,000 5-star reviews!!!) that'll stay in bloom all year long, helping your bedroom look alive even if you don't have enough natural light to support the life of a real houseplant. A bouquet floor lamp, I positively guarantee all your ~buds~ are sure to be jealous of. And a cheerful flush mount, so darn darling, I'm about 32 seconds away from investing in it myself. This modern, perky piece is technically designed with kids in mind, but it's sure to be an eye-catching statement in any room of the house. A set of six vintage-style botanical wall art prints you can use to create a varied botanical wallpaper-like vibe on an entire wall without the overwhelming work of actually putting up wallpaper. A Rifle Paper Co. rug from Loloi for warming up your space by adding fun, frilly florals to the cold, hard floors. Get excited to add this botanical beauty to your bedroom! A bestselling succulent sun catcher that's gonna make you thank the universe for the talented crafter in this world who has found a way to make glass beads this beautiful. If you'd like your bedroom to dazzle and delight, this is the decor for you! A woven throw blanket so you can sneakily embrace your horse girl life with a sophisticated accent piece on your bed. A four-pack of scalloped shelves — a particularly charming set that'll give your record collection something to brag about. A set of Wonder Hangers so you can stack those summer outfits, categories, or even *colors* of clothes with a vertical system, using up closet space in the most efficient (and A-type-friendly) way possible. A pair of battery-operated sconces that'll instantly create a cozy, romantic, Nora Ephron-approved aesthetic beside your bed. Gorgeous felt "tile" wall art — these customizable pieces are sound-dampening and pinnable (like cork board) to create decorated walls that have useful functions in your room. A cushioned bed frame that'll dazzle anyone who dreams of owning a sun-drenched bedroom. Keep the room bright and white, and that's exactly what you'll get! No dark wood or black bed frames in YOUR place. This'll easily slip over a box spring and create a luxe look with minimal effort and cost. A framed canvas painting — hang this above your bed and you may find yourself swan-diving into your duvet at the end of each night, eager to bask in the quiet luxury you've surrounded yourself with, one well-priced painting at a time. An abstract mushroom lamp that'll shine a light on your vivid, crayon-inspired color scheme brilliantly. A hand-tufted wool rug I simply can't believe is available on Amazon. Guests are gonna think you discovered this one-of-a-kind piece while hunting through dozens of handmade rugs at a craft fair they must have missed. The high-quality woven design and sharp collection of colors are simply to dye for. I love it, and I must have it. A cotton knit duvet cover so you can treat yourself to some butter yellow sunshine every time you tuck yourself in at night.
Metro
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
'You might go to a show at the Windmill, fall in love and end up with a tattoo'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Charlie Steen has played a lot of 'strange' venues in his time. The lead singer of the post-punk band Shame credits the band's rise to fame with open mic nights in the London grassroots music scene, where the band would perform alongside acts such as 'a married hippy couple with a tambourine and a flute.' But one venue has captured the heart of the south Londoner – which is none other than the Windmill in Brixton. Speaking inside the venue, Charlie told Metro he doesn't know 'where we would be without the community' who gave them 'love and support.' Shame formed in 2014 by five mates in their mid-teens – Charlie, Eddie Green, Sean Coyle-Smith, Josh Finerty and Charlie Forbes. After playing in pubs like the Queen's Head in Brixton, the band rose in popularity with their debut album Songs of Praise in 2018 and tracks 'One Rizla' and 'Concrete.' Charlie has joined the likes of Billy Bragg and Skunk Anansie to voice his support for London's grassroots scene as part of the launch of the London Grassroots Music Tube Map. The map is part of a new campaign that Metro has launched alongside the Mayor of London, Transport for London and organisations including the Music Venue Trust, Featured Artist Coalition, Outernet and Universal Music. Ticketing app DICE has put together a list of their 25 grassroots artists you need to see in London over the next six months. With tickets ranging from free to £27.50, these shows will ensure a great night to suit all tastes and budgets. Click HERE to catch the full list. It will be screened for a month at the Outernet London, the largest digital exhibition space in Europe. The interactive display of the map will be shown in the Arcade space, which links the nightclub to The Lower Third grassroots music venue on Denmark Street. Charlie, who hails from south London, praised the now-closed Queen's Head, where he sneaked in as a 15-year-old to see bands such as King Krule and Childhood, and the Windmill for allowing them to practice for free and hold their gigs. Named after the nearby historic flour mill, the Windmill Brixton sits on a quaint road of Blenheim Gardens in the bustling London neighbourhood. It was voted London's third best music venue in a 2012 Time Out poll. Bands like Bloc Party, The Vaccines and Hot Chip have played there and it has been a breeding ground for new punk and rock talent since the 1990s, such as Fat White Family and Black Midi. Windmill's booker Tim Perry described it as 'a classic dive bar' that hosts live music every night of the week. Tim said: 'We're very proud of being south London and we try to be good to bands from the area and somewhere they can come and play at short notice, play a lot and with each gig their confidence grows and they get better. 'The music industry really needs to look into its grassroots, and not just grassroots venues, but right down into how we're getting eight-year-old kids into music.' Venues like the Windmill are always buzzing with creatives of all kinds, enabling an ecosystem where people find each other in the heady mix of live tunes, sticky floors and smoke machines. Charlie said: 'When we came to the Windmill, this was the first place we were given the opportunity to put on our own nights. It worked perfectly. 'When we would go and do open mic nights in independent pubs and venues over London, we would always be paired with something that was a little bit strange – like a married hippy couple with a tambourine and a flute – and we would go on to play to no one. He said the community wasn't driven by 'any fame or any kind of achievement, apart from doing what you loved and having a deep passion for it, and that was the like-mindedness of the people.' Charlie continued: 'I can't imagine without the community we had around us being where we would be today. 'There have been a lot of people who didn't need to go out of their way to help, but they did, and they helped not only us but so many other people. 'It's the selflessness that a lot of people in this community have and just a willingness to help you for the love of it. 'We just had the mentality that we just want to play.' And they played – a lot and 'anywhere' they could, including a hat-trick of three gigs in one night. Charlie said: 'We had the idea to do three gigs – one in central London, one in east London and one in south London, where we'd finish it. We got a coach and anyone who's bought a ticket for all three shows could come on the coach with us. 'It was just a real laugh. The shows weren't any good, but it was just a lot of fun. 'We always wanted to try something new and push ourselves. I don't remember much of that night, but it was fun.' As teenagers, finding their home in the grassroots scene was eye-opening for the band, who were exposed to 'all flavours' of life. 'The venues had people who seem to be like-minded in some way, in type of style of clothing, music, and mentality, which I hadn't really been exposed that much because I was still in school, where people are insecure and only want to wear logo-branded hoodies and not show much of an identity or individualism, Charlie said. 'And this was the opposite of that.' 'There was a lack of judgment in these environments, and that was so important.' But venues, many of which closed down during the coronavirus pandemic, could do with more support, Charlie said. He criticised the pressure that gentrification was putting on venues that are part of the London DNA, while people are being 'forced out' by luxury developments. 'I've just come from Brixton Hill Studios, which is a very important place because there aren't many places to practice either,' he said. 'It feels like space is getting smaller – even though f****** things are being built left, right and centre, it seems everything else is getting crowded and people are not able to find these spaces.' He said grassroots venues are 'massively important' in cultivating 'something good' for the future. More Trending 'It is about the continuation of people having a good time, inspiring people and being able to escape into a safe environment where they feel good and inspired and passionate, and I don't think you can ever undervalue that,' Charlie said. We've teamed up with SXSW London to give away two pairs of Music Festival Wristbands valid for 2-7 June 2025. Headliners include Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems, Brit Award-winning artist Mabel, Crystal Castles's Alice Glass, and East London-based R&B artist NAO. But there's also plenty of emerging talent set to perform at showcase acts around Shoreditch, and you could be there to watch. Click here to find out more about SXSW London's incredible events and how to enter to be in with a chance to win, or simply enter your details using the form below. *T&Cs apply. You have until midnight on Sunday 25th May 2025 to enter. Good luck! * Open to legal residents of Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 06:01 BST on 13 May 2025 and closes at 23:59 BST on 25 May 2025. The promotion is free to enter; however internet access is required. Entrant must visit and when prompted by the form, submit their name, email, telephone number, date of birth and postcode. Acceptance of the terms and conditions (by ticking the relevant checkbox) is necessary to enter the promotion. 1 entry per person. 1 prize available per person. There will be two (2) winners. Each winner will win two (2) Full Week (6 days) Music Festival Wristbands (each such wristband worth £99) granting secondary access to Official SXSW London Music Festival showcases valid from 2 until 7 June 2025. Proof of age and photographic ID is required for entry (18+). The prize, including entry and attendance at SXSW, is subject to and governed by the SXSW's full ticket terms and conditions here. Full T&Cs apply, see here. 'You might go to a show and you might hate it or love it, meet someone who's going to be your partner in the future, you might end up with a tattoo, you might get something out of it. Even if you don't enjoy it, at least we've learned that. 'Always be open to new experiences, and it's important for the soul sometimes to go out and have fun.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Mayor and musicians launch map of London's grassroots venue 'crown jewels' MORE: Teenagers laughed after killing pensioner by torching his home with fireworks MORE: Metro goes onboard UK's 'Fighting Clan' warship tasked with deterring Putin's subs
Cision Canada
30-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Windmill Microlending and RBC announce a new initiative to address shortages in primary healthcare nationwide Français
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada is facing a healthcare crisis, with millions lacking access to primary care and doctor shortages worsening nationwide. On May 1, Windmill Microlending is expanding support for internationally trained physicians, thanks to a $5 million donation from RBC. This funding will help 850 physicians restart their careers over the next five years, helping improve healthcare access for Canadians. This is the largest corporate donation Windmill has received in support of healthcare workers. Fittingly, this announcement comes on May 1, National Physicians' Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions of physicians across the country. A recent Health Canada report, Caring for Canadians: Canada's Future Health Workforce (January 2025), highlights the urgent need for more doctors across Canada, as domestic training alone cannot meet demand. Internationally trained physicians (ITPs) are key to solving this crisis, yet a majority struggle to resume their careers due to costly and complex licensing processes, lack of opportunities and limited access to credit to fund their endeavours. Windmill helps these highly skilled newcomers by providing low-interest loans, coaching and mentorship to support foreign credential recognition and reaccreditation. Now, Windmill and RBC—collaborators since 2006—are increasing their efforts to prevent the loss of valuable medical talent. RBC's new donation will fund loans and comprehensive wrap-around supports for foreign-trained doctors who qualify for Windmill's Healthcare Reaccreditation Loan program. Supports include individualized coaching, financial literacy training, digital career resources, and mentorship. The result of this expanded funding for ITPs will help to improve access to primary care and health equity across Canada. "Canada has a critical shortage of doctors but a wealth of internationally trained physicians keen to restart their careers in Canada. We're thrilled that, thanks to RBC's support, newcomer physicians will be able to afford the costs of recertification, and Canadians will have access to hundreds more doctors. All of us at Windmill are so grateful to RBC for their vision, funding and support" says Claudia Hepburn, CEO, Windmill Microlending. "Canada's healthcare crisis is exacerbated by staff shortages, burnout and high attrition rates," says Andrea Barrack, Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Impact, RBC. "Along will donations to more than 50 Canadian hospitals, our support of Windmill is aligned with our broader ambition to help reskill, upskill and improve the resiliency of our workforce, including healthcare workers across the country who are vital to our collective prosperity." Interviews are available. BACKGROUND About Windmill Microlending Windmill Microlending (Le Moulin Microcrédits) is a national charity founded in 2005 with a mission to empower skilled immigrants to achieve economic prosperity. Leveraging a unique social finance model, Windmill helps qualified newcomers overcome professional employment barriers by providing accessible, affordable career loans and support services. Windmill's clients, now numbering over 13,000, come from over 150 countries worldwide and span various professional sectors, including healthcare, business and IT and STEM. More than half of Windmill's clients are internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs), including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and many others. Health Canada estimates the current doctor shortage in Canada at 23,000 individuals (Source: A recent survey by Unity Health Toronto revealed that 6.5 million Canadians do not have a regular healthcare provider (physician or nurse practitioner). In 2024, CIHI reported 5 million Canadians struggled to access primary care. Windmill's Healthcare Reaccreditation Loan is offered at 4.95% interest, pegged to prime.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Finding Joy Again: Windmill Wellness Ranch Featured on Empowered with Meg Ryan
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Empowered with Meg Ryan explores how Windmill Wellness Ranch's holistic approach to mental health and substance abuse treatment is helping individuals and families rediscover joy and lasting well-being. Empowered with Meg Ryan takes viewers on a journey to Windmill Wellness Ranch, a sanctuary dedicated to healing the root causes of mental health and substance abuse issues. This segment explores how Windmill's compassionate, individualized, and cutting-edge approach, including trauma-based therapies and strong family engagement, fosters long-lasting recovery and a return to joy. The program highlights the ranch's commitment to accurate diagnoses, significant therapist interaction, data-driven progress measurement, and robust aftercare support, including their unique Windmill Guarantee. This segment illustrates how Windmill empowers individuals to not just manage symptoms, but to achieve true wellness and reclaim their lives. "Our approach at Windmill Wellness Ranch goes beyond traditional treatment. By blending advanced therapeutic techniques, scientific outcome data, and Brain Frequency™ technology, we address the root causes of mental health and substance abuse disorders. Rather than just managing symptoms, we work to uncover and treat the underlying issues through collaboration with master-level clinicians and psychiatrists, creating personalized treatment programs that lead to true, sustainable healing. Participating in Empowered with Meg Ryan allows us to showcase our commitment to empowering clients to reclaim their lives by treating the real issue, not just the diagnosis," stated Ani Narasimhan, CEO, Windmill Wellness Ranch. Many individuals grappling with mental health and substance abuse face challenges that go beyond surface-level symptoms. Windmill Wellness Ranch's approach addresses the underlying issues, fostering deep healing and sustainable recovery. Their focus on family involvement, combined with individualized treatment plans, creates a supportive environment for lasting change. About Empowered with Meg Ryan: Empowered with Meg Ryan is an award-winning program broadcast on Public Television stations nationwide. The program explores a variety of topics, offering viewers insightful perspectives on the world around them. Visit to learn more. About Windmill Wellness Ranch: Windmill Wellness Ranch provides best-in-class substance abuse and mental health treatment services that lead to long-lasting healing and recovery. Visit to learn more. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Empowered
