Category: Uncategorized

Social care plays a vital role in our society. It involves helping people who are in need due to illness, disability, age, or other challenges. The aim is to support individuals so they can live their lives as independently and comfortably as possible. Social care is not just about providing medical assistance; it includes a wide range of services designed to help people with daily tasks, improve their quality of life, and ensure their well-being.

In many societies, the government provides a large part of social care services, but private and non-profit organizations also play a significant role. This help can be provided at home, in nursing homes, or in other care facilities. Social care is usually given to those who are unable to manage on their own due to physical, mental, or emotional reasons. It includes help with tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and managing medication.

Social care workers are the backbone of this system. They are specially trained professionals who understand how to support people with different needs. Their job is to provide care in a way that respects the person’s dignity, choices, and rights. Social care workers are often the first people to notice when someone’s health or well-being is at risk. They can make sure that individuals get the help they need in time, whether it’s emotional support, physical help, or access to medical treatment.

One of the main goals of social care is to improve the lives of people who may be vulnerable or unable to take care of themselves. For example, elderly people often face challenges like mobility issues, memory loss, or chronic conditions that make it difficult for them to live independently. Social care can provide the support they need to continue living in their own homes or to adjust to life in a care facility where they can receive more intensive help.

Social care is not limited to just the elderly. Many young people also benefit from social care services. Children with disabilities, for example, may need extra help with schoolwork, socializing, and daily activities. Social care workers assist these children by providing one-on-one care or supporting their families in meeting their needs. This care ensures that children can grow up in an environment where they are safe, healthy, and able to reach their full potential.

The need for social care has been increasing in many countries due to several factors. As life expectancy rises, more elderly people require help to maintain a good quality of life. Also, with more people living with chronic illnesses or disabilities, there is a growing demand for social care services. In addition, many people are living in smaller families or without family support, which means that they are more likely to rely on social care services.

Despite its importance, social care is often underfunded and overlooked in many parts of the world. This can lead to shortages of care workers, long waiting times for services, and challenges in providing quality care. It is crucial that governments and communities recognize the value of social care and invest in it to ensure that everyone receives the support they need. Better pay and working conditions for social care workers, along with increased funding for services, are essential for improving the quality of care provided.

Social care also includes a focus on mental health. Many people experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or dementia, which can make daily life challenging. Social care workers who are trained in mental health support can make a huge difference in helping individuals manage their conditions. This support might include talking to someone who understands their struggles, helping them access therapy or counseling, or simply ensuring that they feel safe and cared for in their environment.

Another important aspect of social care is the connection it fosters between individuals and their communities. Social care services are not just about meeting physical needs; they also aim to reduce isolation and encourage social interaction. This is particularly important for elderly people, who may otherwise spend long periods alone. Social care workers can help connect people to local activities, community groups, and resources that improve their sense of belonging and overall well-being.

Social care is an essential service that provides support to people who need help due to age, disability, illness, or other challenges. It includes a wide range of services aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals and ensuring their dignity and independence. Social care workers play a crucial role in delivering these services, and their work is invaluable in ensuring that vulnerable people receive the care and support they deserve. As our society continues to change, it is important that we prioritize social care and invest in its future to help everyone live their best life.

The respiratory system is one of the most important systems in our body. It allows us to breathe, providing oxygen to every part of our body and removing carbon dioxide, a waste product of our cells. This system includes the lungs, airways, and muscles that help us breathe. Maintaining good respiratory health is essential for overall well-being, and understanding how the respiratory system works can help us take better care of it.

The respiratory process begins when we inhale air through our nose or mouth. The air then travels down the trachea, which splits into two large tubes called bronchi. Each bronchus leads to one of the lungs. Inside the lungs, the bronchi branch out into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which end in tiny air sacs known as alveoli. It is in these alveoli that the exchange of gases happens. Oxygen from the air moves into the blood, and carbon dioxide from the blood moves into the air sacs, ready to be exhaled.

Breathing is controlled by the diaphragm, a large muscle that sits below the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it creates a vacuum, causing air to flow into the lungs. When it relaxes, the air is pushed out. This process is constant and happens every minute of every day, allowing our bodies to get the oxygen they need to function properly.

Several factors can affect respiratory health, and one of the most common is smoking. Smoking harms the lungs by introducing harmful chemicals, which can lead to chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and lung cancer. People who smoke are also at a higher risk of developing infections like pneumonia or bronchitis. Even secondhand smoke can be dangerous, especially for children and non-smokers who are exposed to it regularly.

Another major factor that can impact respiratory health is air pollution. Polluted air contains harmful substances like dust, soot, and toxic gases. Breathing in polluted air can irritate the airways and lungs, making it more difficult to breathe. People living in cities with high levels of air pollution may experience more frequent respiratory problems such as asthma or allergies. It is important for individuals to limit their exposure to polluted air whenever possible.

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways of the lungs. People with asthma have inflamed airways, which can make it difficult to breathe. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by various factors such as allergens, cold air, exercise, and stress. While there is no cure for asthma, the condition can be managed with medication and by avoiding triggers.

Infections also play a major role in respiratory health. Viruses such as the flu and the common cold can affect the respiratory system, causing symptoms like coughing, sore throat, and congestion. In some cases, these infections can lead to more serious conditions like pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and it can be life-threatening, especially in young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. Good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and covering your mouth when you cough, can help prevent the spread of infections.

Regular exercise is an excellent way to improve and maintain respiratory health. Physical activity strengthens the muscles used in breathing, improves lung capacity, and enhances overall cardiovascular health. Activities like walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling help the body use oxygen more efficiently, making it easier to breathe. However, people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, like asthma, should consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine to ensure they are doing so safely.

A healthy diet also plays a key role in supporting the respiratory system. Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of respiratory infections. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are beneficial for overall health, including lung function. Staying hydrated is also important, as it helps keep the mucus in the airways thin and easy to clear.

The respiratory system is essential for life, providing the body with the oxygen it needs and removing harmful carbon dioxide. Taking care of our lungs through lifestyle choices like not smoking, avoiding air pollution, staying active, and eating a balanced diet can help maintain good respiratory health. Understanding how the respiratory system works and how it can be affected by different factors is the first step toward keeping it healthy. By making positive changes and being mindful of our respiratory health, we can ensure that our lungs continue to function properly for years to come.

Research and innovation are two key drivers of progress in our world. They work together to bring new ideas to life, solve problems, and improve lives in countless ways. While they are often mentioned together, research and innovation are different but connected processes. Research is about discovering new knowledge or understanding something better, while innovation is about turning that knowledge into something practical that can make a difference in the world.

At the heart of research is the quest for knowledge. It is a process that involves asking questions, gathering information, and testing ideas. Whether in science, technology, medicine, or any other field, research helps us understand the world around us and how things work. For example, scientists might research how diseases spread to create better treatments, or engineers might study how materials behave to invent stronger buildings. Research can happen in laboratories, through experiments, or even by simply observing the world. It is often a long and detailed process that requires patience and careful thinking.

Innovation, on the other hand, takes the knowledge gained from research and uses it to create something new or improve something that already exists. It is the application of research findings in practical ways. Innovation can be seen in everything from the development of new technologies like smartphones to the creation of more efficient renewable energy systems. It is the spark that transforms an idea into a product, service, or method that can be used in everyday life.

The relationship between research and innovation is crucial. Without research, innovation would not be possible because there would be no new ideas or discoveries to build upon. Similarly, without innovation, research might not lead to real-world improvements. The process of research often uncovers new information that sparks further innovation, which in turn leads to new questions and research. This cycle of research and innovation helps drive progress, making life better, easier, and more connected.

One of the biggest benefits of research and innovation is that it leads to solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges. For example, medical research has led to vaccines that have saved millions of lives, and technological innovations like the internet have revolutionized how we communicate, work, and learn. In the field of agriculture, research has helped develop new farming techniques and crops that can survive in difficult conditions, feeding more people around the world. Innovation helps turn these solutions into tools that improve the quality of life for people everywhere.

In addition to improving lives, research and innovation also create economic growth. New inventions and discoveries can lead to the creation of new industries, jobs, and markets. For instance, the rise of the technology sector has created millions of jobs worldwide, from software developers to technicians who keep systems running. These innovations also make businesses more efficient and competitive, which can lead to greater prosperity for entire nations. Countries that invest in research and innovation often see faster economic growth and have a better standard of living for their citizens.

Furthermore, research and innovation promote creativity and critical thinking. They encourage people to look at problems from different perspectives and to find new ways of thinking and doing things. This mindset can have a positive impact on many aspects of life, from education to business to social issues. It encourages people to question the status quo and to always look for better ways to solve problems. This spirit of curiosity and improvement is essential for moving society forward.

While research and innovation are important, it is also crucial to support these processes through investment and collaboration. Research often requires funding, resources, and skilled individuals, and without adequate support, progress can be slow. Governments, universities, private companies, and other organizations all play a role in supporting research and innovation. Collaboration is also key because many of the most significant advancements come from people working together across different fields and areas of expertise. When experts from various backgrounds share their knowledge and skills, they can solve complex problems that would be difficult for one person or group to tackle alone.

Research and innovation are at the core of progress in our world. They are essential for discovering new knowledge, creating new solutions, and improving the quality of life. Together, they help solve problems, create new opportunities, and drive economic growth. As we face new challenges, the importance of research and innovation will only continue to grow. By supporting these efforts and fostering creativity and collaboration, we can continue to make the world a better place for future generations.

Public health is a crucial part of society that focuses on improving the health and well-being of communities. It aims to prevent diseases, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure access to medical care for all people, no matter where they live or how much money they have. Public health is not just about treating people when they are sick; it’s about creating a healthier environment that helps people avoid getting sick in the first place. This broad field involves many different areas of work, from keeping the air and water clean to encouraging healthy eating habits and providing vaccinations to prevent the spread of diseases.

One of the main goals of public health is to prevent diseases before they happen. This can be done in many ways, such as by providing vaccines that protect people from dangerous illnesses like the flu, measles, and polio. Vaccination programs have helped eliminate or reduce the number of deaths caused by these diseases, saving millions of lives worldwide. Public health officials also focus on educating the public about healthy habits like washing hands, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. Simple actions like these can go a long way in keeping people healthy and preventing the spread of infections.

In addition to preventing disease, public health works to promote healthy living. This can include programs that encourage people to stop smoking, eat more fruits and vegetables, and exercise more. For example, many cities have launched campaigns to get people to walk or bike instead of driving cars, which not only helps people stay healthy but also reduces pollution and the impact of climate change. Public health also focuses on mental health, promoting services and activities that help people cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and public health efforts aim to reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health problems.

Public health also plays a key role in making sure everyone has access to healthcare services. This includes ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and doctors are available to those who need them, especially for people living in poor or rural areas. It’s important that people can get medical help when they are sick or injured, but it’s just as important that they have access to preventive care, such as regular checkups and screenings that can catch problems before they become serious. By making sure healthcare is available to everyone, public health helps reduce health inequalities and improves overall well-being.

In addition to promoting individual health, public health works to improve the environment. Clean air, clean water, and safe food are essential to living a healthy life. Public health experts work to ensure that the air we breathe is free from harmful pollutants and that the water we drink is safe. They also work to regulate food safety, making sure that the food we eat does not contain harmful chemicals or bacteria that could make us sick. Public health also focuses on issues like waste management, safe housing, and road safety to ensure that people live in environments that support their health.

The field of public health is also important in times of crisis, such as during outbreaks of infectious diseases. Public health officials work quickly to contain the spread of diseases like COVID-19, Ebola, or tuberculosis. This involves tracking and monitoring the disease, educating the public on how to protect themselves, and providing care to those who are affected. In the case of COVID-19, public health efforts included testing, contact tracing, quarantines, and the development of vaccines. These actions helped control the spread of the virus and save countless lives.

Public health is not just the responsibility of doctors and nurses, but also of governments, organizations, and individuals. Governments play an important role by creating laws and policies that protect public health, such as laws requiring vaccinations for children or regulations that limit pollution. Public health organizations, like the World Health Organization (WHO), also work to improve health across countries by providing guidance, funding, and support to communities in need. Individuals, too, have a role to play by adopting healthy habits and following public health advice, especially during times of illness or crisis.

Public health is an essential part of modern society that focuses on preventing disease, promoting healthy living, improving the environment, and ensuring access to medical care. It aims to make life better for everyone, from preventing the spread of diseases to ensuring that people have clean air and water to drink. Through education, policies, and the work of dedicated professionals, public health helps create a world where people can live longer, healthier lives. By working together and supporting public health initiatives, we can build a healthier future for ourselves and future generations.

Understanding the research process is an important step towards executing thorough research or study. Let us examine the different phases in research planning as well as the stages involved in a research process.

A deeper understanding of the process of research will help you identify the similar features that occur in the different fields, and the variety in the purpose and approaches to some studies.

Understanding the research process will help you understand the implication of deviating from a systematic approach to research, as well as the associating consequences of ineffective and ineffectual research.

The following steps outline a simple and effective strategy for writing a research paper. Depending on your familiarity with the topic and the challenges you encounter along the way, you may need to rearrange these steps.

Step 1: Identify and develop your topic

Selecting a topic can be the most challenging part of a research assignment. Since this is the very first step in writing a paper, it is vital that it be done correctly. So you identify a research problem by first selecting a general topic that’s interesting to you and to the interests and specialties of your research advisor. Once identified, you’ll need to narrow it. For example, if teenage pregnancy is your general topic area, your specific topic could be a comparison of how teenage pregnancy affects young fathers and mothers differently. Here are some tips for selecting a topic:

1. Select a topic within the parameters set by the assignment. Many times your instructor will give you clear guidelines as to what you can and cannot write about. Failure to work within these guidelines may result in your proposed paper being deemed unacceptable by your instructor.
2. Select a topic of personal interest to you and learn more about it. The research for and writing of a paper will be more enjoyable if you are writing about something that you find interesting.
3. Select a topic for which you can find a manageable amount of information. Do a preliminary search of information sources to determine whether existing sources will meet your needs. If you find too much information, you may need to narrow your topic; if you find too little, you may need to broaden your topic.
4. Be original. Your instructor reads hundreds of research papers every year, and many of them are on the same topics (topics in the news at the time, controversial issues, subjects for which there is ample and easily accessed information). Stand out from your classmates by selecting an interesting and off-the-beaten-path topic.
5. Still can’t come up with a topic to write about? See your instructor for advice.

Once you have identified your topic, it may help to state it as a question. For example, if you are interested in finding out about the epidemic of obesity in the American population, you might pose the question “What are the causes of obesity in America ?” By posing your subject as a question you can more easily identify the main concepts or keywords to be used in your research.

Step 2 : Do a preliminary search for information

Before beginning your research in earnest, do a preliminary search to determine whether there is enough information out there for your needs and to set the context of your research. Look up your keywords in the appropriate titles in the library’s Reference collection (such as encyclopedias and dictionaries) and in other sources such as our catalog of books, periodical databases, and Internet search engines. Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and reserve readings. You may find it necessary to adjust the focus of your topic in light of the resources available to you.

Step 3: Review the Literature

Find out what’s being asked or what’s already been done in the area by doing some exploratory reading. Discuss the topic with your advisor to gain additional insights, explore novel approaches, and begin to develop your research question, purpose statement, and hypothesis, if applicable.

Step 4: Locate materials

With the direction of your research now clear to you, you can begin locating material on your topic. There are a number of places you can look for information:

If you are looking for books, do a subject search in the Alephcatalog. A Keyword search can be performed if the subject search doesn’t yield enough information. Print or write down the citation information (author, title, etc.) and the location (call number and collection) of the item(s). Note the circulation status. When you locate the book on the shelf, look at the books located nearby; similar items are always shelved in the same area. The Aleph catalog also indexes the library’s audio-visual holdings.

Use the library’s electronic periodical databases to find magazine and newspaper articles. Choose the databases and formats best suited to your particular topic; ask the librarian at the Reference Desk if you need help figuring out which database best meets your needs. Many of the articles in the databases are available in full-text format.

Use search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.) and subject directories to locate materials on the Internet. Check the Internet Resources section of the NHCC Library website for helpful subject links.

Step 5: Determine Research Question

A good research question is a question worth asking; one that poses a problem worth solving. A good question should:

• Be clear. It must be understandable to you and to others.
• Be researchable. It should be capable of developing into a manageable research design, so data may be collected in relation to it. Extremely abstract terms are unlikely to be suitable.
• Connect with established theory and research. There should be a literature on which you can draw to illuminate how your research question(s) should be approached.
• Be neither too broad nor too narrow. See Appendix A for a brief explanation of the narrowing process and how your research question, purpose statement, and hypothesis(es) are interconnected.

Step 6: Develop Research Methods

Once you’ve finalized your research question, purpose statement, and hypothesis(es), you’ll need to write your research proposal—a detailed management plan for your research project. The proposal is as essential to successful research as an architect’s plans are to the construction of a building.

Step 7: Evaluate your sources

See the CARS Checklist for Information Quality for tips on evaluating the authority and quality of the information you have located. Your instructor expects that you will provide credible, truthful, and reliable information and you have every right to expect that the sources you use are providing the same. This step is especially important when using Internet resources, many of which are regarded as less than reliable.

Step 8: Make notes

Consult the resources you have chosen and note the information that will be useful in your paper. Be sure to document all the sources you consult, even if there is a chance you may not use that particular source. The author, title, publisher, URL, and other information will be needed later when creating a bibliography.

Step 9: Write your paper

Begin by organizing the information you have collected. The next step is the rough draft, wherein you get your ideas on paper in an unfinished fashion. This step will help you organize your ideas and determine the form your final paper will take. After this, you will revise the draft as many times as you think necessary to create a final product to turn in to your instructor.

Step 10: Cite your sources properly

Give credit where credit is due; cite your sources.

Citing or documenting the sources used in your research serves two purposes: it gives proper credit to the authors of the materials used, and it allows those who are reading your work to duplicate your research and locate the sources that you have listed as references. The MLA and the APA Styles are two popular citation formats.

Failure to cite your sources properly is plagiarism. Plagiarism is avoidable!

Step 11: Proofread

The final step in the process is to proofread the paper you have created. Read through the text and check for any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Make sure the sources you used are cited properly. Make sure the message that you want to get across to the reader has been thoroughly stated.

Additional research tips:

• Work from the general to the specific — find background information first, then use more specific sources.
• Don’t forget print sources — many times print materials are more easily accessed and every bit as helpful as online resources.
• The library has books on the topic of writing research papers at call number area.
• If you have questions about the assignment, ask your instructor.
• If you have any questions about finding information in the library, ask the librarian.

Going green and sustainable in the Operating Room (OR) is a challenge for many surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals. In fact, based on recent research published at the National Institute of Health 30% to 40% of the materials that come into the hospitals are used by the OR and about 20% to 30% of the total hospital waste is caused by the Operating Room.

Some countries like the Netherlands aim at becoming CO2 neutral by 2030, while in the UK the National Health Service intends to be carbon neutral in its own operations by 2040. As the Academy of Royal colleges (AoMRC) highlighted:

“Sustainable healthcare involves ensuring the ability to provide good quality care for future generations by balancing the economic, environmental, and social constraints and demands within health care settings”.

If you are also interested in being an adherent of this mission here are 10 steps that we gathered to help you and your team get started…

Steps to Help Make Operating Room Sustainable

1. Use reusable products as a default. 

The first step towards leaving your environmental footprint is the usage of reusable products. These can vary from surgical linens such as gowns and drapes, to medical instruments (reusable laryngoscope, scissors) and other medical equipment (e.g. bowls, medication trays, sterilisation trays). Reusable products should be utilised when they are proved to be equal or superior in terms of infection prevention, hence Operating Room staff can mitigate climate change without jeopardising patients’ safety.

2. Optimise your pre-packs 

Pre-packs are an efficient way to use disposables in the OR. All disposables needed for a certain procedure are included in this pre-pack, making preparation for a procedure easy and simple. However, in almost every pre-pack, products are included that are not used during the procedure. These items have to be thrown out after the procedure is completed and end up in the waste bin without ever being touched by human hands. By removing these items at the manufacturer’s site, less waste is created in the Operating Room. 

3. Change your use of Anaesthetic gases as these are potent greenhouse gas emissions

Inhaled anesthetics harm the environment as a great percentage is vented into the atmosphere where they can affect global warming up to 2,500 times more than carbon dioxide. Hence, we would advise you to avoid desflurane in your OR and try to minimise the usage of Sevoflurane and isoflurane when it is only considered absolutely necessary. And if you are wondering what is the substitute of the above mentioned anesthetic gases, we recommend propofol.

4. Use optimised surgical trays

When operating a surgery, opt for optimised surgical trays that contain reusables. With this simple action you will minimise sterilisation emissions and once again contribute to a more green Operating Room. An optimised surgical tray means less water, less detergent, and less energy needed for cleaning and sterilisation.

5. Use medication as sustainably as possible

This step is as easy as it sounds. After using any medication, make sure that medication is thrown to the appropriate bin. Also, prevent medication waste by measuring the right amount of medication and be mindful when opening a new bottle or package.

6. Optimal energy use

Energy consumption varies between day and night. After all, most surgeries are performed during the day and only a small percentage during the night. The installation of automatic lights will help reduce energy usage. At the same time, medical staff or automatic systems could ensure that the airflow is switched off or on lower flow at night.

7. Recycle! 

In the preparation room of the OR, clean waste (non-contaminated) can be divided between plastic and paper waste. How can you achieve this easily and efficiently? Use multiple waste bins with clear indication (poster, sticker) of contents belonging in the bin. Next to the ‘standard’ waste segregation of paper and mixed plastics, several other materials can also be separated in the preparation room, depending on your waste handler.

8. Sustainable sterilisation department

One of the most important procedures prior to surgery is sterilisation. A sustainable sterilisation department uses optimised processes using a minimal amount of water, energy, and cleaning products. Usage of eco-friendly washing machines and eco-friendly detergent also contribute to sustainable sterilisation.

9. Manage your stock

Organisation and smart planning are the keys to a more sustainable OR. Start by controlling your stockage and avoiding keeping an excessive number of sterile products that can expire, such as suture sets and pre-packs.

10. Be sustainable during your coffee and lunch breaks

In order to make a small (but yet significant!) impact on the environment, avoid offering food in excessive plastic food wrappers in the cafeteria. Served food for personnel could include reusable tableware and the use of no bottled water could be increased. Last but not least, cups – either disposable or reusable – could be used multiple times (by the same person) to limit waste creation/dishwasher activity. Curious to know how scrub nurses in The Netherlands apply these steps? In the second series of our blogs, we talk with Talitha Hoppe, scrub nurse at OLVG in Amsterdam. Click on the link below and find a useful guide to get the most out of recycling in the OR.

Going green and sustainable in the Operating Room (OR) is a challenge for many surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals. In fact, based on recent research published at the National Institute of Health 30% to 40% of the materials that come into the hospitals are used by the OR and about 20% to 30% of the total hospital waste is caused by the Operating Room.

Some countries like the Netherlands aim at becoming CO2 neutral by 2030, while in the UK the National Health Service intends to be carbon neutral in its own operations by 2040. As the Academy of Royal colleges (AoMRC) highlighted:

“Sustainable healthcare involves ensuring the ability to provide good quality care for future generations by balancing the economic, environmental, and social constraints and demands within health care settings”.

If you are also interested in being an adherent of this mission here are 10 steps that we gathered to help you and your team get started…

Steps to Help Make Operating Room Sustainable

1. Use reusable products as a default. 

The first step towards leaving your environmental footprint is the usage of reusable products. These can vary from surgical linens such as gowns and drapes, to medical instruments (reusable laryngoscope, scissors) and other medical equipment (e.g. bowls, medication trays, sterilisation trays). Reusable products should be utilised when they are proved to be equal or superior in terms of infection prevention, hence Operating Room staff can mitigate climate change without jeopardising patients’ safety.

2. Optimise your pre-packs 

Pre-packs are an efficient way to use disposables in the OR. All disposables needed for a certain procedure are included in this pre-pack, making preparation for a procedure easy and simple. However, in almost every pre-pack, products are included that are not used during the procedure. These items have to be thrown out after the procedure is completed and end up in the waste bin without ever being touched by human hands. By removing these items at the manufacturer’s site, less waste is created in the Operating Room. 

3. Change your use of Anaesthetic gases as these are potent greenhouse gas emissions

Inhaled anesthetics harm the environment as a great percentage is vented into the atmosphere where they can affect global warming up to 2,500 times more than carbon dioxide. Hence, we would advise you to avoid desflurane in your OR and try to minimise the usage of Sevoflurane and isoflurane when it is only considered absolutely necessary. And if you are wondering what is the substitute of the above mentioned anesthetic gases, we recommend propofol.

4. Use optimised surgical trays

When operating a surgery, opt for optimised surgical trays that contain reusables. With this simple action you will minimise sterilisation emissions and once again contribute to a more green Operating Room. An optimised surgical tray means less water, less detergent, and less energy needed for cleaning and sterilisation.

5. Use medication as sustainably as possible

This step is as easy as it sounds. After using any medication, make sure that medication is thrown to the appropriate bin. Also, prevent medication waste by measuring the right amount of medication and be mindful when opening a new bottle or package.

6. Optimal energy use

Energy consumption varies between day and night. After all, most surgeries are performed during the day and only a small percentage during the night. The installation of automatic lights will help reduce energy usage. At the same time, medical staff or automatic systems could ensure that the airflow is switched off or on lower flow at night.

7. Recycle! 

In the preparation room of the OR, clean waste (non-contaminated) can be divided between plastic and paper waste. How can you achieve this easily and efficiently? Use multiple waste bins with clear indication (poster, sticker) of contents belonging in the bin. Next to the ‘standard’ waste segregation of paper and mixed plastics, several other materials can also be separated in the preparation room, depending on your waste handler.

8. Sustainable sterilisation department

One of the most important procedures prior to surgery is sterilisation. A sustainable sterilisation department uses optimised processes using a minimal amount of water, energy, and cleaning products. Usage of eco-friendly washing machines and eco-friendly detergent also contribute to sustainable sterilisation.

9. Manage your stock

Organisation and smart planning are the keys to a more sustainable OR. Start by controlling your stockage and avoiding keeping an excessive number of sterile products that can expire, such as suture sets and pre-packs.

10. Be sustainable during your coffee and lunch breaks

In order to make a small (but yet significant!) impact on the environment, avoid offering food in excessive plastic food wrappers in the cafeteria. Served food for personnel could include reusable tableware and the use of no bottled water could be increased. Last but not least, cups – either disposable or reusable – could be used multiple times (by the same person) to limit waste creation/dishwasher activity. Curious to know how scrub nurses in The Netherlands apply these steps? In the second series of our blogs, we talk with Talitha Hoppe, scrub nurse at OLVG in Amsterdam. Click on the link below and find a useful guide to get the most out of recycling in the OR.

Am I certain to lose my teeth?

No. With the right home care and help from your dental team, it is possible to keep your teeth for life. Gum disease and tooth decay can be prevented whatever your age.

What problems may older people have?

Your gums may recede (shrink back) as you get older, and your teeth may become a little more sensitive as a result. Your dental team will be able to show you the best brushing methods to keep any gum problems under control, and may suggest a mouthwash to deal with the sensitivity.

You may find it more difficult to clean your teeth properly if you have problems with your hands or arms, or if your eyesight is poor. Your dental team can give you help and advice on the best aids to use. A magnifying mirror and a good light are often helpful.

If you have lost some teeth in the past, and have bridges or dentures, you may have particular cleaning needs and problems. Your dental team can help you with these.

Some people take regular medication which makes their mouth dry. Saliva helps to protect your teeth against decay, so if you have less saliva than usual ask your dental team for advice. Or you can buy special products, including artificial saliva, in most pharmacies without a prescription.

Should I expect to have problems with my gums?

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of bacteria called ‘plaque’. Plaque forms constantly on your teeth. It is important to remove this plaque to avoid gum inflammation (swelling and soreness). If the plaque is not removed, the gum disease will, in time, affect the bone under the gums. This bone supports the tooth roots, so your teeth may gradually become loose.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

As it is often painless, many people may not know that they have gum disease. Some common signs are:

• Gums that bleed when brushed.
• Loose teeth.
• Receding gums.
• Bad breath.

Not everyone has all these signs. You may have only one.

Can I still get tooth decay?

Yes. The same dental plaque that causes gum inflammation can cause decay, particularly if you have sugary foods and drinks often. There is a particular risk of decay at the gum edge when the gum has receded, as the ‘neck’ of the tooth is not protected by enamel (the hard coating that covers most of the tooth).

How can I prevent gum disease and tooth decay?

• Thoroughly remove plaque from your teeth (and dentures if you have them) last thing at night and at least one other time during the day.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 to 1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. There are many special toothpastes on the market, including tartar control and total care toothpastes. Your dentist may prescribe a higher-fluoride toothpaste if they think you need it.
• You should clean in between your teeth at least once a day using interdental brushes or dental floss.
• Cut down on how often you have food and drinks containing sugar – especially sweets that last longer in the mouth such as boiled sweets or mints.
• Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

What do I need to clean my teeth properly?

You need a small-headed, soft- to medium-textured toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. To help clean between your teeth you could use an ‘interdental brush’, floss or tape. If you have arthritis you may find it difficult to grip a toothbrush handle, but you can get handle adapters.

Electric or ‘power’ toothbrushes are also ideal for people with limited movement. The handles are thicker and easier to hold and the oscillating head does most of the work.

Power toothbrushes have been proven to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes, so everyone can benefit from using them. There are many products available, and your dental team can help you decide which are best for you.

How do I know if I have removed all the plaque?

Plaque can be stained with a special dye painted on your teeth with a cotton bud, or with special ‘disclosing tablets’ from the dentist.

This stain is harmless and will show any areas of your mouth which need closer attention. Look particularly where the teeth and gums meet. A further brushing will remove the stained plaque.

Dentures, bridges or implants replace lost or missing teeth so that you can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence.

What causes mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers can be caused by broken teeth, poorly fitting dentures or sharp pieces of food. Once the cause is removed, ulcers should heal within 3 weeks. If you notice an ulcer which does not heal, see your dental team straight away. Many serious conditions, such as mouth cancer, can be better treated if diagnosed early at a routine check-up.