Ways to improve your productivity in the office

Ways to improve your productivity in the office
It is possible to find extra time in your day simply by reorganizing the way in which you approach the tasks that fall within your responsibility. Take a look at each of the following areas of your working life and see where you can make improvements which will allow you to put more time into the things you really need to focus your attention on.

1. Communication
Just by speaking clearly, concisely and checking that the person you are communicating with has understood what you have said, you can save precious time by getting what you need first time.

2. Planning
Keep a yearly planner on your desk that you record repeat projects (annual/monthly/etc) on so that you can see at a glance when you need to start collecting information for them.

3. Prioritizing
Each morning go through your in box and prioritize its contents. Once you know what has to be done, how urgently it is needed, and how long it is likely to take to complete, add the tasks in order of importance to your work schedule for the day. When the mail comes in, prioritize any items that need attention, and then add these to your work schedule.

4. Delegation
If you have staff employed to help you, delegate some of your routine tasks which you can quickly instruct someone else to take responsibility of. Remember to communicate the instructions clearly and ensure they are understood before leaving the task in the employees care. Once you delegate something, just a quick review to ensure it’s done correctly and on time is all that you should need to do. Shuffling a few of these tasks to team members will free up your time for more specialized work.

5. Don’t multitask
Research has shown that multitasking is not productive. For optimum productivity, focus on one thing at a time.

6. Take a break
You can’t always be working at optimum productivity. Instead, you should shoot for working in short bursts at your most productive times.

7. Complete your most dreaded tasks first thing in the morning
Whichever activity you are dreading the most is probably the one you need to complete first thing in the morning.

8. Just start
Often times, starting is the hardest part. Once you get going, you will quickly get into a rhythm that could last for hours.

By Priti Shah
Laurent & Benon Management Consultants Ltd, a public limited company with its corporate office Gurgaon with Pan-India presence. We as an organization strive to offer the right Human Resource Solutions at the right time and enable our clients to enhance the net worth of their human resource capital.

For further Information please Visit us at: http://www.laurentandbenon.co.in/
Visit Blog at: http://laurentandbenon.blogspot.com/

What is Spermicide?

What is Spermicide?

A spermicide kills or disables sperm so that it cannot cause pregnancy. Spermicides come in many different forms: foam, jelly, cream, film, and suppositories. Most use the chemical nonoxynol-9 against sperm. Spermicides provide lubrication and can be used with other methods of birth control. They are most effective when used consistently and correctly with a barrier method of birth control, like a condom. Spermicides are 71-82% effective as birth control. Used alone, spermicide does not protect against HIV/AIDS.

Use

Spermicide can be used alone or with other birth control methods to reduce the risk of pregnancy. The lubrication it provides can increase pleasure. Insert your spermicide within a half hour before intercourse. Add more spermicide for repeated intercourse. Leave your spermicide in your vagina for 8 hours after the last act of intercourse and do not douche for 8 hours. Douching weakens spermicide. It is available in most drug stores and does not require a prescription.

Foam

Foam comes in a can and is the consistency of shaving cream. To use it, shake the can well. Place the applicator on the top of the can and press down or to the side, depending on the package directions. The plunger will rise as the applicator fills. Insert the applicator about two or three inches into your vagina and press the plunger to deposit the foam over your cervix. As you withdraw the applicator, be sure not to pull back on the plunger. This will suck some foam back into the applicator. It is effective immediately.

Creams and Jellies

Creams are opaque and jellies are clear. They can be inserted into the vagina with an applicator and/or rubbed over the penis. Cream or jelly is typically used with a diaphragm or cervical cap. It can also be used with condoms and is effective immediately.

Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF)

VCF comes in thin squares that dissolve over the cervix. To use it, fold the film in half and then place it on the tip of a finger. Insert your finger into your vagina and put the VCF over your cervix. A dry finger and quick insertion will help the VCF stay in place and not stick to your finger. It may take about 15 minutes for the VCF to melt and become effective.

Suppositories

Suppositories are capsules that dissolve in the vagina. They are inserted into the vagina like a tampon and pushed up to the cervix. It takes about twenty minutes for a suppository to become effective.

Sponges

The sponge is a both a chemical and a physical barrier, and is 80 - 91% effective. It is a small, soft, bowl-shaped piece of synthetic sponge with a loop attached. It contains a spermicide, so it both blocks and absorbs sperm and also kills sperm. It is less effective for women who have previously given birth.

To use, moisten with water and insert into the vagina with the dimple side towards the cervix.. It can be inserted up to 12 hours before sex and can be used for multiple acts of intercourse. It must be left in the vagina for 6 - 8 hours after intercourse. Pull the loop to remove the sponge.

The sponge is not currently availble in the United States, but can be found in other countries and/or purchased through online ordering.

Your Health

The vagina absorbs little spermicide. If you become pregnant while using spermicide, the pregnancy will not be affected.

Side Effects

You or your partner may be allergic to materials in spermicide. This can cause genital irritation, rash, genital dryness or itchiness. If this happens and your spermicide has nonoxynol-9, try a spermicide without this chemical. Research also indicates that spermicide increases the risk of HIV for sex workers when used frequently.

Advantages

Available without a prescription.
Lubrication may increase pleasure.
Use can be part of sex play.
Does not affect future fertility.
Disadvantages

Does not protect against HIV/AIDS.
Must be readily available and used prior to penetration.
Can be messy.
Can have a bad taste during oral sex.
Possible genital irritation.
When used frequently spermicides may irritate the vagina making it easier to catch HIV/STI
Your Cervix

The cervix is the opening to the uterus where menstrual blood, babies, and sperm pass. It is also the opening through which abortions are performed. Spermicide and barrier methods of birth control, like the diaphragm, female condom, and cervical cap, work by covering the cervix and preventing sperm from entering the uterus. Hormonal methods of birth control, including oral contraceptives and Depo Provera, affect the mucus around the cervix and make the opening more resistant to sperm.

Women’s bodies also naturally produce hormones that change the cervix during a menstrual cycle. You can learn more about your cervix using a speculum to perform a self-exam. For instructions and a speculum, ask your clinician or visit FWHC.org.

Emergency Contraception (The “Morning After” Pill – “Plan B” – “EC”)

You can prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse by taking Emergency Contraception pills (Plan B). Plan B works by giving the body a short burst of synthetic hormones that disrupt the hormone patterns needed for a pregnancy to start. Emergency Contraception is most effective in the first 24-48 hours after unprotected intercourse, but it can work for several days.

To find Emergency Contraception, see ec.princeton.edu. If you already have birth control pills in your possession, this page explains how to use them as emergency contraception.

In Washington State, you can get Plan B directly from your pharmacy. Call ahead to make sure they have it in stock. Some women are buying Plan B in advance (it costs around $35-50) so they will have it on hand if they need it.



Further Resources

VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Film is made of soluble material, a material that dissolves when it comes in contact with bodily fluids inside the vagina.
Our Bodies, Ourselves. Boston Women’s Health Book Collective.
Feminist Women’s Health Center at www.FWHC.org and www.Birth-Control-Comparison.info
March 13, 2009

Sex Without Risk Breast Feeding Cervical Cap Continuous Use of Hormonal Methods
Contraceptive Patch Depo-Provera Diaphragm Emergency Contraception
Female Condom Female Sterilization Fertility Awareness Implanon
Intrauterine Device Male Condom Mini Pill The Pill
Spermicides: Foam, Jelly, Film, Sponge Vaginal Ring Vasectomy Withdrawal
Home



Feminist Women's Health Center
proud to operate Cedar River Clinics

http://www.birth-control-comparison.info/spermicide.htm

You should use the normal method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel)

tablets are having serious side effects.


and never go for permanent birth control like vasectomy etc. it can never be reversed. but if you have three kids atleast and age not below 35 years, then doctors advise the woman to go for permanent birth control laprocopic surgery.



http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/drug_info_details.asp?channel_id=0&relation_id=0&brand_name_id=629&page_no=1#Indication


How does Triquilar work? What will it do for me?
Levonorgestrel - ethinyl estradiol is a progestin (levonorgestrel) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) combination birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. The ingredients of this medication work by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and causing changes in the mucus of the cervix, which make it difficult for sperm to penetrate and for an egg to implant.

This medication may also be used to treat acne in women 14 years of age and older or to regulate the menstrual cycle


Levonorgestrel - ethinyl estradiol should not be taken by anyone who:

is allergic to levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
is or may be pregnant
has active liver disease
has any eye lesion resulting from vascular disease of the eye, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields
has had a heart attack
has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
has or has had benign or malignant liver tumours
has or has had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., stroke)
has or has had coronary artery disease
has or has had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
has, has had, or may have breast cancer
has, has had, or may have an estrogen-dependent tumour

Spermicides and Lubricants

What are spermicides? I What are lubricants? ISpermicides and pregnancy I Spermicides and STIs I Using spermicides I Oil-based v. Water-based lubricants I Where do I get spermicides and lubricants?I Links you can use



What are spermicides?
Spermicides are a contraceptive method that come in many forms including foam, cream, gel, film, and suppositories. Spermicides contain the chemicals non-oxynol 9 (N-9) or octoxynol that prevent pregnancy by immobilizing and killing sperm.

What are lubricants?
The important difference between spermicides and lubricants is whether or not they offer any contraceptive protection. Spermicides prevent pregnancy; lubricants do not. Lubricants are products that increase sexual pleasure by making the contact surfaces wet and slippery and by decreasing friction and possible irritation. Some lubricants come in forms similar to spermicides but offer no contraceptive protection, so if you need pregnancy protection, just be sure your tube or box says it's a contraceptive.

How effective are spermicides in preventing pregnancy?
If a couple uses spermicides alone (not using condoms or another method) correctly every time they have intercourse, about 6% of them will become pregnant. However, not all couples use spermicides every time and they don't always use the spermicide correctly, so the average pregnancy rate is about 21%.

Do spermicides prevent STI transmission?
Because spermicides kill sperm, scientists initially believed that they would also kill sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. However, according to the 2002 Centers for Disease Control STI Treatment Guidelines, N-9 contraceptives do not protect against these infections and may increase STI exposure risk because it can cause genital irritation. To read more about this report, click here.

How do I use spermicides?
For vaginal intercourse, your choice of spermicide is inserted into the vagina ahead of time. The spermicidal chemicals may cause genital irritation, particularly N-9. If you experience inflammation or a burning sensation, look for a spermicide with octoxynol or a lower amount of N-9. The various spermicides are listed below and include information about their N-9 content:

Jellies, Creams & Gels
Jellies, creams and gels all have the same level of protection but have different consistencies and textures. Experiment to find which type of spermicide suits you and your partner. Twist the applicator on to the end of the tube of spermicide and fill the applicator. Untwist the applicator, insert it into the vagina approximately 3 inches and depress the plunger to squirt the spermicide out. All three products will protect you from pregnancy immediately. These spermicides vary in the amount of N-9 they contain, but most have between 1% and 5%. The applicator may be washed with mild soap and water, stored in a clean, dry place and used again.

Foam
Spermicidal foam is the same consistency of mousse hair-styling products. Shake the can of foam vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Press the tip of the applicator on the nozzle of the can, press down and fill the applicator. Insert the applicator into the vagina approximately three inches and depress the plunger to squirt the foam out. It will be active immediately. Foam has a concentration of N-9 of about 12.5%, which may lead to genital irritation. The applicator may be washed with mild soap and water, stored in a clean, dry place and used again.

Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF)
This spermicide comes as a 2-inch by 2-inch sheet of film with a consistency similar to wax paper. Fold it in half, and then in half again and place it on the tip of your index finger and insert the film into the vagina and up near the cervix. You must insert VCF at least 15 minutes before intercourse for it to work effectively. The film will dissolve to a thick gel consistency by absorbing vaginal secretions. Do not place the film on the tip of the penis for insertion as the film will not have adequate time to dissolve and may not end up in the right position. VCF has the highest concentration of N-9, about 28%, which may lead to genital irritation. Use another type of spermicide or another method if you experience irritation.

Suppositories
These are spermicides in a solid form. Brand names you might see in the drugstore include: Encare, Intercept, Koromex, and Semicid. Read and follow the directions on the box. You must allow 10 to 15 minutes for the suppository to dissolve into a foamy substance before having intercourse. Suppositories may be somewhat less effective than foam, cream or gel because it is hard to tell if they have dissolved sufficiently. Because suppositories have a N-9 content of 2% to 8%, some women may experience a sensation of warmth or burning as the suppository dissolves. If this is painful or irritating, use another type of spermicide or another method of contraception.

More information on how to use a spermicide:

Detailed instructions for use are always included in the packaging. Be sure to read them carefully before you use any of these products.
Insertion of a spermicide into the rectum, as a means of reducing STI risk, is not recommended because the spermicide can cause irritation of the rectal tissues, and can actually increase the risk of STI transmission. For STI protection, always use condoms when having anal sex.

For each act of intercourse you should insert another application of spermicide.

If more than 1 hour has passed between insertion of a spermicide and intercourse, another application of spermicide must be used.
What's the difference between oil-based and water-based lubricants?
The only lubricant you should use with latex condoms is water-based lubricant. Oil-based products such as Vaseline, mineral oil, baby oil, vegetable oil, cold creams and most hand creams have oil in them that reacts with latex. Mineral oil, a common ingredient of hand lotions, can cause a 90% decrease in condom strength after as little as 60 seconds of exposure, dramatically increasing the chance of leakage or breakage. Water-based lubricants such as Astroglide, KY, Probe, and Wet have no oil and don't react with latex. An easy way to tell the two apart is that oil-based lubricants bead water and are difficult to wash off. Water-based lubricants rinse off easily in plain water. If you're not sure, read the label. If you're still not sure, don't use it as a lubricant.

Where can I find spermicides and lubricants?
Here at the pharmacy in Health Services we have spermicidal foam and jellies, as well as the lubricant Astroglide at prices that are typically 50% cheaper than drug store prices. Click here to check out the pharmacy's hours and stop by to pick some up.
http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/sexual_health/ssc/spermicides.htm