There’s a lot of talk about STEM education and how important it is to the future of schooling in the UK. As Fahim Imam-Sadeque explains, STEM education is a clear focus of education at all levels in the UK, and for a good reason.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The term is used to describe subjects that focus on those disciplines. In most cases, these academic tracks are meant to train students to become future engineers, scientists, and other professionals in those fields.

One of the biggest reasons STEM education is stressed in the UK and elsewhere is that the skills taught in these disciplines are in increasing demand worldwide in many industries.

Here are some of the other main reasons why STEM education is essential in the UK.

It’s Hands-On

STEM education focuses on hands-on learning. Students don’t just learn mathematics and science from textbooks and videos. Instead, they see STEM fields in action right before their eyes to get a more immersive educational experience.

When students are provided with this immersive experience, they can grasp concepts better and use them in the real world. The fantastic thing is that simple toys can show children concepts such as force and mechanical advantage.

The fact that STEM education can be so fun is one reason why it’s so successful.

It Teaches Problem Solving

A skill that nearly any job requires is the ability to solve problems. Yet, this is not something that most disciplines in traditional schooling will ever teach.

STEM education addresses this head-on. It helps students become more analytically-minded, which will help them break down a problem from all angles to solve it.

Even as children learn basic algebra concepts through STEM education, they are learning how to solve problems. They can then take that into real-world experiences, such as solving an issue at the office or even cooking more efficiently at home.

Jobs Are in High Demand

Jobs that require the skills taught through STEM education are in high demand today, and they are going to be increasingly so in the coming years. For example, one study found that there will be more than 140,000 new jobs needed in fields such as technology, engineering, research, and science over the next two years.

In addition, these careers are likely to increase in demand twice as much as careers in other fields. Part of this is the increase in digital innovation and infrastructure investments being made in the UK.

At the same time, the UK has a significant shortfall in the number of people who are projected to graduate with a STEM degree. One study predicts there to be a shortfall of 40% in engineering alone.

STEM education is vital to the UK because companies require these jobs, and there aren’t enough people with the requisite skills to fill them.

Jobs Provide Sustainable Solutions

Fahim Imam-Sadeque explains that STEM jobs don’t just accomplish a task for a company. They help to provide global solutions to significant problems we all face.

A current real-life example is a COVID-19 pandemic. The global research effort put behind vaccines was massive, and so was the ensuing manufacturing and distribution effort.

None of that would have been possible without STEM jobs. It’s not an understatement to say that STEM education can profoundly affect the health and wellness of people worldwide and the future quality of life we all can have.

About Fahim Imam-Sadeque

Fahim Imam-Sadeque is a business development professional with proven experience in the asset management industry. He has a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the City University of London and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries. Fahim’s top skills include asset management, hedge funds, investment management, sales, and consultant & client relationship management.

The Grocer Medal Award is one of the most significant awards that a member of the Army can receive, and this year’s lucky recipient is the renowned Lsgt Farren Morgan.

The Grocer Medal Award is presented to outstanding individuals and companies each year. The Army selects these based on the impact that they have made to the British Military Community. Farren Morgan, who is currently based with the Coldstream Guards in Westminster, London, is one of the individuals who was successful in winning this prestigious award.

Morgan won the award in the category of “Soldier of the Year” due to the dedication he has showed to the Army and the impact that he has had on the community over the past few years. He has consistently demonstrated this dedication and continues to generate innovative ideas to further the Army in every way possible.

Farren Morgan is a PTI, and has proven an invaluable trainer due to his great successes in boosting the fitness of his fellow soldiers. His programs have allowed everyday civilians to become elite soldiers who are in peak shape both mentally and physically. His success in transforming the lives of these people has been highly beneficial for both them and the Army.

The impact that Farren Morgan has had on the community as a whole is also something that the Army recognises with this award. He consistently gives back to the community, assisting with fundraisers, helping charities, and providing support for people in need wherever he can. He openly expresses his genuine care for others and works towards improving the lives of everyone he meets.

Help For Heroes and the British Royal Legion are two of the key charities that Morgan is involved with. Both aim to provide better financial, social, and emotional support to veterans and their families.

The achievement of the Grocer Medal Award is a significant one in Farren Morgan’s career, and it is clear that he will continue his impressive efforts and further inspire generations of soldiers to come.

Traditional phone systems have ruled the business world in the past and were considered necessary tools for communication between employees and with customers. However, this has changed significantly, with virtual phone systems being the favored option now. Despite the changes, a lot of businesses refuse to see the benefits of using a virtual phone system in comparison with a traditional phone system. This could largely be because traditional phone systems are deeply rooted in many already established businesses, and a lot of older employees may not agree with the change. However, virtual phone systems do present a lot of opportunities for businesses which are not found with traditional phone systems. This article will aim to provide the differences between virtual phone systems and traditional phone systems.

Calling and receiving calls

With a traditional phone system, calling and receiving calls is done through the hardware installed. Numbers are pressed and the handset needs to be picked up. With call forwarding, a combination is needed to be input in order to do so. This can often mean that employees must remember number combinations for their fellow employees, and in doing so they can forward the call. With virtual phone systems, everything is set up visually on a platform. You can make and receive calls through a computer, and if a call needs to be forwarded, you can simply find the employee contact and press it.

Automated messaging systems

With traditional phone systems, voicemails can be set up to play if no one picks up the phone to inform the customer calling. However, that is about as far as its functionality goes. With a virtual phone system, you can of course set up a voicemail, however you are also able to set up automated messaging systems which can direct customers to the correct employee. This can mean a customer can press buttons to answer questions or even use their voice to do so, saving time and directing them where they need to go.

Scalability

Scalability is important for any business, especially one that is in its growing stages. With traditional phone systems, to scale up, the business must buy new hardware and pay a technician to install it into a building or similar environment. This can end up being costly, and the business will be set back a bit. With virtual phone systems, they usually go by subscription plans based on number of users. When a business needs to increase these users, they simply upgrade to a higher cost plan which will allow for further users and thereby better communication.

With this comparison, you can see that virtual phone systems completely outweigh traditional phone systems in terms of benefits. It would be wise for any business to consider the use of virtual phone systems over traditional phone systems due to the increased functionality and the many benefits it brings. It is also an easy transition and will not halt the operation of a business for long at all.

The alcohol industry is one of intense and monumental traditions in our great country. Indeed, it is a transcending human experience to clink our glasses together in celebration or in remembrance. A lot of the time, the quality and consistency of the liquor at hand makes or breaks the moment entirely.

Being such an inter-connected world, there’s never been a better time to find the wide and varied world that exists in other cultures and nations, the way in which they toast is very different, a world of bubbles awaits thanks to CoolCohol. They’re a company that have the sole dedication of bringing the weird and wonderful tastes of abroad right to our shores, and business is well and truly booming.

They specialise in the trendsetting alcohol varieties that are present throughout the continent. Palinka being one of the best-selling varieties. This fruit-based spirit borne from Hungarian traditions is taking the world by storm and is one of the many offerings that are being selectively imported by the UK based importer.

A Unique Approach

Their approach is quite fitting for the times we currently find ourselves in, with international borders being more and more distant until the world calms down, having a reputable and reliable importer of a few of the tastes we miss the most is certainly timely.

Their business model revolves around importing in bulk and delivering to customers in a fast and effective manner. Working with the more reputable brands and suppliers, they have managed to corner a market that is in a meteoric rise.

Their prices are quite competitive to say the least, which is also an advantage in the current wallet pressing times. Understanding the need to budget while also realising that releasing steam is also a necessity leaves CoolCohol in the right place at the right time.

Excellent Range

Their range extends far beyond the traditional as we’ve already mentioned, they’ve been int alks to extend their range from the traditional Palinkas and into more experimental territory from the surrounding nations and regions, one of the more interesting ones has been a hemp-based beer which has a very eclectic style about it and is one to watch as the world catches up.

Their wine selection is also quite selective, with a few brands on offer from their site that offer an alternative to your local bottle shop. From beverages to entertainment, CoolCohol has all the fixings for a night of fun and frivolity with the inclusion of a few drinking games in offer on their site.

For Any Occasion

So, as you look through your local catalogue and see the same brands at the same prices, if you’re feeling that innate sense of wanderlust and are striving to have an international experience once again, CoolCohol has you covered. Their range is selected by experts and their contacts are reliably quality driven.

When it comes to adventurous spirit, there’s no better choice.

Wholesale organic essential oils are a triple threat – especially when it comes to improving your respiratory health. The spread of the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in flu-related illnesses. Wholesale organic essential oils are highly beneficial to your health, making sure that you will be able to take a long deep breath. Although these products are alleviating for your respiratory system it does not treat your condition therefore if you have any health concerns, you should speak to your GP.

Here is the 101 on Wholesale Organic Essential Oils 

What are Wholesale Organic Essential Oils? 

Wholesale organic essential oils are sourced from many types of plants and herbs. They are extractions of bark, seeds, roots, and flowers that are much more potently powerful than their original source. There is a vast selection of wholesale organic essential oils to choose from and it has an incredibly strong essence when it’s extracted and has active ingredients in the oil. To extract the oil, this can be done through either cold pressing or steam distillation. Carrier oils such as avocado, coconut, and olive oil are combined with the wholesale organic essential oils to make sure it is effective in its usage.

How do Wholesale Organic Essential Oils Help with your Respiratory System?

The body is a complex system. Your respiratory system is constantly on the move with oxygen being taken in travelling through the body, and then carbon dioxide is exhaled out. Wholesale organic essential oils can be used as a relief for respiratory issues and as a postnasal drip. The respiratory system is highly important for your airways and lungs to ensure you can effectively circulate oxygen around the body. The best examples of wholesale organic essential oils to help with your breathing include eucalyptus and peppermint oil. These both can improve mucus build up, helping with your decongestion issues. The best avenue to treat colds with postnasal drips is inhalation either through a diffuser, in the bath or shower, or through steam. This is highly pivotal as if the air is dry or cold, this can affect the breathing in your lungs. As we are moving into winter, more and more people will be getting sick with flu-related illnesses. Although wholesale organic essential oils are incredibly nourishing for those going through illness, it is highly important to speak to a medical professional if problems persist.

What are the Best Wholesale Organic Essential Oils to help with your Breathing? 

Cinnamon

Usually, we associate cinnamon as a spice on top of desserts and dishes. However, cinnamon has been found to prevent the exposure of germs, which can inhibit respiratory illness. The best way to using cinnamon is by using a diffuser or putting it in a blend alongside other cough-relieving wholesale organic essential oils.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is found in many products for those who are experiencing cold-related symptoms such as vapour or chest rubs. Eucalyptol can effectively fend off bacteria that are causing the illness in the first place. Eucalyptus can decrease the inflammation response, alleviate pain, and get rid of tension in the muscles, in addition to the cold or flu. The best way to use eucalyptus wholesale essential oils is by getting some drops of eucalyptus oil and a carrier oil and massaging the compound on your throat and chest. Another way of using eucalyptus oil is by diluting it in boiling water to inhale.

Frankincense

Frankincense is widely known to have beneficial effects on the respiratory system. These wholesale organic essential oils have been traditionally used as a remedy to help with asthma, bronchitis, coughing, and catarrh.

Geranium

Geranium includes an extract known as pelargonium sidoides which is highly beneficial in treating the classic cough. Not only does it help treat your winter illness, but it has an incredible flowery scent. Ways to use geranium include dropping a few drops into a nice bath or through a diffuser.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg has a special key ingredient called camphene. Camphene has been known to create an easy breathing and cooling effect. Nutmeg has antioxidant properties which will keep the cells from getting affected by bad germs.

Oregano

Oregano has a strong compound known as carvacrol. Carvacrol is incredibly beneficial for fending off many types of germs. The oil is incredibly beneficial for viruses and cold and flu-related illnesses. This compound is also found in Thyme, which is largely beneficial for combating congestion.

Peppermint

Many products that treat respiratory conditions contain peppermint oil. An extract of peppermint is Menthol which, when breathed in, has a cooling effect that can help those with a sore throat. It has also been known to relax the muscles, specifically the windpipe, to prevent respiratory issues such as bronchitis. Due to these properties, you can guarantee that your respiratory system is in peak condition. You can use this either through steam distillation, diffuser, or in addition to other wholesale organic essential oils.

Rosemary

Similar to eucalyptus, Rosemary has the compound cineole. Cineole has been known to break down mucus and lower your inflammatory response. Get rid of congestion with the help of this incredible extract.

Tea tree 

Tea tree oil has been known to prevent the development of bad bacteria. It has been the treatment with a long history as Australian Indigenous peoples used crushed leaves from tea trees to help get rid of congestion and coughs. By taking a deep breath of these wholesale organic essential oils, it can reduce the negative effects of a cough.

How to use it:

Diffuser

Diffusers work to spread the wholesale organic essential oils across an entire space. This device overall will effectively allow you to inhale the wholesale organic essential oils, keeping you from getting cold and flu symptoms.

Steam Bath 

This can be done by adding a small amount of wholesale organic essential oils to a bowl with boiling water. Pop a towel over your head and breathe in the nice steam.

Topically

A way to get through sickness is by diluting wholesale organic essential oils with a carrier oil and adding them to the skin. The best carrier oils are olive oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil. Simply apply the blend onto the throat, chest, and/or feet to alleviate cough symptoms. Just make sure to do a patch test as your skin may be sensitive.

Tissue

Add 1-2 drops of wholesale organic essential oils onto a tissue. Breathe in, placing it on your nose and mouth. This tactic will be able to provide temporary relief to a respiratory problem, even if they are outside.

Warm compress 

If you are ever feeling a fever, a warm compress may help with the headache. Simply apply some drops of the wholesale organic essential oils alongside a carrier oil to warm water. Let the towel sink in and after soaking, squeeze out the excess. Apply the mixture onto your head/or chest to get the full dose of the treatment.

The takeaway 

Wholesale organic essential oils are incredibly effective in treating respiratory conditions. These oils have incredible qualities that can eliminate the bacteria and germs that cause the illness, keeping you in an optimum health condition. There is an incredible range of these oils, each with its own specific properties that contribute to improving respiratory health, such as peppermint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus. Simply add it into your self-care routine to help you have a winter free of the flu. ­

If you’re a newbie to the world of e-cigarettes, then there’s probably a lot you don’t know about the industry. As it stands, e-cigarettes are NOT a healthier or viable alternative to smoking regular cigarettes, nor should they be treated as a mechanism to help you break your addiction to smoking. While we do not recommend purchasing e-cigarette devices or accessories, you must take care of your equipment for hygienic reasons. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us all of the need to be mindful of others and to limit the spread of harmful germs throughout the community.

Before diving into how to maintain your e-cigarette device, you must be aware of the anatomy of your device (i.e. which component goes where, what their function is, etc.). Let’s jump in!

Anatomy of a conventional vape device

There are many different components to each vaping device, which can make it difficult to clean (especially if you’re not aware of how each part works and where it fits in). Moreover, each device is different so that anatomy can change quite significantly across other models and brands.

For example, a pen-style model (generally the most straightforward and generic) is comprised of 3 elements, which are as follows:

• A battery
• A coil
• A tank

The battery is obviously the power source for the unit. The coil is responsible for creating the heat that turns the liquid into a vapour, while the tank is the part that holds the e-liquid. The atomiser is generally held in the tank as well.

How often should I clean?

The frequency of cleaning your device is predicated on several factors. Firstly, you should consult the manufacturer’s advice (in the manual or handbook) to see if they have any cleaning guidelines. Another thing you need to consider is how often you use your device. If you’re using it often, then you’ll need to clean it more frequently (as liquid build-up can occur in the tank and near the atomiser, which can inhibit your e-cigarette’s efficiency).

Likewise, if you decide to change flavours, then you’ll want to clean the tank and mouthpiece to ensure you remove any remnants of the previous flavour. This is because lingering stains from the last flavour can compromise the new flavour, which is something you certainly don’t want! We recommend that you make a habit of cleaning between flavours, or at the very least, every few weeks, regardless of use. This will ensure that your device is always clean and hygienic.

Cleaning the coils

If you clean your vape coils as often as possible, you’ll extend their use life and improve the overall quality of your device. No matter how effective you are with your cleaning, however, you will need to replace the coils at some point. If you’re concerned that your coil might need to be changed, then check out some of the indicators below:

• Visually dark or crusted in appearance? (replace it!)
• Your vapour tastes smoky or burnt, despite cleaning? (replace it!)
• Your device isn’t producing the same amount of vapour as usual? (replace it!)

Removing the coil from your e-cig is relatively straightforward. Firstly, remove the tank from the device – since this is where the coil will be situated. Twist the coil to the left to unscrew it – it’ll pop out after a few seconds. If you’re cleaning the coil, place it in warm water for a few minutes. If you’re discarding the old coil and installing a new one, then insert the new coil and reattach the tank to the device. Simple!

Cleaning the tank

The tank should be cleaned as often as you can. If you’re switching flavours, make sure you detach the tank from the device and soak it for a while to ensure that lingering taste is gone. This clean should only require a quick soak, which is one of two methods of cleaning your vape tank. The other way is a more intense cleaning process that uses an alcohol solution. We’ll run you through both processes.

Quick soak

According to Vape.A.Box, the quick soak method is the one you should use when cleaning your vape device every week or fortnight. Firstly, fill a bowl with warm (not boiling) water. Detach the tank from the rest of the device and make sure all e-liquid left in the tank is poured out. Disassemble each component of the tank and place them in the bowl of warm water. Using a soft brush and/or cloth, wash each part until clean. Usually, water should be sufficient; however, if the tank is filthy (or you haven’t washed it for a while), then we recommend adding a few drops of dish soap to the solution.

Once each part is clean, place on a towel for 10-15 minutes. This will allow them to air dry. Give the components one last wipe with a dry cloth and then inspect each piece to ensure there are no lingering stains. Once you are satisfied, began reassembling each part to rebuild the tank. Then, reattach to your device.

A deeper clean

If you have washed the tank using a quick soak and it hasn’t cleaned the device properly, then you probably need to perform a deeper clean. To ensure all lingering stains/scents are removed from the tank, you need to use an alcohol-based disinfectant or cleaner. Non-flavoured vodka works very well, as it can help break down the deposits left in the vape tank. Dampen a small piece of cloth with water and the vodka, and then start scrubbing challenging areas until the stains are gone.

Once you have applied the vodka to the tank, wipe and rinse the device with warm water. Let the tank stand and air dry from around 15 minutes. Reassemble and add it back to the rest of your electronic cigarette or vaping pen.

Usage tips to maximise your device’s performance and minimise cleaning needs

Now that you know how to clean your e-cig, it is also worth knowing how to use your device to maximise its performance and minimise how often you need to clean it. Here are some of the best tips we can offer:

Store your e-cigarette safely

When not using your vaping pen, you must store it safely. Find a good place to store it where it won’t encounter any mishaps. Ideally, you would want to have a strong case that you can use to carry it around in. When at home, find a draw or a shelf to place it where it’ll be out of harm’s way!

Keep your e-juice out of the sun

It would help if you didn’t expose your e-liquid canisters to direct sunlight. Extreme heat and humidity can cause the liquid to “thin out”, which means it could leak out of the cartridge. Furthermore, it won’t taste anywhere near as clean when you smoke it! So, if you purchase a new range of e-liquids for your device, make sure you store them somewhere dry and at room temperature. Kitchen cabinets generally work well!

Don’t overfill the cartridge/tank

When filling the tank, make sure you only fill it up to the prescribed level (there should be a little mark/engraving to guide you). Overfilling the tank could cause unnecessary leaking and make the vaping process messier. At the same time, make sure you re-fill the cartridge when it’s nearly empty. This is because the atomiser/coil could burn out if there is no liquid to heat into vapour, so having an adequate amount of fluid in the tank is vital.

Don’t forget the mouthpiece

Some users focus so much on cleaning the entire device that they forget about arguably the most essential piece for maintaining hygiene: the mouthpiece. Once you have finished using the device, make sure you wipe the mouthpiece with a cloth or disinfect the surface with some alcoholic wipes. Any lingering germs from your mouth could be spread to others who use your device. Do this before and after you use your device (every time!).

Wash your hands as well

It might seem a bit pedantic and over the top, but you should wash your hands before and after using your e-cigarette. If you have shared your e-cigarette around, then you don’t know what kind of germs could be on the surface of the device. Wipe the device down and remember to wash/sanitise your hands.

Conclusion

So, maintaining health and hygiene while using an e-cig is essential. Not only does it ensure that your device is clean and safe to use, but it also improves its overall performance and efficiency. If you stick the above tips when using your device, then you’ll be completely fine. As a final reminder, we do recommend to all readers that considering e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to regular smoking is not a viable decision. There’s no evidence to suggest it can help you break your habit, and this is reflected in the current legislation and scientific opinion on the matter. If you need to break your habit, we suggest pursuing support services to get there!