healthyholisticliving--2020-03-26--9 Reasons Why Being Alone Is Good For You

Spending time alone is complicated .
Some love it , while others hate it .
Solitary time is often debated as an introvert vs. extrovert battle , an existential crisis loaded with opinions .
Connotations of a lonely hermit living in the woods or a moody loner don ’ t shed the most favorable light on being alone , either .
The truth is that alone time is actually good for you , and scientific studies are proving the point .
We humans are more connected now than we have been at any other time in history .
Our pocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , allowing us to communicate with family , friends , or strangers thousands of miles away .
While this connectivity can ease our loneliness , the truth is that more of us live alone than ever before .
In 1960 , 6.9 million Americans lived in a single-person household ; in 2019 , 36.48 million of us were flying solo .
How can we make the best of time with ourselves and avoid feeling lonely ?
Whether you live alone or not , carving out some “ me time ” has some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ ll have just as much fun alone .
When deciding whether to do an activity alone–like going to see a movie or play a round of mini-golf–we often perceive we won ’ t have a good time .
A scientific study by a University of Maryland business professor , Rebecca Ratner , showed it ’ s all in our heads .
It ’ s not that you won ’ t enjoy yourself , it ’ s that you think others will perceive you as lonely .
The reality is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun solo as you would in a group , provided you allow yourself to enjoy the activity .
( 2 ) 2 .
Your brain will have a chance to recharge .
Our brains are constantly bombarded by stimuli .
Like any other part of your body , the brain needs time to rest , replenish , and recharge .
According to Sherrie Bourg Carter , Psy.D.
, “ being by yourself with no distractions gives you the chance to clear your mind , focus , and think more clearly.
” ( 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own hobbies and interests freely .
When you ’ re part of a group , you naturally take the desires of everyone into account when planning an activity .
Alone time allows you to narrow in and focus on what you want to do , allowing you to deeply engage in your creative endeavors .
According to the concept of “ social loafing , ” people tend to work harder alone rather than in a group .
This is because there ’ s no one else to rely on but yourself ; you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the work .
Working alone can thus make you more focused and productive .
( 4 ) 5 .
If you ’ re an introvert , being alone will make you happier .
While alone time is good for all personality types , introverts especially need solitary space to be happy .
Since social exchanges can easily tire them out , spending time by themselves with their own thoughts is necessary for their wellbeing .
Being by yourself allows you to think undistractedly .
This is the perfect opportunity to turn inwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you ’ d like to improve .
Quiet time will help you navigate the inner workings of your mind with no one to interrupt your thoughts .
7 .
Being alone can ease depression , especially in teens .
While being lonely isn ’ t healthy for your mental wellbeing , being alone can be .
Adolescents especially need time alone , according to a 1997 study by emotional development expert Reed W. Larson .
The study showed that adolescents “ who spent an intermediate amount of their time alone were better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great deal of time alone.
” ( 5 ) 8 .
You ’ ll enjoy your relationships more and forge new ones .
If absence makes the heart grow fonder , alone time can enrich your relationships by giving you a chance to miss your loved ones–even if only for a few hours .
You may also find that being alone during activities provides opportunities to meet new people , as you ’ re not distracted by anyone in your present company .
Cultivating the ability to be alone can increase your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being alone , ” and then enjoying your experience , helps you see that solitary activities are actually enjoyable .
This will decrease anxiety and sadness during times you ’ re by yourself .
Whether you find yourself alone by choice or by circumstance , take the time to savor the moment .
You may realize that you enjoy it more than you thought you would .

Spending time alone is complicated. Some love it, while others hate it. Solitary time is often debated as an introvert vs. extrovert battle, an existential crisis loaded with opinions. Connotations of a lonely hermit living in the woods or a moody loner don’t shed the most favorable light on being alone, either. The truth is that alone time is actually good for you, and scientific studies are proving the point.
We humans are more connected now than we have been at any other time in history. Our pocket computers can connect us instantly with the world, allowing us to communicate with family, friends, or strangers thousands of miles away. While this connectivity can ease our loneliness, the truth is that more of us live alone than ever before. In 1960, 6.9 million Americans lived in a single-person household; in 2019, 36.48 million of us were flying solo. How can we make the best of time with ourselves and avoid feeling lonely? Whether you live alone or not, carving out some “me time” has some surprising benefits. (1)
1. You’ll have just as much fun alone.
When deciding whether to do an activity alone–like going to see a movie or play a round of mini-golf–we often perceive we won’t have a good time. A scientific study by a University of Maryland business professor, Rebecca Ratner, showed it’s all in our heads. It’s not that you won’t enjoy yourself, it’s that you think others will perceive you as lonely. The reality is that you’ll have just as much fun solo as you would in a group, provided you allow yourself to enjoy the activity. (2)
2. Your brain will have a chance to recharge.
Our brains are constantly bombarded by stimuli. Like any other part of your body, the brain needs time to rest, replenish, and recharge. According to Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D., “being by yourself with no distractions gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus, and think more clearly.” (3)
3. You can pursue your own hobbies and interests freely.
When you’re part of a group, you naturally take the desires of everyone into account when planning an activity. Alone time allows you to narrow in and focus on what you want to do, allowing you to deeply engage in your creative endeavors.
4. You’ll work harder.
According to the concept of “social loafing,” people tend to work harder alone rather than in a group. This is because there’s no one else to rely on but yourself; you’re the only person that can do the work. Working alone can thus make you more focused and productive. (4)
5. If you’re an introvert, being alone will make you happier.
While alone time is good for all personality types, introverts especially need solitary space to be happy. Since social exchanges can easily tire them out, spending time by themselves with their own thoughts is necessary for their wellbeing.
6. You’ll increase your personal growth.
Being by yourself allows you to think undistractedly. This is the perfect opportunity to turn inwards, reflecting on areas of your life that you’d like to improve. Quiet time will help you navigate the inner workings of your mind with no one to interrupt your thoughts.
7. Being alone can ease depression, especially in teens.
While being lonely isn’t healthy for your mental wellbeing, being alone can be. Adolescents especially need time alone, according to a 1997 study by emotional development expert Reed W. Larson. The study showed that adolescents “who spent an intermediate amount of their time alone were better adjusted than those who spent little or a great deal of time alone.” (5)
8. You’ll enjoy your relationships more and forge new ones.
If absence makes the heart grow fonder, alone time can enrich your relationships by giving you a chance to miss your loved ones–even if only for a few hours. You may also find that being alone during activities provides opportunities to meet new people, as you’re not distracted by anyone in your present company.
9. You’ll feel more self-assured.
Cultivating the ability to be alone can increase your confidence. Removing the fear of “being alone,” and then enjoying your experience, helps you see that solitary activities are actually enjoyable. This will decrease anxiety and sadness during times you’re by yourself.
Whether you find yourself alone by choice or by circumstance, take the time to savor the moment. You may realize that you enjoy it more than you thought you would.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-30--Coronavirus Can Survive On Shoes For Up To 5 Days, Experts Warn

Coronavirus has a new way to come into your home–and it ’ s a way you probably haven ’ t thought about .
Shoes are a growing cause of concern for people .
We wear them everywhere , and they are rarely–if ever–washed .
Here , we ’ ve broken down the important facts about shoes , germs , and disinfection to set your mind at ease .
Perhaps a better question is why not shoes ?
Carol Winner , a public health specialist says that “ coronavirus can remain active on some surfaces , like plastic , for up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
viruses deposited on shoes made of plastic could retain the active virus for a few days.
” Dr. Mary E. Schmidt , an infectious disease specialist , says she believes the life of the virus on surfaces such as shoes could be greater–five days , if not more .
A microbiologist , Charles Gerba , released a study in 2008 about how shoe soles carry much higher levels of bacteria than the fabrics of a shoe .
There are over 421,000 different germs and bacteria on an average shoe sole .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Emergency Medicine doctor Cwanza Pickney thinks that knowing about the large amount of bacteria on shoe soles may cause undue panic .
She urges people to consider all the facts ; “ Instead of worrying , just be mindful that many of these bacteria influence and allow us to develop immunity , ” she says .
While Dr .
Winner does advise caution and sanitary precautions , she also believes that we can not become overwhelmed by the specter of shoes .
“ Pragmatically , they are on the body part furthest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We do know that the greatest risk of transmission is person to person , not shoe to person.
” COVID-19 , like many viruses , is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets produced through one person , that then land on someone else .
Those drops , if they make it to the nose or mouth , can be inhaled and then infect the lungs .
So , the distance between the foot and the face does make it much more unlikely to be a form of transmission .
But don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2015 , the American Journal of Infection Control published a study of twenty-six medical students–people more aware of germ transmission than average .
Those students touched their faces an average of 23 times an hour–and 44 % of those touches were on a mucous membrane – meaning the eyes , nose , and/or face .
If you touch your shoes , or a surface your shoes have touched , sooner or later , that virus could be making its way to your face .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the best–and easiest–ways to disinfect shoes .
But throwing them in the washing machine , if at all possible , is also a good strategy .
Soap and water are better than nothing but should be avoided if there are any other options , according to Dr .
WInner .
If you were to pick a mantra for shoe disinfecting though ?
“ Less cleaning and more air , ” is her recommendation .
She also reminds us that shoes that are made from natural materials , like leather , could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an alcohol wipe .
So , consider the fiber of the shoe before you start scrubbing .
Dr. Georgine Nanos is an epidemiologist , which means she studies the spread of disease .
She says that a washing machine is ideal for killing the virus on clothes .
In fact , washing machines are so safe because “ the virus is killed by washing your clothes over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
” This means that once you remove your clothes from the washer or dryer , the virus will not be lingering there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with disinfecting shoes , use common sense .
“ However , please don ’ t ruin all your clothes by boiling everything , as that will add more stress and anxiety that none of us need right now , ” Dr. Nanos says .
Plus , now is not the time that any of us want to be clothes shopping .
( 4 ) Perhaps , after all this , you struggle to match which product to use .
What wipes will save your shoes and kill COVID-19 effectively ?
Not to fear–The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what products will serve you best in fighting COVID-19 in your own home .
Stay safe and clean !
( 5 )

Coronavirus has a new way to come into your home–and it’s a way you probably haven’t thought about. Shoes are a growing cause of concern for people. We wear them everywhere, and they are rarely–if ever–washed. Here, we’ve broken down the important facts about shoes, germs, and disinfection to set your mind at ease.
Why Shoes?
Perhaps a better question is why not shoes? Carol Winner, a public health specialist says that “coronavirus can remain active on some surfaces, like plastic, for up to two to three days. . . viruses deposited on shoes made of plastic could retain the active virus for a few days.”
Dr. Mary E. Schmidt, an infectious disease specialist, says she believes the life of the virus on surfaces such as shoes could be greater–five days, if not more.
A microbiologist, Charles Gerba, released a study in 2008 about how shoe soles carry much higher levels of bacteria than the fabrics of a shoe. There are over 421,000 different germs and bacteria on an average shoe sole. (1)
How Scared Should I Be?
Emergency Medicine doctor Cwanza Pickney thinks that knowing about the large amount of bacteria on shoe soles may cause undue panic. She urges people to consider all the facts; “Instead of worrying, just be mindful that many of these bacteria influence and allow us to develop immunity,” she says.
While Dr. Winner does advise caution and sanitary precautions, she also believes that we cannot become overwhelmed by the specter of shoes. “Pragmatically, they are on the body part furthest from our face,” she says. “We do know that the greatest risk of transmission is person to person, not shoe to person.” COVID-19, like many viruses, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets produced through one person, that then land on someone else. Those drops, if they make it to the nose or mouth, can be inhaled and then infect the lungs. So, the distance between the foot and the face does make it much more unlikely to be a form of transmission. But don’t let that make you complacent. In 2015, the American Journal of Infection Control published a study of twenty-six medical students–people more aware of germ transmission than average. Those students touched their faces an average of 23 times an hour–and 44% of those touches were on a mucous membrane – meaning the eyes, nose, and/or face. If you touch your shoes, or a surface your shoes have touched, sooner or later, that virus could be making its way to your face. (1, 2, 3)
What Can I Do?
Alcohol wipes are one of the best–and easiest–ways to disinfect shoes. But throwing them in the washing machine, if at all possible, is also a good strategy. Soap and water are better than nothing but should be avoided if there are any other options, according to Dr. WInner. If you were to pick a mantra for shoe disinfecting though? “Less cleaning and more air,” is her recommendation. She also reminds us that shoes that are made from natural materials, like leather, could have their finish damaged by the chemicals in an alcohol wipe. So, consider the fiber of the shoe before you start scrubbing.
Dr. Georgine Nanos is an epidemiologist, which means she studies the spread of disease. She says that a washing machine is ideal for killing the virus on clothes. In fact, washing machines are so safe because “the virus is killed by washing your clothes over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.” This means that once you remove your clothes from the washer or dryer, the virus will not be lingering there to infect you. But, as with disinfecting shoes, use common sense. “However, please don’t ruin all your clothes by boiling everything, as that will add more stress and anxiety that none of us need right now,” Dr. Nanos says. Plus, now is not the time that any of us want to be clothes shopping. (4)
Further Reading
Perhaps, after all this, you struggle to match which product to use. What wipes will save your shoes and kill COVID-19 effectively? Not to fear–The American Chemistry Council has compiled a list of what products will serve you best in fighting COVID-19 in your own home. Stay safe and clean! (5)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-30--Worker NYC Hospital Where Staff Wore TRASH BAGS Dies At 48

As the U.S. continues to battle the coronavirus , one nurse ’ s death is being blamed on a shortage of safety gear .
According to fellow workers , team members resorted to wearing trash bags to try to protect themselves from contracting the virus .
( 1 ) A Facebook post of three Mount Sinai West hospital nurses wearing trash bags shows the desperation of hospital workers trying to stay healthy .
Their needs can ’ t be overlooked as they work face to face with those already affected by the virus .
The caption for the post reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHOLE HOSPITAL.
” ( 1 ) Staff at the hospital believe the shortage of safety gear caused the death of 48-year-old Kious Kelly , Nursing Manager .
He tested positive for the virus and then later died at Mount Sinai ’ s flagship hospital .
( 1 ) “ Kious didn ’ t deserve this , ” one nurse says .
“ The hospital should be held responsible .
The hospital killed him.
” ( 1 ) According to a nurse at the hospital , they ’ ve had issues with supplies for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hide our own supplies and go to other units looking for stuff because even the supply room would have nothing most of the time , ” she says .
“ But when we started getting COVID patients , it became critical.
” ( 1 ) Nurses at the hospital say they had no choice but to use the same protective safety gear whether they treated patients with or without the virus .
Without spare gowns available , they found their only alternative was to wear trash bags in a desperate effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
( 1 ) “ We had to reuse our masks , gowns and the [ face ] shield , ” says one nurse .
“ We were told , ‘ You get one for the entire time until this is over.
’ ” The same nurse explained that other items were “ disappearing through the night ” including hand sanitizer , masks and wipes .
( 1 ) The hospital spokeswoman , Lucia Lee disagrees with claims the hospital did not provide the basic equipment staff need to protect themselves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all New York area hospitals , and while we do — and have had — enough protective equipment for our staff , we will all need more in the weeks ahead , ” says Lee .
( 2 ) Meanwhile Kelly ’ s sister says she “ absolutely ” believes he caught the virus while working at the hospital .
“ He told me he had the coronavirus , ” says Marya Sherron of Indianapolis .
“ He was in ICU but he thought he was OK .
He didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” However , Kelly suffered from what his sister describes as “ severe asthma.
” ( 1 ) Only Able To Text His Sister She said once he was admitted to hospital he was too ill to communicate with her other than texts .
“ I tried to get him several times , but I was told by the doctors that he was on a ventilator , ” she says .
The hospital let her know he might not pull through and the next day he passed away .
“ We are broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) The nature of his death has Kelly ’ s family wanting to “ hold the powers that be accountable.
” His sister also stressed , “ what an amazing person my brother was.
” She wants the city of New York to know this .
( 1 ) In a statement , the hospital said , “ We are deeply saddened by the passing of a beloved member of our nursing staff.
” Kelly was a highly respected member of the team and was acknowledged by those he cared for at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website recently posted a letter referring to Kelly as an “ angel.
” The letter was written by the son of a patient treated at the hospital for cancer .
“ Assistant Nurse Manager Kious Jordan Kelly , RN , showed my mom and us empathy and compassion that helped us get through the weekend and what was to come , ” Joseph Fuoco wrote .
“ He went above and beyond and is an asset to the hospital.
” ( 1 ) “ This growing crisis has already devastated hundreds of families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American heroes , ” the hospital network says .
“ Today , we lost another hero — a compassionate colleague , friend , and selfless caregiver.
” ( 1 ) Our thoughts are with his family and the caregivers who continue to work tirelessly against the virus .

As the U.S. continues to battle the coronavirus, one nurse’s death is being blamed on a shortage of safety gear. According to fellow workers, team members resorted to wearing trash bags to try to protect themselves from contracting the virus. (1)
Trash Bags As Hospital Gowns
A Facebook post of three Mount Sinai West hospital nurses wearing trash bags shows the desperation of hospital workers trying to stay healthy. Their needs can’t be overlooked as they work face to face with those already affected by the virus. The caption for the post reads: “NO MORE GOWNS IN THE WHOLE HOSPITAL.” (1)
Staff at the hospital believe the shortage of safety gear caused the death of 48-year-old Kious Kelly, Nursing Manager. He tested positive for the virus and then later died at Mount Sinai’s flagship hospital. (1)
“Kious didn’t deserve this,” one nurse says. “The hospital should be held responsible. The hospital killed him.” (1)
Supply Issues For A Year
According to a nurse at the hospital, they’ve had issues with supplies for about a year. “We had to hide our own supplies and go to other units looking for stuff because even the supply room would have nothing most of the time,” she says. “But when we started getting COVID patients, it became critical.” (1)
Nurses at the hospital say they had no choice but to use the same protective safety gear whether they treated patients with or without the virus. Without spare gowns available, they found their only alternative was to wear trash bags in a desperate effort to try to stem the spread of the virus. (1)
“We had to reuse our masks, gowns and the [face] shield,” says one nurse. “We were told, ‘You get one for the entire time until this is over.’” The same nurse explained that other items were “disappearing through the night” including hand sanitizer, masks and wipes. (1)
The hospital spokeswoman, Lucia Lee disagrees with claims the hospital did not provide the basic equipment staff need to protect themselves. “This crisis is straining the resources of all New York area hospitals, and while we do — and have had — enough protective equipment for our staff, we will all need more in the weeks ahead,” says Lee. (2)
Nurse Had Severe Asthma
Meanwhile Kelly’s sister says she “absolutely” believes he caught the virus while working at the hospital. “He told me he had the coronavirus,” says Marya Sherron of Indianapolis. “He was in ICU but he thought he was OK. He didn’t think it was serious as it was.” However, Kelly suffered from what his sister describes as “severe asthma.” (1)
“His death could have been prevented,” Sherron posted on Facebook. “I’m angry. He was healthy.” (2)
Only Able To Text His Sister
She said once he was admitted to hospital he was too ill to communicate with her other than texts. “I tried to get him several times, but I was told by the doctors that he was on a ventilator,” she says. The hospital let her know he might not pull through and the next day he passed away. “We are broken,” she says. (1)
The nature of his death has Kelly’s family wanting to “hold the powers that be accountable.” His sister also stressed, “what an amazing person my brother was.” She wants the city of New York to know this. (1)
Highly Respected Caregiver
In a statement, the hospital said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of a beloved member of our nursing staff.” Kelly was a highly respected member of the team and was acknowledged by those he cared for at the hospital. (1)
The hospital website recently posted a letter referring to Kelly as an “angel.” The letter was written by the son of a patient treated at the hospital for cancer. “Assistant Nurse Manager Kious Jordan Kelly, RN, showed my mom and us empathy and compassion that helped us get through the weekend and what was to come,” Joseph Fuoco wrote. “He went above and beyond and is an asset to the hospital.” (1)
Nurses American Heroes
“This growing crisis has already devastated hundreds of families and turned our frontline professionals into true American heroes,” the hospital network says. “Today, we lost another hero — a compassionate colleague, friend, and selfless caregiver.” (1)
Our thoughts are with his family and the caregivers who continue to work tirelessly against the virus.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-30--10 Survival Skills Your Great-Grandparents Knew (That Most Of Us Have Forgotten)

Survival skills have increasingly become more of a hobby than a necessity in our modern era…ironically .
With all the resources of technology available to us–GPS , cell phones , and Google to name a few–our society has lost most of the common wisdom of past generations .
However , if COVID-19 has taught us anything , it ’ s that too much reliance on our modern conveniences can leave us vulnerable , panicked and confused when the unexpected strikes .
While a pandemic that essentially shuts down daily life is new to us , our great-grandparents were pros at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They lived through world wars and economic hardships where rationing was the order of the day .
The Great Depression , the worst economic disaster the U.S. has seen in modern times , taught generations how to get by with less .
Since experts predict that COVID-19 could last months with devastating impacts on the economy , we ’ d do well to learn some of the survival skills our great-grandparents knew .
( 1 ) When there wasn ’ t a grocery store on every corner , growing enough food to feed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garden wasn ’ t just for pretty flowers ; families grew their own vegetables and fruits and learned to do it efficiently .
This survival skill went beyond simple planting and watering .
Knowing how to test and understand the soil , rotate crops , germinate seeds , prune the plants , and eliminate pests was vital knowledge for a high yield .
( 2 ) While it ’ s recommended that people keep food staples on hand for emergencies , most don ’ t know how to prepare basic ingredients .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flour if you know what to do with them .
Generations past were pros at making homemade goods from basic , wholesome ingredients .
With no access to frozen pizzas or takeout restaurants , the survival skills of making bread and other staples served our great-grandparents well .
When resources are scarce , preserving food is vital to make the most out of crop yields .
Our great-grandparents knew how to take advantage of canning to store seasonal foods for the future .
This involves knowing how to properly prepare food , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their longevity .
Additionally , smoking , pickling , salting , drying , curing , and cellaring were essential survival skills that extended food supplies .
4 .
Waste Not Want Not The average American throws away 25 % of the food they buy .
In times past , this was not an option , and food was never wasted .
They cooked just enough to feed the family for the day , and any extra would be saved for later .
This saved money and avoided wasting resources that were not sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 2 ) Before over-the-counter cough medicines were available in every formulation , natural remedies were the first line of defense against sickness .
Whether it was using Willow Bark tea for natural pain relief , baking soda for bee stings , or raw honey for cuts and scrapes , our great-grandparents knew how to treat ailments with whatever was on hand .
( 3 ) Before smartphones and GPS , knowing basic orienteering was one of many survival skills that everyone knew .
Directions were given by east , west , north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could assist in more unknown terrain .
Knowing how to read a map was also a normal part of day-to-day life .
Sewing was a basic skill that all women–and single men–needed to know .
Making clothing for the family saved money .
So knowing how to read a pattern and sew a variety of stitches was common knowledge .
When clothes tore or ripped , generations past repaired them rather than throwing them away and buying new ones .
Making use of cheap , on-hand ingredients to make soap and other cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our great-grandparents .
Wood ash soap , for example , was an inexpensive way to create a homemade cleansing bar .
By simply mixing lye made from ashes and tallow or lard rendered from animal fat , soap could be made en masse to use for washing clothes , doing dishes , and bathing .
( 4 ) There were no giant boxes of Huggies for our great-grandparents to diaper their children .
An essential survival skill ?
Using cloth diapers that could be reused again and again was an easy way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no internet , families knew how to entertain themselves .
Whether it was gathering around the radio for a musical program or telling stories and playing outside , our great-grandparents didn ’ t need much to occupy their time .
This might be one of the survival skills our day needs the most .
Learning to be content with our present circumstances will help everyone get through even the hardest of times , just like our great-grandparents did .

Survival skills have increasingly become more of a hobby than a necessity in our modern era…ironically. With all the resources of technology available to us–GPS, cell phones, and Google to name a few–our society has lost most of the common wisdom of past generations. However, if COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that too much reliance on our modern conveniences can leave us vulnerable, panicked and confused when the unexpected strikes.
While a pandemic that essentially shuts down daily life is new to us, our great-grandparents were pros at making the best of difficult circumstances. They lived through world wars and economic hardships where rationing was the order of the day. The Great Depression, the worst economic disaster the U.S. has seen in modern times, taught generations how to get by with less. Since experts predict that COVID-19 could last months with devastating impacts on the economy, we’d do well to learn some of the survival skills our great-grandparents knew. (1)
1. Gardening For Food, Not Flowers
When there wasn’t a grocery store on every corner, growing enough food to feed your family was second nature. A garden wasn’t just for pretty flowers; families grew their own vegetables and fruits and learned to do it efficiently. This survival skill went beyond simple planting and watering. Knowing how to test and understand the soil, rotate crops, germinate seeds, prune the plants, and eliminate pests was vital knowledge for a high yield. (2)
2. Preparing Meals From Scratch
While it’s recommended that people keep food staples on hand for emergencies, most don’t know how to prepare basic ingredients. It’s great to have dry beans and flour if you know what to do with them. Generations past were pros at making homemade goods from basic, wholesome ingredients. With no access to frozen pizzas or takeout restaurants, the survival skills of making bread and other staples served our great-grandparents well.
3. Preserving Food – Canning and Other Methods
When resources are scarce, preserving food is vital to make the most out of crop yields. Our great-grandparents knew how to take advantage of canning to store seasonal foods for the future. This involves knowing how to properly prepare food, sterilize jars and seal them to ensure their longevity. Additionally, smoking, pickling, salting, drying, curing, and cellaring were essential survival skills that extended food supplies.
4. Waste Not Want Not
The average American throws away 25% of the food they buy. In times past, this was not an option, and food was never wasted. They cooked just enough to feed the family for the day, and any extra would be saved for later. This saved money and avoided wasting resources that were not sure to be available at any time. (2)
5. Natural First Aid Remedies
Before over-the-counter cough medicines were available in every formulation, natural remedies were the first line of defense against sickness. Whether it was using Willow Bark tea for natural pain relief, baking soda for bee stings, or raw honey for cuts and scrapes, our great-grandparents knew how to treat ailments with whatever was on hand. (3)
6. Navigations Sans Google Maps.
Before smartphones and GPS, knowing basic orienteering was one of many survival skills that everyone knew. Directions were given by east, west, north, or south, and a compass could assist in more unknown terrain. Knowing how to read a map was also a normal part of day-to-day life.
7. Sewing
Sewing was a basic skill that all women–and single men–needed to know. Making clothing for the family saved money. So knowing how to read a pattern and sew a variety of stitches was common knowledge. When clothes tore or ripped, generations past repaired them rather than throwing them away and buying new ones.
8. Making Cleaning Products
Making use of cheap, on-hand ingredients to make soap and other cleaning products was a standard survival skill of our great-grandparents. Wood ash soap, for example, was an inexpensive way to create a homemade cleansing bar. By simply mixing lye made from ashes and tallow or lard rendered from animal fat, soap could be made en masse to use for washing clothes, doing dishes, and bathing. (4)
9. Cloth Baby Diapers
There were no giant boxes of Huggies for our great-grandparents to diaper their children. An essential survival skill? Using cloth diapers that could be reused again and again was an easy way to save resources.
10. Entertainments
With no phones and no internet, families knew how to entertain themselves. Whether it was gathering around the radio for a musical program or telling stories and playing outside, our great-grandparents didn’t need much to occupy their time. This might be one of the survival skills our day needs the most. Learning to be content with our present circumstances will help everyone get through even the hardest of times, just like our great-grandparents did.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-30--‘I’ve Spent 27 Years In Solitary Confinement. Here Are Some Tips On Making The Best Use Of Time Alon

‘I’ve Spent 27 Years In Solitary Confinement. Here Are Some Tips On Making The Best Use Of Time Alone.’

What to Do with All of This Alone Time With much of the world on lockdown in an attempt to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus , many people have found themselves with more alone time than they know what to do with .
While it may be tempting to completely fill this period of being stuck at home with Netflix binges and scrolling through your phone , it ’ s actually a great opportunity to try something different : connecting with yourself .
That might sound really cheesy .
But normally , we live in a world with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re always supposed to be producing or doing something .
We ’ re inundated with endless media , and the news never stops .
But all of a sudden , we have to stay inside our home and limit contact with anyone we don ’ t live with .
Maybe instead of being a burden , this forced slowdown could be a blessing in disguise .
There may be no one better to share his perspective on alone time than Keith LaMar , who has spent 27 years in solitary confinement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row in an Ohio prison , shared his story with Mother Jones writer Samantha Michaels , and his insights are incredibly valuable .
( 1 ) There are some important differences between sheltering in place and solitary confinement , like access to the phone and internet , windows , being able to go outside to exercise , possibly living with your family or roommates , and a living space larger than LaMar ’ s bathroom-sized cell .
But he says that the two situations are similar .
( 1 ) LaMar describes solitary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
In both , people have gone from living their everyday lives to having everything come to a halt .
And without your normal tasks and schedule to distract you from yourself , LaMar says , “ You have to learn how to deal with yourself.
” ( 1 ) Learning to Deal with Yourself “ You ’ re running around , just like people do in your regular life , and now all of a sudden you ’ re confronted with yourself , and find that in a lot of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into yourself to occupy yourself .
Everything is outward-directed , ” LaMar told Michaels .
( 1 ) LaMar spends his alone time in ways designed to take him deeper into himself .
These activities include reading , writing , practicing yoga , meditating , painting , and working out .
He even became an author , writing a book called Condemned that relays his experience in the prison system .
( 1 , 2 ) Not every inmate has been able to adapt in the same way LaMar has .
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need inside of themselves .
( 1 ) “ I ’ ve watched quite a few people fall apart , lose their minds .
But I went in another direction .
So 27 years later I ’ m still sound in mind and body and spirit .
I attribute that to just reading and cultivating myself , ” LaMar said .
“ That ’ s the thing , when you ’ re thrown upon yourself , you realize you are more equipped than you realized .
A lot of the system keeps us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a good opportunity for people to tap into that.
” ( 1 ) Sitting with Yourself in the Alone Time My experiences have been extremely different than LaMar ’ s , but I can attest that his practices of confronting himself and seeking to know himself more deeply are powerful .
During my twenties , I was almost frozen by self-hatred .
It colored every one of my experiences and kept me from fully participating in my life .
At 25 , I joined an online meditation challenge and had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was as if all of the background noise in my head was turned off .
I could finally hear the negative messages to myself that I played on repeat all day long .
I realized that my brain was actively reinforcing hurtful messaging that I had received during childhood and carrying it through my adult life .
Sitting with myself in this way allowed me to recognize and reprogram the way I spoke to myself .
And it set me on a practice of meditation and yoga that has changed my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I ’ m avoiding alone time , it ’ s because I ’ m avoiding something within myself .
If I choose not to seek out my emotional wounds , I don ’ t give them a chance to heal .
And those things fester and hurt my relationships and the way I feel about myself .
But when I confront them , I am able to heal and move forward to live a healthier and more fulfilling life .
There ’ s nothing wrong with comforting yourself with Netflix or connecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re on lockdown .
But try to also set aside some time and space to be alone , to process what you ’ re feeling , and maybe even to confront yourself , as LaMar says .
It just might change your life .
Enjoy this yoga for anxiety to calm your mind and spend some time with yourself :

What to Do with All of This Alone Time
With much of the world on lockdown in an attempt to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, many people have found themselves with more alone time than they know what to do with. While it may be tempting to completely fill this period of being stuck at home with Netflix binges and scrolling through your phone, it’s actually a great opportunity to try something different: connecting with yourself.
That might sound really cheesy. But normally, we live in a world with a “hustle” mentality, where we’re always supposed to be producing or doing something. We’re inundated with endless media, and the news never stops. But all of a sudden, we have to stay inside our home and limit contact with anyone we don’t live with. Maybe instead of being a burden, this forced slowdown could be a blessing in disguise.
There may be no one better to share his perspective on alone time than Keith LaMar, who has spent 27 years in solitary confinement. LaMar, who is on death row in an Ohio prison, shared his story with Mother Jones writer Samantha Michaels, and his insights are incredibly valuable. (1)
There are some important differences between sheltering in place and solitary confinement, like access to the phone and internet, windows, being able to go outside to exercise, possibly living with your family or roommates, and a living space larger than LaMar’s bathroom-sized cell. But he says that the two situations are similar. (1)
LaMar describes solitary confinement as “being thrown upon yourself”. In both, people have gone from living their everyday lives to having everything come to a halt. And without your normal tasks and schedule to distract you from yourself, LaMar says, “You have to learn how to deal with yourself.” (1)
Learning to Deal with Yourself
“You’re running around, just like people do in your regular life, and now all of a sudden you’re confronted with yourself, and find that in a lot of cases you haven’t really put anything into yourself to occupy yourself. Everything is outward-directed,” LaMar told Michaels. (1)
LaMar spends his alone time in ways designed to take him deeper into himself. These activities include reading, writing, practicing yoga, meditating, painting, and working out. He even became an author, writing a book called Condemned that relays his experience in the prison system. (1, 2)
Not every inmate has been able to adapt in the same way LaMar has. But he believes that everyone already has what they need inside of themselves. (1)
“I’ve watched quite a few people fall apart, lose their minds. But I went in another direction. So 27 years later I’m still sound in mind and body and spirit. I attribute that to just reading and cultivating myself,” LaMar said. “That’s the thing, when you’re thrown upon yourself, you realize you are more equipped than you realized. A lot of the system keeps us from realizing our own power. It’s a good opportunity for people to tap into that.” (1)
Sitting with Yourself in the Alone Time
My experiences have been extremely different than LaMar’s, but I can attest that his practices of confronting himself and seeking to know himself more deeply are powerful. During my twenties, I was almost frozen by self-hatred. It colored every one of my experiences and kept me from fully participating in my life.
At 25, I joined an online meditation challenge and had a revelation. During the 10-minute meditation sessions, it was as if all of the background noise in my head was turned off. I could finally hear the negative messages to myself that I played on repeat all day long. I realized that my brain was actively reinforcing hurtful messaging that I had received during childhood and carrying it through my adult life.
Sitting with myself in this way allowed me to recognize and reprogram the way I spoke to myself. And it set me on a practice of meditation and yoga that has changed my life. Now, I know that if I’m avoiding alone time, it’s because I’m avoiding something within myself. If I choose not to seek out my emotional wounds, I don’t give them a chance to heal. And those things fester and hurt my relationships and the way I feel about myself. But when I confront them, I am able to heal and move forward to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
There’s nothing wrong with comforting yourself with Netflix or connecting with others through social media while you’re on lockdown. But try to also set aside some time and space to be alone, to process what you’re feeling, and maybe even to confront yourself, as LaMar says. It just might change your life.
Enjoy this yoga for anxiety to calm your mind and spend some time with yourself:


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-30--New York Hospitals Are Using Vitamin C To Treat Some Coronavirus Patients

Doctors in New York hospitals are treating coronavirus patients with large doses of vitamin C. There are reports that a similar therapy helped patients in China .
Patients receive vitamin C intravenously when they first enter intensive care at Northwell Health ’ s facilities .
After that , they continue to receive the treatment three or four times per day .
Clinicians administer 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C for each treatment .
This is more than 16 times the National Institutes of Health ’ s daily recommended intake , 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCaffery , Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Aberdeen , told Newsweek that the body easily excretes vitamin C , so it ’ s not toxic like vitamins A and D , which are both fat-soluble .
And as long as intravenous vitamin C is overseen clinically , it is usually safe .
( 2 ) Dr. Andrew G. Weber is a pulmonologist and critical-care specialist working with two Northwell Health facilities on Long Island .
According to him , this COVID-19 therapy stemmed from experimental treatments used in Shanghai , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who received vitamin C did significantly better than those who did not get vitamin C , ” Weber told the New York Post .
“ It helps a tremendous amount , but it is not highlighted because it ’ s not a sexy drug.
” ( 1 ) There are not yet any studies on the benefits of vitamin C for treating COVID-19 .
Researchers in Wuhan , where the novel coronavirus originated , began a clinical trial on February 14 , 2020 , at Zhongnan Hospital .
The trial , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of September 2020 , will involve 140 patients .
Newsweek reports that researchers in the randomized , triple-blind study hope the results will show that intravenous vitamin C treatments improve the inflammatory impact that COVID-19 has on the lungs .
( 1 , 2 ) Because these treatments are experimental , clear regulations for them do not exist .
Jason Molinet , a spokesperson for Northwell Health , said that the regimen is being used “ as the clinician decides ” for each patient .
( 1 ) Other than intravenous vitamin C @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also receiving a combination of the drugs hydroxychloroquine , an anti-malaria drug , and azithromycin , an antibiotic .
New York hospitals received permission to administer this experimental treatment to seriously ill coronavirus patients on March 24 , 2020 .
“ I have to hope that [ intravenous vitamin C treatments ] , or any new idea , may help , ” McCaffery said to Newsweek .
“ Just to reiterate though , taking large doses of vitamin C tablets would be very unlikely to protect you from COVID-19—unless you were actually vitamin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diet is quite rare.
” ( 2 ) There have been some online claims that the vitamin can prevent people from becoming infected with COVID-19 or developing symptoms of the virus .
These claims , however , have been disproven .
( 2 ) McCaffrey himself wrote a piece for The Conversation in response to these ideas .
“ Vitamin C is a common remedy that some people believe will cure the common cold and flu , ” he wrote .
“ Although it helps us maintain good immune function , there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or substantially reduce either of these diseases.
” ( 3 ) The professor goes on to explain the history behind the common belief that vitamin C can treat the common cold .
The chemist Linus Pauling , who won the Nobel Prize , first shared this idea in the 1970s .
The dietary supplements industry jumped on this claim and advertised it .
But there isn ’ t any real evidence to back it up .
( 3 ) It is true that sufficient levels of vitamin C help the immune system fend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much can actually be harmful to the body and cause cramps , diarrhea , and nausea .
Most people can get enough of the vitamin from dietary sources .
So you ’ re probably better off just eating your fruits and vegetables , rather than taking a supplement .
( 3 ) While these therapies may have some effect on the novel coronavirus , McCaffrey thinks clinicians will abandon them once other treatments are developed .
“ Even if intravenous vitamin C works to shorten or cure COVID-19 , ” he writes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will likely only be a stop-gap before therapies directed at the virus , such as vaccinations , take over .
“ ( 3 ) McCaffrey reminds his readers , “ The most effective way to avoid the virus still remains washing hands , not touching the eyes , nose or mouth , and keeping your distance from anyone exhibiting symptoms.
” ( 3 )

Vitamin C Coronavirus Treatment
Doctors in New York hospitals are treating coronavirus patients with large doses of vitamin C. There are reports that a similar therapy helped patients in China. Patients receive vitamin C intravenously when they first enter intensive care at Northwell Health’s facilities. After that, they continue to receive the treatment three or four times per day. Clinicians administer 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C for each treatment. This is more than 16 times the National Institutes of Health’s daily recommended intake, 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women. (1, 2)
However, Peter McCaffery, Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Aberdeen, told Newsweek that the body easily excretes vitamin C, so it’s not toxic like vitamins A and D, which are both fat-soluble. And as long as intravenous vitamin C is overseen clinically, it is usually safe. (2)
Dr. Andrew G. Weber is a pulmonologist and critical-care specialist working with two Northwell Health facilities on Long Island. According to him, this COVID-19 therapy stemmed from experimental treatments used in Shanghai, China. (1)
“The patients who received vitamin C did significantly better than those who did not get vitamin C,” Weber told the New York Post. “It helps a tremendous amount, but it is not highlighted because it’s not a sexy drug.” (1)
COVID-19 Therapies
There are not yet any studies on the benefits of vitamin C for treating COVID-19. Researchers in Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus originated, began a clinical trial on February 14, 2020, at Zhongnan Hospital. The trial, which is expected to be finished at the end of September 2020, will involve 140 patients. Newsweek reports that researchers in the randomized, triple-blind study hope the results will show that intravenous vitamin C treatments improve the inflammatory impact that COVID-19 has on the lungs. (1, 2)
Because these treatments are experimental, clear regulations for them do not exist. Jason Molinet, a spokesperson for Northwell Health, said that the regimen is being used “as the clinician decides” for each patient. (1)
Other than intravenous vitamin C, COVID-19 patients in New York are also receiving a combination of the drugs hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, and azithromycin, an antibiotic. New York hospitals received permission to administer this experimental treatment to seriously ill coronavirus patients on March 24, 2020.
Vitamin C Myths
“I have to hope that [intravenous vitamin C treatments], or any new idea, may help,” McCaffery said to Newsweek. “Just to reiterate though, taking large doses of vitamin C tablets would be very unlikely to protect you from COVID-19—unless you were actually vitamin C deficient, which with a normal diet is quite rare.” (2)
There have been some online claims that the vitamin can prevent people from becoming infected with COVID-19 or developing symptoms of the virus. These claims, however, have been disproven. (2)
McCaffrey himself wrote a piece for The Conversation in response to these ideas. “Vitamin C is a common remedy that some people believe will cure the common cold and flu,” he wrote. “Although it helps us maintain good immune function, there’s little evidence that it can prevent or substantially reduce either of these diseases.” (3)
The professor goes on to explain the history behind the common belief that vitamin C can treat the common cold. The chemist Linus Pauling, who won the Nobel Prize, first shared this idea in the 1970s. The dietary supplements industry jumped on this claim and advertised it. But there isn’t any real evidence to back it up. (3)
It is true that sufficient levels of vitamin C help the immune system fend off viruses and bacteria. But too much can actually be harmful to the body and cause cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. Most people can get enough of the vitamin from dietary sources. So you’re probably better off just eating your fruits and vegetables, rather than taking a supplement. (3)
While these therapies may have some effect on the novel coronavirus, McCaffrey thinks clinicians will abandon them once other treatments are developed. “Even if intravenous vitamin C works to shorten or cure COVID-19,” he writes in his piece for The Conversation, “it will likely only be a stop-gap before therapies directed at the virus, such as vaccinations, take over. “ (3)
McCaffrey reminds his readers, “The most effective way to avoid the virus still remains washing hands, not touching the eyes, nose or mouth, and keeping your distance from anyone exhibiting symptoms.” (3)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-30--Teen Who May Have Died Of Coronavirus Was Denied Care For Not Having Insurance: Mayor

According to Lancaster , California Mayor , R. Rex Parris , a 17-year old became the coronavirus ’ youngest victim after being turned away from urgent care .
The teen did not have any underlying health conditions , but perhaps more importantly , he also did not have insurance .
( 1 ) “ He did not have insurance , so they did not treat him , ” says Parris who claims the boy was sent from an urgent care clinic to a hospital .
On his way to the hospital via ambulance , he went into cardiac arrest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within six hours he was dead .
( 1 ) “ We ’ ve learned that once you go into respiratory issues , you have trouble breathing , you ’ re short of breath and you have a fever , that is the time to get medical treatment without delay , ” says Parris .
( 1 ) COVID-19 Not Confirmed Cause Of Death According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health , they confirmed the cause of death was COVID-19 .
However , they later changed the cause of death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
( 1 ) “ Though early tests indicated a positive result for COVID-19 , the case is complex and there may be an alternate explanation for this fatality , ” the statement said .
“ Patient privacy prevents our offering further details at this time.
” At the time of the teen ’ s death , it was believed to be the youngest case in the U.S. ( 1 , 2 ) Part of the confusion might be due to the fact the teen died from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed to have the coronavirus until after his death .
The teen ’ s father , an Uber driver has since tested positive for the virus .
( 3 ) “ The Friday before he died , he was healthy .
He was socializing with his friends , ” says Parris .
“ By Wednesday , he was dead.
” His death sent ripples through his group of friends .
( 1 , 3 ) Melissa Derose says her daughter Hailey called her in “ hysterics ” when she heard of her friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first thought was “ I hope it ’ s not related to COVID-19.
” She was very concerned , knowing he was healthy just days ago .
“ They were all trying to find out what happened and one of the friends asked the boy ’ s brother online and he said it was pneumonia , ” says Melissa .
( 3 ) When Melissa confirmed the friend had died due to the virus , she immediately spoke to their primary care clinic .
The tests found Hailey , her older sister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mother and younger sister did not .
( 3 ) According to current guidelines the family would not have qualified for testing because no one was showing symptoms .
Melissa feels that the community was put at risk because Public Health officials did not share information there were people living in the area with the virus .
( 3 ) “ Even if they hadn ’ t had his test results , they had my daughter ’ s by Sunday 22 and they said nothing , ” she says .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his death.
” ( 3 ) Hailey , her sister , and father have a mild case of the virus .
They were prescribed an antibiotic and the anti-malarial Hydroxychloroquine which is currently part of a clinical trial for treating COVID-19 .
( 3 ) The University of Washington School of Medicine is heading up trials in collaboration with New York University Grossman School of Medicine to determine if hydroxychloroquine can prevent transmission in people exposed to the virus .
( 4 ) Not Proven To Work Yet “ We currently don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will learn in as short a timeframe as possible what the outcome is , ” says principal investigator Ruanne Barnabas , associate professor of global health in the University of Washington schools of Medicine and Public Health .
( 4 ) The tests currently underway will study people who have been in close contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 .
They will be given either hydroxychloroquine or a placebo to see if it is effective in preventing the virus from spreading .
It will take eight weeks to complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our goal is to stop transmission of COVID-19 in the community , ” Barnabas says .
( 4 ) Meanwhile , Mayor Parris urges people to remain unified during the outbreak .
“ These next few months , we have to be together .
We have to be strong .
And most importantly , stay home , ” he says .
( 1 )

According to Lancaster, California Mayor, R. Rex Parris, a 17-year old became the coronavirus’ youngest victim after being turned away from urgent care. The teen did not have any underlying health conditions. (1)
No Health Insurance – Or Did He?
“He did not have insurance, so they did not treat him,” says Parris who claims the boy was sent from an urgent care clinic to a hospital. On his way to the hospital via ambulance, he went into cardiac arrest and was revived upon arrival. Sadly, within six hours he was dead. (1)
“We’ve learned that once you go into respiratory issues, you have trouble breathing, you’re short of breath and you have a fever, that is the time to get medical treatment without delay,” says Parris. (1)
COVID-19 Not Confirmed Cause Of Death
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, they confirmed the cause of death was COVID-19. However, they later changed the cause of death stating further evaluation is needed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1)
“Though early tests indicated a positive result for COVID-19, the case is complex and there may be an alternate explanation for this fatality,” the statement said. “Patient privacy prevents our offering further details at this time.” At the time of the teen’s death, it was believed to be the youngest case in the U.S. (1, 2)
Father Tests Positive
Part of the confusion might be due to the fact the teen died from septic shock and he was not officially confirmed to have the coronavirus until after his death. The teen’s father, an Uber driver has since tested positive for the virus. (3)
“The Friday before he died, he was healthy. He was socializing with his friends,” says Parris. “By Wednesday, he was dead.” His death sent ripples through his group of friends. (1, 3)
Melissa Derose says her daughter Hailey called her in “hysterics” when she heard of her friend’s death. Melissa’s first thought was “I hope it’s not related to COVID-19.”
She was very concerned, knowing he was healthy just days ago. “They were all trying to find out what happened and one of the friends asked the boy’s brother online and he said it was pneumonia,” says Melissa. (3)
COVID-19 Tests
When Melissa confirmed the friend had died due to the virus, she immediately spoke to their primary care clinic. The tests found Hailey, her older sister, and her dad had the virus while the mother and younger sister did not. (3)
According to current guidelines the family would not have qualified for testing because no one was showing symptoms. Melissa feels that the community was put at risk because Public Health officials did not share information there were people living in the area with the virus. (3)
“Even if they hadn’t had his test results, they had my daughter’s by Sunday 22 and they said nothing,” she says. “It only became public knowledge when they announced his death.” (3)
The Misunderstanding
However, the situation isn’t as cut and dry as all of that. Nearly a week after Parris was seen in a video on YouTube claiming the boy died and was not treated because of lack of insurance, he admitted there had been a misunderstanding. It may have been due to a language barrier since the boy’s father does not speak English as his first language. What turned out to be true instead was that the family did have insurance and the father called Kaiser for a recommendation. After relaying the boy’s symptoms, the father was told to bring his son to the Antelope Valley hospital and he, unfortunately, coded on the way there. Hospital workers then spent six hours in the emergency room trying to revive him but were unable to do so. So, while the tragedy suffered by this family is not lessened in any way, it may bring solace to readers to know that the boy perished due to medical conditions, not because of a callous bureaucratic system. (5)
Antibiotics And Hydroxychloroquine
Hailey, her sister, and father have a mild case of the virus. They were prescribed an antibiotic and the anti-malarial Hydroxychloroquine which is currently part of a clinical trial for treating COVID-19. (3)
The University of Washington School of Medicine is heading up trials in collaboration with New York University Grossman School of Medicine to determine if hydroxychloroquine can prevent transmission in people exposed to the virus. (4)
Not Proven To Work Yet
“We currently don’t know if hydroxychloroquine works, but we will learn in as short a timeframe as possible what the outcome is,” says principal investigator Ruanne Barnabas, associate professor of global health in the University of Washington schools of Medicine and Public Health. (4)
Trials Underway
The tests currently underway will study people who have been in close contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. They will be given either hydroxychloroquine or a placebo to see if it is effective in preventing the virus from spreading. It will take eight weeks to complete the trial. (4)
“Our goal is to stop transmission of COVID-19 in the community,” Barnabas says. (4)
Meanwhile, Mayor Parris urges people to remain unified during the outbreak. “These next few months, we have to be together. We have to be strong. And most importantly, stay home,” he says. (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-30--Men In Kilts Offering Free Grocery Delivery For Seniors, Mobility-Challenged

When you think ‘ kilts , ’ you may think Scotland–but you should be thinking Canada .
Men In Kilts is a Canadian company that cleans windows and gutters .
But now , they ’ re fighting COVID-19 , not just dirt .
Different Men in Kilts franchises across Canada are offering delivery of food , prescriptions , and other essentials to the elderly and other people struggling to get essential supplies during this difficult time .
What ’ s more , they ’ re doing it free of charge .
( 1 ) Ben Snow , owner of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his community–and he filled it .
With 23.9 % of the Windsor population over 60 according to the 2016 census , there are a lot of elderly people at risk .
Having lived in Windsor for almost two years , I can attest to how difficult the city is to traverse at the best of times .
Public transit is often overcrowded and there is no real centralized hub for groceries .
Often for me , a non-driver , running errands can take all day .
Windsor ’ s Men In Kilts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then deliver the packages to the porches .
But their generosity doesn ’ t stop there .
On Friday , March 27 , 2020 , they planned for 60 deliveries for the Kids First Food Bank .
As to why Snow should be the one to step up to the plate ?
“ We just have to focus on what we ’ re good at , ” he says .
“ That ’ s being good people , helping out the community.
” ( 2 , 3 ) Chris Strong , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ franchise says that the company is very dedicated to helping by ensuring top-notch hygiene as well .
“ We ’ re gloved 100 percent of the time because we are in a business where we are basically washing our hands all the time anyway , ” he says .
“ We understand the necessity of that cleaning.
” Approximately 29.6 % of the population of Campbell River is over 60 based on the 2016 census .
Strong stresses that the only people doing these deliveries have volunteered for it .
But he also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteer .
“ We just want to help our community as much as possible during this time .
If there is anything we do to help , just reach out , ” he says .
( 1,4 ) “ Give As Much As You Can ” While Men In Kilts is not what one might think of as a mega-corporation , there are even smaller businesses that are going above and beyond to serve their communities .
Miraj Hossain is the founder of DeliverBae and also a student at the University of Windsor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at-risk people as well .
Although his business is based on a delivery model , he is not charging these people during this time of crisis .
Doing so may cost him .
Hossain says he faces the possibility of bankruptcy in just two months due to not charging .
But for this young man , it ’ s a small price to pay .
“ It ’ s as much as I can give , ” he explains .
And he asks others to follow in his generous example .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much as you can and help out as much as you can.
” ( 2 )

When you think ‘kilts,’ you may think Scotland–but you should be thinking Canada. Men In Kilts is a Canadian company that cleans windows and gutters. But now, they’re fighting COVID-19, not just dirt. Different Men in Kilts franchises across Canada are offering delivery of food, prescriptions, and other essentials to the elderly and other people struggling to get essential supplies during this difficult time. What’s more, they’re doing it free of charge. (1)
Good At Being Good
Ben Snow, owner of the Windsor, Ontario franchise saw a need in his community–and he filled it. With 23.9% of the Windsor population over 60 according to the 2016 census, there are a lot of elderly people at risk. Having lived in Windsor for almost two years, I can attest to how difficult the city is to traverse at the best of times. Public transit is often overcrowded and there is no real centralized hub for groceries. Often for me, a non-driver, running errands can take all day. Windsor’s Men In Kilts take money for groceries via online transfer, then deliver the packages to the porches. But their generosity doesn’t stop there. On Friday, March 27, 2020, they planned for 60 deliveries for the Kids First Food Bank. As to why Snow should be the one to step up to the plate? “We just have to focus on what we’re good at,” he says. “That’s being good people, helping out the community.” (2, 3)
“Just Reach Out”
Chris Strong, who owns the Campbell River, British Columbia franchise says that the company is very dedicated to helping by ensuring top-notch hygiene as well. “We’re gloved 100 percent of the time because we are in a business where we are basically washing our hands all the time anyway,” he says. “We understand the necessity of that cleaning.” Approximately 29.6% of the population of Campbell River is over 60 based on the 2016 census. Strong stresses that the only people doing these deliveries have volunteered for it. But he also says that no one has refused to volunteer. “We just want to help our community as much as possible during this time. If there is anything we do to help, just reach out,” he says. (1,4)
“Give As Much As You Can”
While Men In Kilts is not what one might think of as a mega-corporation, there are even smaller businesses that are going above and beyond to serve their communities. Miraj Hossain is the founder of DeliverBae and also a student at the University of Windsor. He has 10 volunteers delivering to at-risk people as well. Although his business is based on a delivery model, he is not charging these people during this time of crisis. Doing so may cost him. Hossain says he faces the possibility of bankruptcy in just two months due to not charging. But for this young man, it’s a small price to pay. “It’s as much as I can give,” he explains. And he asks others to follow in his generous example. “I plead to every business owner. Give as much as you can and help out as much as you can.” (2)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-30--This Simple Math Problem Drove Our Entire Staff Insane. Can You Solve It?

I ’ m not going to lie .
I hate math .
Well , maybe hate is a strong word .
I do enjoy having to figure things out like say a budget or working out the measurements for a DIY project .
But I never understood the need for the awful math we were forced to learn in school .
I mean , I ’ m over 50 and frankly have never had the need for any form of algebra , for example .
That ’ s why I found it amusing that a “ simple ” math problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mechanics that kept everyone scratching their heads .
In fact , it was such a stalemate on who was right , that the magazine posted an article to get input from readers .
( 1 , 2 ) The post “ This Simple Math Problem Drove Our Entire Staff Insane .
Can You Solve It ?
” came with a confession : “ it practically caused a civil war in the Popular Mechanics office.
” A very long Slack debate became quite heated with editors stopping work to try to address the challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ math based on what I remember from grade school and came up with 8 !
Well , apparently , I am dead wrong !
( 1 ) According to the Popular Mechanics post , they actually went the full nine yards to figure this thing out .
They said they asked for insight from “ real mathematicians and physicists who begrudgingly responded to our request for comment to solve the enraging math debate , once and for all.
” And apparently it turns out the challenge lies in the order the equation should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So , if the order is ambiguous , then it ’ s hard to get the true answer .
This makes sense because math is a science , not a matter of opinion .
Or so one would think .
However , this little math problem had people discussing the correct answer in detail .
Why ?
Because it seemed to be a bit of a trick problem .
( 1 ) This is how the math problem appears : 8÷2 ( 2+2 ) .
So , my uninformed ( and frankly forgetful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first problem to get 4 and then adding the 2 + 2 to get 4 which I then added to the other four to get 8 .
So wrong .
Actually , not even close .
I added where I was supposed to multiply .
Blush , blush .
( 1 ) Apparently , you are supposed to use PEMDAS : parenthesis , exponents , multiplication , division , addition , subtraction .
Yuck .
So , if one tries to apply that problem-solving process , the answer would be 16 .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this case according to Mike Breen , the public awareness officer for the American Mathematical Society .
The reason ?
This is an ambiguous math problem .
The other side of the debate says the answer should be 1 , as those people used a different order to solve the problem known as BODAS : brackets , orders , division , multiplication , addition and then subtraction .
To non-math nerds , it boggles the mind and hurts the brain .
Breen also said strict mathematicians will tell you eight divided by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is four , and multiplied together you get 16 .
Therefore , this is the correct answer .
I asked my daughter and she concurs .

I’m not going to lie. I hate math. Well, maybe hate is a strong word. I do enjoy having to figure things out like say a budget or working out the measurements for a DIY project. But I never understood the need for the awful math we were forced to learn in school. I mean, I’m over 50 and frankly have never had the need for any form of algebra, for example. That’s why I found it amusing that a “simple” math problem set a Slack conversation off at Popular Mechanics that kept everyone scratching their heads. In fact, it was such a stalemate on who was right, that the magazine posted an article to get input from readers. (1, 2)
I Got 8 (Blush)
The post “This Simple Math Problem Drove Our Entire Staff Insane. Can You Solve It?” came with a confession: “it practically caused a civil war in the Popular Mechanics office.” A very long Slack debate became quite heated with editors stopping work to try to address the challenge. For me, I did the math based on what I remember from grade school and came up with 8! Well, apparently, I am dead wrong! (1)
Mathematicians And Physicists
According to the Popular Mechanics post, they actually went the full nine yards to figure this thing out. They said they asked for insight from “real mathematicians and physicists who begrudgingly responded to our request for comment to solve the enraging math debate, once and for all.” And apparently it turns out the challenge lies in the order the equation should be worked out. (1)
Ambiguous Order
So, if the order is ambiguous, then it’s hard to get the true answer. This makes sense because math is a science, not a matter of opinion. Or so one would think. However, this little math problem had people discussing the correct answer in detail. Why? Because it seemed to be a bit of a trick problem. (1)
This is how the math problem appears: 8÷2 (2+2). So, my uninformed (and frankly forgetful) mind saw this as dividing the first problem to get 4 and then adding the 2 + 2 to get 4 which I then added to the other four to get 8. So wrong. Actually, not even close. I added where I was supposed to multiply. Blush, blush. (1)
PEMDAS VS BODAS
Apparently, you are supposed to use PEMDAS: parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction. Yuck. So, if one tries to apply that problem-solving process, the answer would be 16. However, one can’t use PEMDAS in this case according to Mike Breen, the public awareness officer for the American Mathematical Society. The reason? This is an ambiguous math problem. The other side of the debate says the answer should be 1, as those people used a different order to solve the problem known as BODAS: brackets, orders, division, multiplication, addition and then subtraction. To non-math nerds, it boggles the mind and hurts the brain.
Breen also said strict mathematicians will tell you eight divided by two is four, two plus two is four, and multiplied together you get 16. Therefore, this is the correct answer. I asked my daughter and she concurs.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-31--Princeton Researchers Discover How Loners And Introverts Will Save Society

Many people view loners and introverts with a sense of suspicion , thinking it odd they chose a solo life .
However , according to Corina Tarnita , an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology , loners exist across many species including those that travel in herds and swarms .
In fact , even in plant life and mold , you can find single “ beings ” intent on leading a life away from the rest .
According to Princeton researchers , there ’ s a very good reason for this and it has to do with survival .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s goal was to show that loners are devised by nature as an “ evolutionary insurance plan.
” Loners diversify their species ’ genetic portfolio not to go against collective behavior , but instead to ensure its survival .
( 1 ) In order to prove their theory , they had to demonstrate it was a choice to lead a loner ’ s life , not some other form of natural selection .
The Princeton team decided that the cellular slime mold , Dictyostelium discoideum would help them prove there is such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this simple life form .
( 1 ) “ I was at a conference , and a speaker was showing videos of slime molds doing this very complex collective behavior , all determined to reach the center of aggregation , ” says Tarnita .
“ All but some , I noticed : Here and there , some scattered cells on the plate just didn ’ t seem to react at all to this aggregation process.
” While the speaker at the conference dismissed these anomalies as “ mistakes , ” Tarnita was intrigued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sgro , a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Thomas Gregor at the time .
They “ started to poke at the loners a little bit ” and then tested them for flaws .
Nothing was “ wrong ” with them .
They behaved like other cells other than the fact they resisted the need to assemble into the reproductive tower-like other mold cells .
( 1 ) Tarnita and her co-authors Sgro and Ricardo Martinez-Garcia , theorized it was possible some of these loners served a purpose .
They could take advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterparts were busy .
After a few years of study , Fernando Rossine joined the group and mastered a system .
( 1 ) He determined the slime mold loners were “ part of the process.
” In fact , 30 % chose the role of loner .
Rossine then also discovered that Tarnita ’ s hypothesis that loners are not random , but instead a heritable trait , was true .
However , he noted the number of loners was dependent on population density .
In smaller populations , all cells were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of loners plateaued .
( 1 ) “ This was exhilarating because it meant that we had originally been right that the loners were far from boring , but it also meant that , theoretically , we needed to go back to the drawing board , ” says Tarnita .
( 1 ) Having loners leaves the species invulnerable to what they would face collectively .
A perfect example ?
COVID-19 .
While the rest of us are in danger due to our social nature , loners and introverts naturally choose isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
( 1 ) However , in the case of the mold , the decision might be collective .
“ It ’ s a social bet-hedging , ” says Rossine .
“ And a fascinating conclusion that follows from our findings is that , at least for slime molds , the decision not to become part of the collective is , in fact , taken collectively .
All the cells kind of talk to each other chemically : ‘ Oh , you ’ re going ?
I guess I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in becoming a loner.
” ( 1 )

Many people view loners and introverts with a sense of suspicion, thinking it odd they chose a solo life. However, according to Corina Tarnita, an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, loners exist across many species including those that travel in herds and swarms. In fact, even in plant life and mold, you can find single “beings” intent on leading a life away from the rest. According to Princeton researchers, there’s a very good reason for this and it has to do with survival. (1)
An Evolutionary Insurance Plan
The Princeton team’s goal was to show that loners are devised by nature as an “evolutionary insurance plan.” Loners diversify their species’ genetic portfolio not to go against collective behavior, but instead to ensure its survival. (1)
In order to prove their theory, they had to demonstrate it was a choice to lead a loner’s life, not some other form of natural selection. The Princeton team decided that the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum would help them prove there is such a thing as loner behavior, even in this simple life form. (1)
“I was at a conference, and a speaker was showing videos of slime molds doing this very complex collective behavior, all determined to reach the center of aggregation,” says Tarnita. “All but some, I noticed: Here and there, some scattered cells on the plate just didn’t seem to react at all to this aggregation process.” While the speaker at the conference dismissed these anomalies as “mistakes,” Tarnita was intrigued. (1)
Testing For Flaws
Tarnita approached Allyson Sgro, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Thomas Gregor at the time. They “started to poke at the loners a little bit” and then tested them for flaws. Nothing was “wrong” with them. They behaved like other cells other than the fact they resisted the need to assemble into the reproductive tower-like other mold cells. (1)
Tarnita and her co-authors Sgro and Ricardo Martinez-Garcia, theorized it was possible some of these loners served a purpose. They could take advantage of resources in the environment while their counterparts were busy. After a few years of study, Fernando Rossine joined the group and mastered a system. (1)
Loners Part Of The Process
He determined the slime mold loners were “part of the process.” In fact, 30% chose the role of loner. Rossine then also discovered that Tarnita’s hypothesis that loners are not random, but instead a heritable trait, was true. However, he noted the number of loners was dependent on population density. In smaller populations, all cells were loners, while in larger populations the number of loners plateaued. (1)
“This was exhilarating because it meant that we had originally been right that the loners were far from boring, but it also meant that, theoretically, we needed to go back to the drawing board,” says Tarnita. (1)
Species Become Invulnerable
Having loners leaves the species invulnerable to what they would face collectively. A perfect example? COVID-19. While the rest of us are in danger due to our social nature, loners and introverts naturally choose isolation. This reduces their risk for contracting the virus. (1)
However, in the case of the mold, the decision might be collective. “It’s a social bet-hedging,” says Rossine. “And a fascinating conclusion that follows from our findings is that, at least for slime molds, the decision not to become part of the collective is, in fact, taken collectively. All the cells kind of talk to each other chemically: ‘Oh, you’re going? I guess I’m staying.’ There’s communication involved in becoming a loner.” (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-31--The Viral Slow Cooker Recipe For Making Bread That Costs Barely Anything

It may seem like a simple statement , but being able to cook is really important .
Not just one of those nice-to-have daily skills , when it comes down to it , cooking is really a survival skill .
It ’ s not all baked brie and cranberries with a nice Bordeaux .
These times we ’ re living in have begun to show us the value of being able to fend for ourselves , and that ’ s likely one reason this bread recipe has gone viral .
It invites each of us to take one baby step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredients and a kitchen appliance many of us already have .
Sure bread makers are nice , but at the end of the day they aren ’ t necessary .
What really is necessary , is solid nutrition going into your body .
It ’ s scary when the bread aisle turns up empty , but it doesn ’ t have to be the end of the world .
Knowing how to make your own bread means you can always handle this one on your own , better than many people can !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s get some bread in the , uh , slow cooker .
• None 1-3 tablespoons of sugar ( add more if you like sweeter bread ) • None 6 cups of whole wheat flour ( or 3 cups whole wheat & 3 cups all-purpose flour ) Stir together ½ cup of warm water , sugar to taste , and 3 tablespoons of dry active yeast .
Set aside for 5 minutes .
While you ’ re waiting , warm 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be bubbly and frothy , and it ’ s time to add the warmed milk and butter to it .
Slowly add 6 cups of flour , 2 teaspoons of salt , and one teaspoon of baking powder to the mix .
If you have a standing mixer , use it .
Otherwise , knead with your hands when it gets to be too much for a hand mixer .
Line the slow cooker with parchment paper and place your freshly-kneaded dough ball into it .
No need to wait for it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 2-2.5 hours .
Look for the top to be a little spongy and springy with no moisture on the top .
The bottom and sides will be a nutty brown color , and you can get the same for the top by just sticking the loaf under the broiler in your oven for a few minutes .

It may seem like a simple statement, but being able to cook is really important. Not just one of those nice-to-have daily skills, when it comes down to it, cooking is really a survival skill. It’s not all baked brie and cranberries with a nice Bordeaux. These times we’re living in have begun to show us the value of being able to fend for ourselves, and that’s likely one reason this bread recipe has gone viral. It invites each of us to take one baby step toward self-sufficiency, with a few simple ingredients and a kitchen appliance many of us already have.
Sure bread makers are nice, but at the end of the day they aren’t necessary. What really is necessary, is solid nutrition going into your body. It’s scary when the bread aisle turns up empty, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Knowing how to make your own bread means you can always handle this one on your own, better than many people can! So take heart, and let’s get some bread in the, uh, slow cooker.
Ingredients
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups of warm milk
2 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
1-3 tablespoons of sugar (add more if you like sweeter bread)
3 tablespoons of active dry yeast (conservative side)
6 cups of whole wheat flour (or 3 cups whole wheat & 3 cups all-purpose flour)
2 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
Steps
Stir together ½ cup of warm water, sugar to taste, and 3 tablespoons of dry active yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes.
While you’re waiting, warm 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave.
After 5 minutes the water/sugar/yeast mixture will be bubbly and frothy, and it’s time to add the warmed milk and butter to it.
Slowly add 6 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and one teaspoon of baking powder to the mix. If you have a standing mixer, use it. Otherwise, knead with your hands when it gets to be too much for a hand mixer.
Line the slow cooker with parchment paper and place your freshly-kneaded dough ball into it. No need to wait for it to rise. Cook on the high setting for 2-2.5 hours. Look for the top to be a little spongy and springy with no moisture on the top. The bottom and sides will be a nutty brown color, and you can get the same for the top by just sticking the loaf under the broiler in your oven for a few minutes.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-31--Water Cake: No Eggs, No Milk, No Butter, No Problem

It ’ s a good skill to be able to whip up something amazing out of practically nothing , don ’ t you think ?
I mean , look what it did for Macgyver !
That guy could do almost anything with just a few basic things .
These days the term “ waste not , want not ” is taking on a new meaning .
It ’ s becoming important to utilize everything we have , right down to the simplest of ingredients .
Many of us are getting in touch with our inner Macgyver where kitchen duties are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more simple preparations available .
Take this water cake for example , elegant in its simplicity with just a few basic ingredients .
And because none of those ingredients happen to be eggs , or butter , it ’ s a very light dessert too .
If you want to look into making it not quite as light , try adding some chocolate chips to the mix , or maybe even sprinkles .
Some people like to use juice as well as the lemon zest , and some prefer a different combo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no zest .
What about vanilla and zest ?
There are many ways to get creative when the canvas is already such a treat .
Oh , and if you ’ re looking for something delicious to share with your vegan friends , this delicate water cake is a wonderful option .
If that ’ s the case , look out for any additions you make to it !
For example , chocolate chips aren ’ t necessarily vegan .
This cake is so yummy you ’ ll definitely want your buddy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the extras are concerned .
12 oz water ( or orange juice for more flavor ) Grated zest of 1 lemon ( or the beans from a vanilla pod ) Into a large bowl , sift the baking powder and flour together , then add the lemon zest and sugar to the same bowl .
In a separate bowl , mix the oil and water together .
Then slowly add the dry ingredients to this mixture , and combine well .
Pour this mixture into a greased cake pan and bake for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know when it ’ s done because a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake will come out clean .
If desired , you can get a little fancy with it and dust this beautiful creation of yours in powdered sugar before you serve it .

It’s a good skill to be able to whip up something amazing out of practically nothing, don’t you think? I mean, look what it did for Macgyver! That guy could do almost anything with just a few basic things.
These days the term “waste not, want not” is taking on a new meaning. It’s becoming important to utilize everything we have, right down to the simplest of ingredients. Many of us are getting in touch with our inner Macgyver where kitchen duties are concerned, and revisiting some of the more simple preparations available.
Take this water cake for example, elegant in its simplicity with just a few basic ingredients. And because none of those ingredients happen to be eggs, or butter, it’s a very light dessert too. If you want to look into making it not quite as light, try adding some chocolate chips to the mix, or maybe even sprinkles. Some people like to use juice as well as the lemon zest, and some prefer a different combo. Perhaps water and zest, or juice with no zest. What about vanilla and zest? There are many ways to get creative when the canvas is already such a treat.
Oh, and if you’re looking for something delicious to share with your vegan friends, this delicate water cake is a wonderful option. If that’s the case, look out for any additions you make to it! For example, chocolate chips aren’t necessarily vegan. This cake is so yummy you’ll definitely want your buddy to join you, so choose wisely where the extras are concerned.
Ingredients for water cake
12 oz water (or orange juice for more flavor)
3 ½ cups Italian type 00 flour
1 1/4 cup sugar
2.8 oz sunflower seed oil
Grated zest of 1 lemon (or the beans from a vanilla pod)
2 tsp. baking powder
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Into a large bowl, sift the baking powder and flour together, then add the lemon zest and sugar to the same bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the oil and water together. Then slowly add the dry ingredients to this mixture, and combine well.
Pour this mixture into a greased cake pan and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know when it’s done because a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake will come out clean.
If desired, you can get a little fancy with it and dust this beautiful creation of yours in powdered sugar before you serve it.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-31--Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe with Step by Step Instructions

If you ’ ve been wanting to learn some new skills in the kitchen , few things are more impressive ( and honestly , easy ) than presenting your family and friends with a loaf of delicious homemade bread .
All it takes is a little time , a few ingredients and a pinch of love .
Not to mention , this is the kind of skill that will serve you well during these changing times .
Bread is a staple in many homes , and if you can make one this delicious from scratch , rest assured you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ready to put some yummy Amish Sweet Bread in your tummy ?
Here ’ s what you ’ ll need .
How to make it First things first , you ’ ll need 2 cups of 110℉ water .
If you don ’ t have a thermometer , try this hack : Heat ½ a cup of water to boiling ( microwave or stove ) , then add plain tap water straight from the faucet until you ’ re at 2 cups .
Voila .
Works every time .
Next , add the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Add the active dry yeast next , and let it sit for 10 minutes .
The look of it will change , becoming bubbly and frothy .
Note : Active dry yeast is… well , active .
Alive .
So be mindful of that and make more bread !
Store the yeast in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer , and you ’ ll want to use all of it within 4 months time ( 6 if frozen ) .
To the frothy yeast mixture , slowly add one cup of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then another .
You are looking for a dough consistency that is non-sticky and easily forms a ball .
It ’ s possible you won ’ t use all the flour in the recipe , it ’ s more important to go by feel .
Once you ’ ve got the right kind of dough ball , you ’ ll knead it for about 5 minutes .
Sprinkle your counter or butcher block with flour , and go for it , working the flour into the dough using the heels of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sticky again , add more flour .
You ’ ll know you ’ re done because you can “ pinch an inch ” of the dough and gently pull it , without it readily tearing away .
Break time !
Coat a large mixing bowl with non stick spray and place the dough ball into it .
Cover the bowl with a damp towel , and leave it on the counter for about an hour .
It will double in size .
Once the dough has risen , use your fist to punch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pull the dough back from the sides of the bowl .
Use your dough cutter to divide the dough evenly in half , and place them into greased loaf pans .
Push the dough around so it takes the shape of the pan .
Mini break time !
Let these two loaves hang out on the counter , uncovered this time , for another half hour or so .
More rising will happen during this time .
Next , into the oven they go !
30 minutes in a 350℉ oven is all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comforting Amish Sweet Bread .
Enjoy !

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