Tag Archives: Health

Coronavirus

As covid-19 Spreads the Shopping Spree of the Century Underway across USA

teractive dashboard from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) showing a live update of the current data on the coronavirus (links below)

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Updates

As the daily coronavirus case count rises worldwide – the “panic buying” has reached a crescendo in the USA this weekend. As can be seen on this interactive chart provided by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases continue to rise with North America following Asia and Europe.

Total Confirmed worldwide 145,267 with 5,411 deaths and 70,296 recovered. More than 138 countries / regions have been affected. In the USA alone there are so far, 2,084 cases, 44 deaths and 12 recovered. Bar far the largest number of deaths occurred in Washing State (37) due to the outbreak associated with the nursing home.

There is an incubation period for the virus that is up to 14 days, thus it is possible many people may be infected yet are asymptomatic. Director of National Insituite for Allergy and Infection Disease reported a concern for community-released spreading of the virus. With all the confusion, it’s hard to get a grasp of accurate numbers.

Highest Numbers of Confirmed Cases by Country/Region/Sovereignty as of March 13th, 2020 at 7:30PM Pacific

80,949 China
17,660 Italy
11,364 Iran
8,086 Korea, South
5,232 Spain
3,675 Germany
3,667 France
2,034 USA
1,139 Switzerland
996 Norway
814 Sweden
804 Netherlands
804 Denmark
801 United Kingdom
725 Japan
696 Cruise Ship
559 Belgium
504 Austria

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently reported that up to 1-3 million tests could be conducted very soon. 

By Whatever Name the Prep is Still Valid and Advised

The World Health Organization (WHO) is not yet calling the Coronavirus a pandemic, but reported it has “pandemic potentially” to spread worldwide.

Director of The World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke at a media briefing regarding Coronavirus.

“We are in unchartered territory. We have never before seen a respiratory pathogen that is capable of community transmission, but which can also be contained with the right measures.”

– Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus / director of who

Walmart and Costco Restocking Staple Items ‘Constantly’ as Quarantine Threat Looms

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With CDC, WHO, and other medical experts urging caution and daily news on more Coronavirus related outbreaks and deaths, many shoppers are rushing to grocery and shopping centers to buy necessary supplies like food and water in bulk.  

The sense of urgency is unquestionable with images of long lines and barren shelves flooding social media and news outlets.  Supplies including disinfecting wipes, paper goods, grains, canned food, frozen goods, and water are a growing demand.

 Face masks have reported large sales boosts and many stores have struggled to keep up with restocking.  Limits on masks and N95 respirators have been placed to 10 per customer at places like Home Depot. 

“Caution is appropriate.  Preparedness is appropriate.  Panic is not”. 

Jerome Adams / SURGEON GENERAL

Preparing for an Emergency

find baby yoda toys on amazon

Getting your household ready for an emergency is helpful and always a smart idea.  There is no need to go overboard but having a supply of food staples and household supplies is recommended.  Ensure at least a 30 day supply of prescription medications, as well as over the counter health products (ex: pain relievers, vitamins, etc).  Below are the general guidelines for self protection and reducing the risk of infection. These are, naturally, not bad ideas for anytime, not only in the face of a potential pandemic:

  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover your moth when you sneeze or cough
  • Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces around your house and work
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Avoid handshakes and touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth in pubic
  • (If possible) steer clear from people that are sick
  • There is no need to wear a face mask unless you are sick

Practicing Good Hygiene is key, below are practical steps that if maintained consistently can help to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus:

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Health and Diet

Healthy Whole Grains and Bread Culture for Building Resilience

Photo / Adobe Stock

In the US and some other nations, bread and wheat products have been cast in the role of villain due to gluten intolerance and related illnesses. In the UK alone, in 2017, there were a reported 10% of the population suffering from some form of intolerance. Such a percentage would translate into tens of millions in the US.

Is bread really the culprit or is there something else going on?

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As a disclaimer, let it be stated up-front that there are certainly many people who suffer from conditions such as Celiac Disease who have a very real, hereditary response to gluten which is very serious. Many of the rest of us, however, who are not in that category, may have a situation brought on by a completely different set of circumstances.

Regardless of exact statistics, intolerance to gluten is clearly a “thing”, particularly in the US. Many theories are out there as to the cause, including industrial bread manufacturing methods, suspect ingredients such as emulsifiers used in baking and pesticides on wheat farms. Some have even reported that when intolerant individuals travel to Europe, symptoms disappear, although they eat bread and other gluten containing foods.

An entirely different culture producing a drastically different result: German baking tradition

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While American Style bread is also available in Germany, it is rare and not commonly sold in Bakeries but rather only in SuperMarkets. They call it “Toast-Bread” as it’s primary advantage is being square and machine cut, therefore a better fit for a common toaster than the various shapes and sizes of slices cut from what they consider “normal” loaves.

What is considered normal bread is, for example, never sold more than eight hours after baking (except at “day old” scavenger prices). The number of real bakeries, ones that take very seriously the task of making “the daily bread”, per capita is large compared to any US city. This can be dug up in statistics, but is easier to realize by just walking down any street in a German city. Literally every other shop is a small bakery with a dozen different types of bread baked that same morning.

Photo / Adobe Stock

Bakers up at 4am all across every town and city

Another factor is the wide range of fresh ingredients included. A short list of the types of bread and various ingredients is vast, and varies from region to region. Six hundred main bread types are well known and this does not include many specialty breads and rolls.

In addition to wheat, bread is often made with rye, barley, potato, oat, spelt, soy and other lesser known grains. Added seeds, nuts and fruit often include one or more of the following (partial list):

  • sunflower seeds
  • pumpkin seeds
  • poppy seeds
  • fled seeds
  • walnuts
  • raisins
  • currants
  • sesame seeds
  • olives
  • linseed
  • hazelnuts
  • almonds
  • oat flakes
  • whole gain groats
  • whey

In Germany, at any common bakery on the street, most, if not all of the items described above would be available on any given day. No need to go to a special, overpriced “organic” or “gourmet” bakery in some high end neighborhood. Just any average bakery will do.

Oddly, these same ingredients are often touted in online health advice articles – implying that there are health benefits to adding these “special” ingredients to one’s diet, all while other countries have had them as daily menu items for centuries if not thousands of years.

Taking all of the above into account, it should come as little surprise that, in the US, obscure health issues due to the lack or misuse of heretofore standard food items would be on the rise. In the case of gluten intolerance, it rises to practically epidemic proportions. Fixing this for any individual, short of taking residence outside the US, would require extra efforts and involve a possible increase in the cost of nourishment. However, considering the alternatives (suffering with a condition without a cure), it might be well worth it.

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Entertainment, Fashion, Health and Diet, Lifestyle, Sports, Tech

A Day in the Life of Highly Motivated Ring Closers: Apple Watch

Video
https://video-lynxotic.akamaized.net/CloseYourRIngsM.mov

Imagine that a camera crew followed you around all day. Each time you expended energy through exercising (you might be an athlete) and your daily routine, running to work, climbing the stairs, kick boxing after work, or dancing in the evening, the crew shot a flattering moment of you in the middle of it all.

Or, better yet, say you are at the end of a long, active day. Ever since you’ve been “closing rings” on your apple watch, you know just what kinds of activities, and for how long, it will take to get them all closed. You watch, in your mind’s eye, an imaginary external montage of each step, each jump, each time your foot presses the pedal on your bike, all the various ways you express physicality and, this being a daydream (at night) you run the sequence in your mind over and over.

Each time you view the day’s movements and activities you choose just a snippet, a tiny captured slice, of every peak action revelation that, by the end of the long day, combine together to close your rings. By the time you’ve compressed it into the ultimate montage, it is not more than fifteen seconds of fleeting, flashing, images. And it is good.

Now you can doze off knowing that, tomorrow, you will live your life in motion, and, with your partner on your wrist, your rings will close again. And once more you will doze off watching your personal highlight reel of action, health and satisfaction.

Below are a few special Apple Watch owners who really did have that camera crew (graciously supplied by Apple, for commercial purposes) and we’ve attached the videos to prove it:

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/watch/2018/29dd149d_75d8_4b58_b5fc_feb70e66d41c/close-your-rings-stories/haley/watch-haley-tpl-cc-us-2018_1920x1080h.mp4

I’m a pretty competitive person. So it’s always a good feeling when I close my rings.

“Haley competes for the U.S. National Team as an elite open water swimmer. She uses the Pool Swim workout to track her yardage in the pool, where she closes her Exercise ring in training sessions every morning. Because she’s highly competitive, Haley tries to double her Move and Exercise rings every day.”

APPLE / HALEY A.

Haley’s swimming metrics are duration, active calories, laps, and distance.

Learn how to configure your workout metrics

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/watch/close-your-rings/2019/1f8cb397_dac8_4bec_9235_be582347feae/films/jessica/watch-jessica-tpl-cc-us-2019_1920x1080h.mp4

The rings turn it into a game. Even if you’re not trying to hit a target, you close them just for fun.

“Jessica is the founder and lead instructor of Fat Buddha Yoga. She’s also a surfer and regularly DJs at clubs around the world. Being active in so many different ways can make it hard to track her fitness. But with Apple Watch, it’s simple. And whether she’s powering through a plank or dancing behind the turntables, everything counts”

APPLE / JESSICA S.

Jessica can see her progress with a lift of the wrist.

Learn how to start a workout

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/watch/close-your-rings/2019/1f8cb397_dac8_4bec_9235_be582347feae/films/cory/watch-cory-tpl-cc-us-2019_1920x1080h.mp4

If you’re bored, just move. Jump around. Pick something up and throw it. Enjoy yourself.

“Cory believes in closing his rings every day, no matter where he is in the world. As a captain of the Track Mafia running club and fitness instructor, he’s led people in sprints up mall escalators, jogs through the Wembley Stadium parking lot, and marathon runs that stretch all the way from Santa Monica to Las Vegas. He also frequently cycles or runs to whatever’s next on his busy schedule.”

APPLE / CORY W-M.

Cory inspires people to go the distance as a Nike Run Club coach.

Get motivated with the Nike Run Club app

Learn how to start an Activity competition

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/watch/2018/29dd149d_75d8_4b58_b5fc_feb70e66d41c/close-your-rings-stories/jason/watch-jason-tpl-cc-us-2018_1920x1080h.mp4

I believe in exercising the mind, the body, and the heart.

“In addition to the strenuous workout he gets on the podium, Jason likes to close his rings using the Workout app to track swimming, cycling, and weight lifting. When it comes to staying mentally fit, reminders from the Breathe app nudge Jason during his busy day, helping him to recenter.”

APPLE / JASON L.

The Heart Rate app lets Jason quickly check his pulse during performance breaks.

Learn about Apple Watch and heart health

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/watch/2018/29dd149d_75d8_4b58_b5fc_feb70e66d41c/close-your-rings-stories/natsumi/watch-natsumi-tpl-cc-us-2018_1920x1080h.mp4

Apple Watch helps me be a better instructor. It also shows me how to live a healthier life.

“Natsumi is a yoga instructor and model living in Tokyo. She uses the Yoga workout to close her Exercise ring while she’s teaching a class. On occasion, Natsumi likes to surprise her students by taking them on hiking expeditions, where the Hiking workout tracks her distance and calorie burn. If Natsumi’s rings aren’t closed by the afternoon, she walks to her modeling gigs.”

APPLE / NATSUMI Y.

Natsumi uses the Breathe watch face to begin yoga classes.

Learn how to change your watch face

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/watch/2018/29dd149d_75d8_4b58_b5fc_feb70e66d41c/close-your-rings-stories/atilla/watch-atilla-tpl-cc-us-2018_1920x1080h.mp4

I love to work out with Apple Watch. It doesn’t have stuff that gets in the way. It just has what I need.

Couch potato turned avid marathon runner, cyclist, and swimmer, Atilla credits his transformation to Apple Watch. To close his rings, he makes sure to schedule two workouts every day. On his 12-mile runs, Atilla streams Apple Music for motivation. If he hasn’t closed his rings (which he admits being addicted to), an Outdoor Cycle or Open Water Swim workout gets the job done in the evening.

APPLE / ATILLA K.

Rolling Pace lets Atilla see a mile split at any point on his run.

Learn how to get more out of your run

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/watch/2018/29dd149d_75d8_4b58_b5fc_feb70e66d41c/close-your-rings-stories/eric/watch-eric-tpl-cc-us-2018_1920x1080h.mp4

We sometimes forget we are flesh and bone. Apple Watch comes in handy keeping you aware of that fact.

“At 65, Eric prides himself on being in great shape. He closes his rings five times a week, walking everywhere throughout his city to visit clients, friends, and neighborhood shops. Along the way, Eric loves to watch his rings close and see the miles, calories, and flights of stairs stack up in the Outdoor Walk workout and the Activity app. Eric finds himself moving just as much on the weekends, dancing, playing volleyball, and riding his bike.”

APPLE / ERIC G.

Eric uses turn-by-turn directions in the Maps app to find his way around the city.

See how to get directions on Apple Watch

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/watch/2018/29dd149d_75d8_4b58_b5fc_feb70e66d41c/close-your-rings-stories/yocelin/watch-yocelin-tpl-cc-us-2018_1920x1080h.mp4

I love the fact that I have all my information on my wrist. And that I don’t have to carry my phone.

“As a busy student and point guard on her college basketball team, Yocelin doesn’t know what it means to sit still. She closes her rings virtually every day, running and lifting weights to stay in competitive shape. When she’s not on the court or in the classroom, Yocelin racks up even more Move calories and Exercise minutes taking care of her three younger brothers. If it weren’t for bedtime reminders from her Apple Watch, she might never rest.”

APPLE / YOCELIN S.

Yocelin stays motivated during workouts and before each game using AirPods to listen to her favorite songs.

Learn how to stream Apple Music

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Health and Diet, Lifestyle

CBD: How To Find A Way Though The Growing Maze of Products and Treatments

Photo / Adobe Stock

The desire towards more natural and homeopathic alternatives vs. traditional medicines is a current and growing trend.  

Interest in CBD in particular has increased after Congress passed The Farm Bill, making some cannabis plants legal (with restrictions). This growing demand in the, now legal, use of hemp and marijuana products is bringing many newcomers, tempted to try it out. At the same time, many are not quite sure what CBD is and how it is different from THC or Medical Marijuana.

More popularly known, THC is what most people associate with the active ingredient in Cannabis sativa plant a.k.a. hemp, when smoking marijuana comes to mind.  Other street or informal names linked to THC use include: weed, grass, pot, ganga and reefer.  Cannabidiol (CBD), an additional active ingredient in Cannabis, on the other hand, has had much less attention amongst the lay person or even recreational users up until recently. 

Read More: Sustainable Energy is Now Essential to Rescue Economy and Planet: Earth Day 2020

Let’s Talk Science

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are two well-known chemical compounds referred to as cannabinoids.  Both compounds are found within the cannabis plant and looking at their molecular makeup they appear almost exactly the same which could lead to the assumption they also act similarly. However, the compounds are very different and have opposite bodily effects to the user.

Our body has cannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2 that are found within our endocannabinoid system (ECS).  The distinct difference that sets CBD apart from THC is that only THC binds with the CB1 receptor; the part of the brain responsible for mental and cognitive processes (memory, concentration, and coordination), thus resulting in the “high” or “stoned” feeling. 

Since CBD does not bind to these receptors there is a lack of any psychoactive or mind-altering effects and instead interacts with other receptors that affect pain perception, body temperature and inflammation. People using CBD have reported feeling relaxed, a sense of calm, a relief from body pains or feeling a “body high” compared to the “head/brain high” from THC.

The Green Medicine

CBD has been associated with providing benefits, in some people, for a wide range of ailments from the moderate like anxiety, insomnia, inflammation, depression, tension, headaches, and chronic pain; to the more severe – diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer, as well as neurological disorders.

Medical professionals have started implementing the drug into their practice, more and more. In a survey conducted by Chiropractic Economics (EC), doctors across the United States have reported 26% of clinics and offices now use and sell CBD products. 

Even large chain pharmacies like CVS, for example, have recently announced they will begin to sell CBD products at 800 of their stores in Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and Tennessee. 

There has been an increase in clinical research to explore the medical benefits and uses for the drug. In June 2018, the U. S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized and approved Epidolex, as the first cannabis derived CBD pharmaceutical to be used as a form of medical treatment for a rare pediatric seizure disorder.

The Many Ways to Use

There are many different CBD products on the market nowadays, and the ways in which to consume them are both creative and ever growing. There are oils, vaporizers (vapes), dabs/waxes, capsules, edibles, topical skin creams and ointments, and even treats geared for pets.

Figuring out the right dosage is unique and must be individually determined as there are many factors that influence the outcome (e.g. body weight, stress levels, overall health, diet and sleep, ect). 

To further complicate matters, in deciding what is the right dose to best start with, most product strains usually include both THC and CBD. To recap THC gets you “high” and CBD does not.

It is very rare to find the two chemical compounds completely isolated in any given product, and therefore it is important to note how they vary in ratio (or percentage); the higher the ratio of THC the higher the level of psychoactive effects and vice versa. 

Project CBD recommends to start slow and with a low dosage when beginning treatment, in order to test out how the chemicals interact with your body, and determining what dosage reaches the desired effects.

Read More: “Wuhan Diary” reveals inside accounts of Coronavirus Lockdown During the Peak

Warnings and Other Red Flags

Due to the growing demand, there has been a rapid increase in CBD products that are largely going out to the public unregulated. The FDA has expressed concerns over the growing number of products and companies that market the therapeutic benefits without proper approval.

An upcoming public hearing (May 31, 2019) could potentially result in stricter regulations on CBD dosage contained within food and drink products. 

“The FDA continues to be concerned about the proliferation of egregious medical claims being made about products asserting to contain CBD that haven’t been approved by the FDA.”

Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D

Some users have reported the following side effects: changes in appetite and mood, diarrhea, anxiety, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, and vomiting. 

In addition, because CBD is relatively new to consumers, there is not enough data currently, nor longitudinal studies conducted over an extended period of years, to properly support or confirm the drug’s efficacy, safety, and long term results on the body.

Future research is necessary, however in the meantime with the CBD craze in full effect, it is recommended – if you are looking to try it out: do your own due diligence, as well as research into local laws, to ensure the drug is legal where you live.

Find books on Big Tech, Sustainable Energy, Economics and many other topics at our sister site: Cherrybooks on Bookshop.org

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Esoteric, Fashion, Food and Cooking, Health and Diet, Lifestyle

Celery Juice: Fad or Cosmic Redemption?

©Adobe Stock

Looking for a way to kick-start your day? If social media is any indicator, it appears many are turning to an unlikely source: a cool cocktail of celery juice.

Best known as a very low calorie, high fiber, stalk for chomping while dieting, the juice option for celery is catching on as a healthy, refreshing drink option. 

Long known as a low-calorie vegetable, it is also high in vitamins such as Vitamin A, K and C as well as being a source of potassium and, of course, the aforementioned high dose of fiber (even in juice form, apparently).

Additionally, celery juice is said to be an anti-inflammatory agent and a contributor to gut health and ease of digestion. (And who doesn’t need that!).

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Judging from numerous articles, books and posts on social media interest in the unusual beverage has had a spike in interest of late. Public figures and influencers attest to the many perceived benefits and confess to drinking a minimum daily dose, which many claim has lead to weight loss and improved feelings of well being and overall health.

One major reason for this increase of riders on the celery juice bandwagon may be due to the influence of Anthony Williams, self-proclaimed pioneer of the celery juice movement, also known as the Medical Medium.  

Read More: Nine Free e-Books for World Book Day 2020 Available Now

Williams is an author of four New York Times bestselling books with a strong celebrity following.  On his site, he layouts the “miracles” of celery juices and how drinking sixteen ounces daily on an empty stomach can promote, heal and reverse many health related issues.

So, skeptic or true believer, likely little harm can come from a dip in the celery juice oasis. Any testimonials or comments welcome.

Find books on Big Tech, Sustainable Energy, Economics and many other topics at our sister site: Cherrybooks on Bookshop.org

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