healthyholisticliving--2020-03-31--15 Cast Iron Skillet Bread Recipes So Easy to Make, You’ll Always Have a Loaf on Hand

Bread shortage at your local grocery store ?
No problem at all !
Once you ’ ve had a taste of one ( or several ) of these fantastic bread recipes , you ’ ll never bother with store-bought bread again .
What are you in the mood for today ?
There ’ s a little something for every taste in this bunch .
Grab your cast iron skillet and let ’ s get to baking !
Bake for 20 minutes , or until golden .
Remove from the oven , and brush olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mixture over the focaccia bread dough , then using your thumb , make indents all over the top of the dough .
Gently press the dough evenly in the bottom of the skillet and 1″ up the sides , then cover with a clean towel .
Lightly flour your counter or table .
Place dough onto the floured surface and sprinkle the top lightly with flour .
Place the dough in the prepared skillet .
Gradually add 1/2 cup of the remaining flour , mixing gently , then add just enough more so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sides of the bowl .
Brush the top of the dough with about 2 teaspoons of olive oil , score with a knife and sprinkle rolled oats and coarse salt over the top .
Cover with a towel and allow it to rise again for just 30 minutes this time .
Flour your hands , and sprinkle some over the top of the dough too , then work the dough out of the bowl .
Dump it straight into the prepared skillet .
Shake the skillet to distribute the dough or use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a towel .
Let it rest in a draft-free spot for one hour .
In a large bowl , whisk together flour , salt and yeast .
Pour the warm water over the top of it all , and using a sturdy wooden spoon , mix until combined .
The dough will look ragged and feel sticky .
” deep in an “ X ” shape .
Transfer to the oven and bake until bread is golden and bottom sounds hollow when tapped with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bread to a rack to let cool briefly before devouring .
Transfer the dough to a large , lightly greased cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet .
Using a serrated knife , score the top of the dough about Make a well in the center of the flour mixture .
Add the beaten egg and buttermilk to the well and mix with a wooden spoon until the dough is too stiff to stir .
Dust your hands with flour and gently knead dough in the bowl to form a rough ball .
Transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shape it into a round loaf .
Use a pastry cutter or two knives to work butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal .
Next stir in the raisins .
• None In a small bowl , stir together the yeast , 1 teaspoon of sugar and water .
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly .
Whisk in the yogurt and olive oil .
• None In a large bowl , whisk together the flour , kosher salt , the remaining sugar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yogurt mixture and use your hands to mix everything together .
The dough will be wet and sticky at first .
Continue to mix/knead until it becomes soft and pliable .
When that happens , cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a draft-free place for 3-4 hours .
It will nearly double in size .
• None Place the butter and 1 tablespoon of garlic in a small , microwave safe bowl .
Heat in the microwave just until butter has melted .
• None Dust your counter or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto it .
Using a pastry cutter or sharp knife , divide it into 6 even portions .
Roll each of the dough balls in the flour to keep them from sticking .
Flour your rolling pin , and roll a dough portion into a circle ( or something close to a circle ) about ¼ inch thick .
Sprinkle the top with some garlic powder and the remaining minced garlic .
Press it into the dough and pass the rolling pin over it to make sure it ’ s incorporated .
Repeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• None Warm a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat .
Be sure to have a lid large enough to fit the skillet and have the bowl of garlic butter with pastry brush nearby .
• None Carefully pick up one of the naan and gently lay it in the skillet , garlic side up .
Cook for about one minute .
The dough should start to bubble .
After that minute , use tongs or a spatula to flip the naan .
Cook it for another 30 seconds to 1 minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover the skillet for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute .
It ’ s done when it has blackened in a few spots .
• None Remove the naan from the skillet and brush the top generously with the garlic butter .
Sprinkle with a few pinches of sea salt and chopped cilantro .
Repeat with the remaining naan .
Serve warm .

I don’t often align myself with products but this is one that I just had to share!
Some of you may already know years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
I can still recall what it felt like to have my life change overnight…
I went from an Executive Director of a non-profit organization, running marathons, rock climbing, hiking canyons and kayaking to being completely bedridden and staring at a wall for 15 hours a day.
Of course, I went to see many doctors but unfortunately I didn’t find the help I needed. So, I had to set off on my own journey to learn my true path to healing.
I’d pretty much turned-over every rock trying to find relief for my pain, sleep issues and myriad of other symptoms…
Fast-forward 18 years.
I was determined to climb one of the true wonders of the natural world, Machu Picchu, the mystical home of the Incas in Peru.
It was there, after a grueling day when my feet, knees, legs, and lower back hurt so bad, that I thought I would have to abandon hopes of our next climb which was Rainbow Mountain! That night I pulled out a little spray bottle of “aceite de magnesio” that a friend had given me before I left on my trip.
What the heck, I thought. I was desperate. And I applied it all over my body before bed.
Because of the grueling day, I woke up expecting to be immobilized, but instead we were off to climb Rainbow Mountain and…I was totally pain-free!
I know it sounds impossible, but it’s 1000% the truth.


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-01--Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cake Is A Refreshing Spring And Summer Dessert

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cake .
It ’ s just got a certain ring to it , doesn ’ t it ?
Calling to mind backyard barbecues and warm evenings under the stars , it ’ s a perfect treat for spring and summer .
Juicy blueberries play up a moist delicious lemon cake , while blueberry cheesecake and sweet , tangy lemon cream cheese frosting add even more decadence .
Let ’ s get cooking !
1 ½ cups blueberries- fresh ( if use frozen do not thaw ) • None Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with parchment paper .
Wrap the springform pan in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil .
This will prevent water leaking in when baking in a water bath .
• None Pulse blueberries and cream cheese in a food processor .
Transfer the mixture in a mixing bowl .
• None Add sugar and flour to the bowl .
Beat until smooth and creamy , then add vanilla .
• None Add eggs , one at the time .
Mixing in each egg just until incorporated .
Do not over mix .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy cream .
Pour the batter into the greased and wrapped pan , smooth out the top , and place in a roasting pan .
Pour boiling water into the roasting pan halfway up the side of the springform pan , being careful not to drip any of the water on the batter .
Bake 40-45 minutes or until the center has set .
• None Remove the springform pan from the water bath .
Run a thin knife around the cake and cool to a room temperature .
Place in the fridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cool completely .


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-01--People Are Obsessed With ‘Whipped Coffee’—Here’s How To Make It

If you ’ re a coffee drinker , you no doubt have your preferred methods and preparations for it .
When I was younger , my mom would give me a tiny bit of her coffee in a mug with a whole bunch of milk .
The creamy mixture that smelled like mom , with a hint of bitterness and warmth would always hit the right spot .
It ’ s probably not surprising at all that I would grow up to love strong coffee loaded with heavy cream .
To this day , nothing smells better to me than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down with decadently delightful dairy .
Ooooh , what about coffee from a French press ?
The creation process is so hands-on , that the result is almost a different level of relationship with this delightful bringer of morning energy .
Or maybe your favorite morning brew involves steamed milk , like a latte or an espresso macchiato for example .
There are so many great ways to get your morning buzz on .
But in the vast world of coffee with its myriad roasts and preparations , it ’ s easy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say we should .
I might have been one of those people at one time , but I ’ m a convert now .
I ’ ve stepped over to the dark side , and it ’ s name is dalgona .
Also known as whipped coffee , dalgona coffee is taking the internet by storm .
With local cafes shuttering their doors in the face of the coronavirus pandemic , caffeine addicts everywhere are on the prowl for their next big fix .
And when all that ’ s left is instant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Turns out it ’ s really delicious , pretty to look at , and easy to prepare too .
To make it , all you need is : Simply combine two tablespoons of instant coffee , two tablespoons of granulated sugar , and two tablespoons of hot water in a mixing bowl .
Using a hand mixer or latte frother , beat the mixture until it is a rich golden brown color with a thick consistency .
Next just pour a bit of your favorite milk in a glass , and spoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s just like an upside-down latte !
And if you want it to be even more latte-ish , you could just mix the coffee and milk together .
Voila !
Don ’ t forget to jump on the # dalgonacoffee bandwagon , and upload your best photo of this pretty sweet treat .
Need a video tutorial ?
Check it out here .
Cheers !

If you’re a coffee drinker, you no doubt have your preferred methods and preparations for it. When I was younger, my mom would give me a tiny bit of her coffee in a mug with a whole bunch of milk. The creamy mixture that smelled like mom, with a hint of bitterness and warmth would always hit the right spot. It’s probably not surprising at all that I would grow up to love strong coffee loaded with heavy cream. To this day, nothing smells better to me than a perfectly brewed cuppa Joe, loaded down with decadently delightful dairy.
Ooooh, what about coffee from a French press? The creation process is so hands-on, that the result is almost a different level of relationship with this delightful bringer of morning energy. Or maybe your favorite morning brew involves steamed milk, like a latte or an espresso macchiato for example. There are so many great ways to get your morning buzz on.
But in the vast world of coffee with its myriad roasts and preparations, it’s easy to overlook instant coffee. Some might even say we should. I might have been one of those people at one time, but I’m a convert now. I’ve stepped over to the dark side, and it’s name is dalgona.
Also known as whipped coffee, dalgona coffee is taking the internet by storm. With local cafes shuttering their doors in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, caffeine addicts everywhere are on the prowl for their next big fix. And when all that’s left is instant coffee, we do what we must.
Turns out it’s really delicious, pretty to look at, and easy to prepare too. To make it, all you need is:
Instant coffee
Granulated sugar (or sugar alternative monk fruit sugar is a great option)
Hot water
Milk of choice (plant-based is great)
Simply combine two tablespoons of instant coffee, two tablespoons of granulated sugar, and two tablespoons of hot water in a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or latte frother, beat the mixture until it is a rich golden brown color with a thick consistency.
Next just pour a bit of your favorite milk in a glass and spoon the frothy coffee over the top. It’s just like an upside-down latte! And if you want it to be even more latte-ish, you could just mix the coffee and milk together. Voila! Don’t forget to jump on the #dalgonacoffee bandwagon, and upload your best photo of this pretty sweet treat.
Cheers!


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-02--Chinese Government Approves Decision To Ban Consumption Of Wild Animals

In response to the coronavirus pandemic , China is introducing a nationwide ban on wild animal trade , including consumption and farming .
The deadly pandemic likely started in a wildlife market in Wuhan .
The Wuhan market was packed with wild animals for sale .
Deer , snakes , raccoon dogs , and porcupines were squeezed into cages in close contact with people in the crowded market .
This close environment made it possible for the coronavirus to spread from animals to humans .
Although authorities are not certain which animal transferred the virus to people , some believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snake , or pangolin .
Markets like the one in Wuhan are common in China .
When exotic animals are in close proximity to each other , it ’ s easy for viruses to spread from one species to another .
With many daily visitors , it makes it more likely that the viruses will also be transferred to humans .
“ These animals have their own viruses , ” Leo Poon , a Hong Kong University virologist professor , told CNN .
“ These viruses can jump from one species to another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an amplifier , which increases the amount of virus in the wet market substantially.
” In response to the coronavirus outbreak , the country enacted a temporary ban on the farming and consumption of “ terrestrial wildlife of important ecological , scientific and social value.
” This ban will probably become law later in 2020 .
This is not the first time China has taken measures to limit wild animal trade .
In 2003 , authorities banned and killed large numbers of civets , which are similar to mongooses , after learning that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SARS virus .
However , civets are still consumed in China today .
( 1 ) The exotic animal trade is deeply significant in China , both culturally and economically , which will make it more difficult for authorities to enforce the ban .
A 24-year-old college student from southern Guangxi province told CNN that her family frequently dines at restaurants that have exotic animals on the menu .
She shared the belief that eating wild animals gives the consumer the animal ’ s characteristics , such as physical strength .
( 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expensive , eating them is a status symbol .
One peacock can cost up to $ 144 USD .
“ Wild animals are expensive .
If you treat somebody with wild animals , it will be considered that you ’ re paying tribute , ” the college student told CNN .
( 1 ) The student , who used a pseudonym for her interview with CNN , doesn ’ t think that the ban will last .
“ The trade might lay low for a few months … but after a while , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would very possibly come back again , ” she said .
( 1 ) Another challenge with enforcing the ban is that China ’ s wild animal trade is a huge industry .
In 2017 , the industry was worth more than $ 73 billion , employing over one million people .
( 1 ) But not every Chinese citizen supports the consumption of exotic animals .
A 2012 survey by Beijing Normal University and the China Wildlife Conservation Association showed that 52 % of the people surveyed across the country didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food .
In Beijing , 80 % of those surveyed thought that wildlife should not be consumed .
( 1 ) The thing that may make enforcement of the ban most difficult is that the ban itself includes loopholes and lacks clear guidance for authorities .
One loophole is that exotic animals can still be used in traditional Chinese medicine .
( 1 ) Wildlife advocate Aron White shared some insight on why this loophole could be an issue in an interview with CNN .
“ [ Currently ] , the law bans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t ban the use of their scales in traditional Chinese medicine .
The impact of that is that overall the consumers are receiving mixed messages.
” And it means that wildlife could be raised or sold for use in traditional Chinese medicine but then illegally sold as food .
( 1 ) The ban says that the trade of wild animals for medicine will need to be “ strictly monitored ” .
However , it did not include specifics on what the monitoring will look like or what penalties will exist for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the wild animal trade ban is an important first step , China will need to take many others to ensure its success .

Wild Animal Trade Ban
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, China is introducing a nationwide ban on wild animal trade, including consumption and farming. The deadly pandemic likely started in a wildlife market in Wuhan.
The Wuhan market was packed with wild animals for sale. Deer, snakes, raccoon dogs, and porcupines were squeezed into cages in close contact with people in the crowded market. This close environment made it possible for the coronavirus to spread from animals to humans. Although authorities are not certain which animal transferred the virus to people, some believe that it was either a bat, snake, or pangolin.
Markets like the one in Wuhan are common in China. When exotic animals are in close proximity to each other, it’s easy for viruses to spread from one species to another. With many daily visitors, it makes it more likely that the viruses will also be transferred to humans.
“These animals have their own viruses,” Leo Poon, a Hong Kong University virologist professor, told CNN. “These viruses can jump from one species to another species, then that species may become an amplifier, which increases the amount of virus in the wet market substantially.”
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the country enacted a temporary ban on the farming and consumption of “terrestrial wildlife of important ecological, scientific and social value.” This ban will probably become law later in 2020.
This is not the first time China has taken measures to limit wild animal trade. In 2003, authorities banned and killed large numbers of civets, which are similar to mongooses, after learning that they were likely the origin of the SARS virus. However, civets are still consumed in China today. (1)
Cultural and Economic Significance
The exotic animal trade is deeply significant in China, both culturally and economically, which will make it more difficult for authorities to enforce the ban. A 24-year-old college student from southern Guangxi province told CNN that her family frequently dines at restaurants that have exotic animals on the menu. She shared the belief that eating wild animals gives the consumer the animal’s characteristics, such as physical strength. (1)
And because wild animals are more expensive, eating them is a status symbol. One peacock can cost up to $144 USD. “Wild animals are expensive. If you treat somebody with wild animals, it will be considered that you’re paying tribute,” the college student told CNN. (1)
The student, who used a pseudonym for her interview with CNN, doesn’t think that the ban will last. “The trade might lay low for a few months … but after a while, probably in a few months, people would very possibly come back again,” she said. (1)
Another challenge with enforcing the ban is that China’s wild animal trade is a huge industry. In 2017, the industry was worth more than $73 billion, employing over one million people. (1)
But not every Chinese citizen supports the consumption of exotic animals. A 2012 survey by Beijing Normal University and the China Wildlife Conservation Association showed that 52% of the people surveyed across the country didn’t support wildlife as a source of food. In Beijing, 80% of those surveyed thought that wildlife should not be consumed. (1)
Loopholes in the Ban
The thing that may make enforcement of the ban most difficult is that the ban itself includes loopholes and lacks clear guidance for authorities. One loophole is that exotic animals can still be used in traditional Chinese medicine. (1)
Wildlife advocate Aron White shared some insight on why this loophole could be an issue in an interview with CNN. “[Currently], the law bans the eating of pangolins but doesn’t ban the use of their scales in traditional Chinese medicine. The impact of that is that overall the consumers are receiving mixed messages.” And it means that wildlife could be raised or sold for use in traditional Chinese medicine but then illegally sold as food. (1)
The ban says that the trade of wild animals for medicine will need to be “strictly monitored”. However, it did not include specifics on what the monitoring will look like or what penalties will exist for people who abuse it. (1)
While the wild animal trade ban is an important first step, China will need to take many others to ensure its success.


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-02--Woman Dies From COVID-19 In Belgium After Telling Doctors To Save Ventilator For The Young

As an ICU nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic , I am torn in two .
I see the world from both the eyes of the general public and the standpoint of a healthcare provider .
Likewise , I am both shocked by the recent changes in our society and normalized to the ethical dilemmas of critical care .
It is a strange and familiar place to be in .
I also find the sudden interest in my workplace disarming .
I never once thought the area where I work , my nursing specialty , would be put on a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , respiratory support , and ventilators are sprinkled throughout mainstream media .
Family members not employed in health care call to tell me what are the current trends in ICU .
I am taken aback , worried , and feel outpaced by the coronavirus .
One story of an elderly Belgian woman , who recently passed away from COVID-19 , is truly a striking example of how much the world is looking at critical care units .
Save It For The Young In Lubbeek , Belgium , 90-year-old Suzanne Hoylaerts passed away on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
Two weeks earlier , she had fallen ill .
Initially she lost her appetite , and then felt short of breath .
Her daughter , Judith , took her to see the doctor and worried she was having a relapse of pneumonia .
“ She had pneumonia and was hospitalized last year , ” her daughter told Het Laatste Nieuws .
Once at the doctor ’ s office , Suzanne was found to have low blood oxygen saturation ( SpO2 ) .
Concerned for her well-being , Suzanne ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed in isolation .
Sadly , Suzanne ’ s condition declined shortly thereafter and she was faced with the choice of going on a ventilator .
According to reports from the hospital , Suzanne told doctors she wanted them to save the ventilators for the younger patients and did not want to continue treatment .
For Judith , this story is likely bittersweet .
Her mother is being praised for her bravery and selflessness .
However , Suzanne ’ s family was unable to bid her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I can ’ t say goodbye to her , and I don ’ t even have a chance to attend her funeral , ” her daughter said to the media .
It is not known how Suzanne contracted the virus .
( 1 ) Talking about stories like Suzanne ’ s is important because ventilator rationing is becoming a reality worldwide .
From watching other countries like Italy , China , and Spain experience population-wide outbreaks of COVID-19 we know that critical care beds and ventilators will be of the utmost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New York , Washington , and Louisiana have nearly depleted their statewide ICU resources .
Due to COVID-19 , medical teams are having to decide who can and can ’ t be intubated .
( 2 , 3 ) So what are the guidelines for getting access to a ventilator ?
Although nothing is set in stone , various states are leaning towards a model that favors healthy people who are able to recover quickly from COVID-19 .
Ethically and legally , these models of decision-making are still shaky by favoring those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But public feedback is welcomed , and doctors look towards older healthcare tools to help prepare for any incoming ventilator shortage .
For example , some doctors are proposing the use of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ( SOFA score ) to grade the need for intubation and weigh patients ’ care against one another .
These choices are incredibly hard to talk about and hear about in the news but are just as ( if not more difficult ) for the healthcare providers who will have to carry out these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further diminish the need to choose between care and no care for COVID-19 patients , healthcare providers may have to get creative with equipment .
Italy and Spain recently showcased a snorkeling mask set up , paired with a 3D printed valve , on a non-invasive respirator .
The design allows two patients to access one type of breathing machine ( or BiPAP ) at the same time for treatment .
Such ingenuity will allow ICU resources to go further .
( 3 ) From the ICU I work , we continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and learn from other critical care units around the globe .
In the last two weeks , the layout , function , and staffing of my unit has changed dramatically based on what we have seen happen elsewhere .
In some ways , the mainstream media coverage has made it easier for every ICU out there to communicate and make the challenges of managing COVID-19 known .
Working as a team , the public and the ICU , I am hopeful we can get through this together .

As an ICU nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am torn in two. I see the world from both the eyes of the general public and the standpoint of a healthcare provider. Likewise, I am both shocked by the recent changes in our society and normalized to the ethical dilemmas of critical care. It is a strange and familiar place to be in.
I also find the sudden interest in my workplace disarming. I never once thought the area where I work, my nursing specialty, would be put on a global stage like this. Words like intubation, respiratory support, and ventilators are sprinkled throughout mainstream media. Family members not employed in health care call to tell me what are the current trends in ICU. I am taken aback, worried, and feel outpaced by the coronavirus.
One story of an elderly Belgian woman, who recently passed away from COVID-19, is truly a striking example of how much the world is looking at critical care units.
Save It For The Young
In Lubbeek, Belgium, 90-year-old Suzanne Hoylaerts passed away on March 21, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. Two weeks earlier, she had fallen ill. Initially she lost her appetite, and then felt short of breath. Her daughter, Judith, took her to see the doctor and worried she was having a relapse of pneumonia. “She had pneumonia and was hospitalized last year,” her daughter told Het Laatste Nieuws.
Once at the doctor’s office, Suzanne was found to have low blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). Concerned for her well-being, Suzanne’s doctors sent her to the hospital where she tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed in isolation. Sadly, Suzanne’s condition declined shortly thereafter and she was faced with the choice of going on a ventilator. According to reports from the hospital, Suzanne told doctors she wanted them to save the ventilators for the younger patients and did not want to continue treatment.
For Judith, this story is likely bittersweet. Her mother is being praised for her bravery and selflessness. However, Suzanne’s family was unable to bid her farewell or properly lay her to rest. “I can’t say goodbye to her, and I don’t even have a chance to attend her funeral,” her daughter said to the media.
It is not known how Suzanne contracted the virus. (1)
90-year-old Suzanne Hoylaerts
Who Gets A Ventilator?
Talking about stories like Suzanne’s is important because ventilator rationing is becoming a reality worldwide. From watching other countries like Italy, China, and Spain experience population-wide outbreaks of COVID-19 we know that critical care beds and ventilators will be of the utmost importance. Even in the United States, New York, Washington, and Louisiana have nearly depleted their statewide ICU resources. Due to COVID-19, medical teams are having to decide who can and can’t be intubated. (2, 3)
So what are the guidelines for getting access to a ventilator? Although nothing is set in stone, various states are leaning towards a model that favors healthy people who are able to recover quickly from COVID-19. Ethically and legally, these models of decision-making are still shaky by favoring those without disabilities and of higher income brackets. But public feedback is welcomed, and doctors look towards older healthcare tools to help prepare for any incoming ventilator shortage. For example, some doctors are proposing the use of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA score) to grade the need for intubation and weigh patients’ care against one another.
These choices are incredibly hard to talk about and hear about in the news but are just as (if not more difficult) for the healthcare providers who will have to carry out these choices. (2)
Getting Creative With ICU Care
To help further diminish the need to choose between care and no care for COVID-19 patients, healthcare providers may have to get creative with equipment. Italy and Spain recently showcased a snorkeling mask set up, paired with a 3D printed valve, on a non-invasive respirator. The design allows two patients to access one type of breathing machine (or BiPAP) at the same time for treatment. Such ingenuity will allow ICU resources to go further. (3)
From the ICU I work, we continue to push new ideas, expand our resources, and learn from other critical care units around the globe. In the last two weeks, the layout, function, and staffing of my unit has changed dramatically based on what we have seen happen elsewhere. In some ways, the mainstream media coverage has made it easier for every ICU out there to communicate and make the challenges of managing COVID-19 known. Working as a team, the public and the ICU, I am hopeful we can get through this together.


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-02--Notorious For Smog, L.A. Nears Third Straight Week Of Clean Air

The start of 2020 has certainly been a challenging time for a lot of people .
The global pandemic is spreading .
New numbers of COVID-19 cases push ever skyward , it seems there is no end in sight yet .
No one knows how far this will go .
One thing that we do know is that lockdowns all across the US are getting even stricter .
Stay-at-home warnings are not always being respected as they should .
But experts know that fighting this kind of thing is a numbers game .
We ’ ve all seen the charts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just one person can infect thousands in no time at all .
Simply attending a backyard BBQ with friends , is all that it takes to keep perpetuating this virus .
Many people all across the US have not been respecting the severity of the situation – the grave danger we ’ re all in together .
So in the best interest of the public at large , many government officials have begun shutting down whole municipalities .
Major restrictions are in place for people who wish to leave their homes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grocery store and pharmacy runs .
This has left a lot of people feeling imprisoned in their own homes .
At a loss for what to do with themselves .
We ’ re so used to enjoying the freedom of just walking out our door and doing whatever we want !
We have no understanding of the ripple effect we create in some ways .
But Mother Nature does understand .
It has taken her no time at all to begin healing from the damage we humans have been doing to the environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really evident , is good old Los Angeles , the City of Angels .
It ’ s been famous for years now , not only for the glamorous Hollywood angle but also for that nasty layer of smog they ’ ve got going on .
But these days L.A. has been enjoying some of the brightest , clearest skies they ’ ve seen in ages .
For nearly a month now , the whole Los Angeles area has been breathing easier thanks to a combination of less automobile traffic and more wind , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( 1 ) But it ’ s not just Los Angeles that ’ s been seeing vast improvements .
Northward in the San Francisco Bay Area , pollution numbers are dropping everywhere .
Throughout the North Bay and South Bay , the Air Quality Index ( AQI ) dropped into the single digits , which is incredible .
Scores of between 0 and 50 are considered “ good ” by area officials .
But AQI scores lately have been recorded at 9 in Napa , 8 in Vallejo , and 9 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more incredible about this is that it represents a drop from 39 , 37 and 34 , respectively , recorded just one day previously .
In San Francisco , the AQI on one day was 37 , and the next just 19 .
West Oakland went from 37 to 13 in the same 24 hour period .
Amazing !
With lockdowns in effect throughout the state of California , they ’ ve seen a 70 % reduction in cars on the road .
Couple that with a few days worth of rain and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got ourselves a brand new California !
As this pandemic drags on and we begin to settle into a new normal of “ less outside playing , more inside handwashing ” , a silver lining has begun popping up here and there .
Many of us are learning to slow down and find a new way of being in life .
We ’ re not so busy , not so rushed .
We ’ ve begun to see how all the factories , cars , jet engines , and cruise ships contribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainable .
Did Mama Nature just have enough of all our shenanigans and put us in lockdown ?
It does feel a little like that .
But in an age where we constantly want the newest thing and more of all the other things too , we ’ re now seeing in real time what happens when we stop all that nonsense .
When we don ’ t get those things .
Nothing actually happens except that the world keeps spinning , and it turns out we get to breathe that much better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal , whatever that ends up looking like in the future , we ’ ll all remember this .
A glimpse back at “ simpler times ” , the environment of 20 years ago , and think twice about whether yet another cell phone is what our world needs right now .

The start of 2020 has certainly been a challenging time for a lot of people. The global pandemic is spreading. New numbers of COVID-19 cases push ever skyward, it seems there is no end in sight yet. No one knows how far this will go. One thing that we do know is that lockdowns all across the US are getting even stricter. Stay-at-home warnings are not always being respected as they should. But experts know that fighting this kind of thing is a numbers game.
We’ve all seen the charts lately, the scary infographics showing how just one person can infect thousands in no time at all. Simply attending a backyard BBQ with friends, is all that it takes to keep perpetuating this virus. Many people all across the US have not been respecting the severity of the situation – the grave danger we’re all in together. So in the best interest of the public at large, many government officials have begun shutting down whole municipalities.
Major restrictions are in place for people who wish to leave their homes. The only acceptable errands at this point being grocery store and pharmacy runs. This has left a lot of people feeling imprisoned in their own homes. At a loss for what to do with themselves. We’re so used to enjoying the freedom of just walking out our door and doing whatever we want! We have no understanding of the ripple effect we create in some ways.
But Mother Nature does understand. It has taken her no time at all to begin healing from the damage we humans have been doing to the environment. One such place where this is really evident, is good old Los Angeles, the City of Angels. It’s been famous for years now, not only for the glamorous Hollywood angle but also for that nasty layer of smog they’ve got going on. But these days L.A. has been enjoying some of the brightest, clearest skies they’ve seen in ages. For nearly a month now, the whole Los Angeles area has been breathing easier thanks to a combination of less automobile traffic and more wind, which is a wonderful thing to see. (1)
Smog-Free Cali
But it’s not just Los Angeles that’s been seeing vast improvements. Northward in the San Francisco Bay Area, pollution numbers are dropping everywhere. Throughout the North Bay and South Bay, the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped into the single digits, which is incredible. Scores of between 0 and 50 are considered “good” by area officials. But AQI scores lately have been recorded at 9 in Napa, 8 in Vallejo, and 9 in San Martin. What’s even more incredible about this is that it represents a drop from 39, 37 and 34, respectively, recorded just one day previously.
In San Francisco, the AQI on one day was 37, and the next just 19. West Oakland went from 37 to 13 in the same 24 hour period. Amazing!
With lockdowns in effect throughout the state of California, they’ve seen a 70% reduction in cars on the road. Couple that with a few days worth of rain and wind, and it seems we’ve got ourselves a brand new California!
As this pandemic drags on and we begin to settle into a new normal of “less outside playing, more inside handwashing”, a silver lining has begun popping up here and there. Many of us are learning to slow down and find a new way of being in life. We’re not so busy, not so rushed. We’ve begun to see how all the factories, cars, jet engines, and cruise ships contribute to an imbalance that isn’t sustainable.
Did Mama Nature just have enough of all our shenanigans and put us in lockdown? It does feel a little like that. But in an age where we constantly want the newest thing and more of all the other things too, we’re now seeing in real time what happens when we stop all that nonsense. When we don’t get those things. Nothing actually happens except that the world keeps spinning, and it turns out we get to breathe that much better. Hopefully when things go back to normal, whatever that ends up looking like in the future, we’ll all remember this. A glimpse back at “simpler times”, the environment of 20 years ago, and think twice about whether yet another cell phone is what our world needs right now.


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-02--Countries Starting to Hoard Food, Threatening Global Trade

If you ’ ve been worried about the lack of supplies on your grocery store shelves , it may get worse before it gets better .
In response to fears about food shortages in the era of coronavirus , we have all seen individuals hoarding food .
Now , countries are starting to as well .
You may know Kazakhstan as the country of origin of Sacha Baron Cohen ’ s Borat–but it ’ s also one of the biggest suppliers of wheat flour .
In response to COVID-19 , the country has stopped exporting this flour , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , buckwheat , onions , and carrots .
Serbia has also stopped exports as well .
While these might seem like small countries–and small concerns–it ’ s just the start .
Russia is the world ’ s biggest wheat exporter–and they are re-evaluating their export policies every week , according to officials .
Even places that are not restricting shipments are running into delays , due to problems with shipping supply lines .
Two-thirds of the apple juice in the United States is produced by China–and there are delays in ports there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of London think tank Chatham House , Tim Benton , warns that hoarding by individuals affects countries and vice versa .
“ If you ’ re panic buying on the market for next year ’ s harvest , then prices will go up , and as prices go up , policymakers will panic more , ” he explains .
In 2010 , Russia ’ s wheat was damaged by extreme heat .
This caused a ripple effect which led to the United Nations reporting record highs in global food prices by February 2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the food market refuse to share , it has an immediate–and severe–impact on everyone else .
( 1 ) Dave Howorth is the executive director of Scala Consulting , which specializes in supply chains .
He says part of the reason that it may seem like there ’ s not enough food is because of a change in American eating habits .
“ It ’ s a fundamental change .
You ’ ve seen a significant switch in volumes , which has been overlaid with panic buying , ” he says .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shift from eating out at restaurants to preparing food at home .
As bars , coffee shops , and sit-down restaurants close their doors , people aren ’ t turning to delivery services at an equal rate–and that , in addition to hoarding , has led to a run on groceries .
( 2 ) Nestlé is a brand that everyone is familiar with–but if you think of them in connection with chocolate only , think again .
They ’ ve got their fingers in almost every part of the food production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While Europe will face delays in the food supply from them , because of border closures , the United States will not be in the same boat .
Their ingredients are primarily from sources within the US .
General Mills is also optimistic about the food supply in the United States , saying that “ food continues to flow , we continue to make it .
Our retailers continue to stock as quickly as they can .
And that all is actually working pretty well.
” ( 3 ) Could There Be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer is yes–but maybe not in the way you may think .
The United States Department of Agriculture says that they are not aware of any cases of the coronavirus being transmitted through food .
But producing that food may be a problem .
The president of the Farm Bureau , Zippy Duvall , says “ there ’ s no crisis in the food supply right now .
Our concern is what ’ s going to come six months later.
” So , what ’ s coming six months later ?
Tyson Foods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s chicken , beef , and pork , says “ if a significant percentage of our workforce is unable to work , including because of illness or travel or government restrictions in connection with pandemics or disease outbreaks , our operations may be negatively impacted.
” If that statement doesn ’ t alarm you , it should–it ’ s a reality .
The United States has decided to suspend visas from Mexico , which will drastically decrease the number of laborers .
Duvall believes that without these immigrant workers , farms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run operations as normal .
He hopes that President Donald Trump will categorize farm laborers as emergency workers–a group whose visas are still being processed .
“ Empty shelves can be frightening , ” he says .
“ But empty fields and barns would be devastating.
” ( 3,4 )

If you’ve been worried about the lack of supplies on your grocery store shelves, it may get worse before it gets better. In response to fears about food shortages in the era of coronavirus, we have all seen individuals hoarding food. Now, countries are starting to as well.
Where’s The Wheat?
You may know Kazakhstan as the country of origin of Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat–but it’s also one of the biggest suppliers of wheat flour. In response to COVID-19, the country has stopped exporting this flour, as well as their supplies of sugar, potatoes, buckwheat, onions, and carrots. Serbia has also stopped exports as well. While these might seem like small countries–and small concerns–it’s just the start. Russia is the world’s biggest wheat exporter–and they are re-evaluating their export policies every week, according to officials. Even places that are not restricting shipments are running into delays, due to problems with shipping supply lines. Two-thirds of the apple juice in the United States is produced by China–and there are delays in ports there. (1, 2)
The Vicious Cycle
A member of London think tank Chatham House, Tim Benton, warns that hoarding by individuals affects countries and vice versa. “If you’re panic buying on the market for next year’s harvest, then prices will go up, and as prices go up, policymakers will panic more,” he explains. In 2010, Russia’s wheat was damaged by extreme heat. This caused a ripple effect which led to the United Nations reporting record highs in global food prices by February 2011. So, when major players in the food market refuse to share, it has an immediate–and severe–impact on everyone else. (1)
Changes In Demand
Dave Howorth is the executive director of Scala Consulting, which specializes in supply chains. He says part of the reason that it may seem like there’s not enough food is because of a change in American eating habits. “It’s a fundamental change. You’ve seen a significant switch in volumes, which has been overlaid with panic buying,” he says. The switch he’s talking about is the shift from eating out at restaurants to preparing food at home. As bars, coffee shops, and sit-down restaurants close their doors, people aren’t turning to delivery services at an equal rate–and that, in addition to hoarding, has led to a run on groceries. (2)
Local Production
Nestlé is a brand that everyone is familiar with–but if you think of them in connection with chocolate only, think again. They’ve got their fingers in almost every part of the food production pie–and they’re not too worried. While Europe will face delays in the food supply from them, because of border closures, the United States will not be in the same boat. Their ingredients are primarily from sources within the US. General Mills is also optimistic about the food supply in the United States, saying that “food continues to flow, we continue to make it. Our retailers continue to stock as quickly as they can. And that all is actually working pretty well.” (3)
Could There Be Problems In The United States?
The answer is yes–but maybe not in the way you may think. The United States Department of Agriculture says that they are not aware of any cases of the coronavirus being transmitted through food. But producing that food may be a problem. The president of the Farm Bureau, Zippy Duvall, says “there’s no crisis in the food supply right now. Our concern is what’s going to come six months later.” So, what’s coming six months later? Tyson Foods Inc., who produces 20% of America’s chicken, beef, and pork, says “if a significant percentage of our workforce is unable to work, including because of illness or travel or government restrictions in connection with pandemics or disease outbreaks, our operations may be negatively impacted.”
If that statement doesn’t alarm you, it should–it’s a reality. The United States has decided to suspend visas from Mexico, which will drastically decrease the number of laborers. Duvall believes that without these immigrant workers, farms will simply not have enough staff to run operations as normal. He hopes that President Donald Trump will categorize farm laborers as emergency workers–a group whose visas are still being processed. “Empty shelves can be frightening,” he says. “But empty fields and barns would be devastating.” (3,4)


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-03--Mystery In Wuhan: Recovered Coronavirus Patients Test Negative…Then Positive

As China prepares to relax lockdown measures in Wuhan , the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak , a new cause for concern has arisen .
Some recovered COVID-19 patients are receiving positive test results for the virus a second time .
( 1 ) The city of Wuhan houses recovered COVID-19 patients in quarantine centers after discharging them from the hospital .
Data emerging from these centers shows that 5 % to 10 % of previously recovered patients are again testing positive for the virus .
( 1 ) This raises the question of whether or not it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly after recovering from it .
Virologists say that this is unlikely .
But we don ’ t yet have enough information about the disease to know for sure .
( 1 ) The culprit of these concerning results may be that the tests themselves have a high rate of inaccuracy .
China has used nucleic acid tests to evaluate patients , and they are estimated to be accurate only 30 % to 50 % of the time .
So , although a patient may have tested negative for COVID-19 and been discharged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible that their test results were incorrect .
( 1 ) And the inaccuracies don ’ t only extend to false negatives .
“ There are false positives with these types of tests , ” Dr. Jeffrey Shaman told NPR .
Dr. Shaman is a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University .
He recently co-wrote a modeling study about how infected but asymptomatic people were one of the main causes of the early spread of coronavirus in Wuhan .
( 1 ) On Thursday , March 23 , 2020 , Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days without any new cases of COVID-19 .
Many considered it a sign of hope that the tide of the disease was turning .
( 1 ) But the independent Chinese news outlet Caixin was reporting something different .
They learned from a health official that Wuhan hospitals continued to have positive test results for asymptomatic virus carriers .
The health official said that he had seen up to twelve cases daily .
( 1 ) When China shares its daily count for new and total coronavirus cases , it does not include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients who test positive a second time after recovering .
( 1 ) “ I have no idea why the authorities choose not to count [ asymptomatic ] cases in the official case count .
I am baffled , ” said a Wuhan doctor who retested positive after recovering from COVID-19 .
The doctor asked to remain anonymous in his interview with NPR because the Chinese government has been detaining people who push back on how they have handled the coronavirus outbreak .
( 1 ) When asymptomatic carriers in Wuhan test positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities for a 14-day quarantine .
If they develop symptoms during their quarantine period , the government adds their case to the daily counts .
( 1 ) The Wuhan health commission shared their reasoning for not including asymptomatic positive patients in the daily case counts .
“ Based on available World Health Organization data , new infections are mainly transmitted by patients who have developed symptoms .
Hence , [ asymptomatic cases ] may not be the main source of transmission , ” the commission said , as reported by NPR .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health commission is in direct opposition to research about the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan and other Chinese cities .
This research looked at patients who received COVID-19 diagnoses early in the outbreak .
It shows that asymptomatic carriers can infect people that they ’ re in close contact with , like family members , contributing to the spread of the virus .
( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) “ In terms of those who retested positive , the official party line is that they have not been proven to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same as saying they are not infectious , ” an anonymous Wuhan doctor told NPR .
“ If they really are not infectious , then there would be no need to take them back to the hospitals again.
” ( 1 ) Hubei province began allowing its residents to leave their cities on Wednesday , March 29 , 2020 .
Wuhan , Hubei ’ s capital city , said that it would lift its quarantine restrictions and allow residents to leave starting on April 8 , 2020 .
( 1 ) In order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to test negative for COVID-19 .
But because coronavirus tests result in so many false negatives , it ’ s possible that asymptomatic cases of the virus will slip through .
The concern is that carriers of the virus , after testing negative for it , could further spread it after the lockdown measures are lifted .
( 1 )

Positive Test Results for Recovered Patients
As China prepares to relax lockdown measures in Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, a new cause for concern has arisen. Some recovered COVID-19 patients are receiving positive test results for the virus a second time. (1)
The city of Wuhan houses recovered COVID-19 patients in quarantine centers after discharging them from the hospital. Data emerging from these centers shows that 5% to 10% of previously recovered patients are again testing positive for the virus. (1)
This raises the question of whether or not it’s possible to be reinfected by the coronavirus quickly after recovering from it. Virologists say that this is unlikely. But we don’t yet have enough information about the disease to know for sure. (1)
The culprit of these concerning results may be that the tests themselves have a high rate of inaccuracy. China has used nucleic acid tests to evaluate patients, and they are estimated to be accurate only 30% to 50% of the time. So, although a patient may have tested negative for COVID-19 and been discharged from the hospital, it’s possible that their test results were incorrect. (1)
And the inaccuracies don’t only extend to false negatives. “There are false positives with these types of tests,” Dr. Jeffrey Shaman told NPR. Dr. Shaman is a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University. He recently co-wrote a modeling study about how infected but asymptomatic people were one of the main causes of the early spread of coronavirus in Wuhan. (1)
China Not Counting Asymptomatic Cases
On Thursday, March 23, 2020, Wuhan officials announced that they had gone four days without any new cases of COVID-19. Many considered it a sign of hope that the tide of the disease was turning. (1)
But the independent Chinese news outlet Caixin was reporting something different. They learned from a health official that Wuhan hospitals continued to have positive test results for asymptomatic virus carriers. The health official said that he had seen up to twelve cases daily. (1)
When China shares its daily count for new and total coronavirus cases, it does not include asymptomatic ones. Nor do they include patients who test positive a second time after recovering. (1)
“I have no idea why the authorities choose not to count [asymptomatic] cases in the official case count. I am baffled,” said a Wuhan doctor who retested positive after recovering from COVID-19. The doctor asked to remain anonymous in his interview with NPR because the Chinese government has been detaining people who push back on how they have handled the coronavirus outbreak. (1)
Asymptomatic COVID-19 Carriers
When asymptomatic carriers in Wuhan test positive for coronavirus, they go to special facilities for a 14-day quarantine. If they develop symptoms during their quarantine period, the government adds their case to the daily counts. (1)
The Wuhan health commission shared their reasoning for not including asymptomatic positive patients in the daily case counts. “Based on available World Health Organization data, new infections are mainly transmitted by patients who have developed symptoms. Hence, [asymptomatic cases] may not be the main source of transmission,” the commission said, as reported by NPR. (1)
But this statement from the health commission is in direct opposition to research about the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan and other Chinese cities. This research looked at patients who received COVID-19 diagnoses early in the outbreak. It shows that asymptomatic carriers can infect people that they’re in close contact with, like family members, contributing to the spread of the virus. (1, 2, 3, 4)
“In terms of those who retested positive, the official party line is that they have not been proven to be infectious. That is not the same as saying they are not infectious,” an anonymous Wuhan doctor told NPR. “If they really are not infectious, then there would be no need to take them back to the hospitals again.” (1)
Is China Ready to Lower Lockdowns?
Hubei province began allowing its residents to leave their cities on Wednesday, March 29, 2020. Wuhan, Hubei’s capital city, said that it would lift its quarantine restrictions and allow residents to leave starting on April 8, 2020. (1)
In order to leave Wuhan, residents will need to test negative for COVID-19. But because coronavirus tests result in so many false negatives, it’s possible that asymptomatic cases of the virus will slip through. The concern is that carriers of the virus, after testing negative for it, could further spread it after the lockdown measures are lifted. (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-03--92-Year-Old Man Seen Coloring Wife’s Hair Amid Social Distancing In Heartwarming Photograph

The start of 2020 has not been an easy one .
Together , not just as a nation but as a whole planet , we are fighting the battle of our lives .
There are internet memes joking about what we thought our apocalypse outfits would look like versus what they actually do look like .
The imagined scenario is , of course , a fitted garment , dirty and ripped in all the right places , a lot like you .
But in fact , what we ’ re working with is more like jammies and bed hair… not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s all Netflix marathons and 87 trips to the fridge , not Zombieland like we were all thinking .
In this apocalypse , unlike Zombieland , cardio is not rule # 1 .
Washing your hands is .
Staying home runs a close second .
Just chilling out…it ’ s harder than it looks .
One interesting thing that is coming out of all this social isolation , is the simple “ back to basics ” nature of our lives right now .
Everything has slowed to a crawl , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people we love…what they really mean to us .
Social media has become something of a lifeline for many , and though a lot of the news is scary and frustrating , many great things are being posted too .
New groups are forming , offering people a chance to stay connected , and the good news that individuals share seems to proliferate quickly .
We need uplifting stories to counteract all the negative , and we ’ ve certainly gotten that in a heartwarming photograph that ’ s been making the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t See Things Like This Every Day ” In the sweet photograph , these 92-year-old lovebirds are sheltering in place at home .
He is applying hair dye to her roots while they hang out in the kitchen .
It ’ s a striking photograph , maybe because these kinds of things are usually left to the professionals .
Even when we love someone and we ’ ve been with them for years , personal grooming and things of that nature often happen behind closed doors .
I ’ m reminded of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really wants to know how the sausage is made .
It ’ s something of a reversal of the social distancing we ’ re dealing with now .
We always leave home to do those things .
We get the pros to handle it…far from prying eyes .
But now that the social distancing order is to stay away from hairdressers , not husbands , this man is more than up for the challenge .
Grandson Yael Shapira Avraham posted the photo to Facebook with the caption : “ These are my grandparents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be healthy ) .
In every situation , my grandfather is worried that my grandmother will feel well-groomed .
You don ’ t see things like this every day.
” As you might expect , the internet has fallen in love with these two .
It ’ s such a simple act of kindness and caring , calling to mind what true love is all about .
What this time of isolation can teach us about our own humanity .
All he wants for her is to feel pretty and put together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her just because he loves her .
I suspect he loves her with or without roots , but that ’ s not the point of the exercise .
The point was to make her feel happy , and loved , and pretty .
I ’ d say mission accomplished .

The start of 2020 has not been an easy one. Together, not just as a nation but as a whole planet, we are fighting the battle of our lives. There are internet memes joking about what we thought our apocalypse outfits would look like versus what they actually do look like. The imagined scenario is, of course, a fitted garment, dirty and ripped in all the right places, a lot like you. But in fact, what we’re working with is more like jammies and bed hair… not a rippling muscle in sight. It’s all Netflix marathons and 87 trips to the fridge, not Zombieland like we were all thinking.
In this apocalypse, unlike Zombieland, cardio is not rule #1. Washing your hands is. Staying home runs a close second. Just chilling out…it’s harder than it looks.
One interesting thing that is coming out of all this social isolation, is the simple “back to basics” nature of our lives right now. Everything has slowed to a crawl, and we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the people we love…what they really mean to us. Social media has become something of a lifeline for many, and though a lot of the news is scary and frustrating, many great things are being posted too. New groups are forming, offering people a chance to stay connected, and the good news that individuals share seems to proliferate quickly. We need uplifting stories to counteract all the negative, and we’ve certainly gotten that in a heartwarming photograph that’s been making the rounds lately.
“You Don’t See Things Like This Every Day”
In the sweet photograph, these 92-year-old lovebirds are sheltering in place at home. He is applying hair dye to her roots while they hang out in the kitchen. It’s a striking photograph, maybe because these kinds of things are usually left to the professionals. Even when we love someone and we’ve been with them for years, personal grooming and things of that nature often happen behind closed doors. I’m reminded of the phrase about everyone liking sausage…but no one really wants to know how the sausage is made. It’s something of a reversal of the social distancing we’re dealing with now. We always leave home to do those things. We get the pros to handle it…far from prying eyes. But now that the social distancing order is to stay away from hairdressers, not husbands, this man is more than up for the challenge. Grandson Yael Shapira Avraham posted the photo to Facebook with the caption: “These are my grandparents, 92 years old (may we be healthy). In every situation, my grandfather is worried that my grandmother will feel well-groomed. You don’t see things like this every day.”
Heartwarming Photograph Lights Up The Internet
As you might expect, the internet has fallen in love with these two. It’s such a simple act of kindness and caring, calling to mind what true love is all about. What this time of isolation can teach us about our own humanity. All he wants for her is to feel pretty and put together. He was happy to make that happen for her just because he loves her. I suspect he loves her with or without roots, but that’s not the point of the exercise. The point was to make her feel happy, and loved, and pretty. I’d say mission accomplished.


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-03--College Student Makes Mask For The Deaf & Hard Of Hearing

When a health crisis like COVID-19 strikes , we all tend to look at the bigger picture .
Because of this , some groups might be overlooked .
For example , the deaf and hard of hearing community might find it difficult to understand someone speaking to them from behind a mask .
This is exactly what 21-year-old college senior Ashley Lawrence was worried about and she decided to do something about it .
( 1 ) Ashley is a student at Eastern Kentucky University who like millions of students across North America is now completing her studies from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard of hearing , she reflected on the challenges a patient with a hearing disability might face .
It would be scary enough dealing with the coronavirus , without the added challenge of not being able to understand what health care providers are saying .
And that ’ s when her idea kicked in .
Ashley designed a special face mask with a clear plastic area to expose the mouth .
This makes it easier for patients who depend on lip reading and American Sign Language ( ASL ) to communicate with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a huge population that was being looked over , ” says Ashley .
“ We ’ re all panicking right now and so a lot of people are just not being thought of .
So , I felt like it was very important that , even at a time like this , people need to have that communication.
” The special face mask is designed specifically for front line health workers caring for patients with hearing disabilities .
“ I just saw that people were making masks on Facebook for everyone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I was like , what about the deaf and hard of hearing population ?
” she says .
( 1 ) “ People who are profoundly deaf who use ASL as their primary mode of communication , ” says Ashley .
“ ASL is very big on facial expressions and it is part of the grammar .
So I don ’ t know if you have seen Virginia Moore on Andy Beshear ’ s things at five o ’ clock , but she ’ s very emotive , and if half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a mask then half of what you ’ re saying is being missed , so even if it ’ s not physically talking and just using ASL , then you need to have that kind of access.
” ( 1 ) Both Ashley and her mom are quite handy with a sewing machine .
They teamed up to put their skills to good use .
“ We started out making them with bedsheets that we had , and luckily bed sheets are big , ” says Ashley .
“ So , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re making them out of that .
Then , a couple months ago we needed plastic fabric for something .
And so , we have a whole roll of that , and the window is only this big so having a whole roll is very helpful so luckily we haven ’ t needed any supplies yet.
” Ashley used her understanding of the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community to do something to make their experience less overwhelming .
Between her knowledge and both her and her mom ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a design they could easily produce at home .
“ We ’ re trying different things too for people with cochlear implants and hearing aids if they can ’ t wrap around the ears , ” she says .
“ We ’ re making some that have around the head and around the neck.
” ( 1 ) In less than two days , the pair received dozens of orders from six states .
“ I ’ m not charging anything for them because I think that if you need them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think that you should have to pay for them , ” says Ashley .
“ So , we are sending them out for free whenever we have people asking for them and if they ’ re foreign , then maybe we ’ ll charge shipping , but other than that they ’ re completely free.
” ( 1 ) “ I am completely overwhelmed with the love you all have given these masks !
We ’ ve updated the pattern for the mask to be easier to make .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send you the pattern to make your own !
!
We are # TogetherKentucky , ” says Ashley on her Twitter page .
( 2 ) To order one of Lawrence ’ s masks , she can be reached at dhhmaskproject @ gmail.com and you can make donations to her Go Fund Me page .

When a health crisis like COVID-19 strikes, we all tend to look at the bigger picture. Because of this, some groups might be overlooked. For example, the deaf and hard of hearing community might find it difficult to understand someone speaking to them from behind a mask. This is exactly what 21-year-old college senior Ashley Lawrence was worried about and she decided to do something about it. (1)
Masks For Deaf COVID-19 Patients
Ashley is a student at Eastern Kentucky University who like millions of students across North America is now completing her studies from home. Studying education for the deaf and hard of hearing, she reflected on the challenges a patient with a hearing disability might face. It would be scary enough dealing with the coronavirus, without the added challenge of not being able to understand what health care providers are saying. And that’s when her idea kicked in.
Clear Plastic Masks For Deaf
Ashley designed a special face mask with a clear plastic area to expose the mouth. This makes it easier for patients who depend on lip reading and American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with their caregivers.
“I felt like there was a huge population that was being looked over,” says Ashley. “We’re all panicking right now and so a lot of people are just not being thought of. So, I felt like it was very important that, even at a time like this, people need to have that communication.”
The special face mask is designed specifically for front line health workers caring for patients with hearing disabilities. “I just saw that people were making masks on Facebook for everyone to have instead of the throwaway masks, and I was like, what about the deaf and hard of hearing population?” she says. (1)
Masks For Deaf Provide Personal Touch
“People who are profoundly deaf who use ASL as their primary mode of communication,” says Ashley. “ASL is very big on facial expressions and it is part of the grammar. So I don’t know if you have seen Virginia Moore on Andy Beshear’s things at five o’clock, but she’s very emotive, and if half of that is gone because you’re wearing a mask then half of what you’re saying is being missed, so even if it’s not physically talking and just using ASL, then you need to have that kind of access.” (1)
Customized Masks For Deaf
Both Ashley and her mom are quite handy with a sewing machine. They teamed up to put their skills to good use. “We started out making them with bedsheets that we had, and luckily bed sheets are big,” says Ashley. “So, we have two or three sets so we’re making them out of that. Then, a couple months ago we needed plastic fabric for something. And so, we have a whole roll of that, and the window is only this big so having a whole roll is very helpful so luckily we haven’t needed any supplies yet.”
Ashley used her understanding of the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community to do something to make their experience less overwhelming. Between her knowledge and both her and her mom’s resourceful minds, they came up with a design they could easily produce at home. “We’re trying different things too for people with cochlear implants and hearing aids if they can’t wrap around the ears,” she says. “We’re making some that have around the head and around the neck.” (1)
Masks For Deaf Orders
In less than two days, the pair received dozens of orders from six states. “I’m not charging anything for them because I think that if you need them, then you need them and I don’t think that you should have to pay for them,” says Ashley. “So, we are sending them out for free whenever we have people asking for them and if they’re foreign, then maybe we’ll charge shipping, but other than that they’re completely free.” (1)
“I am completely overwhelmed with the love you all have given these masks! We’ve updated the pattern for the mask to be easier to make. We’d love to make you some or send you the pattern to make your own!! We are #TogetherKentucky,” says Ashley on her Twitter page. (2)
To order one of Lawrence’s masks, she can be reached at dhhmaskproject@gmail.com and you can make donations to her Go Fund Me page.


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-03--Zoo Shares Adorable Pictures Of Orangutans Playing With Their Otter Friends

Pictures shared by a zoo in Belgium are proving that friendship knows no bounds , even in the animal kingdom .
An exhibit at Pairi Daiza park in Brugelette houses an unusual pairing of species : orangutans and otters .
While the unlikely companions might not enjoy such playdates in the wild , they ’ ve formed a special bond with each other at the zoo .
The Sumatran orangutans at Pairi Daiza first met their new neighbors with a change in their exhibit .
The zoo decided to run the river belonging to the Asian small-clawed otters through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t take long for both species to get curious .
Since enrichment is a key part of the happiness and wellbeing of any animal kept in captivity , sharing the exhibit was a perfect way to make things interesting .
The pictures taken by the Pairi Daiza zoo show just how companionable the two families have become .
In one photo , the youngest orangutan Berani appears to play a game of hide-and-seek with one of the otters .
Peering up from a wooden plank as Berani looks down , the otter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another picture shows the eldest parent of Berani , Ujian , entertaining a group of nearly 8 otters as they all stand before him .
While seemingly the stuff of storybooks , a zoo spokesman notes the decision was also a scientific one .
“ Two factors are very important for the well being of an animal in captivity : the size of his enclosure , but also the quality of his enclosure , ” said Mathieu Goedfroy of Pairi Daiza zoo .
“ This means that an animal – and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with whom humans share 97 percent of their DNA – must be entertained , occupied , challenged and kept busy mentally , emotionally and physically at all times.
” The keepers have a solid program of riddles , puzzles , mind games , and activities to keep the hairy orange apes stimulated .
Adding the otters into the mix was an added benefit for both parties .
( 1 ) At Pairi Daiza , about 7,000 animals from around the world call the zoo their home .
Sumatran orangutans are under threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7,000 left in the natural habitats .
Rapid deforestation , poaching , and destruction of their home make these primates a critically endangered species .
Pairi Daiza does its part by providing education about these intelligent creatures .
They also participate in scientific research and breeding programs to protect the species .
( 2 ) Because of their high intelligence and communicative body language , creating a mixed-species exhibit truly makes the orangutans happy and engaged .
Goedfroy notes that the Asian small-clawed otters share the enthusiasm .
The otters “ really enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orangutan island to go and play with their big , furry friends , ” he says .
“ It makes life more fun and interesting for both animal species , which makes it a very successful experiment.
” ( 1 ) The Pair Daiza zoo ’ s pictures illustrate how unlikely groups can become friends , forming bonds that transcend species .
This is a key lesson that all of humanity could learn from to enrich their lives for the better .

Pictures shared by a zoo in Belgium are proving that friendship knows no bounds, even in the animal kingdom. An exhibit at Pairi Daiza park in Brugelette houses an unusual pairing of species: orangutans and otters. While the unlikely companions might not enjoy such playdates in the wild, they’ve formed a special bond with each other at the zoo.
Zoo Pictures Happy Family Life
The Sumatran orangutans at Pairi Daiza first met their new neighbors with a change in their exhibit. The zoo decided to run the river belonging to the Asian small-clawed otters through the apes’ territory, and it didn’t take long for both species to get curious. Since enrichment is a key part of the happiness and wellbeing of any animal kept in captivity, sharing the exhibit was a perfect way to make things interesting.
The pictures taken by the Pairi Daiza zoo show just how companionable the two families have become. In one photo, the youngest orangutan Berani appears to play a game of hide-and-seek with one of the otters. Peering up from a wooden plank as Berani looks down, the otter is equally inquisitive of his larger friend. Another picture shows the eldest parent of Berani, Ujian, entertaining a group of nearly 8 otters as they all stand before him. While seemingly the stuff of storybooks, a zoo spokesman notes the decision was also a scientific one.
“Two factors are very important for the well being of an animal in captivity: the size of his enclosure, but also the quality of his enclosure,” said Mathieu Goedfroy of Pairi Daiza zoo. “This means that an animal – and this is even more the case of orangutans, with whom humans share 97 percent of their DNA – must be entertained, occupied, challenged and kept busy mentally, emotionally and physically at all times.” The keepers have a solid program of riddles, puzzles, mind games, and activities to keep the hairy orange apes stimulated. Adding the otters into the mix was an added benefit for both parties. (1)
Making Zoo Life Fun
At Pairi Daiza, about 7,000 animals from around the world call the zoo their home. Sumatran orangutans are under threat in the wild, with only about 7,000 left in the natural habitats. Rapid deforestation, poaching, and destruction of their home make these primates a critically endangered species. Pairi Daiza does its part by providing education about these intelligent creatures. They also participate in scientific research and breeding programs to protect the species. (2)
Because of their high intelligence and communicative body language, creating a mixed-species exhibit truly makes the orangutans happy and engaged. Goedfroy notes that the Asian small-clawed otters share the enthusiasm. The otters “really enjoy getting out of the water on the orangutan island to go and play with their big, furry friends,” he says. “It makes life more fun and interesting for both animal species, which makes it a very successful experiment.” (1)
The Pair Daiza zoo’s pictures illustrate how unlikely groups can become friends, forming bonds that transcend species. This is a key lesson that all of humanity could learn from to enrich their lives for the better.


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-03--Fitness Trainer Leads Neighbors In Group Workout During Lockdown In Spain

The day that Spain went into lockdown to stop the spread of the Coronavirus , everything changed .
As one of the first countries to do so , we in other parts of the world watched with bated breath .
All of a sudden , going to the gym was no longer an option .
In fact for many people , leaving their own front door became a hurdle in and of itself .
But a local trainer named Gonzalo from a gym called Sano Sevilla Los Bermejales in Seville had a plan : He ’ d just teach his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex !
So that first day of lockdown he just went for it , and the whole complex joined in with him .
Video shows Gonzalo on the grass roof of one of the outbuildings , demonstrating squats and plenty more as his neighbors follow along from their own balconies .
Some are still wearing their jammies , but everyone is wearing a smile .
You can catch the video here : https : //youtu.be/3kTA9Ns1fZQ This story is so inspiring because it shines a spotlight on the fact that we ’ re such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and many of us depend on our gym time for a bit of socialization in addition to our health and wellness routine .
And group exercise instructors need their people too… the tribe that comes to support them… though the intention is really to support the tribe .
It becomes a tight-knit group , people who lean on one another and hold each other accountable .
When life throws us a curveball , if we want to keep that community together – that connection going – we must pivot .
Change direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before us .
Gonzalo did exactly that , and his whole community of neighbors rose up to meet him there… to fight through the obstacle together .
Lockdown is tough .
It doesn ’ t seem like it would be that hard to just not go outside , but the pendulum swings quickly into uber lazy territory .
It becomes all too easy to kick back in your sofa groove with more cheesy poofs and reruns of Bojack Horseman .
But this is actually the time to really drill down on your health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and get your cardio in .
A healthy immune system is key to getting through this unscathed , and there are a hundred ways for you to build up your strength .
Reverse lunges with Gonzalo on your balcony are a fantastic way to start .

The day that Spain went into lockdown to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, everything changed. As one of the first countries to do so, we in other parts of the world watched with bated breath. All of a sudden, going to the gym was no longer an option. In fact, for many people, leaving their own front door became a hurdle in and of itself.
But a local trainer named Gonzalo from a gym called Sano Sevilla Los Bermejales in Seville had a plan: He’d just teach his neighbors from the rooftop of his apartment complex! So that first day of lockdown he just went for it, and the whole complex joined in with him. Video shows Gonzalo on the grass roof of one of the outbuildings, demonstrating squats and plenty more as his neighbors follow along from their own balconies. Some are still wearing their jammies, but everyone is wearing a smile.
Gonzalo For The Win
This story is so inspiring because it shines a spotlight on the fact that we’re such social creatures. We need each other, and many of us depend on our gym time for a bit of socialization in addition to our health and wellness routine. And group exercise instructors need their people too… the tribe that comes to support them… though the intention is really to support the tribe. It becomes a tight-knit group, people who lean on one another and hold each other accountable. When life throws us a curveball, if we want to keep that community together – that connection going – we must pivot. Change direction, and get through whatever obstacle is before us.
Gonzalo did exactly that, and his whole community of neighbors rose up to meet him there… to fight through the obstacle together.
Lockdown is tough. It doesn’t seem like it would be that hard to just not go outside, but the pendulum swings quickly into uber lazy territory. It becomes all too easy to kick back in your sofa groove with more cheesy poofs and reruns of Bojack Horseman. But this is actually the time to really drill down on your health and wellness routine. Eat your veggies, and get your cardio in. A healthy immune system is key to getting through this unscathed, and there are a hundred ways for you to build up your strength. Reverse lunges with Gonzalo on your balcony are a fantastic way to start.


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-03--Chris Hemsworth Makes Workout App Available For Free

These are unprecedented times we ’ re living in .
I ’ m not just talking about the pandemic sweeping the globe , I ’ m also talking about all the free stuff that ’ s on offer right now from the health and wellness sector .
With lockdowns becoming a way of life for people in countries near and far , boredom is setting in .
Anxiety too .
But hey , do you know what really helps with boredom and anxiety ?
A great workout !
A nice , cleansing sweat .
A little meditation sesh .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered straight to your living room .
Well , we ’ re all in luck .
Chris Hemsworth is now sharing a free 6-week trial of his fabulous workout app Centr , and you ’ ve just got to get in on this !
As an Australian actor and heartthrob , he ’ s no stranger to the spotlight .
Part of his job is looking good , and though he ’ s certainly been gifted with a lovely canvas , it takes a team of people to make sure every inch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows this better than him , so he thought to capitalize on that : share his team with all of us .
Why keep them in the shadows , when they ’ re the ones with all the ideas and moves ?
So Centr was born .
Offering a whole body approach to fitness , Centr is an app that supports with everything you need .
Train , eat and live better with diet and nutrition information , recipes , workouts , mind/body exercises , meditation and much more .
The app boasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influencers… chefs , dietitians , coaches , and mental health professionals who work with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond .
Look for accountability and support in a complete health and wellness package that fits in the palm of your hand .
That ’ s Centr , brought to us by Chris Hemsworth , and now thanks to this lockdown , it ’ s all available for 6 weeks free of charge .
If you ’ re serious about making some healthy changes in your life , and this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act on it , do yourself a favor and download this app .
It only takes 21 days to form a new habit , and with Centr you ’ ve got about 45 to make a whole lot of headway toward the new super version of you .
Every day we have an opportunity to wake up and make a change .
This app will still be there long after the pandemic is over… will your love handles still be there too ?
Learn more about Centr and get signed up right @ @ @ @ @

These are unprecedented times we’re living in. I’m not just talking about the pandemic sweeping the globe, I’m also talking about all the free stuff that’s on offer right now from the health and wellness sector.
With lockdowns becoming a way of life for people in countries near and far, boredom is setting in. Anxiety too. But hey, do you know what really helps with boredom and anxiety? A great workout! A nice, cleansing sweat. A little meditation sesh. Some good old fashioned self-love and care, delivered straight to your living room.
Well, we’re all in luck. Chris Hemsworth is now sharing a free 6-week trial of his fabulous workout app Centr, and you’ve just got to get in on this!
Who Is Chris Hemsworth?
As an Australian actor and heartthrob, he’s no stranger to the spotlight. Part of his job is looking good, and though he’s certainly been gifted with a lovely canvas, it takes a team of people to make sure every inch of him is tip top. No one knows this better than him, so he thought to capitalize on that: share his team with all of us. Why keep them in the shadows, when they’re the ones with all the ideas and moves? So Centr was born.
What Is Centr?
Offering a whole body approach to fitness, Centr is an app that supports with everything you need. Train, eat and live better with diet and nutrition information, recipes, workouts, mind/body exercises, meditation and much more. The app boasts a team of 23 health and wellness influencers… chefs, dietitians, coaches, and mental health professionals who work with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond.
Look for accountability and support in a complete health and wellness package that fits in the palm of your hand. That’s Centr, brought to us by Chris Hemsworth, and now thanks to this lockdown, it’s all available for 6 weeks free of charge. If you’re serious about making some healthy changes in your life, and this time at home is giving you the space to act on it, do yourself a favor and download this app. It only takes 21 days to form a new habit, and with Centr you’ve got about 45 to make a whole lot of headway toward the new super version of you. Every day we have an opportunity to wake up and make a change.
This app will still be there long after the pandemic is over… will your love handles still be there too?
Learn more about Centr and get signed up right here: https://centr.com/join-us


healthyholisticliving--2020-04-03--Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

You know what sounds really delicious right about now ?
I ’ m thinking apples and cinnamon , fresh from the oven , all warm and gooey .
With flaky , buttery dough , and covered with sweet maple syrup glaze , and small like a cupcake .
No silly , not small so we can stick with our diet… small so we can eat five of them and not feel guilty so guilty about it !
If you ’ re sheltering in place at home and looking for something in a warm , sweet comfort food , you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These apple cinnamon roll cupcakes are just the ticket for putting something warm and yummy in your tummy , and don ’ t even get me started on how delicious they make the whole house smell !
There ’ s nothing like a warm , cozy home that smells like heaven , especially when you ’ ve got nowhere else to be .
And because these use refrigerated crescent roll dough , they are super quick and easy to make so you can get right back to your couch surfing and Netflixing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ midday snack , or desert in the evening .
Any time is a great time for apple cinnamon roll cupcakes !
• None 1/3 cup sugar ( you can use half light brown sugar and half white granulated sugar ) • None Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and set aside .
This recipe makes 8 rolls .
• None Pop the dough tube , and on a sheet of parchment paper , unroll the crescent dough sheet .
If you are using crescent rolls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a large rectangle .
Brush the dough with about 2 tablespoons of melted butter ( reserve the remaining butter for later use ) .
• None Stir together cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over melted butter .
Scatter diced apples on top .
• None Beginning on the long side of the rectangle , roll the dough into a log .
• None Slice the log into 8 ( 1 ½ inch ) pieces .
Arrange the pieces in the paper liners .
• None Brush the top with melted butter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
If it starts browning too quickly , you can tent the top with aluminum foil to slow it down .
• None Stir together glaze ingredients and spoon over slightly cooled cupcakes .