Page 4 January 5, 2017 TORRANCE TRIBUNE On the treadmill. Weightlifting group getting into shape. Robots from front page Pharmacies: Software in use at hospital pharmacies, including at the University of California-San Francisco Medical Center, receive medication orders from physicians and pharmacists. Robotic “pharmacy technicians” then select and package the prescribed doses of pills for the patients. The pharmacy system used by UCSF was mistake-free in an audit of 350,000 prescription orders. Astronauts: Even when they’re in space, astronauts have to clean their rooms and work areas. NASA in partnership with General Motors wants robot maids to do menial tasks around the space station and assist humans on space operations. It could even lead to robots assisting space-walking astronauts to make repairs or conduct scientific research, NASA says. Search and Rescue: Robots and drones have proven useful in rescue operations and inspecting bridges and roads after earthquakes. These won’t ever completely replace first responders, but a snake-like robotic tool equipped with a camera can peer down into collapsed buildings where firefighters and responders can’t reach. Aerial drones are beaming back images of underwater objects, damaged infrastructure and the condition of pipelines on a regular basis now. Taxi and Uber drivers: If Google can demonstrate that self-driven cars are safe, it’s going to revolutionize the transportation industry and send drivers and chauffeurs to the curb. The California Department of Motor Vehicles was resistant to Google’s optimistic outlook about fully autonomous vehicles sharing the road with human drivers soon, though the DMV recently softened its position. Yet, the department just announced it issued 20 permits to manufacturers to test self-driving cars in California. One of the names to watch is Waymo, launched by Google. While the incoming president claims the nation isn’t producing anything anymore and that jobs are fleeing U.S. shores for Latin America and Asia, that assessment isn’t a true picture for manufacturing or the labor market. “When I hear that [foreigners] are taking all our jobs — the answer is, they’re not,” said Harold Sirkin with Boston Consulting, an adviser to companies looking for a competitive advantage in their industries. America was losing an average of 220,000 net jobs a year to other countries a decade ago, according to the Reshoring Initiative. The organization that lobbies manufacturers to return jobs to the United States says as many jobs are being returned or created as lost these days. Companies find cheap labor here, but not the human kind. • TerriAnn in Torrance Getting Into Shape? By TerriAnn Ferren As 2017 begins, how many of us are looking forward to a year of healthy living and healthy eating? Even though, as I have discovered, most of us didn’t make New Year’s resolutions, deep down we are committed to improving ourselves. At least I am. There is a large gym nearby that appears busier this week than last month, where you can work out--with or without a trainer--and then fill up with healthy green drinks. Last week, I observed people clutching gym bags entering the tower of tone appearing excited for the workout ahead as I drove past the gym. Have you ever resolved with conviction to start off the new year with healthy living making the skin you’re in better? I have. Once, I even tried going to a gym. Yes, I took advantage of one of those “free trial” memberships where you can check out a gym and see if it fits. Now, I was committed and ready to use the opportunity to my advantage. After all, I knew I could walk on a treadmill with the best of them, right? Dressed in my workout attire, with the attitude of Rocky Balboa, I entered the gym near my house with determination. After checking in with the person at the desk, I headed toward the treadmill machines. This gym was set up like a huge living room with carpet on the floor and televisions hanging from the ceiling set to talk shows and sports channels. One treadmill at the end was free, so I hopped on. Once before I used a machine like this, but I was not as familiar with it as I probably should have been. After figuring out the settings, I decided not to hook myself up to the heartbeat monitor. That seemed a little like a medical test, so I skipped it. The treadmill began to move and I started walking nowhere and hit a leisurely stride. Standing up straighter, I let my hands go free of the rails and swung them next to my sides. I was feeling okay. Glancing up toward the news channel, I could read the words streaming across the bottom of the screen and felt pretty good. So good in fact, that I increased the speed and incline of the treadmill. That worked well for quite awhile. Then, the treadmill began to slow (the cool down) and I felt as if I had an okay first try on the machine. Things were looking up, I thought, so I headed toward the weights. Muscle-bound young men were lifting huge barbells on a variety of machines I knew I could use. One man came over to me (a trainer) and asked me if I needed help. Telling him I was okay and “just looking,” he assured me I could do some of the lifting if I wanted and he was there to help. Great, but not yet. On the second floor of the gym I noticed people walking. There was a spiral walkway leading up and down for those who wanted to walk without the aid of a treadmill. That looked interesting and I decided to give it a go. Walking up and down looked easy… but after a few laps, I could see the incline was more challenging than it looked. After a dozen minutes or so, coupled with the time I had spent on the treadmill, I decided my first visit to this gym was nearing its end. Grabbing my towel and bag with my keys, I headed out, past the smiling person at the desk, through the heavy glass doors toward my car. After getting behind the wheel of my car, I noticed my legs were shaking a little. By the time I drove home and took a hot bath, my muscles were beginning to “talk” to me, and after two days, I definitely felt the soreness of my adventure. Jazz dancing, stretching and moving are part of my usual exercise routine, so the stationary treadmill machine was a change. What I hadn’t counted on was how my muscles would rebel. My dance teacher always told us that different exercises work different muscles, but I never dreamed using a different technique would challenge me and make me so sore. No, I didn’t go back to the gym. Realizing I was happier in a dance studio setting was a good thing to learn, and teaching has its rewards. Not only do I meet the most wonderful people in class, but also teaching provides a huge incentive--and I have to be there. I also spoke with those who had no intention of beginning a workout regime because they have an active lifestyle already. Wish I could say that, but I know I could move more. Coupled with resolutions for a more active life in 2017, I also resolve to continue making my green juice in the morning. I hesitate to say that because it sounds odd, but if you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to give it a whirl. Starting off each day with a healthy meal, no matter how you get it, makes a world of difference. Enough said. I asked several people if they decided eating better and getting more exercise would be part of the new year, and nearly everyone said yes except for the group already disciplined. Not mentioning resolutions, which always get a wrinkled nose, most people told me they want to continue on with a healthy lifestyle with all that entails--being more active and improving their diet. Sounds great, and not making a public promise about doing it helps. That means no resolutions (now that sounds like a slogan). Whatever you choose, find something that works for you and start slowly. Don’t overdo it like I did. Gently ease into it as you gradually begin the new year. So whatever you decide to do this year, I encourage you to think about the skin you are in, remembering even the most minor change can be huge. Walking after dinner for 20 minutes, being mindful of what we eat, and keeping mentally fit all combine for a healthy lifestyle. So 2017, here we go! • Machines weld truck bodies at a Michigan GM plant. Robots do everything from building cars to diagnosing cancer.
Torrance_010517_FNL_lorez
To see the actual publication please follow the link above