healthyholisticliving--2020-07-01--High Arsenic Levels Detected In Bottled Water Made By Whole Foods

Testing by Consumer Reports has revealed that there are potentially harmful levels of arsenic present in bottled water made by Whole Foods .
Most of Whole Foods ’ U.S. stores sell Starkey Spring Water .
Amazon , which owns the grocery store chain , also sells the bottled water brand .
( 1 ) Arsenic is a potentially dangerous heavy metal , and the FDA requires that manufacturers limit the amount of it in bottled water to 10 parts per billion .
Consumer Reports found that Starkey Spring Water had amounts of arsenic approaching the limit , ranging from 9.49 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) Although these numbers do comply with federal regulations , Consumer Reports does not believe that it does enough to protect public health .
While drinking one bottle of Starkey Spring Water will likely not have any negative health implications , consuming it regularly could .
James Dickerson , Ph.D. , CR ’ s chief scientific officer said that “ regular consumption of even small amounts of the heavy metal over extended periods increases the risk of cardiovascular disease , certain cancers , and lower IQ scores in children , and poses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) History of Issues with Whole Foods Water This is not the first time there have been issues with arsenic levels in this brand of bottled water .
When Starkey Spring Water was first introduced in 2015 , the company ’ s chief operating officer , A.C. Gallo , told investors that “ It ’ s amazingly pristine water ” that “ naturally flows out of the ground , ” from a spring in Idaho .
( 1 ) But in December 2016 , Florida ’ s bottled water regulator found 11.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spring Water .
This exceeds federal regulations for the heavy metal .
Some weeks later , more tests found 12 parts per billion of arsenic in other samples of the brand .
Whole Foods recalled more than 2,000 cases of Starkey in late 2016 and early 2017 .
( 1 ) The FDA was alerted to these test results and responded with a health hazard evaluation .
They listed the health risks associated with long-term ingestion of inorganic arsenic , which is the kind most often found in drinking water .
The risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cardiovascular disease , neurodevelopmental toxicity , adverse pregnancy outcomes , and diabetes.
” ( 1 , 2 ) According to Consumer Reports , a Whole Foods spokesperson told them that the company ’ s “ highest priority is to provide customers with safe , high-quality , and refreshing spring water.
” An FDA spokesperson told Consumer Reports that arsenic occurs naturally .
They said that “ it is not possible to remove arsenic entirely from the environment or food supply.
” ( 1 ) However , Consumer Reports tested 45 bottled water brands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Brian Ronholm , Consumer Reports ’ director of food policy and former head of the Department of Agriculture ’ s Food Safety and Inspection Service , many of these brands had undetectable amounts of arsenic .
This demonstrates that it ’ s possible to reduce the level of this heavy metal in drinking water .
Starkey Spring Water was the only brand tested that had arsenic levels of more than 3 parts per billion .
( 1 ) Some states have chosen to reduce the amount of arsenic allowed in tap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about its effects when present in greater levels than 5 parts per billion .
Starting on July 1 , 2021 , New Hampshire will limit its tap water ’ s arsenic levels to 5 parts per billion .
( 1 ) States can create stricter limits for tap water but not for bottled water .
As Consumer Reports states , “ That puts Starkey Spring Water in the unusual position of being legal when put in a bottle but , in certain states , illegal if it came out of a household faucet.
@ @ @ @

High Arsenic Levels in Bottled Water
Testing by Consumer Reports has revealed that there are potentially harmful levels of arsenic present in bottled water made by Whole Foods. Most of Whole Foods’ U.S. stores sell Starkey Spring Water. Amazon, which owns the grocery store chain, also sells the bottled water brand. (1)
Arsenic is a potentially dangerous heavy metal, and the FDA requires that manufacturers limit the amount of it in bottled water to 10 parts per billion. Consumer Reports found that Starkey Spring Water had amounts of arsenic approaching the limit, ranging from 9.49 to 9.56 parts per billion. (1)
Although these numbers do comply with federal regulations, Consumer Reports does not believe that it does enough to protect public health. While drinking one bottle of Starkey Spring Water will likely not have any negative health implications, consuming it regularly could. James Dickerson, Ph.D., CR’s chief scientific officer said that “regular consumption of even small amounts of the heavy metal over extended periods increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and lower IQ scores in children, and poses other health issues as well.” (1)
History of Issues with Whole Foods Water
This is not the first time there have been issues with arsenic levels in this brand of bottled water. When Starkey Spring Water was first introduced in 2015, the company’s chief operating officer, A.C. Gallo, told investors that “It’s amazingly pristine water” that “naturally flows out of the ground,” from a spring in Idaho. (1)
But in December 2016, Florida’s bottled water regulator found 11.7 parts per billion of arsenic in Starkey Spring Water. This exceeds federal regulations for the heavy metal. Some weeks later, more tests found 12 parts per billion of arsenic in other samples of the brand. Whole Foods recalled more than 2,000 cases of Starkey in late 2016 and early 2017. (1)
The FDA was alerted to these test results and responded with a health hazard evaluation. They listed the health risks associated with long-term ingestion of inorganic arsenic, which is the kind most often found in drinking water. The risks include “cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopmental toxicity, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and diabetes.” (1, 2)
Conflicting Standards
According to Consumer Reports, a Whole Foods spokesperson told them that the company’s “highest priority is to provide customers with safe, high-quality, and refreshing spring water.” An FDA spokesperson told Consumer Reports that arsenic occurs naturally. They said that “it is not possible to remove arsenic entirely from the environment or food supply.” (1)
However, Consumer Reports tested 45 bottled water brands between February and May of 2020. According to Brian Ronholm, Consumer Reports’ director of food policy and former head of the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, many of these brands had undetectable amounts of arsenic. This demonstrates that it’s possible to reduce the level of this heavy metal in drinking water. Starkey Spring Water was the only brand tested that had arsenic levels of more than 3 parts per billion. (1)
Some states have chosen to reduce the amount of arsenic allowed in tap water. This is based on studies about its effects when present in greater levels than 5 parts per billion. Starting on July 1, 2021, New Hampshire will limit its tap water’s arsenic levels to 5 parts per billion. (1)
States can create stricter limits for tap water but not for bottled water. As Consumer Reports states, “That puts Starkey Spring Water in the unusual position of being legal when put in a bottle but, in certain states, illegal if it came out of a household faucet.” (1)


Best-Ever Red Sangria

Dear Reader : These are extraordinary times we ’ re living in , and while we always have a view toward health and wellness , sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different .
As our needs shift , self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren ’ t normally a part of your diet .
We believe that sometimes it ’ s OK to forego the usual self-care routine .
That ’ s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “ yummy but maybe not for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Enjoy !
If you love red wine sangria , I probably don ’ t need to tell you that they come in a wide array of colors , flavors , and sweetnesses .
And that once you find the perfect one , it ’ s hard to accept any substitutions thereafter .
A little like Goldilocks , when it ’ s just right , all ’ s right with the world .
That ’ s pretty much what this recipe is all about .
Perfectly balanced in every way , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added zing .
What ’ s not to love ?
It ’ s not necessary to get fancy with it .
The wine is one aspect of sangria but it ’ s not the whole show .
Save your best bottle for something really special , and just grab a 5.00 bottle of Pinot Noir , Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot .
The Best Fruits For Sangria Choose fruits that are on the sturdier side , not likely to get mushy and disintegrate .
Flavor is another big component ; try to choose fruits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the bottle says the wine has apple and berry notes , those are both great options .
Here is a list of some good choices : This recipe calls for both sugar and orange juice , but agave , simple syrup or honey are also great options .
If you ’ re hosting a party and don ’ t want to spend all your time in the kitchen messing around with the food , you can stir everything but the seltzer together in a pitcher and refrigerate until it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re good to go .
In fact , this is one you should definitely make as far ahead of time as you can .
The flavor gets better and better as the fruits impart their flavor and everything comes together .
Here ’ s the recipe for our favorite best-ever red sangria .
Salud !
• None In a large pitcher add the wine , orange juice , brandy , and sugar .
Stir to combine .
Add the fruits next .
• None Refrigerate for at least two hours before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before serving .

Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
If you love red wine sangria, I probably don’t need to tell you that they come in a wide array of colors, flavors, and sweetnesses. And that once you find the perfect one, it’s hard to accept any substitutions thereafter. A little like Goldilocks, when it’s just right, all’s right with the world. That’s pretty much what this recipe is all about. Perfectly balanced in every way, with a little splash of seltzer water for some added zing. What’s not to love?
Choosing A Wine
It’s not necessary to get fancy with it. The wine is one aspect of sangria but it’s not the whole show. Save your best bottle for something really special, and just grab a 5.00 bottle of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
The Best Fruits For Sangria
Choose fruits that are on the sturdier side, not likely to get mushy and disintegrate. Flavor is another big component; try to choose fruits that compliment the wine you have chosen. If the bottle says the wine has apple and berry notes, those are both great options. Here is a list of some good choices:
– Apple
– Orange
– Peach
– Strawberry
– Blueberry
– Blackberry
– Pineapple
– Pear
Sweet Options
This recipe calls for both sugar and orange juice, but agave, simple syrup or honey are also great options.
Make Your Sangria Ahead of Time
If you’re hosting a party and don’t want to spend all your time in the kitchen messing around with the food, you can stir everything but the seltzer together in a pitcher and refrigerate until it’s time. Add the seltzer water and you’re good to go. In fact, this is one you should definitely make as far ahead of time as you can. The flavor gets better and better as the fruits impart their flavor and everything comes together.
Here’s the recipe for our favorite best-ever red sangria. Salud!
INGREDIENTS –
1 (750-mL.) bottle red wine
1 c. orange juice
1/2 c. brandy
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1 orange, sliced
1 apple, sliced
1 c. blueberries
1 c. sliced strawberries
1 (12-oz.) can seltzer
DIRECTIONS –


Samoa Pie

Dear Reader : These are extraordinary times we ’ re living in , and while we always have a view toward health and wellness , sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different .
As our needs shift , self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren ’ t normally a part of your diet .
We believe that sometimes it ’ s OK to forego the usual self-care routine .
That ’ s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “ yummy but maybe not for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Enjoy !
Which Girl Scout cookie is the best one ?
If you said “ all of them ” , give yourself a gold star because you just won this game .
It ’ s hard to deny the deliciousness of each type of cookie , and as we all know , imitation is the sincerest form of flattery .
Maybe that ’ s why we see so many homespun takes on their various delicious flavors .
It seems there ’ s a cake , or a pie , or even another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each of the many varieties the Girl Scouts offer .
If you love Samoas with their toasted coconut stripes , dark chocolate , and gooey caramel , you ’ ve got to give this Samoa pie a try .
As easy to make as it is delicious , there is not even any baking involved !
That makes this the perfect summertime pie , fit for a neighborhood potluck , or for keeping all to yourself .
Once you ’ ve had a taste of this magnificent Samoa pie , you might find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two : one for you and one for them .
Go on , we won ’ t judge .
• None 2 c. caramel , divided , plus more for drizzling • None Using a large bowl and a hand mixer ( or a stand mixer ) , beat together the cream cheese , both sugars , and 1/2 cup of caramel until fluffy .
Add the heavy cream and continue beating until medium peaks form .
• None Add this mixture to the pie crust , and smooth out the top .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours .
• None When ready to serve , make the topping : In a small bowl , combine the toasted coconut and 1 cup of caramel .
• None Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of caramel on top of the chilled pie .
Top with the coconut mixture , spreading evenly .
• None Lightly drizzle the top with even more caramel , and melted chocolate , and it ’ s ready to share !
Or not .

Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
Which Girl Scout cookie is the best one? If you said “all of them”, give yourself a gold star because you just won this game. It’s hard to deny the deliciousness of each type of cookie, and as we all know, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Maybe that’s why we see so many homespun takes on their various delicious flavors. It seems there’s a cake, or a pie, or even another cookie, that carries the theme of each of the many varieties the Girl Scouts offer.
If you love Samoas with their toasted coconut stripes, dark chocolate, and gooey caramel, you’ve got to give this Samoa pie a try. As easy to make as it is delicious, there is not even any baking involved! That makes this the perfect summertime pie, fit for a neighborhood potluck, or for keeping all to yourself. Once you’ve had a taste of this magnificent Samoa pie, you might find that the best option is to make two: one for you and one for them. Go on, we won’t judge.
Ingredients –
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. powdered sugar
2 c. caramel, divided, plus more for drizzling
2 c. heavy cream
1 store-bought pie crust (shortbread or chocolate)
1 c. sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Melted chocolate, for drizzling
Method –


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-02--People Are Just Learning Baby Owls Sleep Face Down Because Their Heads Are Too Heavy

A Twitter post recently went viral for revealing a little known fact of the natural world : baby owls sleep face down .
Journalist Mark Rees ’ tweeted the image showing a fuzzy owlet on its stomach , long fluffy legs stretched out .
While the picture was meme-worthy enough to inspire amusing captions and over 143,000 likes , many wondered whether it was really authentic .
Since online images are often faked or taken out of context to attain to “ viral ” status , was this just a dead baby owl or a dummy bird ?
( 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the information is true .
Savvy internet sleuths have discovered that this owl sleeping position has been documented on many occasions .
Like humans , baby owls have large heads at birth–but not always the strength to hold their head steady .
While of the same family as hawks and eagles , owls are a unique bird in many ways .
In comparison with their raptor counterparts , they have large heads , stocky bodies , and soft feathers .
Their large eyes , specially adapted to seeing at night , face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the baby owls hatch , they ’ re blind and helpless for the first few weeks of life .
As they grow , fed by their parents at the nest , they ’ ll start to venture out bit by bit .
They might explore nearby branches or vegetation before they ’ ve learned to fly , preparing themselves for life on their own .
When they get tired from all that exploring , the owlets then need to take their belly nap–amusingly similar to the way a sleeping human baby would .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have documented this adorable phenomenon is Joseph Clark .
A longtime listener of BirdNote , a radio program partnered with the Audobon Society , Clark witnessed this behavior first hand near his home .
On a walk in his hometown of East Haddam , Connecticut , the bird lover found a pair of Barred Owlets on that ground that had fallen out of their nest .
His experience adds evidence to the many first-hand accounts of these belly-sleepers .
( 3 ) While the two baby owls were being pestered by ravens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rescue the birds .
He was able to scare the ravens away , find the nest , and return the owlets safely–all while the mama owl watched keenly nearby .
Later , he observed the birds in order to make sure they were safe , happy , and well .
Since owls–including the young–sleep during the day , Clark could easily watch them .
He observed the owlets as they sharply gripped a tree branch with their talons before lying down on their stomachs .
Then , turning their heads to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bird ’ s back toe , or hallux , prevents the babies from falling out of the tree during one of their short naps .
( 3 ) This account adds to Rees ’ original tweet , as well as additional images of slumbering baby owls that verify the same sleeping position .
It appears that it ’ s easier to rest that large head down on a cozy branch , at least until they ’ re strong enough to sleep standing up .

A Twitter post recently went viral for revealing a little known fact of the natural world: baby owls sleep face down. Journalist Mark Rees’ tweeted the image showing a fuzzy owlet on its stomach, long fluffy legs stretched out. While the picture was meme-worthy enough to inspire amusing captions and over 143,000 likes, many wondered whether it was really authentic. Since online images are often faked or taken out of context to attain to “viral” status, was this just a dead baby owl or a dummy bird? (1)
This time, it turns out that the information is true. Savvy internet sleuths have discovered that this owl sleeping position has been documented on many occasions. Like humans, baby owls have large heads at birth–but not always the strength to hold their head steady.
The Early Life Of Baby Owls
While of the same family as hawks and eagles, owls are a unique bird in many ways. In comparison with their raptor counterparts, they have large heads, stocky bodies, and soft feathers. Their large eyes, specially adapted to seeing at night, face forward as human eyes do.
When the baby owls hatch, they’re blind and helpless for the first few weeks of life. As they grow, fed by their parents at the nest, they’ll start to venture out bit by bit. They might explore nearby branches or vegetation before they’ve learned to fly, preparing themselves for life on their own. When they get tired from all that exploring, the owlets then need to take their belly nap–amusingly similar to the way a sleeping human baby would. (2)
One of many who have documented this adorable phenomenon is Joseph Clark. A longtime listener of BirdNote, a radio program partnered with the Audobon Society, Clark witnessed this behavior first hand near his home. On a walk in his hometown of East Haddam, Connecticut, the bird lover found a pair of Barred Owlets on that ground that had fallen out of their nest. His experience adds evidence to the many first-hand accounts of these belly-sleepers. (3)
I finally had the chance to fact-check this and I think it’s true? Which is all kinds of amazing because TIL human toddlers & teenage owls are both champions of the Awkward Nap. https://t.co/uZbcuMDeyL — Mika McKinnon (@mikamckinnon) June 3, 2019
A Rescue And A Well-Deserved Snooze
While the two baby owls were being pestered by ravens, Clark contacted the Audobon Society on how to rescue the birds. He was able to scare the ravens away, find the nest, and return the owlets safely–all while the mama owl watched keenly nearby. Later, he observed the birds in order to make sure they were safe, happy, and well.
Since owls–including the young–sleep during the day, Clark could easily watch them. He observed the owlets as they sharply gripped a tree branch with their talons before lying down on their stomachs. Then, turning their heads to the side, they went to sleep. The bird’s back toe, or hallux, prevents the babies from falling out of the tree during one of their short naps. (3)
This account adds to Rees’ original tweet, as well as additional images of slumbering baby owls that verify the same sleeping position. It appears that it’s easier to rest that large head down on a cozy branch, at least until they’re strong enough to sleep standing up.


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-02--US Toilet Paper Production Is Wiping Out Canada’s Boreal Forest, Report Claims

If it seems to you like we spend a lot of time these days discussing toilet paper , you ’ re not alone .
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began sweeping the globe , TP does seem to be a hot topic .
In one glaring headline , the store shelves are bare and will be for the foreseeable future .
In another , people are hoarding it in their homes .
Why are people hoarding toilet paper ?
Jokes are made .
We collectively puzzle on social media about who these people are .
Even though we all know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 report , the Natural Resources Defense Council asserts that there is yet another reason to be concerned about toilet paper : deforestation and climate change .
The report titled The Issue With Tissue talks about the “ tree-to-toilet pipeline ” , and the ways it contributes to the ever-building climate crisis .
And it is not kind .
The report claims that a large portion of virgin wood fiber , one million acres clearcut from Canada ’ s boreal forest each year , goes to the largest American toilet paper companies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-author Jennifer Skene had this to say : “ With every roll of their unsustainable toilet paper , companies are pushing the world toward an unthinkable future , destroying ancient and irreplaceable Canadian boreal forest for something as short-lived as a flush.
” ( 2 ) The Flip Side Of The Roll Just as the are two camps – over and under – when it comes to how the TP should hang , there is another view here too .
The Forest Products Association of Canada takes issue with a number of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Derek Nighbor says : “ In Canada , we ’ re not harvesting trees to make toilet paper , we ’ re harvesting trees in a planned and sustainable way to produce lumber .
And then at those sawmills , the leftover wood chips , sawdust , and bark then go off to different facilities for further processing.
” ( 2 ) The report takes direct aim at the makers of Charmin toilet paper , Proctor & Gamble .
Purveyors of the best-selling toilet paper in the US , they use 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options like wheat straw or bamboo fiber are available .
Mr. Nighbor ’ s response to that assertion was to say that consumers don ’ t show much interest in toilet paper made with recycled fiber .
( 2 ) This answer is a bit of a head-scratcher .
It seems the obvious choice , in this day and age , to make everything sustainable that we possibly can .
The use of toilet paper is still so prevalent .
We as a society aren ’ t inclined to move toward other options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding our impact on the planet be at the top of everyone ’ s minds then ?
As opposed to what consumers are “ interested in ” ?
Shaping what people are interested in is exactly what marketing , and influencers , are all about : changing people ’ s minds… changing the narrative .
So it seems more likely that there ’ s just a lot of benefit in those agreements between the loggers and the purveyors of the resulting wood fiber .
Here too , even in “ big toilet paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lucrative relationships that it seems it doesn ’ t make much sense to rock the boat .
No need to change things up .
Is it really just easier to keep everyone in the lifestyle , and toilet paper , to which they ’ ve become accustomed ?
That seems short-sighted , not very well thought out , given the state of our planet .

If it seems to you like we spend a lot of time these days discussing toilet paper, you’re not alone. Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began sweeping the globe, TP does seem to be a hot topic. In one glaring headline, the store shelves are bare and will be for the foreseeable future. In another, people are hoarding it in their homes. Why are people hoarding toilet paper? Jokes are made. We collectively puzzle on social media about who these people are. Even though we all know at least one.
Deforestation, For Toilet Paper?
In a June 2020 report, the Natural Resources Defense Council asserts that there is yet another reason to be concerned about toilet paper: deforestation and climate change. The report titled The Issue With Tissue talks about the “tree-to-toilet pipeline”, and the ways it contributes to the ever-building climate crisis. And it is not kind. The report claims that a large portion of virgin wood fiber, one million acres clearcut from Canada’s boreal forest each year, goes to the largest American toilet paper companies. (1)
The report’s co-author Jennifer Skene had this to say: “With every roll of their unsustainable toilet paper, companies are pushing the world toward an unthinkable future, destroying ancient and irreplaceable Canadian boreal forest for something as short-lived as a flush.” (2)
The Flip Side Of The Roll
Just as the are two camps – over and under – when it comes to how the TP should hang, there is another view here too. The Forest Products Association of Canada takes issue with a number of the claims in the report. President and CEO Derek Nighbor says: “In Canada, we’re not harvesting trees to make toilet paper, we’re harvesting trees in a planned and sustainable way to produce lumber. And then at those sawmills, the leftover wood chips, sawdust, and bark then go off to different facilities for further processing.” (2)
We Need A Compromise, Paper-wise
The report takes direct aim at the makers of Charmin toilet paper, Proctor & Gamble. Purveyors of the best-selling toilet paper in the US, they use 100 percent virgin forest fiber. Though sustainable options like wheat straw or bamboo fiber are available.
Mr. Nighbor’s response to that assertion was to say that consumers don’t show much interest in toilet paper made with recycled fiber. (2)
This answer is a bit of a head-scratcher. It seems the obvious choice, in this day and age, to make everything sustainable that we possibly can. The use of toilet paper is still so prevalent. We as a society aren’t inclined to move toward other options like bidets. Shouldn’t concerns regarding our impact on the planet be at the top of everyone’s minds then? As opposed to what consumers are “interested in”?
Shaping what people are interested in is exactly what marketing, and influencers, are all about: changing people’s minds… changing the narrative. So it seems more likely that there’s just a lot of benefit in those agreements between the loggers and the purveyors of the resulting wood fiber. Here too, even in “big toilet paper”, there are so many inroads and lucrative relationships that it seems it doesn’t make much sense to rock the boat. No need to change things up.
Is it really just easier to keep everyone in the lifestyle, and toilet paper, to which they’ve become accustomed? That seems short-sighted, not very well thought out, given the state of our planet.


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-03--Julia’s American Style Potato Salad

Julia’s American Style Potato Salad

Dear Reader : These are extraordinary times we ’ re living in , and while we always have a view toward health and wellness , sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different .
As our needs shift , self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren ’ t normally a part of your diet .
We believe that sometimes it ’ s OK to forego the usual self-care routine .
That ’ s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “ yummy but maybe not for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Enjoy !
As a young girl , I used to love to watch Julia Child and her cooking show on PBS .
She always seemed to make everything look so easy , though many of her recipes were a little on the extensive side .
Take this one , for homemade potato salad .
It seems a little on the complicated side , but it ’ s one of the most delicious potato salad recipes out there .
Make special note of the instruction to reserve some of the cooking liquid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the magic lies .
• • None 3 tablespoons or so finely chopped fresh chives or scallions , including a bit of their tender green • None 1 cup or so mayonnaise , homemade if possible • • None Crisp whole red-leaf or other lettuce leaves • • None Peel the potatoes , then slice each lengthwise in half , or in quarters if desired .
Cut crosswise into half-round or quarter-round slices .
They should end up about 1/2 inch thick .
• None Place the slices into a saucepan with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt per quart of water .
Heat this to simmering , and cook the potatoes until just done .
*It is important that they be just barely cooked through , not mushy .
• None Immediately drain the potatoes into a colander .
Be sure to save a cup of the cooking liquid for dressing the potatoes .
• None Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl .
In a small bowl , mix together the cider vinegar and ⅓ cup of the potato water ( you could use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potatoes , gently turning them to distribute the liquid evenly .
Let this sit 10 minutes to allow the flavors to set .
• None Add the onion , celery , bacon , pickle , hard-boiled eggs , and chives .
Season to taste .
Top with ⅔ cup of mayonnaise ( you could use a mix of mayonnaise and sour cream ) .
With a large rubber spatula , gently fold it all together until blended well .
Give it a taste , and adjust the seasonings if need be .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour before serving .
• None To serve , line a bowl or a platter some lovely leafy greens , and add the salad on top of that .
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired , and enjoy !

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


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-03--Oven Roasted Parmesan Zucchini

Oven Roasted Parmesan Zucchini

Dear Reader : These are extraordinary times we ’ re living in , and while we always have a view toward health and wellness , sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different .
As our needs shift , self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren ’ t normally a part of your diet .
We believe that sometimes it ’ s OK to forego the usual self-care routine .
That ’ s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “ yummy but maybe not for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Enjoy !
What ’ s not to love about zucchini ?
You plant a few seeds and all of a sudden you have hundreds of these long , tender squashes .
They grow easily , and everywhere , and you ’ re constantly offering them to the neighbors because you definitely overestimated your needs in the zucchini department .
So it ’ s great to have many different ways of cooking them , and this is one such example .
It ’ s easy , it ’ s fast , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s the perfect melt in your vermouth zucchini recipe , and it won ’ t even take longer than 20 minutes to prepare .
With this recipe it ’ s important to get the zucchini coated evenly , so tossing everything together in a bowl first will get the flavors coming together nicely .
Put the olive oil , salt , pepper , and garlic powder all together and then toss the zucchini in with it .
This is not the time for sprinkling , and definitely no drizzling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squash slices coated well .
Make sure you are not stacking any zucchini on top of others .
Be sure to spread them in an even layer , and if they aren ’ t touching that ’ s even better .
The idea is to thoroughly roast them , and the more they crowd each other , the less those edges can get crispy .
Neither will the parmesan be able to do its thing by developing that delicious cheesy crunch that we love , so give these babies some room to breathe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and delicious , this will be your new go-to recipe for at least your next 500 zucchinis .
• None Slice the squash into 1/4 inch rounds .
Put them in a large bowl .
Add olive oil , garlic powder , salt , and pepper , and toss to coat .
• None Arrange the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet .
Sprinkle everything evenly with parmesan cheese .
• None Bake for about 10 minutes , until just tender .
Then turn the broiler on high and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ golden brown .

Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
What’s not to love about zucchini? You plant a few seeds and all of a sudden you have hundreds of these long, tender squashes. They grow easily, and everywhere, and you’re constantly offering them to the neighbors because you definitely overestimated your needs in the zucchini department. So it’s great to have many different ways of cooking them, and this is one such example. It’s easy, it’s fast, it’s cheesy, it’s garlicky. It’s the perfect melt in your vermouth zucchini recipe, and it won’t even take longer than 20 minutes to prepare.
With this recipe it’s important to get the zucchini coated evenly, so tossing everything together in a bowl first will get the flavors coming together nicely. Put the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder all together and then toss the zucchini in with it. This is not the time for sprinkling, and definitely no drizzling of olive oil. You want those little squash slices coated well.
Make sure you are not stacking any zucchini on top of others. Be sure to spread them in an even layer, and if they aren’t touching that’s even better. The idea is to thoroughly roast them, and the more they crowd each other, the less those edges can get crispy. Neither will the parmesan be able to do its thing by developing that delicious cheesy crunch that we love, so give these babies some room to breathe!
So easy, cheesy, garlicky, and delicious, this will be your new go-to recipe for at least your next 500 zucchinis.
Ingredients –
4 large zucchini or summer squash
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method –


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-03--THC Prevents Lethal Symptoms Of Lung Disease Associated With Viruses in Mice

The news about cannabis and its benefits just continues to get more and more interesting .
Thankfully , now with more relaxed laws and regulations around marijuana and its use , more people will be able to experience the healing benefits that this plant has to offer .
Many have believed for a long time that marijuana is more than just the “ devil ’ s lettuce ” … not just a mechanism for getting high .
Cannabis can offer some very real benefits for a variety of different ailments , and it looks like we can add another one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study published by Frontiers In Pharmacology , we learn that THC , which is the main psychoactive aspect of the cannabis plant , may protect against the lethal symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome .
( 1 ) This is a lung disorder that has been associated with COVID-19 , influenza , and more .
For now , the research has only taken place in mice .
But still , in light of all the fear and uncertainty around the times we live in right now , what a wonderful ray of hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Also known as ARDS , this lung disease affects millions of people each year .
It involves rapid inflammation of the lungs and causes severe shortness of breath .
This often occurs following an infection of the lungs , such as with the flu or COVID-19 .
ARDS is fatal in up to 50 percent of people who get it , and at this point , any and all remedies are welcome .
This research suggests that THC may be just the ticket .
Tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) is well-known for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of as a literal storm in the lungs .
That ’ s a lot of inflammation .
It goes like this : Cytokines are messengers for the immune system .
Sometimes their message is pro-inflammatory , telling the body to blast an infection with immune cells .
Sometimes it is anti-inflammatory , stopping immune cells from doing too much damage .
Where respiratory disease is concerned , sometimes the immune system overreacts .
It releases too many cytokines of the pro-inflammatory kind , causing a massive amount of inflammation in the lungs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a cytokine storm .
( 2 ) The anti-inflammatory properties in THC could counter that .
To test the theory that this could be the answer , a team of researchers treated mice who were afflicted with ARDS , with THC .
The results were astounding : in 100 percent of the cases , THC offered protection against the lethal symptoms of a cytokine storm .
By blocking the pro-inflammatory cytokines that rush the immune cells to the area and cause damage , the inflammation was controlled .
The severe damage that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a non-issue .
( 2 ) It bears repeating that this study was performed in mice , and there is a lot more rigorous testing that needs to take place before this will be considered a viable treatment .
But this is fantastic news and a possible light at the end of the tunnel for those who suffer from ARDS and other types of lung disease .
There is nothing scarier than not being able to breathe , feeling like you can ’ t get enough oxygen .
What a wonderful thing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for so many people who are suffering .
Not to mention the implications for a possible COVID-19 treatment .
Three cheers for THC !

The news about cannabis and its benefits just continues to get more and more interesting. Thankfully, now with more relaxed laws and regulations around marijuana and its use, more people will be able to experience the healing benefits that this plant has to offer. Many have believed for a long time that marijuana is more than just the “devil’s lettuce”… not just a mechanism for getting high.
Cannabis can offer some very real benefits for a variety of different ailments, and it looks like we can add another one to the list. In a recent study published by Frontiers In Pharmacology, we learn that THC, which is the main psychoactive aspect of the cannabis plant, may protect against the lethal symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. (1) This is a lung disorder that has been associated with COVID-19, influenza, and more. For now, the research has only taken place in mice. But still, in light of all the fear and uncertainty around the times we live in right now, what a wonderful ray of hope!
THC May Protect Against Lung Disease Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome? Also known as ARDS, this lung disease affects millions of people each year. It involves rapid inflammation of the lungs and causes severe shortness of breath. This often occurs following an infection of the lungs, such as with the flu or COVID-19. ARDS is fatal in up to 50 percent of people who get it, and at this point, any and all remedies are welcome. This research suggests that THC may be just the ticket.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. ARDS could be thought of as a literal storm in the lungs. That’s a lot of inflammation. It goes like this:
Cytokines are messengers for the immune system. Sometimes their message is pro-inflammatory, telling the body to blast an infection with immune cells. Sometimes it is anti-inflammatory, stopping immune cells from doing too much damage. Where respiratory disease is concerned, sometimes the immune system overreacts. It releases too many cytokines of the pro-inflammatory kind, causing a massive amount of inflammation in the lungs. This can lead to death. This is a cytokine storm. (2)
The anti-inflammatory properties in THC could counter that.
To test the theory that this could be the answer, a team of researchers treated mice who were afflicted with ARDS, with THC. The results were astounding: in 100 percent of the cases, THC offered protection against the lethal symptoms of a cytokine storm. By blocking the pro-inflammatory cytokines that rush the immune cells to the area and cause damage, the inflammation was controlled. The severe damage that cytokine storms can normally cause, was a non-issue. (2)
It bears repeating that this study was performed in mice, and there is a lot more rigorous testing that needs to take place before this will be considered a viable treatment. But this is fantastic news and a possible light at the end of the tunnel for those who suffer from ARDS and other types of lung disease. There is nothing scarier than not being able to breathe, feeling like you can’t get enough oxygen. What a wonderful thing to be able to possibly lift that burden for so many people who are suffering. Not to mention the implications for a possible COVID-19 treatment. Three cheers for THC!


Easy 7-Up Cake

Dear Reader : These are extraordinary times we ’ re living in , and while we always have a view toward health and wellness , sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different .
As our needs shift , self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren ’ t normally a part of your diet .
We believe that sometimes it ’ s OK to forego the usual self-care routine .
That ’ s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “ yummy but maybe not for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Enjoy !
Have you ever tried 7-Up cake ?
If I ’ m being honest , though I am a child of the 70s , I didn ’ t even know such a thing existed until recently .
Turns out it ’ s a vintage recipe from that exact era , and there ’ s a whole lot more where 7-Up cake comes from .
Back in the early 1950s , the 7-Up company actually created a booklet full of recipe ideas .
Included in it was another gem that may spark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one and only 7-Up salad .
With its green gelatin base , it was jiggly and festive enough to brighten any office holiday party .
And it no doubt most certainly did .
Ah , the 70s .
( 1 ) The folks at 7-Up have certainly come a long way since their recipe booklet from the 50s .
Their website is sleek and boasts numerous recipes .
Lots of drink ideas , alcoholic and non , as well as interesting-looking recipes to try .
Easy Peach Ice Cream , Slow Cooker Garlic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few eye-catching offerings .
( 2 ) But sometimes , it ’ s the artist ’ s earliest stuff that turns out to be their best .
And this easy 7-Up Cake is a classic recipe that you ’ re going to love .
• None In a medium bowl , mix together all the cake ingredients until thoroughly combined .
• None Pour the batter into the bundt pan , and bake for about 45-55 minutes ( until inserted toothpick or fork comes out clean ) .
• None Allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the bundt pan .
• None In a small bowl , combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice .
• None Add the milk slowly , until you ’ ve reached the desired consistency .
• None Pour the glaze over the cake , and enjoy !
( 1 )

Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
Have you ever tried 7-Up cake? If I’m being honest, though I am a child of the 70s, I didn’t even know such a thing existed until recently. Turns out it’s a vintage recipe from that exact era, and there’s a whole lot more where 7-Up cake comes from. Back in the early 1950s, the 7-Up company actually created a booklet full of recipe ideas. Included in it was another gem that may spark holiday memories for certain people: the one and only 7-Up salad. With its green gelatin base, it was jiggly and festive enough to brighten any office holiday party. And it no doubt most certainly did. Ah, the 70s. (1)
The folks at 7-Up have certainly come a long way since their recipe booklet from the 50s. Their website is sleek and boasts numerous recipes. Lots of drink ideas, alcoholic and non, as well as interesting-looking recipes to try. Easy Peach Ice Cream, Slow Cooker Garlic Pork Chops, and 7-Up Carnitas were a few eye-catching offerings. (2)
But sometimes, it’s the artist’s earliest stuff that turns out to be their best. And this easy 7-Up Cake is a classic recipe that you’re going to love.
Ingredients –
For the cake:
1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
1 small Box Instant Lemon Pudding
1 1/2 Cups 7 Up
4 Eggs
3/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
For the glaze:
2 Cups Powdered Sugar
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp. Milk
Instructions –
For the cake:
Preheat the oven to 325F degrees. Spray a 10-inch bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix together all the cake ingredients until thoroughly combined. Pour the batter into the bundt pan, and bake for about 45-55 minutes (until inserted toothpick or fork comes out clean). Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the bundt pan.
For the glaze:


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-03--Woman Lost 125 Pounds by Making One Tiny Change Week by Week

Trying to lose weight is a nightmare .
Take it from someone with a thyroid issue that keeps me on my scale tipping toes .
However , Australian mom , Keely Dellit discovered a weight loss secret : You can lose weight by simply making tiny changes week by week .
( 1 ) Keely was raised by a surfing firefighting dad and a triathlete police officer mom .
They taught her to eat clean food and play sports to stay healthy .
By the time she turned 14 , she started work at a fast food restaurant where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take its toll .
By her senior year she had gained more weight than she imagined , so she tried to lose weight before graduation .
She used the go-to calorie count and exercise regime and lost 44 pounds .
( 1 ) Like many of us , she gained the weight back and then some .
As life went on , she had three kids .
“ Any thought of losing weight went out the window , ” she says .
“ Honestly , I stopped weighing myself near the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t want to know anymore.
” ( 1 ) This is a challenge many women face following pregnancy .
For Keely she reached a turning point after her third child .
“ When I finally stepped on the scale—just days after giving birth—I weighed 278 pounds , my highest weight ever , ” she says .
“ I knew I had to make a change , not just because of the number , but because I felt unhealthy and exhausted .
And because I wanted to get healthy for my three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a great way to jump start weight loss .
You need something to keep you motivated whether it ’ s being there for your kids , looking good for a wedding , or for your own health .
( 1 ) “ I wanted desperately to change , but I also knew that I didn ’ t have the time to fully commit to a brand-new lifestyle , ” says Keely .
“ So I had to find the easiest , kindest way possible to lose the weight.
” Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , if you can persevere and be kind to yourself , your chances increase .
( 1 ) “ I vowed to make one tiny change per week , which let me ease into a healthy lifestyle , ” says Keely .
( 1 ) In Keely ’ s case she didn ’ t make too drastic a change at first .
For example , she continued to treat herself to fast food and treats .
“ I simply chose smaller portions ( like a small fry instead of a medium size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then , I gradually made slightly healthier substitutions ( grilled chicken instead of crispy , for example ) .
” ( 1 ) “ Once I got used to that , I swapped out soda for juice and then traded that for sparkling water .
I cooked brown rice instead of white , tried plant-based milks instead of dairy , ate at home instead of ordering takeout , ” says Keely .
“ Those tiny , gradual changes allowed me to slowly transform my lifestyle ” .
( 1 ) Transforming your lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weight but keeping it off in my experience .
As soon as I stray from a similar regime to Keely ’ s diet the pounds come on fast and furious .
• Two scrambled eggs and a small bowl of oatmeal with berries for breakfast • A large salad with grilled chicken or tuna for lunch • Steamed fish with a big pile of cooked veggies for dinner • A snack such as a protein bar , carrot sticks , or natural peanut butter Keely also drinks at least a gallon of water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She did basic exercise such as walking or using YouTube videos to work out before taking it to the next level when she joined a bootcamp class .
All her efforts allowed her to lose 125 pounds in 14 months .
( 1 ) “ I ’ m so happy that I made these changes , but it was definitely difficult at times , ” she says .
“ Every day I have to decide to be mindful of my food choices and portion sizes.
” ( 1 ) Keely now works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passion to help others with their weight loss struggles .
( 1 )

Trying to lose weight is a nightmare. Take it from someone with a thyroid issue that keeps me on my scale tipping toes. However, Australian mom, Keely Dellit discovered a weight loss secret: You can lose weight by simply making tiny changes week by week. (1)
Weight Loss As A Teen
Keely was raised by a surfing firefighting dad and a triathlete police officer mom. They taught her to eat clean food and play sports to stay healthy. By the time she turned 14, she started work at a fast food restaurant where the perk of free burgers and fries started to take its toll. By her senior year she had gained more weight than she imagined, so she tried to lose weight before graduation. She used the go-to calorie count and exercise regime and lost 44 pounds. (1)
Weight Loss After Pregnancy
Like many of us, she gained the weight back and then some. As life went on, she had three kids. “Any thought of losing weight went out the window,” she says. “Honestly, I stopped weighing myself near the end of my last pregnancy because I just didn’t want to know anymore.” (1)
This is a challenge many women face following pregnancy. For Keely she reached a turning point after her third child. “When I finally stepped on the scale—just days after giving birth—I weighed 278 pounds, my highest weight ever,” she says. “I knew I had to make a change, not just because of the number, but because I felt unhealthy and exhausted. And because I wanted to get healthy for my three kids.” (1)
Incentive For Weight Loss
Incentive like this is a great way to jump start weight loss. You need something to keep you motivated whether it’s being there for your kids, looking good for a wedding, or for your own health. (1)
“I wanted desperately to change, but I also knew that I didn’t have the time to fully commit to a brand-new lifestyle,” says Keely. “So I had to find the easiest, kindest way possible to lose the weight.” Of course, losing weight is never easy. However, if you can persevere and be kind to yourself, your chances increase. (1)
Baby Steps For Weight Loss
“I vowed to make one tiny change per week, which let me ease into a healthy lifestyle,” says Keely. (1)
In Keely’s case she didn’t make too drastic a change at first. For example, she continued to treat herself to fast food and treats. “I simply chose smaller portions (like a small fry instead of a medium size),” she explains. “Then, I gradually made slightly healthier substitutions (grilled chicken instead of crispy, for example).” (1)
Healthy Choices For Weight Loss
“Once I got used to that, I swapped out soda for juice and then traded that for sparkling water. I cooked brown rice instead of white, tried plant-based milks instead of dairy, ate at home instead of ordering takeout,” says Keely. “Those tiny, gradual changes allowed me to slowly transform my lifestyle”. (1)
Transforming your lifestyle is the key to not only losing weight but keeping it off in my experience. As soon as I stray from a similar regime to Keely’s diet the pounds come on fast and furious.
Typical Weight Loss Meals
A typical day for Keely’s diet includes: (1)
Two scrambled eggs and a small bowl of oatmeal with berries for breakfast
A large salad with grilled chicken or tuna for lunch
Steamed fish with a big pile of cooked veggies for dinner
A snack such as a protein bar, carrot sticks, or natural peanut butter
Keely also drinks at least a gallon of water each day and started a workout regimen. She did basic exercise such as walking or using YouTube videos to work out before taking it to the next level when she joined a bootcamp class. All her efforts allowed her to lose 125 pounds in 14 months. (1)
Happiness After Weight Loss
“I’m so happy that I made these changes, but it was definitely difficult at times,” she says. “Every day I have to decide to be mindful of my food choices and portion sizes.” (1)
Keely now works as a personal trainer using her newfound passion to help others with their weight loss struggles. (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-03--Scientists Explain What Happens To Your Body When You Have a Broken Heart

If you ’ ve seen The Wizard Of Oz , you might remember the Tin Man ’ s tragic parting words to Dorothy : “ Now I know I have a heart , ’ cause it ’ s breaking.
” Turns out , that ’ s more than just poetic license .
Broken Heart Syndrome is real .
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is the ‘ scientific ’ name for Broken Heart Syndrome .
But it ’ s also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy .
It ’ s not only stress that causes it though–at least , not what we would typically think of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a variety of emotional situations can cause it .
Anything as ‘ mild ’ as public speaking or a surprise party can trigger it , up to life-changing events , such as severe bad news–like an illness or a death– , being a victim of domestic violence , or separation from ones we love .
( 1 ) How Does It Affect The Heart ?
And what exactly is it ?
The stress from the event “ freezes ” the left ventricle of the heart , preventing it from pumping blood as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manifests is in a “ ballooning ” of the lower left ventricle .
This makes the left side of the heart look like the kind of pot Japanese fishermen trap octopi in .
The name of that pot ?
The tako-tsubo , which is where the more medical name comes from .
It can also be referred to as atypical ballooning syndrome .
That ’ s four names for one condition !
( 1 ) Can Anyone Get It ?
Turns out , men don ’ t get their hearts broken–or at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to get takotsubo cardiomyopathy than men .
Age plays a factor , too , as does race .
Asian and white women who are post-menopause are most vulnerable .
Women between 58 and 75 make up over 90 % of reported cases .
But , takotsubo cardiomyopathy may be under-diagnosed .
Researchers suspect that around 5 % of women diagnosed with a heart attack have actually suffered from a broken heart .
( 1 , 2 ) What Does It Feel Like ?
It feels just like a heart attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misdiagnosed .
You can look forward to chest pain and shortness of breath , as well as the possibility of fainting .
You can also develop arrhythmias , which are irregular heartbeats .
Worst-case scenario , you can go into cardiogenic shock , when your heart can ’ t provide enough blood for the body .
This is fatal if not dealt with , so take it seriously !
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) What ’ s The Difference Between A Heart Attack And A Broken Heart ?
Broken Heart Syndrome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , neither is a heart attack ( although any heart problems that cause it may be ) .
But there are a few key differences to look for .
The readings on an electrocardiogram ( EKG ) will look different between those having a heart attack and those with Broken Heart Syndrome .
( 3 ) A broken heart will most likely not lead to lasting damage–and blood tests will show this .
( 3 ) A major cause of heart attacks is blockages in your arteries , which is not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 , 3 ) Because there is less damage to the heart , healing takes only days or weeks , instead of months .
( 2 , 3 )

If you’ve seen The Wizard Of Oz, you might remember the Tin Man’s tragic parting words to Dorothy: “Now I know I have a heart, ’cause it’s breaking.” Turns out, that’s more than just poetic license. Broken Heart Syndrome is real.
What Is Broken Heart Syndrome?
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is the ‘scientific’ name for Broken Heart Syndrome. But it’s also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy. It’s not only stress that causes it though–at least, not what we would typically think of when we think of stress. Instead, a variety of emotional situations can cause it. Anything as ‘mild’ as public speaking or a surprise party can trigger it, up to life-changing events, such as severe bad news–like an illness or a death–, being a victim of domestic violence, or separation from ones we love. (1)
How Does It Affect The Heart?
And what exactly is it? The stress from the event “freezes” the left ventricle of the heart, preventing it from pumping blood as effectively. The most common way this manifests is in a “ballooning” of the lower left ventricle. This makes the left side of the heart look like the kind of pot Japanese fishermen trap octopi in. The name of that pot? The tako-tsubo, which is where the more medical name comes from. It can also be referred to as atypical ballooning syndrome. That’s four names for one condition! (1)
Can Anyone Get It?
Turns out, men don’t get their hearts broken–or at least not as often. Women are much more likely to get takotsubo cardiomyopathy than men. Age plays a factor, too, as does race. Asian and white women who are post-menopause are most vulnerable. Women between 58 and 75 make up over 90% of reported cases. But, takotsubo cardiomyopathy may be under-diagnosed. Researchers suspect that around 5% of women diagnosed with a heart attack have actually suffered from a broken heart. (1, 2)
What Does It Feel Like?
It feels just like a heart attack, which is one reason it may be misdiagnosed. You can look forward to chest pain and shortness of breath, as well as the possibility of fainting. You can also develop arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats. Worst-case scenario, you can go into cardiogenic shock, when your heart can’t provide enough blood for the body. This is fatal if not dealt with, so take it seriously! (1, 2, 3)
What’s The Difference Between A Heart Attack And A Broken Heart?
Broken Heart Syndrome is not a permanent disorder. Then again, neither is a heart attack (although any heart problems that cause it may be). But there are a few key differences to look for.
Electrical
The readings on an electrocardiogram (EKG) will look different between those having a heart attack and those with Broken Heart Syndrome. (3)
Damage
A broken heart will most likely not lead to lasting damage–and blood tests will show this. (3)
Blockage
A major cause of heart attacks is blockages in your arteries, which is not a feature of Broken Heart Syndrome. (2, 3)
Recovery Time
Because there is less damage to the heart, healing takes only days or weeks, instead of months. (2, 3)


Bang Bang Corn

All around the world , everywhere you turn , corn is a ubiquitous menu staple .
In many places , corn on the cob has reached near-mythic status as a street food .
In Kenya they roll the hot , grilled corn in salt , lime juice , and minced chili peppers .
As you would expect , it is incredible .
So simple too !
In Mexican culture , elote as it ’ s known , is loved everywhere… on every street corner in every state .
While it ’ s hard not to love elote , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smothered in salt , lime , chili , mayo ( yes , mayo ) , cotija cheese and cilantro , this street corn is a special treat indeed .
Somalia does coconut curried corn , which is as delightful as it sounds .
Fresh corn on the cob rests neatly in a boat of warm coconut curry sauce .
Uruguay uses corn as a condiment for hot dogs , of all things , and in the Netherlands they make potato salad with it .
Cambodia grills their corn with coconut milk , giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the crisp sweetness of the corn .
In Albania they put feta in their cornbread , which we ’ ve got to try one of these days , and in Venezuela they make fresh corncakes with cheese , that you could make a whole meal out of .
We won ’ t tell a soul , promise .
This recipe for Bang Bang Corn offers up a little bit of sweetness , a little bit of spiciness , and a whole lot of flavor .
If you ’ re familiar with Bang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognize the same bold and yummy flavors in this corn !
We like to think this recipe might end up the next big thing on a happening street corner in some exotic locale .
Ready to dive in ?
Let ’ s make something delicious .
• None Prepare the bang bang butter : In a medium bowl , mix together the chili sauce , butter , Sriracha , garlic , and lime juice .
Season to taste with salt and pepper .
• None Slather the bang bang butter all over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to medium-high .
When grilling the corn , turn it and baste it periodically with the remaining bang bang butter .
You ’ re looking for the corn to be tender and charred , 10 to 15 minutes or so should do it .
• None Sprinkle some cilantro over the top , and enjoy !

All around the world, everywhere you turn, corn is a ubiquitous menu staple. In many places, corn on the cob has reached near-mythic status as a street food.
Corn Around The World
In Kenya they roll the hot, grilled corn in salt, lime juice, and minced chili peppers. As you would expect, it is incredible. So simple too! In Mexican culture, elote as it’s known, is loved everywhere… on every street corner in every state. While it’s hard not to love elote, it’s not exactly health food either. Smothered in salt, lime, chili, mayo (yes, mayo), cotija cheese and cilantro, this street corn is a special treat indeed.
Somalia does coconut curried corn, which is as delightful as it sounds. Fresh corn on the cob rests neatly in a boat of warm coconut curry sauce. Uruguay uses corn as a condiment for hot dogs, of all things, and in the Netherlands they make potato salad with it. Cambodia grills their corn with coconut milk, giving it a sweet decadence that pairs perfectly with the crisp sweetness of the corn. In Albania they put feta in their cornbread, which we’ve got to try one of these days, and in Venezuela they make fresh corncakes with cheese, that you could make a whole meal out of. We won’t tell a soul, promise.
This recipe for Bang Bang Corn offers up a little bit of sweetness, a little bit of spiciness, and a whole lot of flavor. If you’re familiar with Bang Bang Shrimp, you’ll definitely recognize the same bold and yummy flavors in this corn! We like to think this recipe might end up the next big thing on a happening street corner in some exotic locale.
Ready to dive in? Let’s make something delicious.
Ingredients –
1/2 c. sweet chili sauce
3 tbsp. melted butter
1 tbsp. sriracha
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Juice of 2 limes
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 ears corn, husks removed
Freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish
Directions –


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-07--Hawaii Group Makes Record Haul After Pulling 103 Tons Of Trash From The Pacific

Somewhere out on the ocean between Hawaii and California , a mass twice the size of Texas floats gently over the deep blue waters .
It ’ s not an island , a gigantic clump of seaweed , or a fleet of ships .
Instead , this 994,000 square mile patch is made entirely of garbage .
( 1 ) Named The Great Pacific Garbage Patch ( or Gyre ) , a crew from the Ocean Voyages Institute set out on a mission to put a dent in the gigantic floating trash pile .
This effort marked the single largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 ) On May 4th , 2020 the Kwai set sail from Hilo , Hawaii after a 3-week COVID-19 quarantine to ensure all crew members were healthy .
This cargo ship ’ s mission was simple in theory : head to The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and do some cleanup .
While the goal seems straightforward , the efforts required to clean such a large flotilla of debris are phenomenal .
The Ocean Voyages Institute uses GPS satellite trackers on ‘ ghost nets , ’ which can then lead them to larger deposits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place the beacons on these random nets for targeted collection .
Because the Gyre covers such an immense area of ocean , it takes long days , lookouts at the mast , and concerted effort to find and collect the floating debris .
When the Kwai finds a piece of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch , it ’ s collected and stored in the ships hull to sift and recycle back on land .
After 48 days at sea , the Kwai docked in Honolulu on June 23rd with its cargo of collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing nets and plastic was pulled from the oceans .
That ’ s more than double the Ocean Voyages Institute collected over the previous year–as well as the largest cleanup of the Gyre to date .
Mary Crowley , the Institute ’ s founder , was thrilled with the feat .
“ The oceans can ’ t wait for these nets and debris to break down into microplastics , ” she said in an Ocean Voyages Institute press release , “ which impair the ocean ’ s ability to store carbon and toxify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 ) Our Oceans In Peril From Plastic The Kwai is planning another voyage with The Ocean Voyages Institute crew as soon as possible .
Sadly , this cleanup effort is critically needed in the Gyre .
Accumulating trash from across the world that ’ s been caught up in ocean currents , it ’ s estimated that the current mass of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is over 88,000 tons .
That ’ s equivalent to the weight of 500 jumbo jets .
Over 1.8 trillion plastic pieces are floating in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earth to have 250 of their own pieces .
Since the 1970s , the concentration of plastics has exponentially skyrocketed .
This poses a toxic danger to ocean life , who often confuse the tiny plastic pieces for food .
These chemicals , accumulating in the bodies of fish , can work their way up the food chain to humans .
It also illustrates the inability of most plastics to break down : a crate from 1977 , a hardhat from 1989 , and Nintendo Gameboy cover from 1995 have all been found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s hoped that , with more voyages and cleanup efforts , the danger to ocean life can be reduced as the nets and plastic from the Gyre are removed .
Crowley is committed to continuing her team ’ s efforts to clean up our precious oceans .
“ There is no doubt in my mind that our work is making the oceans healthier for the planet and safer for marine wildlife , ” she says .
“ These nets will never again entangle or harm a whale , dolphin , turtle @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Somewhere out on the ocean between Hawaii and California, a mass twice the size of Texas floats gently over the deep blue waters. It’s not an island, a gigantic clump of seaweed, or a fleet of ships. Instead, this 994,000 square mile patch is made entirely of garbage. (1)
Named The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (or Gyre), a crew from the Ocean Voyages Institute set out on a mission to put a dent in the gigantic floating trash pile. This effort marked the single largest cleanup of the Gyre yet. (2)
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Clean-Up
On May 4th, 2020 the Kwai set sail from Hilo, Hawaii after a 3-week COVID-19 quarantine to ensure all crew members were healthy. This cargo ship’s mission was simple in theory: head to The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and do some cleanup. While the goal seems straightforward, the efforts required to clean such a large flotilla of debris are phenomenal.
The Ocean Voyages Institute uses GPS satellite trackers on ‘ghost nets,’ which can then lead them to larger deposits of trash. Volunteer yachts and ships place the beacons on these random nets for targeted collection. Because the Gyre covers such an immense area of ocean, it takes long days, lookouts at the mast, and concerted effort to find and collect the floating debris.
When the Kwai finds a piece of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, it’s collected and stored in the ships hull to sift and recycle back on land.
After 48 days at sea, the Kwai docked in Honolulu on June 23rd with its cargo of collected trash. A massive 206,000 lbs of fishing nets and plastic was pulled from the oceans. That’s more than double the Ocean Voyages Institute collected over the previous year–as well as the largest cleanup of the Gyre to date. Mary Crowley, the Institute’s founder, was thrilled with the feat. “The oceans can’t wait for these nets and debris to break down into microplastics,” she said in an Ocean Voyages Institute press release, “which impair the ocean’s ability to store carbon and toxify the fragile ocean food web.” (2)
Our Oceans In Peril From Plastic
The Kwai is planning another voyage with The Ocean Voyages Institute crew as soon as possible. Sadly, this cleanup effort is critically needed in the Gyre. Accumulating trash from across the world that’s been caught up in ocean currents, it’s estimated that the current mass of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is over 88,000 tons. That’s equivalent to the weight of 500 jumbo jets.
Over 1.8 trillion plastic pieces are floating in the Gyre, enough for every human on earth to have 250 of their own pieces. Since the 1970s, the concentration of plastics has exponentially skyrocketed. This poses a toxic danger to ocean life, who often confuse the tiny plastic pieces for food. These chemicals, accumulating in the bodies of fish, can work their way up the food chain to humans. It also illustrates the inability of most plastics to break down: a crate from 1977, a hardhat from 1989, and Nintendo Gameboy cover from 1995 have all been found in the Gyre. (1)
It’s hoped that, with more voyages and cleanup efforts, the danger to ocean life can be reduced as the nets and plastic from the Gyre are removed. Crowley is committed to continuing her team’s efforts to clean up our precious oceans. “There is no doubt in my mind that our work is making the oceans healthier for the planet and safer for marine wildlife,” she says. “These nets will never again entangle or harm a whale, dolphin, turtle, or reefs.” (2)


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-07--Hundreds Of Elephants Found Dead In Botswana

A mysterious dying off of hundreds of elephants in Botswana has scientists and researchers scratching their heads .
Since the beginning of May 2020 , when reports started coming in that elephants were being found dead , there have been more than 350 cases in and around Botswana ’ s Okavango Delta .
( 1 ) The first reported deaths came in early May of 2020 .
There were a total of 169 deceased elephants by the end that month , and at the mid-June mark a few weeks later , the number had already more than doubled .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level that hasn ’ t been seen in a very , very long time .
Outside of drought , I don ’ t know of a die-off that has been this significant , ” said Dr. Niall McCann , Director of Conservation at the UK-based National Park Rescue .
( 1 ) The two most likely explanations for what is happening are that there is some unknown pathogen that is tearing through the elephant population , or that they are being poisoned .
Though the Botswana government has not sent any samples for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthrax has been ruled out as a possibility .
McCann said : “ When we ’ ve got a mass die-off of elephants near human habitation at a time when wildlife disease is very much at the forefront of everyone ’ s minds , it seems extraordinary that the government has not sent the samples to a reputable lab.
” ( 1 ) The Mystery Of The Dead Elephants It ’ s unclear why there has been no effort to get samples tested , especially in light of the current pandemic situation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood that viruses and pathogens can and do jump from animals to people , so it seems logical that gaining an understanding of what is causing these deaths is a wise step .
Local witnesses have stated that they ’ ve seen elephants walking around in circles .
“ If you look at the carcasses , some of them have fallen straight on their face , indicating they died very quickly .
Others are obviously dying more slowly , like the ones that are wandering around .
So it ’ s very difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said McCann .
( 1 ) It doesn ’ t seem to affect a particular age group or gender more than anyone else .
Officials have spotted certain animals that seem weaker and more emaciated than others , suggesting that whatever it is , is ongoing .
Cyanide poisoning is still a possibility , but that doesn ’ t seem likely to pan out either .
This is a typical way that poachers kill elephants , but the animals are all being found with their tusks intact .
In addition , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the carcasses are not dying , a pretty clear sign that poisoning is not the culprit .
On the other hand , there have been no deaths reported in other counties .
So in that way , it seems very much targeted… very specific to this region and these elephants .
( 1 ) What is causing this massive elephant die-off ?
Without proper testing , it ’ s going to be very hard to get to the heart of the matter .
Hopefully , Botswana officials will do the right thing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ samples for testing .

A mysterious dying off of hundreds of elephants in Botswana has scientists and researchers scratching their heads. Since the beginning of May 2020, when reports started coming in that elephants were being found dead, there have been more than 350 cases in and around Botswana’s Okavango Delta. (1)
Dead Elephant Numbers On The Rise
The first reported deaths came in early May of 2020. There were a total of 169 deceased elephants by the end that month, and at the mid-June mark a few weeks later, the number had already more than doubled.
“This is a mass die-off on a level that hasn’t been seen in a very, very long time. Outside of drought, I don’t know of a die-off that has been this significant,” said Dr. Niall McCann, Director of Conservation at the UK-based National Park Rescue. (1)
Unknown Pathogen or Poisoning?
The two most likely explanations for what is happening are that there is some unknown pathogen that is tearing through the elephant population, or that they are being poisoned. Though the Botswana government has not sent any samples for testing, according to the Guardian, Anthrax has been ruled out as a possibility.
McCann said: “When we’ve got a mass die-off of elephants near human habitation at a time when wildlife disease is very much at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it seems extraordinary that the government has not sent the samples to a reputable lab.” (1)
The Mystery Of The Dead Elephants
It’s unclear why there has been no effort to get samples tested, especially in light of the current pandemic situation with the novel coronavirus. It is well understood that viruses and pathogens can and do jump from animals to people, so it seems logical that gaining an understanding of what is causing these deaths is a wise step.
Local witnesses have stated that they’ve seen elephants walking around in circles. “If you look at the carcasses, some of them have fallen straight on their face, indicating they died very quickly. Others are obviously dying more slowly, like the ones that are wandering around. So it’s very difficult to say what this toxin is,” said McCann. (1)
It doesn’t seem to affect a particular age group or gender more than anyone else. Officials have spotted certain animals that seem weaker and more emaciated than others, suggesting that whatever it is, is ongoing.
Cyanide poisoning is still a possibility, but that doesn’t seem likely to pan out either. This is a typical way that poachers kill elephants, but the animals are all being found with their tusks intact. In addition, the scavengers who come through to feed on the carcasses are not dying, a pretty clear sign that poisoning is not the culprit.
On the other hand, there have been no deaths reported in other counties. So in that way, it seems very much targeted… very specific to this region and these elephants. (1)
What is causing this massive elephant die-off?
Without proper testing, it’s going to be very hard to get to the heart of the matter. Hopefully, Botswana officials will do the right thing and further the investigation by sending out some samples for testing.


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-07--A Rare Case Of Brain-Destroying Amoeba Has Been Confirmed In Florida

Cool lakes and local watering holes have long been a source of relief from the summer heat .
While many might avoid public beaches due to COVID-19 this summer , cooling waters are still a common refuge as temperatures rise .
However , reports of a person in Hillsborough County Florida diagnosed with Naegleria fowleri could put a damper on things .
The usually fatal , and exceptionally rare illness is caused when a single-cell amoeba enters the nose .
The amoeba is found in warm , contaminated water , and once inhaled , it can quickly lead to death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida Department of Health ( FDH ) , there have only been 37 Florida cases since 1962 .
Of the 143 overall U.S. cases , only four survived .
Once inhaled , Naegleria fowleri attacks the tissue of the brain leading to a rare infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis .
The illness can cause death in as little as a day .
( 1 , 2 ) Naegleria fowleri is contracted through contaminated water , but only through the nose .
The amoeba is found in Florida from July to September , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrees Fahrenheit .
The amoeba can live in rivers , ponds , lakes , canals , and hot springs , as well as pools not properly chlorinated .
( 1 ) In fact , Neti pot users are even being warned to use sterilized water .
The good news is you can ’ t contract the illness by drinking contaminated water .
( 1 ) Symptoms appear a few days following exposure and death can occur from one to 18 days later .
If caught in the early stages , it is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been swimming and experience the symptoms , it ’ s advised you see your doctor right away .
( 2 ) Despite the fact there are many areas people can swim and play in warm natural rivers and lakes in Florida , the illness is rare .
It ’ s not known why such a small number of people contract the illness when millions participate in the same water activities in peak summer months .
( 2 ) The Florida Department of Health recommends you take the following precautions : ( 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities at warm freshwater sources , especially during periods when water temperatures are high and water levels are low • None Plug your nose or use nose clips when swimming in freshwater • None Don ’ t stir up the water and sediment when you are in shallow , freshwater • None Rinse your neti pot very well using boiled , cooled water or distilled or sterile water • None Use boiled , cooled water or distilled or sterile water for ritual ablutions “ Remember , this disease is rare and effective prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relaxing summer swim season , ” says the Florida Health Department .
Despite these words of wisdom , it ’ s hard to hear there ’ s another health threat out there as COVID-19 continues to take its toll .
( 2 )

Cool lakes and local watering holes have long been a source of relief from the summer heat. While many might avoid public beaches due to COVID-19 this summer, cooling waters are still a common refuge as temperatures rise. However, reports of a person in Hillsborough County Florida diagnosed with Naegleria fowleri could put a damper on things. The usually fatal, and exceptionally rare illness is caused when a single-cell amoeba enters the nose. The amoeba is found in warm, contaminated water, and once inhaled, it can quickly lead to death. (1)
Florida Department Of Health
According to the Florida Department of Health (FDH), there have only been 37 Florida cases since 1962. Of the 143 overall U.S. cases, only four survived. Once inhaled, Naegleria fowleri attacks the tissue of the brain leading to a rare infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis. The illness can cause death in as little as a day. (1, 2)
Season For Amoeba In Florida
Naegleria fowleri is contracted through contaminated water, but only through the nose. The amoeba is found in Florida from July to September, as it ideally grows in temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The amoeba can live in rivers, ponds, lakes, canals, and hot springs, as well as pools not properly chlorinated. (1)
In fact, Neti pot users are even being warned to use sterilized water. The good news is you can’t contract the illness by drinking contaminated water. (1)
Symptoms Of Naegleria Fowleri
Symptoms include: (2)
Severe frontal headache
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Stiff neck
Seizures
Altered mental status
Hallucinations
Coma
Symptoms appear a few days following exposure and death can occur from one to 18 days later. If caught in the early stages, it is more likely you can recover. If you have been swimming and experience the symptoms, it’s advised you see your doctor right away. (2)
Rare Illness In Florida
Despite the fact there are many areas people can swim and play in warm natural rivers and lakes in Florida, the illness is rare. It’s not known why such a small number of people contract the illness when millions participate in the same water activities in peak summer months. (2)
Florida Health Department Recommendations
The Florida Department of Health recommends you take the following precautions: (2)
Avoid swimming and water activities at warm freshwater sources, especially during periods when water temperatures are high and water levels are low
Plug your nose or use nose clips when swimming in freshwater
Don’t stir up the water and sediment when you are in shallow, freshwater
Rinse your neti pot very well using boiled, cooled water or distilled or sterile water
Use boiled, cooled water or distilled or sterile water for ritual ablutions
“Remember, this disease is rare and effective prevention strategies can allow for a safe and relaxing summer swim season,” says the Florida Health Department. Despite these words of wisdom, it’s hard to hear there’s another health threat out there as COVID-19 continues to take its toll. (2)


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-07--New Therapy Turns Cancer Cells Into Fat To Stop It From Spreading

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells escape their original tumors and travel to other parts of the body to create new tumors .
The majority of cancer deaths are caused by metastasis .
But researchers have learned that turning breast cancer cells into fat may stop them from spreading .
( 1 , 2 ) Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland studied how cell plasticity allows cancer cells to metastasize .
According to their study , which they published in the journal Cancer Cell in January 2019 , “ Cancer cell plasticity facilitates the development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 , 2 ) Cancer cells are able to emulate the characteristics of other cells to travel through the body and avoid being destroyed by treatments .
This process , called “ metastasis cascade ” , is made up of three stages : ( 1 , 3 ) • • Invasion is when cancer cells first disconnect from the original tumor .
To do this , they abandon one of their cellular properties : the ability to stick to other cells and other things around them .
• intravasation , cancer cells enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the body .
• Extravasation is when cancer cells exit the blood vessels in preparation for attaching at a new location and multiplying to create a new tumor .
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer , and it ’ s responsible for the most cancer-related deaths for women .
( 1 ) The World Health Organization estimates that over 2.1 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year .
And about 627,000 died from breast cancer in 2018 alone .
( 1 , 3 ) Most breast cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preventing breast cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body and creating new tumors could have a profound impact on women surviving this disease .
( 1 ) The research team from the University of Basel discovered that they could turn breast cancer cells into fat cells using a combination of drugs .
Once turned into fat cells , they could not detach themselves from the primary tumor and form new tumors .
The study ’ s authors said that this led to the “ repression of primary tumor invasion and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make it easier to treat successfully .
( 1 , 2 ) To turn the breast cancer cells into fat cells , researchers used a combination of rosiglitazone , a diabetes drug , and another drug called trametinib .
According to the study authors , trametinib “ efficiently inhibits cancer cell invasion , dissemination , and metastasis formation in various preclinical mouse models of breast cancer.
” ( 1 , 2 ) The study authors believe that “ [ t ] he results underscore the pivotal role of cancer cell plasticity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential that lies in the targeting of cellular plasticity.
” ( 2 ) Gerhard Christofori , senior study author and Biomedicine professor at the University of Basel , told Medical News Today , “ In future , this innovative therapeutic approach could be used in combination with conventional chemotherapy to suppress both primary tumor growth and the formation of deadly metastases.
” ( 1 )

Researchers Target Metastasis
Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells escape their original tumors and travel to other parts of the body to create new tumors. The majority of cancer deaths are caused by metastasis. But researchers have learned that turning breast cancer cells into fat may stop them from spreading. (1, 2)
Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland studied how cell plasticity allows cancer cells to metastasize. According to their study, which they published in the journal Cancer Cell in January 2019, “Cancer cell plasticity facilitates the development of therapy resistance and malignant progression.” (1, 2)
Cancer cells are able to emulate the characteristics of other cells to travel through the body and avoid being destroyed by treatments. This process, called “metastasis cascade”, is made up of three stages: (1, 3)
Invasion is when cancer cells first disconnect from the original tumor. To do this, they abandon one of their cellular properties: the ability to stick to other cells and other things around them. In intravasation , cancer cells enter blood vessels to travel to other areas of the body.
Extravasation is when cancer cells exit the blood vessels in preparation for attaching at a new location and multiplying to create a new tumor.
Turning Cancer Cells Into Fat Cells
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it’s responsible for the most cancer-related deaths for women. (1)
The World Health Organization estimates that over 2.1 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. And about 627,000 died from breast cancer in 2018 alone. (1, 3)
Most breast cancer deaths are caused by metastasis. So preventing breast cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body and creating new tumors could have a profound impact on women surviving this disease. (1)
The research team from the University of Basel discovered that they could turn breast cancer cells into fat cells using a combination of drugs. Once turned into fat cells, they could not detach themselves from the primary tumor and form new tumors. The study’s authors said that this led to the “repression of primary tumor invasion and metastasis formation.” Keeping cancer from spreading will make it easier to treat successfully. (1, 2)
To turn the breast cancer cells into fat cells, researchers used a combination of rosiglitazone, a diabetes drug, and another drug called trametinib. According to the study authors, trametinib “efficiently inhibits cancer cell invasion, dissemination, and metastasis formation in various preclinical mouse models of breast cancer.” (1, 2)
Future Cancer Therapies
The study authors believe that “[t]he results underscore the pivotal role of cancer cell plasticity in malignant tumor progression and reveal the therapeutic potential that lies in the targeting of cellular plasticity.” (2)
Gerhard Christofori, senior study author and Biomedicine professor at the University of Basel, told Medical News Today, “In future, this innovative therapeutic approach could be used in combination with conventional chemotherapy to suppress both primary tumor growth and the formation of deadly metastases.” (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-07-07--A Scientific Study Claims That Your Age Affects How You See This Famous Optical Illusion

If you ’ ve ever been stumped by an optical illusion , you ’ re part of an odd yet fascinating history dating back to the 5th century B.C .
These images , created to distort perspective and trick our eyes , can range from entertaining to headache-inducing .
While there is a ton of scientific evidence to explain how they work and what we see , one specific optical illusion may be viewed one of two ways depending on our age .
( 1 ) The Fascinating History Of The Optical Illusion The early Greek study of optical illusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Greeks saw temple rooftops , for example , sparked an in-depth look at how humans perceive things .
The roofs , built on a slant , appeared curved to observers .
Centuries later , Plato concluded that our minds and eyes cooperate to understand our world .
Although these Greek philosophers were on to something , advanced understanding of science helped researchers make more sense of the optical illusion .
For example , two 19th-century psychologists applied scientific research to the phenomena to better understand how people see these images .
Johannes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their lives analyzing , testing , and researching theories as to how optical illusions work .
Throughout the centuries , four basic types of illusions were identified .
These categories–paradox illusions , distorting illusions , fiction illusions , and ambiguous illusions–all cause the viewer to see the image in a different way .
One of the most famous of these images is an ambiguous illusion , the subject of a 2018 scientific study .
It appears the age of the viewer changes the way they see it .
( 1 ) An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My Mother-In-Law ” With its first documentation seen in an 1888 postcard , “ My Wife And My Mother-In-Law ” is the most famous of ambiguous optical illusions .
The image can be seen in two different ways : as an old woman looking forward , or a young woman with her head turned away .
Edwin Boring , a psychologist that intensely studied the image in 1930 , declared that it was the perfect example of an ambiguous optical illusion .
This type of illusion requires us to focus on only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see the figures .
The brain makes sense of the lines and details we focus on , creating the picture in our mind .
Oddly enough , research now suggests our age changes what we see first when viewing the Boring Image .
( 2 ) In a 2018 study , researchers showed how facial recognition is affected by our social group–often those we are closer to in age .
The participants were shown the Boring Image for half a second and then asked what the age of the woman was .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the younger woman first while older people saw the older woman .
This research shows that our own subconscious age-bias affects how we see the world .
( 3 ) Regardless of how you see the image , optical illusions are a fascinating look at human perception and how the mind works .
It ’ s clear that looks can be deceiving , and everything is worth a second glance .

If you’ve ever been stumped by an optical illusion, you’re part of an odd yet fascinating history dating back to the 5th century B.C. These images, created to distort perspective and trick our eyes, can range from entertaining to headache-inducing. While there is a ton of scientific evidence to explain how they work and what we see, one specific optical illusion may be viewed one of two ways depending on our age. (1)
The Fascinating History Of The Optical Illusion
The early Greek study of optical illusions included much philosophical debate. The way that Greeks saw temple rooftops, for example, sparked an in-depth look at how humans perceive things. The roofs, built on a slant, appeared curved to observers. Centuries later, Plato concluded that our minds and eyes cooperate to understand our world.
Although these Greek philosophers were on to something, advanced understanding of science helped researchers make more sense of the optical illusion. For example, two 19th-century psychologists applied scientific research to the phenomena to better understand how people see these images. Johannes Mueller and J.J. Oppel spent a majority of their lives analyzing, testing, and researching theories as to how optical illusions work.
Throughout the centuries, four basic types of illusions were identified. These categories–paradox illusions, distorting illusions, fiction illusions, and ambiguous illusions–all cause the viewer to see the image in a different way. One of the most famous of these images is an ambiguous illusion, the subject of a 2018 scientific study. It appears the age of the viewer changes the way they see it. (1)
An Ambiguous Illusion: “My Wife And My Mother-In-Law”
With its first documentation seen in an 1888 postcard, “My Wife And My Mother-In-Law” is the most famous of ambiguous optical illusions. The image can be seen in two different ways: as an old woman looking forward, or a young woman with her head turned away. Edwin Boring, a psychologist that intensely studied the image in 1930, declared that it was the perfect example of an ambiguous optical illusion.
This type of illusion requires us to focus on only one part of the picture at a time to see the figures. The brain makes sense of the lines and details we focus on, creating the picture in our mind. Oddly enough, research now suggests our age changes what we see first when viewing the Boring Image. (2)
In a 2018 study, researchers showed how facial recognition is affected by our social group–often those we are closer to in age. The participants were shown the Boring Image for half a second and then asked what the age of the woman was. As a result, the younger people saw the younger woman first while older people saw the older woman. This research shows that our own subconscious age-bias affects how we see the world. (3)
Regardless of how you see the image, optical illusions are a fascinating look at human perception and how the mind works. It’s clear that looks can be deceiving, and everything is worth a second glance.