Horoscope for the Week of January 16, 2022, Weekly Horoscope
January 16, 2022 by Staff Reporter
Overview: Normalize your emotions, please! Monday's Full Moon in Cancer helps us accept, normalize, and appreciate our emotional world. Uranus Retrograde in Taurus ends on Tuesday, helping us apply energy to what needs to be changed. Speaking of change, Aquarius season begins on Wednesday and lasts until February 18, giving us innovation, connection, and excitement even in these times.
Read your Sun/Rising sign horoscope:
Happy homecoming, Aries! Monday's Full Moon in Cancer brings you so much closer to the feelings, spaces, experiences, and people that take you home. Uranus moves direct in Taurus on Tuesday, stabilizing you in financial security. Aquarius season begins on Wednesday, clocking you out of work so you can reconnect with your day-ones and ride-or-dies!
Use your words carefully, Taurus! Monday's Full Moon in Cancer helps you vocalize your thoughts and emotions very carefully so you're understood. Uranus moves direct in your identity sector on Tuesday and helps you transform what you need to. Aquarius season starts on Wednesday and provides more ambition, professional success, and goals accomplished!
Center yourself, Gemini! Monday's Full Moon in Cancer improves your emotional relationships with finances, security, groundedness, and mindfulness. Uranus moves direct in your Taurus-ruled closure zone on Tuesday, helping you tie up loose ends. Aquarius season begins on Wednesday and takes you on an intellectual, experiential, exciting journey!
Begin again, Cancer! Monday's Full Moon in your sign offers you an exciting chance to renew as you move forward with vision, hope, and optimism. Uranus moves direct in your Taurus-ruled friendship zone on Tuesday, connecting you to your community. Aquarius season starts on Wednesday and deepens your relationships with intimacy, trust, and sexuality.
It's safe to surrender, Leo! Monday's Full Moon in Cancer inspires you to release the stagnant, limiting energy that's held you back from your most passionate life. Uranus moves direct in your Taurus-ruled career zone on Tuesday, helping you find your professional momentum again. Aquarius season starts on Wednesday and brings opposites-attract style chemistry and romance with it.
Friendships changing, Virgo? Monday's Full Moon in Cancer helps you readjust and reconnect with your most meaningful social connections. Uranus moves direct in your Taurus-ruled wisdom zone on Tuesday, inspiring you to apply new learnings in your life. Aquarius season starts on Wednesday and has you grounding down in routines, rituals, and practices.
Level up, Libra! Monday's Full Moon in Cancer elevates your professional standing and career goals to new heights while you connect with your heart. Uranus moves direct in your Taurus-ruled intimacy zone on Tuesday, helping you see the truth more clearly. Aquarius season begins on Wednesday and inspires you to cultivate more creativity and vulnerability in your life.
Have faith in yourself, Scorpio! Monday's Full Moon in Cancer helps you see yourself and others with more vision, optimism, and faith so you can take braver steps. Uranus moves direct in your Taurus-ruled romance sector on Tuesday, bringing some surprise encounters to your love life. Aquarius season begins on Wednesday and connects you to your emotional safety.
What's your Truth, Sag? Monday's Full Moon in Cancer helps you share a truth and desire with someone who genuinely needs to hear it. Be brave in your vulnerability! Uranus moves direct in your Taurus-ruled health sector on Tuesday and you'll be trying new self-care strategies. Aquarius season starts on Wednesday and it'll teach you so much about communication!
Seek understanding, Capricorn! Monday's Full Moon in Cancer is a relational game-changer if you're balancing the desire to be understood with the curiosity to understand your S.O./crush/FWB/etc. Uranus moves direct in your Taurus-ruled courage zone on Tuesday, inspiring you to self-disclose. Aquarius season starts on Wednesday and elevates your financial freedom(s)!
Zoom in, Aquarius! Monday's Full Moon in Cancer wants you to take a small step towards the details that help your health and wellbeing. Uranus moves direct in your Taurus=ruled home and family sector, connecting you with your nearest and dearest. Then it's your birthday month: Aquarius season starts on Wednesday! May all your birthday wishes come true!
Have courage, Pisces! Monday's Full Moon in Pisces wants you to self-disclose courageously and let people see, know, hear, and understand you! Uranus moves direct in your Taurus-ruled communication zone on Tuesday, improving your word choice. Aquarius season starts on Wednesday and gives you a month-long sabbatical, so take it easy and give yourself all the self-care!
Colin Bedell
Colin is a literal Gemini Twin Astrologer from Long Island, New York and a two-time graduate of the New School with his Bachelor's in Literature from Eugene Lang College and Master's in Fashion Studies from Parsons School of Design.
Filed Under: LIFESTYLE
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More N.J. colleges mandate COVID boosters, move start of spring term online
Editor's note: This story was updated Tuesday, Jan. 11.
As the latest COVID-19 surge continues to drive up statewide case totals, more New Jersey colleges are asking students and staff to show proof of a booster vaccine.
At least ten public and private colleges have announced booster shot requirements — with Ramapo College joining the list Tuesday. Booster mandates are also in place at Princeton University, Rutgers University, Drew University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Stevens Institute of Technology, St. Peter's University, Caldwell University, Saint Elizabeth University and Felician University.
Boosters are recommended for people who initially received their second Pfizer or Moderna shots at least five months ago or at least two months for those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, according to the latest CDC guidelines.
The list of schools that have shifted the start of their spring semesters online due to the omicron surge has also increased — with Monday's addition of New Jersey City University, Drew University and William Paterson University.
Here are the latest COVID-related policies released by New Jersey colleges:
Atlantic Cape Community College announced Monday that its spring semester has been pushed ahead about a week to Jan. 24.
The change was made, "to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff," the school said in an update. "There will be no further changes to the calendar at this time."
The school, which requires students to show vaccine proof or submit to weekly tests, has not mandated booster shots.
Bloomfield College has shifted the start of its spring semester online. Classes will be held remotely from Jan. 13 to Jan. 28, before resuming in-person Jan. 31.
"Reported cases and the prevalence of COVID-19 in local populations will be monitored and the in-person start date may be changed," a school update said. "A small number of classes (such as lab and studio experiences, clinical experience) will have an in-person meeting component during this time, which may include hybrid delivery (a mix of in-person and virtual class meeting sessions)."
The school required resident students, student-athletes and nursing majors to have one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (fully vaccinated) or at least one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine by Jan. 3. Moderna or Pfizer vaccinated students must be fully vaccinated within three to four weeks after Feb. 1. A booster shot is not currently required.
Following the same format from the fall, Brookdale Community College will provide coursework in a mix of in-person and online — depending on class and instructor — for the spring.
The spring semester runs from Jan. 19 to May 10.
"Brookdale Community College will require COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for all students who are taking classes on campus, effective January 3, 2022. Likewise, all Brookdale employees must also provide proof of full vaccination or agree to weekly testing," David Stout, president at Brookdale Community College said in a letter.
As of Monday, the college has not announced booster mandates.
Caldwell University, a Catholic school in northwestern Essex County, announced that a COVID booster mandate will go into effect.
In a spring 2022 semester campus update, Peter Ubertaccio, vice president for academic affairs, said the booster requirement will apply to all students, faculty and staff.
"(The mandate) will require faculty, staff and students to obtain their booster shots within two weeks of becoming eligible. The majority of us will be eligible by the end of January," Ubertaccio said.
School officials said spring classes are expected to start on-time and in-person Jan. 18.
Ubertaccio noted that as of Friday, over 91% of Caldwell University students and over 95% of staff are vaccinated — following a mandate put in place last summer.
He said additional information on the new booster mandate, as well as the spring face mask policy, will soon be released. The school also plans to host a mobile booster vaccine van on campus in January to provide access to shots for the campus community.
Centenary University in Hackettstown will have its spring semester only online from Jan. 10 to Jan. 17. In-person classes are scheduled to resume Jan. 24.
"We encourage everyone to get vaccinated if you are not already, or to get your booster. We will be working to offer vaccinations and boosters on campus and this information will be sent to you when confirmed," Centenary University President Bruce Murphy said in an email Dec. 27. "We are also working to offer COVID-19 testing on campus in January and will shared information as soon as dates are confirmed."
Drew University will require all students, faculty and staff to get booster shots by March 31.
"We hope you use your break as a time to rest, relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with family and friends. We also hope that you keep in mind these important measures that can help have a significant impact on the health and well-being of our campus in the spring…," the Madison school said in a December announcement.
School officials said Monday that the first three days of classes of the spring 2022 semester, which starts Jan. 19, will be held in a virtual format.
"All classes will meet remotely at their regularly scheduled times. Students will receive emails from their course instructors with instructions and Zoom links prior to the start of classes," the school said in a new update.
In-person classes are expected to resume Jan. 24.
Felician University students, faculty and staff, who are eligible for new doses, must receive a booster by Jan. 10, officials announced last week.
Anyone returning to campus must show proof of a booster and a negative PCR test beforehand, according to school officials.
The university has campuses in Lodi and Rutherford.
The spring semester, which begins Jan. 24, will be held remotely for the first two weeks. In-person classes are slated to resume Feb. 7.
School officials said students who report their booster vaccine proof or appropriate exemption will be entered to win an iPad.
Hudson County Community College will have a mix of online and in-person classes for its winter and spring 2022 semesters.
A lookup tool has been provided for students to check whether their class is fully online (meaning with no live course interaction) or remote, wherein students attend class virtually during regular class times. Another option will be a hybrid of in-person classes and online instruction.
School officials said all students and employees must be fully vaccinated. Boosters are not currently required.
While not required, "all members of the Kean community are strongly encouraged" to get a COVID booster shot, university officials said.
The university shifted to remote classes Dec. 23 during the end of its winter session. The spring semester, which will kick off Jan. 18, will remain online through Jan. 30.
"All student services will remain accessible both remotely and in person, and athletics, theatre and most other events will continue as planned," school officials said online.
Mercer County Community College will be under a remote format until Jan. 18, the school recently announced.
"If you have not already done so, we urge you to get your vaccine without delay. If you are eligible for a booster shot and have not done so, please make time to get a booster shot," Jianping Wang, president of the school said in an online statement — although she did not state boosters are currently mandated.
"Vaccinations remain the best way for us to protect the health of students, faculty, staff, friends, and visitors to our campuses," Wang added.
The school's spring semester is set to start in-person Jan. 24.
New Jersey City University announced Monday that its spring semester will begin remotely.
"From January 18 through January 30, all instruction and instruction-related activities will be conducted through distance-learning platforms," Tamara Jhashi, provost and senior vice president, said in a campus message.
Jhashi said library services will be available online and essential services will remain open on campus.
"At this time, we plan to return to in-person teaching on Monday, January 31, and will update you as necessary. However, I also recommend to all instructors to plan now for instructional continuity in their courses through asynchronous resources should the need arise," she said.
NJCU previously set an October deadline for students to be fully vaccinated. It has not announced a booster requirement.
New Jersey Institute of Technology will require eligible students, staff and faculty to receive boosters by Jan. 31, the Newark school announced Thursday evening.
Anyone not eligible, based on CDC guidelines, will have to receive a booster "no later than 2 weeks after their eligibility date," according to a school update.
"The surge in COVID-19 cases, recent guidance from the CDC and the American College Health Association, and our steadfast commitment to the health of our campus community have required we consider some adjustments to our near-term planning," school officials said Thursday in an announcement.
New Jersey Institute of Technology will also move the start of its spring semester online — from Jan. 18 through Jan. 30. Students will resume in-person classes Jan. 31.
Princeton University announced in December that all students, faculty, staff and researchers will be required to get a COVID booster by Jan. 31 or 30 days after becoming eligible.
The Ivy League school, which is hosting booster clinics, also moved the return to campus ahead a week to Jan. 14.
"Although all of us are exhausted and frustrated by the ongoing COVID pandemic, we must continue to do everything we can to protect the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. Thanks for doing your part," Jill Dolan, the dean of the college, and W. Rochelle Calhoun, vice president for campus life, previously wrote in a memo.
Princeton undergraduates will return to campus on a staggered schedule between Jan. 14 and Jan. 23, the last day of the winter session. The spring semester, which starts Jan. 24, will be in-person, school officials said.
Ramapo College will require eligible students to acquire COVID boosters by Feb. 28, a university spokeswoman said Tuesday.
The requirement is being put in place, "as an additional strategy to help mitigate the severity of COVID-19 and transmission of the virus in our community," said Brittany Williams-Goldstein, chief of staff and liaison to the board of trustees. "We are hosting vaccination/booster clinics on our campus through a partnership with New Bridge Medical Center."
The Mahwah school, which enrolls over 5,000 students and begins its spring term Jan. 18, will have a mix of in-person, online and hybrid for the upcoming semester.
"The majority of courses will be delivered in-person or hybrid, which means most students should expect the courses they take will hold face-to-face class meetings on campus," the school said in an update.
More details are available here.
Rutgers University, the state's largest school, said last week that boosters will be required by Jan. 31 for all students. A deadline for staff to receive boosters was not provided.
The school, with campuses in Newark, New Brunswick and Camden, will remain in remote instruction through January.
Tony Calcado, executive vice president and CEO at Rutgers said the "additional layers of protection" provided by boosters will help the university transition back to in-person classes for the remainder of the spring semester.
Rutgers' winter session, which shifted to remote in early October, lasts until Jan. 14. The spring semester, which starts Jan. 18 and ends in mid-May, will be remote until Jan. 31, Calcado said.
Rowan University officials announced Monday that classes will be held in-person and on time.
"Students who are impacted by COVID may ask faculty for temporary special arrangements for remote instruction. Faculty are encouraged to offer such options where feasible and reasonable. Students will be advised as needed about options for situations where in-person experiential learning cannot be made up or replicated," Tony Lowman provost, Terri Drye, vice president for human resources, and Kevin S. Koett, vice president for student life said in a statement.
In addition, booster vaccines — while not required — are strongly encouraged.
"During the current spike in virus cases, the university is temporarily expanding flex work opportunities for employees impacted by illness, exposure, or their children's school closures. Employees must work with their direct supervisor to determine if remote work is possible for their position," school officials added.
Saint Elizabeth University announced Friday that all students and staff must receive a booster by Feb. 15.
"Mandating COVID-19 boosters is another way SEU is working to keep our community safe and healthy," said Gary Crosby, president of Saint Elizabeth University in a statement. "This deadline is six months from when most faculty, staff and students were fully vaccinated, making most individuals, except for those with approved medical/religious exemptions, eligible for the booster by February 15."
Crosby added that the school will work directly with anyone who does not fall within the eligibility window.
The school will start its spring semester remotely from Jan. 10 to Jan. 21. School officials said in-person classes are scheduled to return Jan. 24.
"Be sure to upload negative COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours before arrival on campus," the university said online.
Seton Hall University announced Thursday that part of its spring semester will transition to a remote format.
All three of the university's campuses in South Orange, Newark and Nutley/Clifton will have online classes between Jan. 19 and Jan. 30. The spring term is then scheduled to return to in-person classes from Jan. 31 to mid-May.
"We emphasize what we have said before: If you are not vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you received your initial vaccination, get boosted. Beyond the health benefits, boosted individuals who are close contacts are exempt from certain quarantine protocols," school officials said in a campus update.
As of Friday, Seton Hall University has not mandated booster shots.
Saint Peter's University announced in December that all students and staff must receive a COVID-19 booster by March 1.
The booster shot requirement at the Jersey City school does not extend to online students and professors, who do not visit the campus, school officials said.
"I continue to rely on each and every one of you to help us keep our in-person operations a success as we all do our part in working to minimize the spread of COVID-19," St. Peter's University President Eugene Cornacchia previously said in an email to the campus community.
A St. Peter's spokeswoman said classes for the spring semester, which starts Jan. 19, will be held in-person.
The deadline for Stevens Institute of Technology students to provide proof of booster shots is Jan. 31, officials at the Hoboken university announced.
"The booster vaccine is important as public health experts are beginning to see reduced protection from the initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. Experts are confident that booster shots will increase immune response and provide further protection against the virus, preventing severe illness and hospitalizations," Stevens Institute of Technology President Nariman Farvardin said in a campus-wide message.
The university will start its spring semester remotely from Jan. 18. to Jan. 30. In-person classes are expected to resume Jan. 31.
William Paterson University announced Monday that the school's spring semester will begin online due to the spike of COVID-19 omicron cases.
Remote classes will run from Jan. 24 to Jan. 31, before resuming in-person, officials said.
"While COVID vaccine boosters are not being required at this time, they are strongly encouraged for everyone who is eligible to receive them. As the pandemic continues to evolve, the one constant since vaccines first became available is that people who are fully vaccinated fare best in terms of avoiding the disease and, should they contract it," the university said in a new campus update.
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Steven Rodas may be reached at srodas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @stevenrodasnj.
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Global Blood Ketone Meter Markets Report 2021-2028: Technological Advancements & Increasing Product Launches and Approvals Driving Growth – ResearchAndMarkets.com
January 8, 2022 by Staff Reporter
DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The "Blood Ketone Meter Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Blood Ketone Monitoring, Blood Glucose And Ketone Monitoring, Consumables), By Application, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 – 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The global blood ketone meter market size is expected to reach USD 501.5 million by 2028 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2021 to 2028
Reimbursement scenario and favorable health insurance are significant factors that are anticipated to surge the demand for blood ketone meters. Technological advancements in Type 1 Diabetes care lead to the increasing preference for automated devices among individuals that aid in reducing disease burden.
Diabetes prevalence is increasing worldwide, due to which the number of hospital admissions with patients suffering from complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), is also rising. DKA is a severe and life-threatening complication of diabetes. This disease is more common among people with type 1 diabetes and affects around 30 million people across the U.S. Lifestyle changes, rapid urbanization, increased life expectancy, and dietary changes are the major causes of diabetes.
The rise in the geriatric and obese population across the globe is expected to boost the growth of the market. As per the WHO, by 2050, the world's population aged 60 years and above is likely to reach 2 billion by 2050. Similarly, as per the American Diabetes Association, one-third of U.S. adults aged 65 and above had diabetes in 2017. Thus, a rise in the number of adults with diabetes is anticipated to boost the demand for blood ketone meters during the forecast period.
An increasing number of hospital admissions owing to the rising cases of DKA in developing as well as developed nations are estimated to foster the market growth. According to a Diabetes Care Study, DKA causes approximately 200,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S. Rising hospital admissions eventually lead to an increase in healthcare costs, thereby fueling the market growth.
Blood Ketone Meter Market Report Highlights
By product type, the blood glucose and ketone monitoring segment held the second-largest share in 2020 due to the increasing launch of blood glucose and ketone meters
Based on application, the veterinary segment is expected to witness considerable growth during the forecast period due to the increasing application of blood ketone meters among animals
The hospital end-use segment captured the largest share in 2020 due to the increasing number of hospitalizations every year
North America held the largest market share in 2020 due to the rising healthcare expenditure and increase in the healthcare spending
The presence of local and international players and the increasing prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes has led to the surging demand for blood ketone meters in North America
Chapter 3. Blood Ketone Meters Market Variables, Trends & Scope
3.1. Market Lineage Outlook
3.1.1. Parent market outlook
3.1.2. Related/ancillary market outlook
3.4.1.1. Rising prevalence of diabetes
3.4.1.2. Increasing product launch and approval
3.4.1.3. Technological advancements
3.4.2. Market restraint analysis
3.4.2.1. Frequent product recalls
3.5. Blood Ketone Meters Market Analysis Tools
3.5.1. Industry analysis – Porter's
3.5.2. PESTEL analysis
3.5.3. Major deals & strategic alliances analysis
3.5.4. Market entry strategies
Chapter 4. Global Blood Ketone Meters Market: Product Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
4.1. Definitions and Scope
4.1.1. Blood ketone monitoring
4.1.2. Blood glucose and ketone monitoring
4.1.3. Consumables
4.2. Product type Market Share, 2020 & 2028
4.3. Segment Dashboard
4.4. Global Blood Ketone Meters Market by Type Outlook
4.5. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2016 to 2028 for the following
Chapter 5. Global Blood Ketone Meters Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis
5.1.1. Veterinary
5.1.2. Human
5.2. Application Market Share, 2020 & 2028
5.4. Global Blood Ketone Meters Market by Application Outlook
Chapter 6. Global Blood Ketone Meters Market: End-use Estimates & Trend Analysis
6.1.1. Hospitals
6.1.2. Diagnostic Centers
6.1.3. Homecare Settings
6.2. End-use Market Share, 2020 & 2028
6.4. Global Blood Ketone Meters Market by End-use Outlook
Chapter 7. Global Blood Ketone Meters Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
7.1. Regional Market Share Analysis, 2020 & 2028
7.2. Regional Market Dashboard
7.3. Global Regional Market Snapshot
7.4. Regional Market Share and Leading Players, 2020
NIPRO Corporation
Porta Check, Inc.
APEX BIOTECHNOLOGY CORP
TaiDoc Technology Corporation
ForaCare Inc.
GlucoRx
KETO-MOJO
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mqdioi
Eva Longoria's easy-to-make wellness shot
Eva Longoria knows that now more than ever is time to boost our immune system. Nature is the original and number one source of healthy and organic ingredients; therefore, taking advantage of all the great things Mother Nature provides should be a no-brainer.
The beloved actress and HOLA! USA Latina Powerhouse recently took social media to share a recipe she found on the internet and made her own by adding a few ingredients she loves.
©Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria shares how to boost your immune system with an easy-to-make wellness shot
Remove the skin of your citrus fruits, ginger, and turmeric. Put the whole orange, lemon, and lime into the blender and add one inch of ginger and turmeric. Once blended, add cayenne pepper to taste and mix again. Strain the liquid into a bowl. Serve chilled or temperature room and salud!
Local gym revamps COVID-19 safety protocols as cases surge
"We're starting to enforce some of the safety protocols like wiping down equipment, making sure everyone's accountable."
TYLER, Texas — A new year means new goals for many, especially those who are heading back into the gym to commit to a healthier lifestyle.
After the temporarily shutdowns gyms faced in 2020 and 2021, members say they are thrilled to be back.
"It's a big thing mentally for us we use it on break during lunchtime and it allows us to de-stress and it's really good as a far a social environment to be able to come in," said John Hinsley, member of Tyler Athletic and Swim Club.
With more people returning back to in-person training, the Tyler Athletic and Swim Club is revamping some of its COVID-19 safety mitigation as cases surge.
"We've definitely seen an influx of participation in the gym, we've had to adapt to that," said Rob Lowe, the club's general manager. "We're starting to enforce some of the safety protocols like wiping down equipment, making sure everyone's accountable."
The gym is also taking extra safety measures by adding more group training classes and limiting the amount people for each class.
"There's a lot of demand in our group fitness classes," Lowe. "So, you know, limiting it to 10 people when normally it's 20 participants. We've added 43 classes from 25 so we are looking to provide an outlet for everybody, whatever their common needs and common goals are."
The gym also does three deep cleans a day starting at 5 a.m. along with providing sanitary stations all throughout the facility for people to utilize.
"Members do have access to sanitary wipes that have been wiped down, we have an afternoon clean and then we have an evening clean," said Lowe. "We have a maintenance staff who goes around and makes sure that their monitoring all the situations and all the equipment throughout the day."
Lowe says after two years of his gym having these protocols in place. He's fortunate that everyone continues to remain safe and healthy.
"Everyone is so accommodating, and everyone is keeping and maintaining their own comfortable distance. And that keeps the gym thriving," said Lowe.
Masks are optional for members to wear while training. All members are asked to follow all the safety mitigations in the gym has in place.
To learn more about the services they offer, click here.
RELATED: Yes, it is legal for an employer to require vaccinated and unvaccinated workers to be separated
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For those involved in the logistics industry, the LGV driver shortage has been a key issue for many years. However, events of the recent months – whether the UK's fuel delivery crisis in October 2021, border closures in Australia affecting the numbers of migrant workers, or other ongoing effects of the pandemic – have meant that the issue is now well-known even by the average household.
It is clearly a complicated issue with many contributing factors, from global lockdowns causing furloughed drivers to rethink careers, to Brexit in the UK, and a need to enhance the overall image of the industry. Crucially, a nuanced issue needs nuanced solutions, tackling both the immediate and long-term. As a leader in the industry DHL Supply Chain is committed to proactively tackling the challenge, and we're working closely with our customers to develop and trial new solutions, as well as cross-industry to create the much-needed structural change.
One way we're doing this is by introducing initiatives to remove the barriers to entry and provide adequate support to trainees. We know that there is a pool of candidates who are interested in driving careers but have been unable to afford the fees and navigate the complexity associated with training and licence tests. In North American we run the Dock-to-Driver programme which identifies warehouse forklift drivers who have shown the ability and commitment to advance in their careers and provides the investment to transition them from the warehouse to the truck.
In the UK we have launched our Driving Ambition programme, which offers candidates driver training worth up to £3,000. This initiative is underpinned by a new Transport Development Centre and training programme. When designing the programme we spent time thinking about the challenges that trainees faced, one of which is the complexity and multiple steps required to qualify. At the Transport Development Centre, new recruits are taken through an end-to-end course, covering everything from medical checks to driving theory and practical training, making it simple and in turn reducing drop-out rates.
Thinking more long-term, the industry needs to work together to address the image problem that the career has in so many parts of the world, and improve the overall impression of driving as a career choice. During the Covid-19 pandemic the importance of the supply chain to the proper functioning of our society was clear, as drivers worked tirelessly to fill supermarket shelves, deliver medical equipment, and transport hospital patients. As an industry it's important we capitalise on this recognition, and continue to demonstrate the vital role that drivers play to attract candidates looking for a purposeful career.
However, it's also important to recognise that there are valid concerns with the nature of the work that should be addressed. The common perception is that driving revolves around bad hours and poor conditions, but at DHL we have been working hard to change that. We now offer different shift patterns to enable a broader range of people to enter the industry, and have made changes to vehicles like fitting fridges into cabs to allow drivers to bring their own food instead of relying on service stations.
In North America we have adopted a relay approach to long routes, in which multiple drivers transport the freight for one leg before returning home each night. We've also designed a network that eliminates the need for drivers to wait at docks for hours prior to unloading. DHL is also a partner to International Women's Day, as part of our efforts to open up career paths for women across the supply chain, including driving and transport. While these may seem like small changes, we have listened to drivers tell us lifestyle, flexibility and career progression matters to them, and these initiatives reflect that. Raising standards for drivers in the environment we create for them is all part of the push to professionalise the job through better training, ongoing development, and higher standards.
Looking to the future, the industry needs to broaden its appeal to address the ongoing and global challenges of an ageing workforce. Particularly as we find ourselves competing for talent against a much wider range of employers also facing a talent crisis. For the generation entering the working world now, purpose and sustainability is an important draw, so it's important we focus on making ourselves relevant. At DHL we're investing globally in a sustainable fleet, which means we're able to offer drivers industry-leading opportunities to work with cutting edge technology, like fully electric 16T trucks in the UK and Sweden. Our GoGreen programme covers the many initiatives we have in place across the business to reach our target of net-zero emissions by 2050, and we make it a central part of our employer branding.
Finally, as well as making changes within the business, it will be important for the industry to work together with industry bodies and governments across the world to address the infrastructure challenges. DHL works closely with governments and local authorities; whether it's investing in truck stops to improve facilities or making it easier for people to train and qualify, there are steps that need to be taken across the global marketplace for any business-led initiatives to be truly successful.
There is no doubt that the driver shortage is one of the biggest challenges our industry has faced, and it is unlikely to be solved with small initiatives and short-term thinking. Drivers are the lifeblood of the industry, and working with others across the world we hope to make the progress we need to improve the appeal of driving as a career and close the skills gap.
Science News | Researchers Develop Bone Growth Inspired 'microrobots' That Can Create Their Own Bone
Linkoping [Sweden], January 17 (ANI): Inspired by the growth of bones in the skeleton, researchers at the universities of Linkoping in Sweden and … [Read More...] about Science News | Researchers Develop Bone Growth Inspired 'microrobots' That Can Create Their Own Bone