Working Strategies: Settling in and succeeding in your new career

posted in: News | 0

Amy Lindgren

Second Sunday Series – Editor’s Note: This is the last of 12 columns on making a career change which have appeared the second Sunday of each month, from September through August. Last month’s column discussed interviewing for a career-change position, while the months before focused on launching your job search; networking; getting experience in your new career; LinkedIn for career-changers; resume strategies; the back-to-school decision; career-change steps in your 60s; 10 ideas for choosing a new career; a sample timeline; and questions to consider when changing careers.

And here we are, in the twelfth of our 12-part series on changing careers. Although life doesn’t generally follow a process manual, it’s just possible that a person could have begun reading this series a year ago and now be in the position of starting work in a new career.

Imagining that person is you, congratulations! It’s quite an accomplishment to dream something up and then find yourself living that dream not long after. Now it’s time for the last set of instructions in the manual: Setting yourself up for success in your new career.

Following are five areas that will need your attention as you move forward.

1. Getting started. It’s easy to imagine that someone else will take charge of “onboarding” you – that’s the word for helping a new hire get acclimated in their position. The problem is that some companies don’t have an onboarding process, other than giving you a tour and introducing you to the team.

You’ve worked hard to get to this point, so now is not the time to let things slip. As part of your self-designed onboarding process, try to incorporate these steps:

— Come to work in person, if possible, even if the job can be done from home. You’ll acclimate faster by mingling with colleagues and asking for help in real time.

— Find a mentor, formal or informal. Having a guide is good for any new employee but especially so for career-changers.

— Be a joiner. By the end of six months, try to identify a committee or team to be part of. This will help you build connections while gaining incidental learning on the job.

2. Preparing for reviews. Depending on the organization, you may find that your first formal review is six or 12 months from your hire date. That’s too long to wait! Career-changers need early and frequent doses of feedback to confirm they’re on the right track.

Instead of relying on the default process, take this two-track approach: On track one, ask your supervisor to meet briefly for feedback on a weekly or monthly basis (depending on the situation) for the first quarter or two. Cutting back the frequency after that should be fine.

Then, on the second track, anticipate your formal review by writing down what you’ve been learning and doing. Be sure to note your successes, since it’s easy for early wins to get “over-written” as the job gets more intense.

3. Building new connections. In addition to joining internal committees or work teams, career-changers also benefit from building external contacts in their new vocation. By joining a professional association or monitoring a LinkedIn group, for example, you can gain a broader understanding of your field and keep up with developments that could strengthen your work performance.

4. Maintaining past connections. Starting a new job can be a very intense experience, making it easy to leave loose ends dangling from your job search process. One way to keep this from happening is to set a reminder for two months after your start date to re-connect with those who helped in your journey. That’s early enough for the news to still be fresh, but far enough into the new job that you can be specific about how things are going.

5. Moving forward. Remember that you didn’t go to all the effort of changing careers just to get stuck in a new rut someplace. Now’s the time to create a goal list for yourself, naming the milestones you want to reach in the next two or three years.

Then, commit those items to your calendar, with a backwards cascade of steps to ensure they get done. For example, if you want to learn a particular skill, you might need cross-training or an outside class – when can you start on that?

Good job, career-changer. Whether you’ve been taking steps to find your new path over the last year, or you plan to make that leap soon, there’s an exciting adventure ahead of you.

Amy Lindgren owns a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com.

Tech review: Five gadgets to make your car safer and more comfortable

posted in: Society | 0

Jim Rossman | Tribune News Service (TNS)

I love to drive, which is good, because I get a lot of opportunities to review gadgets for drivers.

This week I’m looking at a handful of useful things to make your drive safer or more comfortable.

You’ll notice I have included two air inflators. I like them both and they each have their advantages. Pricing included is retail price, but you may find them cheaper.

The Laxon DR-6000 Vehicle Air Massage Seat. (Laxon/TNS)

Dr Well Laxon DR-6000 Vehicle Air Massage Seat

As I get older, a comfortable place to sit is becoming more important. I love driving long distances, but my hips and back start to get sore after about 90 minutes in my driver’s seat.

The Laxon DR-6000 Vehicle Air Massage Seat ($399.99, Laxon.us or Amazon.com) is designed to sit on top of your seat. It straps to the headrest and around the back of the seat.

The DR-6000 uses a small air compressor to quickly fill air chambers strategically placed on the back and bottom of the seat. There are different massage modes that provide differing levels of massage. I’m a big guy, so I liked the more aggressive settings.

The compressor is housed in a small pouch that hangs down under your knees. It is quiet and fills the air chambers quickly.

The DR-6000 also has a seat heater that I didn’t need in Texas this summer, but I’m sure it’ll be handy this winter.

The massage and heat levels are controlled from a small wired remote that tucks into a pocket by the compressor.

The TopdonV2200Plus. (Topdon/TNS)

Topdon V2200Plus Jump Starter

A small, battery-powered jump starter has replaced jumper cables in my vehicles for the last few years.

The Topdon V2200Plus ($149.99, topdon.us) can jumpstart your vehicle up to 35 times on a full charge.

It can jump up to 8-liter gas or 6-liter diesel engines, delivering up to 2,200 amps of peak current.

The clamps are smart enough to prevent you from doing damage to your vehicle or the jump starter if you’ve got them on the wrong posts.

The V2200Plus also has Bluetooth that can talk to an app on your phone that will give you a report on the health of your vehicle’s battery.

It also has an LED flashlight (handy) and it can charge your phone or other USB-powered devices.

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve helped with a portable jump starter. This is a good one.

HOTO Air Pump Master

Having a leaky tire is no fun. We’ve all been there. You see a little yellow low tire warning light on your dash and now you have to figure out which tire is low.

I also dislike hunting for a working air pump at a gas station, much less one that doesn’t require a credit card.

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The HOTO Air Pump Master ($169.99, hototools.com) is a cigar-box sized compressor with a slick LED screen in its control wheel.

It’s easy to set your desired air pressure and let the pump do its job. It’ll stop when the target pressure is reached.

The Air Pump Master has two hoses that attach for filling everything you’d want to inflate, from car and bike tires to air mattresses, inflatable tents, kayaks and paddleboards and sports balls.

The interface is really easy to use and the inflation is quick. It takes about a minute to inflate a car tire or kayak.

The rechargeable 7,500 milliamp-hour battery can get the job done, or you can plug into your car’s 12v port for working all day. HOTO says you can inflate up to 16 car tires on a charge.

It has a built-in LED light to make using it easy at night and the internal battery recharges through its USB-C port.

It includes a nice sturdy storage bag to keep the inflator and all the hoses and filler tips organized and ready to go.

The Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2. (Pitaka/TNS)

Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2

Everyone seems to have a phone mount in their car these days, and if you’re smart you have a charger built into that mount to keep your phone’s battery full.

The Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 ($59.99, ipitaka.com) is a 15-watt wireless fast charger for your compatible iPhone or Android phone. Your phone can charge from zero to 100 percent in 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Connect the included USB-C cable to the MagEZ and your phone’s battery will stay full as you navigate down the road.

This mount comes in two models, one for cars with horizontal or vertical air vents and one for Tesla Model3/Y.

It uses the Qi2 charging standard, adopted by Apple and various Android phone manufacturers. Its magnet is strong enough to keep your phone steady on the bumpiest roads.

If your phone doesn’t have a magnet in the back like my iPhone, you’ll need a compatible case to help your phone stick to the charger. Pitaka sells cases, but you can get them from other places as well.

The MagEZ has one interesting feature that is unusual. It has a three-position switch that activate NFC shortcuts.

Once you set it up the NFC, you can have your favorite music or navigation app launch automatically when the phone is placed in the charger. Slick feature.

The MagEZ uses a 17mm universal swivel ball mount, so if you don’t want to use the included vent mount, you can get a different mount to attach it to your dash or a window or whatever type you like.

The Syncwire Portable Inflator Air Pump. (Syncwire/TNS)

Syncwire Portable Inflator Air Pump

This is a tiny inflator that anyone can carry. I’d even recommend this one for e-bike riders or motorcyclists.

The Syncwire Portable Inflator ($79.99, syncwire.com) is about the size of a soft drink can and it can inflate car, motorcycle and bike tires or items like sports balls, air mattresses and inflatables. It has a maximum fill capacity of 150 psi.

The interface is quite simple. Press the power button, select the fill mode, set your desired pressure with the + and – buttons and attach the hose to whatever you want to fill. When connected, the display will show you the current pressure.

Pressing the power button starts the inflation and the compressor will stop when it reaches the desired pressure.

It has a 5,200mAh rechargeable battery that charges from a USB-C cable.

There is also a USB-A port that can charge your phone.

I tested this on my SUV. I deflated my tires down to 25 psi and it took about two and a half minutes to inflate them to 33 psi. I did note the inflator gets pretty warm during use, but it was manageable.

This inflator is inexpensive, easy to use and super convenient to stow in its included carry bag. It’ll fit in any trunk, saddle bag or toolbox.

Jim Rossman is a tech columnist for Tribune News Service. He may be reached at jrossmantechadviser@gmail.com.

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

What is the difference between pet insurance and wellness plans?

posted in: Society | 0

Lezanne Winshaw | Bankrate.com (TNS)

Pet owners want the best for their furry friends, which often involves making decisions about their health care. One common dilemma is whether to invest in pet insurance or a pet wellness plan. In many cases, pet owners may want both.

Both pet insurance and wellness plans offer ways to manage your pet’s health expenses, but they serve different purposes. Understanding these differences will ensure you choose the right option for your pet’s needs.

What pet insurance is and how it works

Pet insurance is a financial product designed to cover unexpected veterinary costs that arise from accidents, illnesses and other unforeseen health issues. Like human health insurance, it provides a financial safety net for high-cost medical expenses.

How pet insurance works

Pet insurance policies typically involve paying a monthly premium in exchange for coverage of various medical expenses.

When your pet requires veterinary care, you pay the bill upfront and then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. The reimbursement amount depends on your policy’s coverage details, such as deductibles, copays and coverage limits.

Some insurers, like Trupanion, have a VetPay facility, meaning your insurance company pays the covered portion of your bill directly to the vet.

Pet insurance usually covers:

— Accidents and injuries (broken bones, swallowed objects)

— Diagnostic tests (blood tests, X-rays)

— Illnesses (cancer, diabetes, infections)

— Prescription medications

— Surgeries and hospitalizations

Some policies may also offer optional wellness care add-ons.

What pet wellness plans are and how they work

A pet wellness plan is designed to cover routine and preventive care. These plans help manage the cost of regular veterinary services that keep your pet healthy. Preventive care may help detect issues early before they become serious problems.

How pet wellness plans work

Pet wellness plans are offered as pet insurance add-ons or as stand-alone financial assistance.

They function on a subscription basis, where you pay a monthly or annual fee in exchange for a set of covered services. Unlike pet insurance, wellness plans usually do not involve filing claims and waiting for reimbursement. Instead, you receive discounted or fully covered services during your visit.

Not all pet insurance providers have wellness plans or preventive care add-ons. Some vet clinics offer wellness programs to help pet owners budget for routine pet healthcare. These may only be utilized at their clinic or network of animal hospitals.

Pet wellness plans typically cover:

— Dental cleanings

— Flea, tick and heartworm prevention

— Microchipping

— Routine blood work

— Routine check-ups and physical exams

— Spay/neuter procedures

— Vaccinations

These plans are ideal for budgeting regular veterinary care and ensuring your pet receives consistent preventive treatments.

Pet insurance vs. pet wellness plans

While pet wellness plans help to budget for routine pet care, pet insurance focuses on the unexpected.

When deciding between pet insurance and wellness plans, consider the following:

— Age and health: Young, healthy pets might benefit more from wellness plans focusing on preventive care, while older pets or breeds prone to health issues may need the comprehensive coverage of pet insurance.

— Budget: Evaluate your financial situation. Pet insurance can save you from unexpected, high medical bills, while wellness plans help manage routine care costs.

— Risk tolerance: If you prefer financial predictability, a wellness plan might suit you. Pet insurance could be the better option if you’re more concerned about potential high costs from accidents or illnesses.

— Vet visits: Consider how often you visit the vet. Regular visits for preventive care may justify the cost of a wellness plan, whereas infrequent visits might not.

Pet insurance pros

— Comprehensive coverage: Pet insurance provides extensive protection against unexpected and often costly medical emergencies.

— Financial safeguard: It helps manage large, unplanned for expenses that arise from serious illnesses or injuries.

— Peace of mind: Knowing you have a plan for crises can reduce stress and worry about your pet’s health.

Pet insurance cons

— Cost: Monthly premiums can add up, and there may be deductibles and copays to consider.

— Exclusions and waiting periods: Not all conditions are covered, and certain types of coverage may have waiting periods.

— Reimbursement process: You usually need to pay the vet bill upfront and wait for reimbursement, which can be a hassle.

Wellness plan pros

— Budget-friendly: Wellness plans allow you to spread out the cost of routine care over time, making it easier to manage your budget.

— Immediate benefits: There is usually no need to file claims or wait for reimbursement; covered services are provided during the visit.

— Preventive focus: These plans emphasize regular check-ups and preventive care, which can lead to early detection of health issues.

Pet wellness cons

— Limited coverage: Some wellness plans only cover a portion of the preventive care costs or only pay a maximum value per treatment or per year.

— Not customizable: Wellness plans often come as packages, which may include services you don’t need.

— Overlapping costs: If you already have pet insurance, adding a wellness plan might result in overlapping coverage and increased overall costs.

When to consider pet insurance

Pet health insurance is valuable for pet parents seeking financial protection and peace of mind in the event of unexpected accidents or illnesses. It covers emergency situations that demand immediate and often expensive veterinary care.

Some dog breeds have a higher chance of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cancer. If you sign your pet up for insurance before signs of these develop, your pet’s policy can go a long way to helping cover the significant expenses that stack up for chronic medications and surgeries.

If you are one of the lucky ones whose four-legged friend gets through life without serious incident, paying monthly insurance premiums may seem like a waste of money. Contributing to a medical emergency fund may be a better use of your money. If something unexpected happens, you can always draw from your emergency account to cover vet bills.

When to consider a pet wellness plan

Pet wellness plans are ideal for pet owners who wish to prioritize preventive care and budget for routine veterinary services throughout the year.

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“Routine veterinary check-ups and preventive care can substantially lower the risk of expensive treatments for severe injuries and illnesses in the future,” says Melissa Meyer, veterinarian at Boksburg Animal Hospital, South Africa. “As a veterinarian, I understand how daunting a diagnosis can be, but I have seen significantly higher success rates when conditions are detected early. If a wellness plan can help you achieve this level of care for your pets, it is certainly a worthwhile consideration.”

A wellness plan can help puppies and kittens who undergo several vaccinations and other routine procedures in their first year or two of life manage these expenses. However, a wellness policy with these specific benefits may be excessive for older pets who have been microchipped, spayed or neutered.

With a little research, it is easy to budget for routine veterinary costs like vaccinations and annual check-ups.

However, if some of these happen in a short space of time, it may be challenging to have that amount of cash on hand. In this case, paying smaller, more regular amounts as a monthly wellness plan premium may be more manageable.

Next steps

Pet insurance is a financial safety net for unforeseen illness and injury that can lead to hefty vet bills.

The cost of pet insurance varies depending on your pet’s age, breed and location, as well as which policy parameters you select (reimbursement percentage, deductibles, maximum coverage). Plans for pet wellness help pet owners budget for routine pet care such as vaccinations, teeth cleanings and annual check-ups.

Deciding between pet insurance and a pet wellness plan depends on your pet’s specific needs and your financial situation. Pet insurance might be the right choice if you are concerned about covering the cost of unexpected emergencies.

On the other hand, if you want to ensure consistent preventive care and manage routine veterinary expenses, a wellness plan could be more suitable.

By understanding the differences between pet insurance and wellness plans, you can make an informed choice that best suits your pet’s health needs and your financial situation. Remember, the goal is to ensure your pet receives the best care possible, keeping them happy and healthy for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

— Can I have both pet insurance and a wellness plan? Yes, many pet owners choose to have both. Pet insurance covers emergencies and serious illnesses, while a wellness plan covers routine and preventive care. This combination can provide comprehensive coverage for your pet.

— What does pet insurance typically not cover? Pet insurance often excludes pre-existing conditions, routine and preventive care (unless added as an optional rider), and certain hereditary conditions. Be sure to read the policy details to understand the exclusions.

— How do I choose the right pet insurance policy? Consider factors such as coverage options, deductibles, reimbursement rates and customer reviews. Compare multiple providers to find a policy that fits your budget and meets your pet’s needs.

— Are pet wellness plans worth it? If you regularly take your pet for check-ups and preventive care, a wellness plan can be a cost-effective way to manage those expenses. Evaluate the services included in the plan and compare them to your pet’s needs to determine if it’s worth it for you.

— Can I switch from a wellness plan to pet insurance? Most pet insurance providers will allow you to switch from a wellness plan to an accident and illness policy or vice versa. However, be aware that switching may involve new waiting periods and potential exclusions for pre-existing conditions. It’s essential to time the switch carefully to avoid gaps in coverage.

(Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.)

©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Ice rink fumes have sent kids to the hospital. Still, few states require tests

posted in: News | 0

Alex Brown | Stateline.org (TNS)

Last December, dozens of young hockey players were rushed to hospitals in the Buffalo, New York, area — some vomiting, lethargic and suffering from headaches.

The skaters had been exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide at an indoor ice rink, a problem that is far from uncommon. Most rinks use ice resurfacing machines — often known by the brand name of Zamboni — and edgers that often run on propane or other fuels. Some use gas-powered heaters above seating areas. Without proper ventilation, the fumes from that equipment can build up high levels of poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

“It’s almost akin to running the car in the garage with the door closed,” said New York Democratic Assemblymember Monica Wallace, whose district includes the ice rink where the poisoning incident occurred. “And it’s in rinks that are used frequently by children, where people are breathing heavily when they’re playing.”

While the young skaters in New York all recovered, Wallace learned that they were far from the first to suffer from a mass poisoning event at an ice arena. Within the past decade, similar incidents have sent handfuls to scores of ice rink visitors to the hospital in DelawareIllinoisOhio and Wisconsin. Some state health officials say many more incidents don’t make the news. And as families around the country begin hockey training camps and wrap up registration for fall leagues, health experts note that many ice rink visitors may be unknowingly suffering from lower-level exposures that can cause long-term damage.

As Wallace researched previous incidents across the country, the former hockey mom was even more surprised to find only three states require their rinks to test air quality and meet certain safety thresholds.

“It seems pretty surprising that this is such an issue,” she said. “Until it happened in my district, I had no idea.”

Earlier this year, Wallace drafted a bill that would require New York ice rink owners to monitor their air quality. At certain thresholds, they would be required to increase ventilation, notify state officials, or evacuate the rink. In many rinks, especially in older structures, ventilation occurs near the top of the building, so as not to pull warmer outside air near the ice surface. But that can allow gases to settle into the skating area unless they are cleared out by exhaust fans.

The bill is modeled on existing standards in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Rhode Island. Leaders in those states say regulations have helped to reduce emergencies and lower the long-term exposures that can cause respiratory problems such as asthma.

While some rink owners initially expressed skepticism about the rules, industry officials in those states say they’ve learned how to comply. Now, they say the standards are a key framework for helping them provide a safe environment for skaters and staff.

“It doesn’t benefit anyone to have something on the nightly news of 15 kids getting loaded onto ambulances at an ice rink,” said Ed Peduto, a board member with the North East Ice Skating Managers Association and the general manager of an ice arena in Reading, Massachusetts. “People don’t want to be regulated, but this has made rinks in Massachusetts exponentially more safe.”

Promoting safety

National ice rink industry groups already recommend air quality testing and safety thresholds. They haven’t openly opposed bills such as Wallace’s to make that testing mandatory. But the New York bill did not advance before the legislature adjourned this session; Wallace intends to bring the proposal back next year. Still, it seems there’s been little traction at the state or federal level to adopt such rules for the nation’s roughly 2,000 indoor ice rinks.

“I do see the reports of incidents in various states, which does suggest that in the absence of regulations there’s an increased risk of severe acute poisoning,” said Dan Tranter, supervisor of the Indoor Air Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health. “It’s a pretty reasonable way to protect public health.”

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Minnesota became the first state to enact air quality rules for ice rinks in 1973. Over time, testing results have shown a decline in carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels as rink owners have fixed ventilation issues or switched to electric machines. The state has not seen a severe hospitalization incident in more than 20 years, Tranter said.

Massachusetts passed its standards in 1997. Suzanne Condon, former associate commissioner of the state Department of Public Health, helped draft the regulations. In addition to the mass poisoning events, state leaders were concerned about high rates of childhood asthma and other respiratory conditions. They cited emerging evidence that long-term lower-level exposures could worsen such problems.

“I remember watching the team bench during school hockey games and almost every other kid was using an inhaler,” she said. “You really want to prevent exposures in order to prevent disease and ultimately make life better for kids.”

Current agency officials did not grant a Stateline interview request.

Peduto, the Massachusetts ice arena manager, said the agency backed up its rules with a stringent inspection regime that initially angered rink owners. Over time, though, as they were forced to comply, the owners came to see their improved air quality as a selling point, Peduto said.

“Skating rink operators in Massachusetts are really proud of the air quality of their rinks,” added Condon. “It’s been so many years since there’s been any incident related to carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide. It’s testament to the fact that it worked.”

Industry response

Rhode Island also has enacted standards, while Connecticut, New Hampshire and Wisconsin have issued nonbinding guidelines. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued detailed guidance for rink operators, but it is voluntary.

The U.S. Ice Rink Association recommends that its members voluntarily test their air and take corrective actions at certain thresholds. The trade group did not respond to a request for comment.

Given the number of high-profile poisoning incidents, and the lack of visible industry pushback, some officials are surprised that more states haven’t established their own regulations. Some speculate that it stems from a lack of awareness, or the fact that the issue is limited to a single industry.

At least one local government has taken matters into its own hands. Roughly a decade ago, firefighters in Evendale, Ohio, grew alarmed at how often they were called over several years to a local ice arena to help sickened skaters.

“We started to measure carbon monoxide whenever we were in that facility, and we kept getting alarms,” said Michael Hauck, chief of the village’s fire department. “That tipped us off that we had a potential issue with the equipment being used in the ice arena.”

As local leaders looked into the issue, they heard from Ohio health officials that no statewide regulations would be forthcoming. In 2017, the village council passed a set of air quality testing requirements and standards, modeled on Minnesota’s regulations. Soon after it passed, the rink that had caused the fire department’s concerns discovered that it had problems with its ventilation units. Once fixed, its air quality improved dramatically.

Eventually, both rinks in town switched to electric ice resurfacers. Officials at the state and local level say they have seen many rink owners switch to electric equipment after the passage of testing regulations. By switching to models that don’t emit fumes, they can exempt themselves from testing requirements and save money on fuel in the long run.

“The regulation does incentivize going all electric,” said Tranter, with the Minnesota agency. “Now it’s rare to see a corrective action level reached, and that has a lot to do with the switch to electric.”

©2024 States Newsroom. Visit at stateline.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.