7 Things Every Man Should Know About The Prostate

 

Next time you see your father, your uncle, or any older gentleman over age 60 or so, ask them about their prostate. If you know the guy well enough, and he feels comfortable enough around you (some would say too comfortable), he will surely share a whole litany of the common prostate problems that are troubling him, or have troubled him, or will trouble him in the near future. That’s because an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and even prostate cancer can be in the cards for every man past a certain age.

It’s the scary but true fact of getting old as a man. For instance, every man should know that prostate cancer is one of the most common prostate problems out there. It tops the list of cancers that afflict men, happening in nearly as many men, roughly speaking, as breast cancer in women. Prostate cancer doesn’t get the press that breast cancer does, however, probably because most men would rather not speak about what’s happening down there.

The second thing most men don’t, but should know is exactly what that prostate is. A prostate is actually part of a man’s sexual organs. Located just below the bladder in a man, wrapped around the urethra, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. Its main job in the birds-and-bees scheme of things is to add fluid to your sperm during ejaculation.

And most of the time, men don’t even realize they have a prostate because it’s a hidden internal organ, but all men find out quickly what and where their prostate is when they suffer a common prostate problem.

For instance, all men should know that prostate issues aren’t just for older men. Men under 50 can get prostatitis, or an extremely painful infection of their prostate. This is a swelling of the prostate that can cause fever, a burning sensation during urination, and fatigue.

And all men over 50 should be aware of their number one most common prostate problem, which is an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hypertrophy. This benign, or nonfatal condition, is actually far more common in older men than prostate cancer, which should give some relief to older men when they know it.

Men should all be aware of the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, such as leaking and dribbling during urination, a weak urine stream, trouble getting started with urination, and even small amounts of blood in the urine.

And though benign prostatic hypertrophy is more common than prostate cancer, men should be aware that the two can go hand in hand. It’s not always the case, and many men with an enlarged prostate will never develop into cancer. But it’s good to keep your eyes out for both, because they can have similar symptoms.

What is HGH?

 

HGH is the acronym for Human Growth Hormone. It was discovered about a half century ago, but it wasn’t until sometime in the 1970s that researchers and scientists actually figured out the role of HGH in the body. For those intervening years, HGH remained a mystery compound – though it had been isolated in the human body, it remained a mystery compound.

HGH is a protein compound, produced only in one part of the pituitary gland. Even after researchers knew the basics – that it’s a protein and where the body produced it – there was debate over the role it played in the body. When researchers figured out that HGH had an important part in normal growth, the race was on to figure out what the role is and how it could be used to help those who faced issues with growth.

It’s not a huge step between learning the role of HGH and using it as a therapy for children who weren’t growing at a normal rate. Increasing the amount of HGH for those children who otherwise might not have grown enough to do the things normal adults do – drive a car, for example – became a way to positively impact the lives of those youngsters. But the early days of those treatments were limited by researchers’ ability to successfully reproduce the HGH compound.

At first, HGH was first only available by collecting the HGH compound from the pituitary glands of cadavers. After extraction, the natural human growth hormone had to be processed and injection was the only way to introduce additional HGH into a person who needed it. This type of human growth hormone supplement therapy was expensive, time consuming and limited. Only medical professionals could decide who should undergo HGH therapy, and the known benefits were limited.

One of the first things learned about HGH is that it’s in the body of young children – in abundance. As people aged, the HGH in their body decreased. While that sounds like a natural step in the course of aging, someone soon thought to question whether increasing the amount of HGH in the body would be beneficial also to older people.

HGH isn’t the only compound in the body that decreases as we age. You’ve probably heard of some of the other proteins that are abundant in young people but less abundant as we age. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are among those compounds that are sometimes supplemented to help older people feel younger and healthier. The HGH protein compound is similarly beneficial as a dietary supplement.

But why would HGH be beneficial to an adult? After all, most adults are trying to lose weight, not grow, right? Actually, HGH has been found to help other adult issues as well. Anti aging is one of the benefits of HGH in adults. It can also increase energy and improve stamina.

HGH supplements and HGH products are now available as HGH dietary supplements, so that you can take an HGH releaser as part of your daily supplement regimen.

Why Take a Vitamin?

 

Despite the fact that people are living hectic lifestyles more than ever, they are following a more healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis. You might wonder if the recommendation by the health industry to take a multivitamin every day is still valid in light of the trend of people becoming healthier. If you are eating a variety of foods, there’s a good chance you are getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to perform routine functions to keep your body healthy. However, you’re not completely out of the woods.

When you use heat to cook your food (grill, fry, bake), the heating process removes some of your food’s beneficial nutrients. In addition, if you are plagued with stress or you if you are taking medication there’s a chance that you are losing a significant amount of vitamins and minerals that you consume. Taking vitamins on a regular basis can increase your chances of getting all the nutrients your body needs.

The benefits of taking vitamins go beyond meeting the recommended dietary allowances. How healthy you are depends on more than just diet and the amount of exercise you obtain. There are other outside factors that can predispose you to develop certain health issues. For example, how much of a risk you have for developing cancer of heart disease is largely dependent upon whether or not others in your family developed these conditions. For some time it was believed that an individual had very little recourse in these situations. Studies conducted by Harvard University researchers revealed that taking a multivitamin every day can reduce an individual’s risk to develop these conditions.

To determine your specific needs, you should visit your doctor for a complete evaluation of your dietary needs. Your doctor will be able to recommend the type of vitamins that are best for you. It may very well be the case that a common multivitamin is all that you need. If this is the case, you can visit any nutrition center or grocery store and find aisles of multivitamins. While these preparations will contain the same basic set of vitamins, the amount of each will differ. You can determine which preparation is for you by considering which nutrients you lack. For example, if you’re not a fan of milk products, you may want to choose a multivitamin that contains more calcium.

Your Food Can Prematurely Age You!

 

Did you know that the food you eat could be prematurely ageing you? Science has made some amazing discoveries in the last decade in nutrition. We really should be taking note of what we put in our mouth because more than ever, “we are what we eat”. Do you know the impact of what you are eating? Probably not. It’s time to find out because over-indulgence in certain types of food cause the body to prematurely age.

Would you like some more free radicals with your lunch…? There is frequent mention these days about ‘free radicals’ and how they are constantly attacking the body, causing potentially serious damage.

A free radical is the name for a molecule that has an unpaired electron. They are a normal by-product of metabolism and without them you would die.

To put the record straight, it’s the over-production of free radicals that causes damage to the body. We are advised by nutritional experts to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

This is because they are rich in antioxidant phytonutrients…substances that neutralise free radicals and so help protect the body.

One of the essential tasks of free radicals is in producing energy from the food you eat. Every time you eat, free radical activity is intense. The more food you eat, the more free radicals are formed, and the more antioxidants your body needs to neutralise them. Big meals are big trouble!

Effective Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, E; minerals such as selenium, zinc, and herbs such as aloe vera and grapeseed extract.

The Reality of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are root vegetables, pasta, rice, bread, grains, fruit, pastries, cakes, biscuits, crisps, sweets etc. They are easy to prepare, filling, tasty and cheap. Most meals are dominated by carbohydrates, as most of us ‘full up’ on them. When you eat carbohydrates you’re eating a form of sugar.

Carbohydrates are converted by the body into glucose, which is either used immediately for energy, or stored in fat cells. Carbohydrates make up an excessive proportion of the diet, add together a lack of exercise and excess sugar and the inevitable result is excess weight.

By reducing your overall carbohydrate intake and reducing the size of your meals, you reduce your body’s exposure to free radical activity, and, the amount of excess food that meals, you reduce your body’s exposure to free radical activity, and, the amount of excess food that gets stored as unwanted fat. A double bonus!

Big meals are too much stress

Food is in abundance – look around the supermarket shelves at the food mountain! Fill your trolley, take it home and fill your kitchen cupboards – fill your plate and fill your stomach till you can barely move. How many times a week do you overeat? How many free radicals are attacking your body and accelerating the aging process? You could choose to eat less.

Think about your meals over the last week.

Better still, keep a food diary for the next week, record each meal by drawing a plate divided up showing how much protein, carbohydrate, fat, vegetables and fruit you eat at each meal/snack. After a week you’ll be able to see for yourself how much sugar you are eating.

5000 Year-Old Medical Secret Unearthed!

 

When you get sick, you go to the doctor. And the doctor will, of course, prescribe medicines. You will go and buy medicines. You take them, and hopefully, you get well.

This is how the health profession goes on nowadays a cycle of diagnosis and prescription.

If anyone were to give you herbs for medicine, you would probably say that that person was a quack.

But nowadays, studies are being conducted to see if there are really is any merit to what is called natural medicine.

Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.

Many categories of the healing methods fall under natural medicine. Among these are traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine.

Usually, natural medicine refers to medical practices that were in place before the advent of modern medicine.

This includes herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Ayurvedic(or Indian), and Greek medicine.

Upon the advent of modern medicine, many professionals discarded the use of herbs in favor of man-made medicine. The fact that these treatments are based on the healing properties of some herbs was forgotten.

For example, opium, digitalis, quinine, and aspirin all have their roots in traditional medicine.

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. This does not mean that it has lost efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine

Before we continue, it is important to stress that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly studied and are relatively risk free.

Take herbal medicine for example. There are many well-documented and studied herbal remedies available. However, only those that deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, skin rashes, and its ilk are likely to be recommended by health professionals. These remedies are sometimes superior to synthetic medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently there are numerous organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine among which is herbal medicine. Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free.

As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, many herbs and treatments have been proven to be bogus medicine. This represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies because they have to ascertain that the treatments they either use or advocate are legitimate.

There exist today many alternative medical treatments that fall under natural medicine. However, not all of them have been proven to be effective. You could mention homeopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative medical treatments. It would pay to consult the experts as to the legitimacy of these treatments.

Natural medicine should also be thought of as an accompanying medicine. Right now, the current collective medical thought suggests that natural medicine be used only to supplement accepted modern medical practices. In that case of minor ailments your expert we actually advise you to take natural therapies instead.

The practice of modern medicine revolves around diagnosing an illness and prescribing treatments for such. Natural medicine is helpful because it suggests that treatment be not necessarily given only when sick. Natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits. These habits include good diet, healthy living, and the regular natural treatment.

It is this same line of thought that leads our parents to tell us to eat our vegetables. Yes, a healthy lifestyle and will do no harm to our well-being. And this is the foundation of natural medicine may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

It is funny but true that science, in its quest for excellence, is studying the knowledge of sages past. This, surprisingly, leads us back to the remedies nature offers. The possibilities of finding remedies to everyday illnesses in natural medicine are encouraging. So staying tuned to studying these remedies is worthwhile until we can verify that these therapies are truly helpful to our health and our society.

The Quickest Way to Get is to Give

 

Its true. You cant really get what you want in life until you have given it to others. Doesnt sound like it makes much sense, does it? How can you give what you dont have? As you open your mind to the possibility and ask this question of yourself, you allow opportunity to come to you and knock at your door. Then you will find a way that it is possible to give to others what you want, before receiving it yourself.

It almost sounds like a chain letter and in a way it is. The chain letter is a facetious reference as so many of us have been exposed to them by now and know they are illegitimate scams. Yet the basic principles are: you give before you receive, and you give with the faith and expectation of receiving. A similar modern example can be seen in the film Pay It Forward. By giving to others, you allow good things to happen to you. And this all boils down to the simple law of attraction.

The law of attraction is like any other law of nature, like gravity. And like gravity, it is not one that has been generally discovered yet. As a result, most of us are walking around thinking in a completely disordered paradigm.

Disordered paradigms of thought are displayed over and over in history, and discoveries of natural laws and observations of reality have brought order to transform the mistaken beliefs that had been accepted for fact. You can think of many examples, such as the belief that the world is flat, or the belief that we are at the center of the universe. Or the great changes that resulted as a discovery of the force of electricity and harnessing its natural power.

In this same way, we are able to make a change in our own disordered thought patterns. Right now 99% of us are probably dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction means larger life is seeking to be expressed through us, and it is being blocked. Self-sabotage is a very real process working in the invisible realms of the unconscious mind.

The good news is there are a lot of simple, small but powerful techniques you can use to reprogram that all powerful unconscious mind of yours, to order your own life as you want it. Yes, there IS a way to eliminate the chaos in your life, and it starts within. It starts by eliminating the often unseen chaos in your own mind.

The technique in this article is only one of a vast array that you can use on a daily basis to improve your life dramatically. In this article you are learning how to use the law of attraction to attract to yourself what you want.

The law of attraction, like gravity, is undefiable. You will attract what you are sending out. Your thoughts are real in the world of attraction.

If your mind is resonating with patterns of anxiety, stress, anger, sadness, envy, grief, or any other negative emotion, you will be attracting more of the same in your life.

One step you can take to change this is to focus on giving to others before you receive yourself. In this way you are changing your vibration and your focus. And you open yourself to receive what you had been closing off before.

It is very simple to give. Give of what you have, and everyone has something to give. We all have innate value to offer the world. An abiding philosophy in the law of attraction is to always offer an increase in value, to give back more in value than you receive in money. In this way you continue to give more than you get and attract more and larger life back to yourself.

Take a moment to look within and find something, anything, no matter how small or simple, to give to anyone, friend or stranger. Start the practice of giving, and you will take one step towards raising your level of vibration and enhancing the value of what you attract in your own life. Give something selflessly today, knowing that you will receive it multiplied back in your life, tenfold.

So You Have Problems

 

We are all faced with problems throughout our lives, some are small, others huge. Depending on how we deal with them, they can be overwhelming and devastate our lives, or they can quickly fade into the past.

Attitude plays a big role. With a difficult personal or work undertaking, consider all viewpoints, even those you think you don’t like. It just might provide relief from your fearful analysis of the situation. Don’t oversize the problem which is often a panic reaction. Discuss the actions that you could take with a friend or co-worker which can sometimes provide a good suggestion and some instant stress relief.

Lay out a procedure and slowly complete the first task. The next steps should be easier. Often we will keep on worrying after the decisions are made, which of course is of no help at all. If everything that can be done has been done then it’s time to follow through.

“Our plans miscarry if they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” Lucius Seneca (3-65)

Rejection can be an unpleasant experience, but it just lets us know that we aren’t perfect. Who is? Consider it a lesson learned, then forget it and move on with your life in a positive constructive manner.

To help solve a difficult problem or to cut down on worrying about making a decision, analyze the situation, determine what must be done and carry it out. In writing or on your PC:

Get all the facts.
Describe the problem in detail.
List all the possible solutions.
List the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Detail what you will do.
Follow through.

You have detailed the planning and know that you will proceed in a certain way, but will review it as required. Later. Now it’s time to think other thoughts.

“What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing.” – Aristotle (BC)

Why should I organize?

 

Do you walk in the house after a long day at work and just sigh at your cluttered house? Have you planned to organize one morning but do not know where to start or are just not in the mood? Are you caught in a vicious cycle: as soon as you organize one room another one has turned to chaos? Maybe you just need to prioritize, find motivation, and ask for help. Easier said than done J?

Prioritize As with most goals in life, you want to strive for progress and improvement, not perfection. Most of us do not have time to achieve perfection in everything we do and still live a happy, fulfilling life. When you set goals, make them achievable, attainable. When you make that progress, create a visual way to track it or remind yourself of all you have accomplished (i.e. stickers on a chart, a check list, a flower/penny/or other item to represent each task you have completed). Since we will never have more than 24 hours in a day, we may have to say no to some activities and tasks. As you list each goal, task, or activity, ask yourself if it is necessary, if it supports my ultimate goals, or if any other activity or person will be negatively affected if it does not happen. You may see your list shrink before your very eyes J. If you are not sure how to narrow your list, search the internet, ask a friend, or consult a professional organizer (we help with both the tangible and intangible).

Motivate Do you start the day with the best of intentions to declutter the bathroom only to loose your drive because it is just not worth it? What is worth it to you? What do you value? Why? These questions may not seem to have much to do with organizing, but they can be the key to your motivation. How much time do you spend on activities that relate to your values (i.e. spending time with family, exercising, eating healthy, etc.)? Most of us would probably answer not enough. Then why would you ever spend time on an activity not related to you values, such as organizing? The answer: organizing allows you to focus more on your values. Organizing means less time searching for the other shoe, fewer arguments over who last used the scissors and did not put them back, less time cleaning around the clutter . . . With less time wasted, you have more time to be with family, exercise, eat healthy, and pursue those life goals that really matter. The next time you wonder why you would ever make time to organize, remember that organizing can be a means to an end. If you find a task that seems pointless, ask yourself how that task can bring you closer to what means to the most to you. It is amazing how a change in attitude and knowing what is in it for me can motivate.

Ask For Help Even if most of your chores and daily tasks are value added, they are not always fun and often too much for one person. Solution: spread the responsibility among the whole household. What is boring to one person may be fun for another. One persons weak spot may be another persons strength. Some people have time in the morning to help everyone get ready for the day, and others have more time at night to help everyone get ready for bed. When you do ask for help, just remember to be specific or be prepared for not exactly what you expected. Letting others pick what they want and find their own way, within reason, may even make them more willing and productive.

Balance your life

 

Writing is a solitary task.
Writing needs concentration and quiet.
Writing requires absolute commitment.

Are all there scary statements true?
What is more, is it possible to balance your writing career and family without turning yourself into a zombie?

Everything is feasible; I am the living example of it.

There is only one secret: TIME PLAN.
This is step one for the aspiring writer’s success. Without it, nothing can be achieved. How can you do it?

Simply make a rough plan of the time allowed to your writing project every day. It is highly important for the writer to know exactly WHEN he /she is going to settle down and write, feeling free of all the other responsibilities that he has.

I have made a simple schedule. You can work out yours according to your family needs.
Every morning just after breakfast, and as soon as the family have gone, I allow myself to work on my PC for one to two hours, depending on the workload of the day. Then I go on with the house chores and all the rest of the family tasks till noon. At 2 o’ clock everybody is back so I serve lunch, but after that I have 2-3 hours free to work on my morning assignment. Thus, there is plenty of time to care for the family , while in the afternoons I still have time to go to my part time job in time , feeling satisfied I have worked at home on my project.

In the evening I sometimes find an hour or so , when the family watch TV . This time I sit with them in the living room , having pre arranged to do the easiest tasks for my writing job, such as note taking or layout planning of new stories or articles. I use pen to paper and I don’t bother if I make mistakes. Next morning, there is plenty of time to revise them and complete them.

If this plan has been working perfectly for me, why not for you as well?
You only have to calculate when and how long you need to write every day. Of course , you must stick to your plan and never give it up , apart from very urgent cases. Remember that your work is also urgent, so never skip it.

If you respect your writing job, the others will do so too. What is more, they won’t feel neglected as you will give them your care and attention at the time they are around. Furthermore, your house chores will be done in time and you won’t feel overworked. Many a times I used to end up with half burned meals and I felt extremely stressed trying to catch up with all the house chores before the family was back home. So, telling yourself Ill do it later, its not the solution. Later will come in no time and you will find yourself in a very difficult situation. Yet, no one will believe your excuses as you have been in the house the whole morning , and you will feel inefficient for no reason at all! “A little every day” is my motto, and, in the long run, everything is done and everybody is happy. Keeping your writing and family under control will make you feel satisfied and everyone, including you, will be happy.

Also, keep in mind that there is nothing odd if you work in unconventional places.
I sometimes find it stimulating to work in the living room with all the family around. Noise does not bother me, on the contrary, it brings me more ideas. This article was outlined last evening while we were all watching a football match. Well, the truth is I did not watch much of it! I was absorbed in my new article, but that’s how this idea sprang out. I can perfectly work in a chatty setting. Have you tried it? You may come up with fresh ideas and great articles.

Finally, who says that writing can turn you into a zombie? Shatter the myth! It’s up to you to enjoy both your family and your writing career. Simply make a time plan!

Discovered – Secret to Getting Organized

 Have you ever spent countless minutes, hours and even days searching for something you misplaced?

Have you even had an argument with someone you live with for misplacing something of his or hers?
Have you ever missed an appointment because you forgot?
Have you ever been halfway to your destination and remembered you didnt bring what you needed?
Do you have piles of papers, unopened and opened mail that you will get to someday?
Do you have that nagging notion constantly telling you to get organized?
Have you read books and/or articles on how to get organized?
Have you purchased organizational aids to help you and then never used them?

If you answered yes to even one of these questions, obviously you are not organized to the point you want to be. There is a very simple solution to this problem. I am sure you are thinking, Yeah, right. You have tried everything and nothing has worked so far. I have a tried and proven method to get you organized and eliminate all that wasted time spent trying to get organized. I know there are countless books on the subject. I know you can spend money on books, CDs, videos and even go to courses to get the desired results but I am going to give you a secret.

If you are serious about getting organized, you will get the results, using ONE little secret. It is a secret my father taught me when I was a little girl and it still works today every time!!

REMEMBER It takes thirty days to break a habit and form a new one. But, the exciting part is that you can get results immediately. Each time you take a baby step in the right direction, it will pay off big time in the end. The more progress you make the closer you are to becoming ORGANIZED. To some that is a dirty word because it seems so impossible.

Do you have any idea how much time you will have to do the things you want to do when you are not wasting your time trying to find something?

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISO 9001 AND ISO 22000

 

ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 are two of the most widely used international standards for quality management and food safety management, respectively. While both standards are focused on quality and safety, they are different in a number of ways.

The primary difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 is in their respective scopes. ISO 9001 is a quality management system (QMS) that applies to any organization regardless of its size or sector. It focuses on improving customer satisfaction and meeting customer requirements. ISO 22000, on the other hand, is a food safety management system (FSMS) that focuses on the safety of food products. It applies to any organization involved in the entire food chain, from production to consumption.

REQUIREMENTS OF ISO 9001 AMD ISO 22000

Another difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 is in their requirements. ISO 9001 focuses on processes and procedures, emphasizing the importance of customer requirements. It also requires organizations to identify and mitigate risks, as well as track and monitor performance. ISO 22000, on the other hand, focuses on food safety and hygiene, emphasizing the importance of preventing contaminants from entering the food. It also requires organizations to identify and control potential hazards, as well as track and monitor performance.

Finally, ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 differ in their implementation. ISO 9001 is a QMS that applies to any organization, regardless of its size or sector. It can be implemented in any organization, regardless of its size or sector. ISO 22000, on the other hand, is a FSMS that applies to any organization involved in the entire food chain, from production to consumption. It is typically implemented in organizations that produce, process, package, store, or transport food products.

In conclusion, ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 are two of the most widely used international standards for quality management and food safety management. While both standards are focused on quality and safety, they are different in a number of ways, including their respective scopes, requirements, and implementation.

BENEFITS OF ISO 9001

Achieving ISO 9001 certification offers numerous benefits to organizations of all sizes and industries. Here are some of the key advantages of implementing and obtaining ISO 9001 certification:

• Enhanced Product and Service Quality: ISO 9001 encourages organizations to establish and maintain processes that ensure consistent product or service quality. This, in turn, leads to increased customer satisfaction and confidence.
• Improved Customer Satisfaction: By focusing on meeting customer requirements and continually seeking feedback, ISO 9001 helps organizations identify areas for improvement and enhance the customer experience.
• Competitive Advantage: ISO 9001 certification distinguishes certified organizations from competitors. It demonstrates a commitment to quality, which can be a powerful marketing and branding tool.
• Global Recognition: ISO 9001 is recognized and respected worldwide. Certification can open doors to global markets and improve international business opportunities.
• Increased Operational Efficiency: ISO 9001 promotes efficient processes and the reduction of waste. Improved efficiency often leads to cost savings and higher productivity.

​BENEFITS OF ISO 22000

It provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety of food products throughout the entire food supply chain. Here are the key benefits of implementing and obtaining ISO 22000 certification:

• Enhanced Food Safety: ISO 22000 helps organizations identify and control food safety hazards at various stages of the food supply chain. This leads to safer food products for consumers.
• Compliance with Legal Requirements: ISO 22000 incorporates food safety regulations and requirements, helping organizations ensure compliance with the law.
• Global Market Access: ISO 22000 is widely accepted and recognized internationally. Certification facilitates access to global markets and demonstrates a commitment to food safety, enhancing business opportunities.
• Improved Customer Confidence: ISO 22000 certification assures consumers and stakeholders that the organization is dedicated to producing safe and high-quality food products. This boosts customer trust and confidence.
• Reduced Food Safety Incidents: By identifying and addressing potential food safety risks, ISO 22000 helps prevent foodborne illnesses, product recalls, and safety incidents, reducing associated costs and risks.

 

What is the difference between innovation and R&D?

 

The difference between innovation and R&D is a principal matter to consider. A lot of companies nowadays confuse innovation with research and development.

 Such a mix-up is risky despite R&D and innovation being complementary. Well-versed brands in the R&D and innovation community can recognize the difference, and being able to do so has helped the business in ways more than one.

 What is R&D all about?

Research and development, commonly known as R&D, encompasses every activity that businesses take on to innovate and instigate new products and services. It is commonly the first step in the entire development process, done with the intent to establish new offerings under the company’s sleeve.

In essence, the absence of a research and development program may cause a business to eventually fail and fall out of the competition. Its survival may have to depend on other methods to develop, like partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. As R&D contributes to the development of knowledge and technology, companies invest in it to obtain useful data that can help in surging revenue growth.

 Furthermore, this bundle of knowledge is also utilized to improve the brand’s products and services, pushing the business ahead of its rivals.However, despite its substantial price, research and development is not to be conducted with an assumption that it will pay off immediately. Rather, R&D must be performed with the idea that the results will contribute to the company’s long-term profitability. This is because R&D may steer the findings on copyrights, patents, and trademarks upon the development of products and services, as well as that of the data gathered especially if they are to be commercialized.

 What is the definition of innovation?

People have the tendency to confuse innovation with the conception of an entirely new technology or product. But the truth is that innovations are actually present in other areas too.

 innovation

Innovation is found in every field. It is the process of realizing new products, processes, propositions, or business models to create added value for customers and/or employees.Note that a major fragment of this definition that needs emphasis is the fact that in order for innovation to happen, the new idea must add value for other parties aside from the business itself.This part basically reiterates the significance of taking into consideration the end-users from the beginning of the innovation process. Including them in the equation guarantees satisfaction on their part, which in turn increases the idea’s chances of success.

 Investing in Innovation

For companies, innovation must produce added value.Proper execution of the innovation process can yield an enormous amount of value to the business. In addition, the kind of innovation implemented determines the length of time where the process can provide a return on investment.

 Focus on building an innovation engine

Businesses can encourage innovation in the following ways:

 1.      Motivating staff to contribute creative ideas

2.      Setting up innovation challenges

3.      Obtaining customer feedback

4.      Investing in resources that contribute to speeding up the process

5.      Innovation also takes future risks into consideration when formulating ways to change and discover opportunities. It keeps organizations relevant and profitable.

 Fundamentally, innovation is about performing things differently for the improvement of the organization. This may be done in various ways like updating or developing products. In other words, innovation brings a competitive advantage. Differentiating from the competition means ingeniously incorporating innovation into the brand’s business model. However, this doesn’t insinuate that innovation is the only key to success.It reiterates the fact that companies must have a clear understanding of what cost-effective methods to apply in bringing innovation to life.

 What is the difference between innovation and R&D?

Technically, innovation is larger than research and development as it includes three definite parts — discovery, incubation, and acceleration. Predominantly, R&D is only a fragment of the first stage.

 Moreover, businesses should understand that making business applications, developing revenue models, and venturing into new markets for new products all need time and resources. It warrants a company’s utmost attention just as creating technologies.The lack of calculated innovation measures leads brands to stockpile undeveloped inventions which do not guarantee a sizable return on investment. Furthermore, innovation needs companies to think bigger because R&D spending is not going to foster innovation.

 Strengthening innovation capacity would.

 Strengthening the Innovation Capacity

Brands have to learn from previously existing companies that failed to make a change to thrive in the competition. Investing a huge amount of cash with little commercial payoff won’t do. Innovation has to be done.Unfortunately, most companies that focus on product leadership, operational excellence, and even customer intimacy concentrate on R&D too much, even when R&D is in fact, only a fraction of innovation’s first stage.

 Best Innovation Management Tips for Businesses

Additionally, R&D is not only costly but a lot riskier. With R&D, businesses are exposed to errors, inaccuracies, and a lesser chance of success that come along while developing something new and groundbreaking.This leaves investments to waste — scaling things only to discover that little to no customers are willing to purchase them.

This is a risk that cannot be ignored if a return on investment must be secured. New technological areas must be studied, and efforts must be conducted to penetrate both new and existing markets.

 Innovation, on the other hand, enhances existing strengths and focuses on expanding capabilities to incubate and accelerate favorable and beneficial products. This pushes sales to grow tremendously, resulting in increased profits.There’s also a process called innovation portfolio management, which is considered a risk management tool. Innovation projects may not have the guarantee to always yield favorable results, but managing lots of initiatives could minimize the risk factor associated.

 Why do people confuse them?

Definitions of the two are almost similar, so the confusion still stands today. Moreover, the boundaries of where the one starts and where the other ends are often not emphasized in articles.

Firms create new products and services and present them as the ultimate solution that meets the needs of their potential customers. Businesses have their best foot forward in enhancing commercial performance by applying innovation to their existing offers. This reiterates the need for brands to focus on innovative activities to effectively appeal to the market.

 Select Key Performance Indicators

But the confusion between R&D and innovation happens as there is actually a direct link between the two…

 When a systematic and scientific study is performed with fundamental research and development techniques, ideas are produced, information is gathered, and discoveries are revealed.

 All in all, it sparks the beginning of innovation. Meaning, the results obtained from a firm’s R&D efforts signal the innovation process, with commercialization as its primal outcome.

 Businesses have zeroed in on growing their demands on the needs of their consumers. Customers, on the other hand, have begun to variegate and modify their wishes at the same time.

 Standing by for various features in the products that they utilize to provide for their needs and preferences has increased demand. This led companies to innovate their products and develop new features that will capture the interest of the market.

 In addition, this amplifies businesses to double their efforts in enhancing brand perception to foster customer loyalty.

 Why is R&D spending not a measure of innovation?

With all the risks it entails, concentrating on R&D spending might not be the best thing to do. Such a practice does not measure how innovative a business is. Fundamentally, having a systematic R&D process is great, but it does not equate to market success.

To reiterate this point, The Global Innovation 1000 report has written the world’s top 1000 most innovative companies for more than a decade and has statistically shown the absence of a remarkable relationship between R&D spending and sustained financial performance.

Interestingly, its findings entail overall R&D spending and percentage of revenues. This study has outlined that R&D spending does not correlate to profit growth, nor is it linked to a surge in market capitalization and shareholder returns.

 Furthermore, the report clearly shows that the top ten most innovative companies hardly ever spent that much on research and development, which thereby elucidates that the bulk of cash you spend on R&D does not really matter in terms of a company’s innovation success.This only means that R&D spending is not a measure of innovation.

 R&D Spending

To understand this further, R&D labs have regularly just focused on working out a firm’s ability to develop new technologies. Innovation solves both this and the risk of whether the market will even purchase and utilize the product despite its features and usability. Focusing on the first may increase a company’s number of patentable products, and it does warrant the success of those products and services in the market. To ensure that both of these things happen, companies have to establish innovation plans and methodologies for sustainable business models. Innovation also needs businesses to arrive at a thorough perception of customer needs to conceive products that the market would want.

 Such capacity to generate products and services that truly solves the market’s problems establishes the footing of a successful innovation process. Moreover, companies also have to create superior business models to sustain the implementation and distribution of their products.

Their efforts have to result in delivering customer value that’s both maintainable and revenue-generating. In the end, a successful innovation process has nothing to do with the amount of money that you invest in research and development. However, this doesn’t mean letting R&D labs die out of the lack of resources and funding. Speaking of R&D and innovation, you are likely looking at idea management. If you want to learn more, we got an ultimate guide to idea management that you can download for free. Check out and dive deeper into idea management.

Ensuring food safety, sustainability, and high quality

 

In the modern food industry, ensuring food safety, sustainability, and high quality is no longer optional but a critical requirement. With consumers becoming increasingly conscious of what they eat and how it affects their health and the environment, food businesses must prioritize these aspects to stay relevant and competitive. This comprehensive approach not only builds consumer trust but also aligns with regulatory requirements and global sustainability goals. Here’s an in-depth look at why food safety, sustainability, and high-quality food products are essential for food businesses today.

 Food Safety: Protecting Public Health

Food safety is paramount in preventing foodborne illnesses, which can have severe health consequences. Ensuring that food products are safe for consumption protects public health and minimizes the risk of outbreaks. This involves rigorous testing for contaminants, adherence to hygiene standards, and compliance with food safety regulations. Businesses that prioritize food safety can avoid costly recalls and the negative publicity that can result from foodborne illness outbreaks.

 Regulatory Compliance

Strict food safety regulations are in place globally to protect consumers. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for food businesses to operate legally. Failure to meet food safety standards can result in severe penalties, including fines, shutdowns, and legal actions. By adhering to food safety regulations, businesses can ensure they remain operational and avoid the financial and reputational damage associated with non-compliance.

 Building Consumer Trust

Consumers place a high level of trust in food brands to provide safe products. Any breach of this trust can lead to long-lasting damage to a brand's reputation. By consistently delivering safe food products, businesses can build and maintain strong relationships with their customers. Trust is a crucial component in customer loyalty, and businesses that prioritize food safety are more likely to retain their customer base.

 Quality Assurance: Meeting Consumer Expectations

High-quality food products are essential in meeting consumer expectations and preferences. Quality assurance involves maintaining consistency in taste, texture, appearance, and nutritional value. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for products they perceive as high-quality, which can lead to increased profitability for businesses. Quality assurance processes help in identifying and addressing any variations or defects in the products before they reach the market.

 Competitive Advantage

In a crowded market, high-quality products stand out. Businesses that invest in quality assurance gain a competitive edge over those that do not. Quality can be a key differentiator, especially in markets where multiple brands offer similar products. High-quality products attract discerning customers who are looking for value, leading to increased market share and brand loyalty.

 Sustainability: Addressing Environmental Concerns

Sustainability in food production addresses the environmental impact of food processing, packaging, and distribution. Consumers are increasingly concerned about issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and waste. Sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon footprints, minimizing waste, and sourcing ingredients responsibly, are essential for addressing these concerns. Businesses that adopt sustainable practices can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

 Economic Benefits of Sustainability

Sustainable practices often lead to cost savings in the long run. Efficient use of resources, waste reduction, and energy conservation can lower operational costs. Moreover, sustainable practices can open up new market opportunities, such as eco-friendly products and certifications, which can attract a broader customer base. Businesses that invest in sustainability not only help protect the environment but also enhance their profitability and resilience.

 Innovation and Product Development

Investing in food safety, quality, and sustainability drives innovation. Businesses are encouraged to develop new technologies and processes that improve product safety and quality while reducing environmental impact. Innovations such as biodegradable packaging, alternative protein sources, and advanced food safety testing methods can provide significant advantages. Continuous innovation ensures that businesses stay ahead of industry trends and meet evolving consumer demands.

 Enhancing Brand Image

A strong commitment to food safety, quality, and sustainability enhances a company’s brand image. Consumers are more likely to support brands that align with their values, including health, safety, and environmental stewardship. Positive brand perception can lead to increased customer loyalty, higher sales, and greater market presence. A robust brand image built on these principles is a valuable asset in the competitive food industry.

 Meeting Global Challenges

The food industry faces global challenges such as population growth, food insecurity, and climate change. Ensuring food safety, quality, and sustainability is critical in addressing these challenges. Businesses that take proactive steps to improve their practices contribute to global food security and sustainability. By doing so, they also align with international goals and initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which can enhance their global reputation and partnerships.

 Consumer Health and Well-being

High-quality and safe food products directly impact consumer health and well-being. Products that are free from harmful substances, nutritionally balanced, and produced under stringent quality controls support healthy lifestyles. Food businesses have a responsibility to ensure that their products contribute positively to consumer health, which in turn can reduce public health burdens and enhance the quality of life.

 Reducing Food Waste

Sustainable practices in the food industry also focus on reducing food waste. Approximately one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, which has significant environmental and economic impacts. By implementing efficient production processes, improving inventory management, and optimizing supply chains, businesses can reduce food waste. This not only conserves resources but also increases profitability by maximizing product utilization.

 Traceability and Transparency

Consumers increasingly demand transparency about where their food comes from and how it is produced. Implementing traceability systems allows businesses to provide detailed information about their products’ origins, ingredients, and production methods. Transparency builds trust and enables consumers to make informed choices. It also enhances food safety by making it easier to track and address any issues that arise within the supply chain.

 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an integral part of modern business practices. Food businesses that prioritize safety, quality, and sustainability demonstrate their commitment to CSR. This can include initiatives such as supporting local farmers, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring fair labor practices. CSR activities can enhance a company’s reputation, foster goodwill, and attract socially conscious consumers and investors.

 Technological Advancements

Technological advancements play a crucial role in enhancing food safety, quality, and sustainability. Technologies such as blockchain for traceability, AI for quality control, and IoT for monitoring environmental conditions can significantly improve food production processes. By leveraging these technologies, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in their operations.

 Employee Engagement and Training

Ensuring food safety, quality, and sustainability requires a skilled and engaged workforce. Regular training and development programs for employees help maintain high standards and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Engaged employees are more likely to adhere to safety protocols, contribute to quality assurance efforts, and support sustainable practices. Investing in employee development is essential for maintaining a knowledgeable and motivated workforce.

 Risk Management

Proactive risk management is essential in the food industry to anticipate and mitigate potential issues. This includes regular risk assessments, monitoring emerging threats, and implementing preventive measures. Effective risk management strategies ensure that businesses can quickly respond to food safety incidents, quality concerns, or sustainability challenges, minimizing their impact and ensuring business continuity.

 Global Market Access

Compliance with international food safety, quality, and sustainability standards is essential for accessing global markets. Many countries have stringent import regulations that require adherence to these standards. By meeting these requirements, businesses can expand their market reach and tap into new opportunities. This is particularly important for companies looking to grow their international presence and increase export revenues.

 Customer Education and Engagement

Educating customers about food safety, quality, and sustainability is crucial for building long-term relationships. Transparent communication about the efforts a business makes in these areas can enhance consumer appreciation and loyalty. Engaging with customers through educational campaigns, product labeling, and interactive platforms can create a more informed and supportive customer base.

 Future-proofing the Business

Finally, prioritizing food safety, quality, and sustainability future-proofs the business against evolving market trends and regulatory changes. As consumer preferences shift towards healthier and more sustainable products, businesses that are already aligned with these trends will be better positioned to succeed. Continuous improvement in these areas ensures that a business remains adaptable, resilient, and competitive in the ever-changing food industry landscape.

 

The importance of food safety, sustainability, and high-quality food products in the food business cannot be overstated. These elements are crucial for protecting public health, meeting regulatory requirements, building consumer trust, and ensuring long-term business success. By prioritizing these areas, food businesses can not only thrive in a competitive market but also contribute positively to global health and environmental sustainability