healthyholisticliving--2020-03-12--Humanity At Its Finest: Man Dies Years After Young Girl’s Friendship Saved Him

It was a simple , unexpected act of a young girl ’ s friendship that day in the grocery store that changed an elderly man ’ s life .
Norah Wood had just turned four and she wanted to get cupcakes for the family to share that evening .
As mom Tara browsed a grocery store shelf , her daughter blurted out , “ Hi old person !
It ’ s my birthday today !
” Before Tara had a chance to quiet her exuberant child while hoping she hadn ’ t offended the gruff old man , the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways , Norah insisted on taking a picture with the senior .
What happened next became a national news story that touched the hearts of millions .
Tara Wood shared the story on her Facebook page and it shortly thereafter went viral .
It was a simple yet beautiful tale of how one act of friendship could change a life .
The then 82-year-old man , known affectionately as “ Mr .
Dan , ” had just lost his wife and had been struggling with loneliness .
When he met Norah , her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on his mood .
On one of the subsequent visits they arranged , Mr. Dan told Tara that he had struggled to sleep after his wife died .
Once Norah came into his life , he slept soundly every night .
“ Norah has healed me , ” he said .
And the love and friendship only grew between the little girl and the old man .
( 1 ) Tara brought Norah and her younger sister Marigold regularly to visit Mr. Dan .
They spent time coloring , doing puzzles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norah stories from when he was young and shared his love of gardening with her .
Their bond deepened , and as the story was shared , Mr. Dan received letters from all over the world .
He and Norah tracked where the letters came from on a map , and the kind words of so many people only added to his happiness .
( 2 ) Gone But Not Forgotten In the three years that Mr. Dan and Norah shared their extraordinary friendship , their adventures were shared on a Facebook page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see sweet videos and pictures of the duo , and it was clear that Mr. Dan was now spending his twilight years in happiness .
Sadly , Mr. Dan passed away on February 10th , 2020 , just as unexpectedly as his friendship with Norah began .
The morning before , Tara and her girls had shared breakfast with their friend .
He was happy and in good spirits , enjoying pancakes with the trio during their visit .
The next day , he was gone .
( 3 ) Mr. Dan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of five , great-grandfather of one , and close friend of a special little girl named Norah Wood .
The story of a girl ’ s friendship with an old man will live on in the hearts of the Woods family and all who knew them , as well as the countless people who followed their story .
Norah ’ s simple gesture of love towards a senior and the following friendship is truly humanity at its finest .

It was a simple, unexpected act of a young girl’s friendship that day in the grocery store that changed an elderly man’s life. Norah Wood had just turned four and she wanted to get cupcakes for the family to share that evening. As mom Tara browsed a grocery store shelf, her daughter blurted out, “Hi old person! It’s my birthday today!” Before Tara had a chance to quiet her exuberant child while hoping she hadn’t offended the gruff old man, the two began to chat animatedly. After parting ways, Norah insisted on taking a picture with the senior. What happened next became a national news story that touched the hearts of millions.
A Girl’s Friendship Brings Happiness
Tara Wood shared the story on her Facebook page and it shortly thereafter went viral. It was a simple yet beautiful tale of how one act of friendship could change a life. The then 82-year-old man, known affectionately as “Mr. Dan,” had just lost his wife and had been struggling with loneliness. When he met Norah, her loving, kind attention had an immediate impact on his mood. On one of the subsequent visits they arranged, Mr. Dan told Tara that he had struggled to sleep after his wife died. Once Norah came into his life, he slept soundly every night. “Norah has healed me,” he said. And the love and friendship only grew between the little girl and the old man. (1)
Tara brought Norah and her younger sister Marigold regularly to visit Mr. Dan. They spent time coloring, doing puzzles, and sharing stories. Mr. Dan told Norah stories from when he was young and shared his love of gardening with her. Their bond deepened, and as the story was shared, Mr. Dan received letters from all over the world. He and Norah tracked where the letters came from on a map, and the kind words of so many people only added to his happiness. (2)
Gone But Not Forgotten
In the three years that Mr. Dan and Norah shared their extraordinary friendship, their adventures were shared on a Facebook page that Tara created. Followers tuned in to see sweet videos and pictures of the duo, and it was clear that Mr. Dan was now spending his twilight years in happiness. Sadly, Mr. Dan passed away on February 10th, 2020, just as unexpectedly as his friendship with Norah began.
The morning before, Tara and her girls had shared breakfast with their friend. He was happy and in good spirits, enjoying pancakes with the trio during their visit. The next day, he was gone. (3)
Mr. Dan was a father of three, grandfather of five, great-grandfather of one, and close friend of a special little girl named Norah Wood. The story of a girl’s friendship with an old man will live on in the hearts of the Woods family and all who knew them, as well as the countless people who followed their story. Norah’s simple gesture of love towards a senior and the following friendship is truly humanity at its finest.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-12--Civilized Alternatives To Toilet Paper

Civilized Alternatives To Toilet Paper

The winter of 2020 will be one for the history books , as we watch COVID-19 become a global pandemic .
The scariness of it has everything to do with the unknown .
We are totally unfamiliar with this virus , testing for it is in short supply , and many of us just haven ’ t experienced anything like this in our lifetime .
We ’ ve been going through our days , following our routines .
Interacting with the same few people , in our own little world .
It ’ s not that we are unaware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the concept is somewhat abstract .
We don ’ t think of how events in China have a downstream effect on the rest of the world .
But indeed we are all on this big rock together , and when that reality hits home , it can be really scary .
Suddenly we see how easily toppled we are .
How in the dark… how much there is to know , that we simply don ’ t .
It ’ s a helpless feeling , and when that feeling intensifies , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and man do we buy a lot of it .
But that ’ s a silly thing to spend your money on , and waste storage space on .
Truth be told , you don ’ t even really need TP .
There are civilized alternatives to toilet paper , many of which are in use all over the world .
If you have never left the States , it ’ s probably an extremely odd thing to bend your mind around : cleaning yourself without TP .
It ’ s all you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and frankly the less you have to think about it the better , thank you very much .
The quicker we can “ do our business ” , and the less evidence we leave behind , the better .
But it ’ s not like that in a lot of other parts of the world , where they handle their # 2s in other ways… some might say better ways .
Certainly more sustainable , and cleaner too .
Think about it… if you had feces on your hand , would you just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
No , you ’ d scrub with soap and hot water !
While you don ’ t need to go to that extent with your bum , might it be a nice idea to go one step further ?
Yes , it might .
It makes a ton of sense to use something wet to ensure cleanliness in your own backyard .
That ’ s why in most of Europe they use bidets , and in Thailand , they use what they affectionately refer to as the “ bum gun ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment ; it ’ s like a second toilet in your restroom .
You do your business on one , and then waddle over to the other for freshening up .
The bum gun is a little more compact and sporty , like a shower head attached to your toilet ’ s freshwater supply .
Just aim and shoot .
Both of these methods leave you way cleaner than toilet paper does , saving the environment and your good hygiene at all once .
( 1 ) Now , hear me out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of time .
Wet wipes have become pretty mainstream in recent years .
The idea of using ( and later , reusing ) a wet cloth to clean yourself might feel pretty cringe-worthy at first , but let it sink in for a moment .
Think of the environment , think of the good hygiene .
Think of the babies .
They ’ ve been doing it for ages .
Joking aside , this idea can really work for a lot of people .
Use only one color for the bathroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an airtight container , and wash them in crazy-hot water every couple of days .
( 1 ) It might take a little getting used to , but most important changes do .
No matter your reasons for considering alternatives to toilet paper , it ’ s worth looking into .
Any change you make will require some real effort at first .
It ’ s tough to change such deeply ingrained behaviors , but you ’ ll find that your pocketbook , your hygiene , and the environment all benefit greatly from @ @

The winter of 2020 will be one for the history books, as we watch COVID-19 become a global pandemic. The scariness of it has everything to do with the unknown. We are totally unfamiliar with this virus, testing for it is in short supply, and many of us just haven’t experienced anything like this in our lifetime.
We’ve been going through our days, following our routines. Interacting with the same few people, in our own little world. It’s not that we are unaware of our interconnectedness, it’s just that the concept is somewhat abstract. We don’t think of how events in China have a downstream effect on the rest of the world. But indeed we are all on this big rock together, and when that reality hits home, it can be really scary. Suddenly we see how easily toppled we are. How in the dark… how much there is to know, that we simply don’t. It’s a helpless feeling, and when that feeling intensifies, we shop. We buy toilet paper, and man do we buy a lot of it.
But that’s a silly thing to spend your money on, and waste storage space on. Truth be told, you don’t even really need TP. There are civilized alternatives to toilet paper, many of which are in use all over the world.
Toilet Paper Is Uber American
If you have never left the States, it’s probably an extremely odd thing to bend your mind around: cleaning yourself without TP. It’s all you’ve ever been exposed to, and frankly the less you have to think about it the better, thank you very much. The quicker we can “do our business”, and the less evidence we leave behind, the better.
But it’s not like that in a lot of other parts of the world, where they handle their #2s in other ways… some might say better ways. Certainly more sustainable, and cleaner too. Think about it… if you had feces on your hand, would you just wipe it off with a paper towel? No, you’d scrub with soap and hot water! While you don’t need to go to that extent with your bum, might it be a nice idea to go one step further? Yes, it might.
Blast That Booty
It makes a ton of sense to use something wet to ensure cleanliness in your own backyard. That’s why in most of Europe they use bidets, and in Thailand, they use what they affectionately refer to as the “bum gun”. A bidet is a bit of a commitment; it’s like a second toilet in your restroom. You do your business on one, and then waddle over to the other for freshening up. The bum gun is a little more compact and sporty, like a shower head attached to your toilet’s freshwater supply. Just aim and shoot. Both of these methods leave you way cleaner than toilet paper does, saving the environment and your good hygiene at all once. (1)
Cloth: The Anti-Toilet Paper
Now, hear me out. Cloth diapers have been a thing since the beginning of time. Wet wipes have become pretty mainstream in recent years. The idea of using (and later, reusing) a wet cloth to clean yourself might feel pretty cringe-worthy at first, but let it sink in for a moment. Think of the environment, think of the good hygiene. Think of the babies. They’ve been doing it for ages.
Joking aside, this idea can really work for a lot of people. Use only one color for the bathroom business. Store the used cloths in an airtight container, and wash them in crazy-hot water every couple of days. (1) It might take a little getting used to, but most important changes do.
No matter your reasons for considering alternatives to toilet paper, it’s worth looking into. Any change you make will require some real effort at first. It’s tough to change such deeply ingrained behaviors, but you’ll find that your pocketbook, your hygiene, and the environment all benefit greatly from it!


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-12--Volunteers To Be Paid £3,500 Pounds To Be Infected With Strain Of Coronavirus To Help Develop Vaccin

Volunteers To Be Paid £3,500 Pounds To Be Infected With Strain Of Coronavirus To Help Develop Vaccine

In March 2020 , only two months out from the scientific identification of novel coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has characterized the worldwide transmission of this infectious disease as a pandemic .
The COVID-19 illness has alarmingly spread from China to over 100 locations globally .
As of March 11 , 2020 , Iran , China , Italy , Japan , and South Korea were all experiencing ongoing , sustained transmission of the virus .
Citizens everywhere are being urged to take precautions to prevent and reduce the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is one exception – those who volunteer to trial COVID-19 for the sake of vaccine development .
A flurry of activity in the first two weeks of March 2020 has brought COVID-19 to the front of every global news platform .
In case you missed it , the small New York suburb of New Rochelle was thrown into COVID-19 chaos when a 50-year-old attorney fell victim to the virus .
Within just three days the disease spread to nearly 30 people .
And it ’ s believed to still be affecting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although identified himself as a source of infection to approximately 108 new cases of COVID-19 , could not have the source of his own illness identified .
This case of community spreading with no known source has prompted action from the state ’ s Governor , Andrew Cuomo , the national guard , and placed many other New Yorkers into self-quarantine .
( 2 ) The eyes of the world have also been heavily fixed on Italy .
Italian officials reported approximately 7,300 new cases of the infection after mass testing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocols , Italy has placed a quarter of its population ( approximately 16 million people in the north of the country ) into quarantine for the entire month of March .
How this will impact tourists , the pope , and other Italian events remains unclear .
( 3 ) Vaccine Status : Where Are We At ?
Being a new virus , what is known of COVID-19 is still evolving .
Scientists around the globe are working hard to understand this emerging infectious disease .
What is known for sure ?
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from an animals-to-humans , but now is spreading from humans-to-humans .
• Illness severity can range greatly between those with COVID-19 – some experiencing mild symptoms and others have died .
• For most , the general risk of exposure to COVID-19 is low .
But having contact with COVID-19 patients , traveling to countries with widespread transmission of the disease , and having contact with travelers returning from these outbreak countries all increase an individual ’ s risk .
• None There is no known cure for COVID-19 .
That being said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
YET .
In fact , a vaccine to prevent the disease altogether is very much in the works in America and abroad .
If you don ’ t know how vaccines are developed , then you may be surprised to know that Hivvio , a United Kingdom lab currently based in East London , is actively recruiting volunteers for a global study of COVID-19 .
With permission from Britain ’ s regulatory healthcare and medicine body , the company is seeking to purposely infect individuals with mild coronavirus strains ( OC43 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that new antiviral medications can be tested , new antibodies to coronavirus will be formed in the human body , and illness trajectories can be better studied .
Those participating in the study are being offered a hefty 3,500 pound ( ~ $ 4,486 ) payday ( thanks in part to Mr. Boris Johnson ) .
But , study participants are not without risk or personal cost .
Once inoculated with the virus , volunteers must enter a 14-day isolation period and will only have contact with clinicians and researchers involved with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , participants must be tested and screened for suitability as well .
For those who have the time and don ’ t mind being sick – it could be a good way to help make history through the development of a COVID-19 vaccine .
( 4 ) Until a vaccine makes it ’ s way to the global stage ( and this may be months to years away ! )
, there must be a strong focus on COVID-19 prevention .
People with chronic illnesses ( especially respiratory ) are asked to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person ’ s travel history .
But , primarily , washing your hands and practicing good coughing etiquette can go a long way to stopping the illness .
If you feel under the weather , stay home and don ’ t risk spreading anything you have to others .
COVID-19 or not , no one likes to be ill in these tumultuous times .
( 1 ) To accurately stay abreast of ongoing coronavirus news and recommendations , please continue to refer to the WHO Coronavirus Disease ( COVID-19 ) Outbreak webpage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will strive to bring you the latest news related to COVID-19 .
But , make sure you stay informed by visiting real-time trusted health resources in the case of an actual or emerging outbreak here at home .
( 5 )

In March 2020, only two months out from the scientific identification of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the World Health Organization (WHO) has characterized the worldwide transmission of this infectious disease as a pandemic. The COVID-19 illness has alarmingly spread from China to over 100 locations globally. As of March 11, 2020, Iran, China, Italy, Japan, and South Korea were all experiencing ongoing, sustained transmission of the virus. Citizens everywhere are being urged to take precautions to prevent and reduce the spread of the disease. (1) However, there is one exception – those who volunteer to trial COVID-19 for the sake of vaccine development.
COVID-19 Goes Global
A flurry of activity in the first two weeks of March 2020 has brought COVID-19 to the front of every global news platform. In case you missed it, the small New York suburb of New Rochelle was thrown into COVID-19 chaos when a 50-year-old attorney fell victim to the virus. Within just three days the disease spread to nearly 30 people. And it’s believed to still be affecting the New York bedroom community. The attorney, although identified himself as a source of infection to approximately 108 new cases of COVID-19, could not have the source of his own illness identified. This case of community spreading with no known source has prompted action from the state’s Governor, Andrew Cuomo, the national guard, and placed many other New Yorkers into self-quarantine. (2)
The eyes of the world have also been heavily fixed on Italy. Italian officials reported approximately 7,300 new cases of the infection after mass testing. Borrowing from China’s infection control protocols, Italy has placed a quarter of its population (approximately 16 million people in the north of the country) into quarantine for the entire month of March. How this will impact tourists, the pope, and other Italian events remains unclear. (3)
Vaccine Status: Where Are We At?
Being a new virus, what is known of COVID-19 is still evolving. Scientists around the globe are working hard to understand this emerging infectious disease. What is known for sure? (1)
The virus initially spread from an animals-to-humans, but now is spreading from humans-to-humans.
Illness severity can range greatly between those with COVID-19 – some experiencing mild symptoms and others have died.
For most, the general risk of exposure to COVID-19 is low. But having contact with COVID-19 patients, traveling to countries with widespread transmission of the disease, and having contact with travelers returning from these outbreak countries all increase an individual’s risk.
There is no known cure for COVID-19.
That being said, there is no known cure for COVID-19. YET. In fact, a vaccine to prevent the disease altogether is very much in the works in America and abroad.
The ‘Dirty Work’ Of Vaccine Development
If you don’t know how vaccines are developed, then you may be surprised to know that Hivvio, a United Kingdom lab currently based in East London, is actively recruiting volunteers for a global study of COVID-19. With permission from Britain’s regulatory healthcare and medicine body, the company is seeking to purposely infect individuals with mild coronavirus strains (OC43 and 229E). The hope is that new antiviral medications can be tested, new antibodies to coronavirus will be formed in the human body, and illness trajectories can be better studied.
Those participating in the study are being offered a hefty 3,500 pound (~$4,486) payday (thanks in part to Mr. Boris Johnson). But, study participants are not without risk or personal cost. Once inoculated with the virus, volunteers must enter a 14-day isolation period and will only have contact with clinicians and researchers involved with the study. In advance of the study, participants must be tested and screened for suitability as well. For those who have the time and don’t mind being sick – it could be a good way to help make history through the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. (4)
Seeking Protection From COVID-19
Until a vaccine makes it’s way to the global stage (and this may be months to years away!), there must be a strong focus on COVID-19 prevention. People with chronic illnesses (especially respiratory) are asked to be particularly cautious. You can infer about a person’s travel history. But, primarily, washing your hands and practicing good coughing etiquette can go a long way to stopping the illness. If you feel under the weather, stay home and don’t risk spreading anything you have to others. COVID-19 or not, no one likes to be ill in these tumultuous times. (1)
To accurately stay abreast of ongoing coronavirus news and recommendations, please continue to refer to the WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak webpage. At Healthy Holistic Living, we will strive to bring you the latest news related to COVID-19. But, make sure you stay informed by visiting real-time trusted health resources in the case of an actual or emerging outbreak here at home. (5)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-11--Video Shows Police Arresting 6-Year-Old Girl At School

“ If she were bigger , she would ’ ve been wearing regular handcuffs.
” These are the words of Officer Dennis Turner .
And who is the former Orlando police officer talking about ?
Who is this dangerous criminal too small to wear cuffs ?
The ‘ criminal ’ is Kaia Rolle – and she ’ s six .
On September 19th , 2019 , the six-year-old was put in zip ties and thrown in the back of a police car .
( 1 ) What Is Kaia Charged With ?
The charges have been dropped – but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
Little Kaia was arrested for allegedly hitting and kicking three teachers .
The crime is a misdemeanor battery .
Although no one supports hitting teachers , it can not be overstated that Kaia Rolle is only six years old .
Who among us didn ’ t have to be told , growing up , that hitting wasn ’ t the way to solve our problems ?
There ’ s a whole host of childrens books on the subject .
Most notably ‘ Hands Are Not for Hitting ’ and ‘ Feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kaia ’ s grandmother , also says that the girl suffers from sleep apnea .
If you ’ re not familiar with sleep apnea , it is a “ potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts , ” according to the Mayo Clinic .
Sleep apnea ’ s most common–and benign–effect is a feeling of being constantly tired , even after a night of ‘ normal ’ sleep .
A chronically sleep-deprived six-year-old acting out ?
Frustrating for everyone – but not time for zip ties .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charge Her ?
That ’ s a subject of controversy .
Turner ’ s police report says that one of the staff members who was struck wanted her arrested and was ready to testify against her .
But both the staff member names and the representative for the school denied these statements were ever made .
And , in fact , deny wanting the child arrested at all .
The Orlando police department fired Officer Turner a week after the terrible arrest .
Police Chief Orlando Rolon ( who , yes , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologized for former Officer Turner ’ s disgraceful conduct .
In a statement from the department itself , Rolon says the department will ensure this will never happen again .
The State Attorney , Aramis Ayala , will not be bringing this to court .
( 1 ) Unfortunately , Kaia ’ s story doesn ’ t have a happy ending at this point .
“ She ’ s been in therapy from that day until this .
She has therapy twice a week .
We couldn ’ t get her into another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” says Kirkland .
She mentions they have had to work to be able to afford the private school that Kaia now needs .
As a result of Kaia ’ s suffering , House Democrats have taken steps to prevent this from happening again in the entire United States .
Kionne McGhee , House Minority Leader , championed the Kaia Rolle Act , attached to a school safety bill .
The House unanimously passed the bill .
The Kaia Rolle Act “ requires law enforcement in schools to have a procedure in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they are interacting with kids 10 years of age or younger regarding criminal matters , ” says McGhee .
( 2 ) While this act comes too late to spare Kaia the pain and humiliation of that September day , hopefully it can prevent the same from happening to other children .

“If she were bigger, she would’ve been wearing regular handcuffs.” These are the words of Officer Dennis Turner.
And who is the former Orlando police officer talking about? Who is this dangerous criminal too small to wear cuffs? The ‘criminal’ is Kaia Rolle – and she’s six. On September 19th, 2019, the six-year-old was put in zip ties and thrown in the back of a police car. (1)
What Is Kaia Charged With?
The charges have been dropped – but it’s a little more complicated than that. Little Kaia was arrested for allegedly hitting and kicking three teachers. The crime is a misdemeanor battery. Although no one supports hitting teachers, it cannot be overstated that Kaia Rolle is only six years old. Who among us didn’t have to be told, growing up, that hitting wasn’t the way to solve our problems? There’s a whole host of childrens books on the subject. Most notably ‘Hands Are Not for Hitting’ and ‘Feet Are Not for Kicking.’ Meralyn Kirkland, Kaia’s grandmother, also says that the girl suffers from sleep apnea.
If you’re not familiar with sleep apnea, it is a “potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Sleep apnea’s most common–and benign–effect is a feeling of being constantly tired, even after a night of ‘normal’ sleep. A chronically sleep-deprived six-year-old acting out? Frustrating for everyone – but not time for zip ties. (2, 3)
Why Would Anyone Charge Her?
That’s a subject of controversy. Turner’s police report says that one of the staff members who was struck wanted her arrested and was ready to testify against her. But both the staff member names and the representative for the school denied these statements were ever made. And, in fact, deny wanting the child arrested at all.
The Orlando police department fired Officer Turner a week after the terrible arrest. Police Chief Orlando Rolon (who, yes, is police chief of Orlando, Florida) apologized for former Officer Turner’s disgraceful conduct. In a statement from the department itself, Rolon says the department will ensure this will never happen again.
The State Attorney, Aramis Ayala, will not be bringing this to court. (1)
The Aftereffects
Unfortunately, Kaia’s story doesn’t have a happy ending at this point. “She’s been in therapy from that day until this. She has therapy twice a week. We couldn’t get her into another public school because she had meltdowns,” says Kirkland. She mentions they have had to work to be able to afford the private school that Kaia now needs.
As a result of Kaia’s suffering, House Democrats have taken steps to prevent this from happening again in the entire United States. Kionne McGhee, House Minority Leader, championed the Kaia Rolle Act, attached to a school safety bill. The House unanimously passed the bill.
The Kaia Rolle Act “requires law enforcement in schools to have a procedure in place for police and sheriff’s departments when they are interacting with kids 10 years of age or younger regarding criminal matters,” says McGhee. (2)
While this act comes too late to spare Kaia the pain and humiliation of that September day, hopefully it can prevent the same from happening to other children.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-11--Have You Had Your Tonsils Removed? We Have Really Bad News For You

I had my tonsils removed when I was just about 4-years old .
It was such a painful experience I still remember it .
Tonsils are located in the throat and following surgery , swallowing is brutal .
I don ’ t even remember having pleasure over ice cream and still hate ginger ale because it was the only thing I managed to sip .
Tonsils react to pathogens entering the respiratory tract , which is why many kids experience chronic tonsilitis .
Since they are so troublesome , and generally doctors feel they aren ’ t required in adulthood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
However , a 2018 study suggests this is a procedure that could actually cause more illness for children in the future .
( 1 ) Tonsils and adenoids play a key role in the development of a child ’ s immune system development and function .
They help protect us against pathogens by stimulating other immune responses and acting as an early warning when we inhale or ingest pathogens .
New evidence shows that tonsils and/or adenoid removal can alter the natural early life immune pathways which can have long-term effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us who had surgery will be sorry to hear this news .
( 1 ) According to Dr. Sean Byars at the University of Melbourne , children who underwent tonsillectomies were three times more prone to have allergies or upper respiratory tract disease than those who maintain their tonsils .
The study followed 1.2 million Danish individuals from birth to at least 10-years of age .
Patients who had their tonsils or adenoids removed prior to the age of 9 showed more incidence of illness or infection such as asthma , influenza , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it came to adenoidectomies patients had twice as many of these diseases with the addition of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease ( COPD ) and conjunctivitis .
Ironically , the very conditions and symptoms the surgeries intended to avoid still persist following surgery .
This includes breathing problems and chronic ear or sinus inflammation .
As a result , short-term benefits are minimal while long-term risks actually increased .
Since the study looked at over 1 million cases , it provides a strong case against tonsil removal .
Tonsil Removal Should Be Last Resort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his team are recommending doctors should consider alternative treatments before resorting to surgery .
Even delaying surgery might allow a child to further develop their immune systems to help reduce the long-term effects of tonsil removal .
“ Given that tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and play a key role both in the normal development of the immune system and in pathogen screening during childhood and early-life , it is not surprising that their removal may impair pathogen detection and increase risk of later respiratory and infectious diseases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better understanding that inflammation is a natural response , and par for the course for building up our immune systems , hopefully , more doctors will take their advice and spare kids the pain of surgery .
After all , you can enjoy a bowl of ice cream any time , no need for surgery !

I had my tonsils removed when I was just about 4-years old. It was such a painful experience I still remember it. Tonsils are located in the throat and following surgery, swallowing is brutal. I don’t even remember having pleasure over ice cream and still hate ginger ale because it was the only thing I managed to sip. Tonsils react to pathogens entering the respiratory tract, which is why many kids experience chronic tonsilitis. Since they are so troublesome, and generally doctors feel they aren’t required in adulthood, millions of tonsillectomies are performed on children. However, a 2018 study suggests this is a procedure that could actually cause more illness for children in the future. (1)
Tonsils Play Key Role In A Child’s Immune System
Tonsils and adenoids play a key role in the development of a child’s immune system development and function. They help protect us against pathogens by stimulating other immune responses and acting as an early warning when we inhale or ingest pathogens. New evidence shows that tonsils and/or adenoid removal can alter the natural early life immune pathways which can have long-term effects impacting our adult health. Those of us who had surgery will be sorry to hear this news. (1)
Removing Tonsils Increases Incidence Of Illness
According to Dr. Sean Byars at the University of Melbourne, children who underwent tonsillectomies were three times more prone to have allergies or upper respiratory tract disease than those who maintain their tonsils. The study followed 1.2 million Danish individuals from birth to at least 10-years of age.
Patients who had their tonsils or adenoids removed prior to the age of 9 showed more incidence of illness or infection such as asthma, influenza, and pneumonia in subsequent years. When it came to adenoidectomies patients had twice as many of these diseases with the addition of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) and conjunctivitis.
Infections Still Persist
Ironically, the very conditions and symptoms the surgeries intended to avoid still persist following surgery. This includes breathing problems and chronic ear or sinus inflammation. As a result, short-term benefits are minimal while long-term risks actually increased. Since the study looked at over 1 million cases, it provides a strong case against tonsil removal.
Tonsil Removal Should Be Last Resort
Because of the results, Byars and his team are recommending doctors should consider alternative treatments before resorting to surgery. Even delaying surgery might allow a child to further develop their immune systems to help reduce the long-term effects of tonsil removal. “Given that tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and play a key role both in the normal development of the immune system and in pathogen screening during childhood and early-life, it is not surprising that their removal may impair pathogen detection and increase risk of later respiratory and infectious diseases,” says the study.
With a better understanding that inflammation is a natural response, and par for the course for building up our immune systems, hopefully, more doctors will take their advice and spare kids the pain of surgery. After all, you can enjoy a bowl of ice cream any time, no need for surgery!


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-16--Coronavirus Patient Speaks From Hospital Bed On Social Distancing: ‘Stay Away From Other People’

As illness and hysteria related to coronavirus spread in our local communities , most of us are focused on the numbers .
How many people have the emerging disease in the United States , North America , and the world ?
We may ask how many hospitalizations , people in quarantine , and even , deaths are related to the disease .
And perhaps numbers are just the best way to gauge the spread of illness .
Yet , looking beyond the numbers there are unique and touching stories to be found in this pandemic .
There are people behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share and teach us all in these unbelievable times .
One Ohio man , speaking from his hospital bed , is a great example of this sharing .
With the help of social media , he has been able to offer the world his experiences with coronavirus and a personal take on social distancing .
Kevin Harris , 55 , has been severely impacted by the coronavirus infection .
Beginning on March 2 , 2020 , Harris reported that he had a small cough and body aches , but he wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his health had taken a turn for the worse , as he developed a fever and increasingly acute respiratory symptoms .
“ I never had any signs until the night…I started coughing , ” he said in a live Facebook video .
“ That was the first sign and it went downhill in 24 hours , like gangbusters .
I woke up several times thinking I was gon na die.
” Harris was taken to hospital , and his medical team worked hard to stabilize him .
Luckily , Harris did not die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his respiratory symptoms .
On March 11 , 2020 , he tested positive for coronavirus while still recovering in hospital .
His case became the fifth confirmed diagnosis in Ohio state .
As of March 16 , 2020 , Harris reports that he is “ not out of the woods , but… better every day ” as he continues treatment at Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital .
How Harris contracted the illness is uncertain , as he stated he had not gone out much prior but feels a recent visit to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness .
( 1 ) Harris , a father of four , shared his experiences with coronavirus on social media in large part to spread the word on social distancing .
“ People need to stay away from other people .
They call it social distancing ” said Harris in his viral Facebook video .
He let his viewers know that by keeping a safe distance from other people they could reduce their risk of sharing illness or becoming ill .
Giving his message a practical spin , Harris also urged “ Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not shake hands .
Stop hugging each other , ” and “ Wash your hands continually .
Do not kiss on your kids .
There are thousands of people carrying this virus around .
They may never get it.
” Harris pleas may come off as extreme at times , comparing coronavirus to a zombie apocalypse , but his authentic perspective and personal testament to the power of social distancing is moving to social media users everywhere .
( 1 ) Social distancing works due to the nature of the coronavirus ( and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are shared via respiratory droplets from coughing , sneezing , and even regular respiration .
For social distancing to be effective , at least six feet should be intentionally kept between yourself and other people .
Common examples of social distancing include working from home instead of going to the office , visiting loved ones via electronic devices , and postponing or canceling large gatherings of people .
Social distancing is super important right now to slowing the spread of coronavirus .
By staying in to watch Netflix , ordering takeout , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can really help save lives , reduce stress on healthcare facilities , and even save yourself some personal illness !
If you haven ’ t started social distancing already , take Kevin Harris ’ story as a ‘ wake up call ’ to start doing so .
( 2 )

As illness and hysteria related to coronavirus spread in our local communities, most of us are focused on the numbers. How many people have the emerging disease in the United States, North America, and the world? We may ask how many hospitalizations, people in quarantine, and even, deaths are related to the disease. And perhaps numbers are just the best way to gauge the spread of illness.
Yet, looking beyond the numbers there are unique and touching stories to be found in this pandemic. There are people behind this uncertain disease who have something to share and teach us all in these unbelievable times. One Ohio man, speaking from his hospital bed, is a great example of this sharing. With the help of social media, he has been able to offer the world his experiences with coronavirus and a personal take on social distancing.
Testing Positive
Kevin Harris, 55, has been severely impacted by the coronavirus infection. Beginning on March 2, 2020, Harris reported that he had a small cough and body aches, but he wasn’t worried. However, within 24 hours his health had taken a turn for the worse, as he developed a fever and increasingly acute respiratory symptoms. “I never had any signs until the night…I started coughing,” he said in a live Facebook video. “That was the first sign and it went downhill in 24 hours, like gangbusters. I woke up several times thinking I was gonna die.”
Harris was taken to hospital, and his medical team worked hard to stabilize him. Luckily, Harris did not die and he avoided cardiac arrest secondary to his respiratory symptoms. On March 11, 2020, he tested positive for coronavirus while still recovering in hospital. His case became the fifth confirmed diagnosis in Ohio state. As of March 16, 2020, Harris reports that he is “not out of the woods, but… better every day” as he continues treatment at Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital. How Harris contracted the illness is uncertain, as he stated he had not gone out much prior but feels a recent visit to the Cleveland Clinic may have contributed to his illness. (1)
A Patient’s Take On Social Distancing
Harris, a father of four, shared his experiences with coronavirus on social media in large part to spread the word on social distancing. “People need to stay away from other people. They call it social distancing” said Harris in his viral Facebook video. He let his viewers know that by keeping a safe distance from other people they could reduce their risk of sharing illness or becoming ill.
Giving his message a practical spin, Harris also urged “Do not go in the crowds. Do not shake hands. Stop hugging each other,” and “Wash your hands continually. Do not kiss on your kids. There are thousands of people carrying this virus around. They may never get it.” Harris pleas may come off as extreme at times, comparing coronavirus to a zombie apocalypse, but his authentic perspective and personal testament to the power of social distancing is moving to social media users everywhere. (1)
Social Distancing
Social distancing works due to the nature of the coronavirus (and other illnesses like it!) that are shared via respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and even regular respiration. For social distancing to be effective, at least six feet should be intentionally kept between yourself and other people. Common examples of social distancing include working from home instead of going to the office, visiting loved ones via electronic devices, and postponing or canceling large gatherings of people.
Social distancing is super important right now to slowing the spread of coronavirus. By staying in to watch Netflix, ordering takeout, and enjoying long walks on quiet paths – you can really help save lives, reduce stress on healthcare facilities, and even save yourself some personal illness! If you haven’t started social distancing already, take Kevin Harris’ story as a ‘wake up call’ to start doing so. (2)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-16--‘I’m A 42-Year-Old Woman Who Got The New Coronavirus. This Is What It’s Been Like.’

An anonymous 42-year-old woman shared her story of testing positive for COVID-19 with Women ’ s Health .
Her family ’ s experience with coronavirus offers insight into what it ’ s like to contract the illness , as well as what it takes to avoid infecting anyone else .
( 1 ) The woman , who lives near Seattle , Washington , believes she caught the virus at a restaurant on Tuesday , February 25 .
She was at lunch with seven other people , and the group later learned that one of them had been infected with COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person hadn ’ t started showing symptoms yet .
The woman who shared her story , as well as two other people from her group , were all showing symptoms by that Friday .
( 1 ) According to the Center for Disease Control ( CDC ) , common symptoms of coronavirus are cough , fever , and shortness of breath .
These symptoms may arise between 2-14 days after you ’ re exposed to the virus .
Symptoms may be mild and resemble a cold or allergies .
( 2 ) There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of COVID-19 .
More serious warning signs , which require immediate medical attention include : ( 2 ) • None showing confusion or unable to be roused • None consistent pressure or pain in the chest The woman said that she woke up with a headache and a sore throat .
Fortunately , she works from home , but she felt so sick by noon that she stopped working .
By early afternoon , the woman had a fever of 100.2°F , as well as body aches and chills .
Thinking that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got into bed around 3 pm and stayed there until the next day .
( 1 ) Testing Positive for the New Coronavirus When this woman first got sick , she had only heard of one confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Seattle area .
This person didn ’ t have any connections to people who had recently traveled overseas , so authorities suspected they had contracted the virus through community spread .
( 1 ) The woman visited a clinic on Saturday , February 29 and received Tamiflu , which treats flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she could have the new coronavirus , so she called the nurse she saw at the clinic and asked about getting tested .
At that point , coronavirus tests were in short supply , and the nurse told her that she didn ’ t meet the testing requirements .
( 1 ) However , the nurse suggested that the woman enroll in the Seattle Flu Study online .
This research project sends qualified participants a testing kit .
Participants swab their nose and send it back to the study .
( 1 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received a call on Friday , March 6 .
The woman on the phone told her she had tested positive for COVID-19 .
( 1 ) To keep her husband and two children safe , the woman decided to self-quarantine in her bedroom , not seeing anyone for the first 72 hours she was sick .
She believes that this kept her family from contracting the virus .
Her husband has since tested negative for the new coronavirus , and her children will only get tested if they show symptoms .
( 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family self-quarantine for 14 days to make sure they don ’ t develop any symptoms .
They pass the time with “ Clorox wiping-down parties ” , cleaning doorknobs and other spots that they frequently touch .
( 1 ) Most difficult , the woman said , was calling everyone she had come into contact with after contracting COVID-19 .
But people have thanked her for informing them , and many people in her community have offered to help by dropping off groceries and other supplies .
( 1 ) Because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman chose to remain anonymous while sharing her story .
According to the CDC ’ s website , “ Stigma affects the emotional or mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities they live in .
Stopping stigma is important to making communities and community members resilient.
” They recommend countering stigma during the COVID-19 outbreak by : ( 1 , 3 ) • None speaking out against stereotyping and stigmatizing specific groups of people .
• None sharing accurate information about COVID-19 and the way it spreads .
• None communicating with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
Reducing the stigma around COVID-19 will allow people to be honest about their experiences and get the treatment they need .
Stories like the one this woman shared are so valuable as we learn how to fight this new virus .
( 1 )

Contracting Coronavirus at a Restaurant
An anonymous 42-year-old woman shared her story of testing positive for COVID-19 with Women’s Health. Her family’s experience with coronavirus offers insight into what it’s like to contract the illness, as well as what it takes to avoid infecting anyone else. (1)
The woman, who lives near Seattle, Washington, believes she caught the virus at a restaurant on Tuesday, February 25. She was at lunch with seven other people, and the group later learned that one of them had been infected with COVID-19. But during the lunch, that person hadn’t started showing symptoms yet. The woman who shared her story, as well as two other people from her group, were all showing symptoms by that Friday. (1)
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), common symptoms of coronavirus are cough, fever, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may arise between 2-14 days after you’re exposed to the virus. Symptoms may be mild and resemble a cold or allergies. (2)
There are also symptoms that signal a serious case of COVID-19. More serious warning signs, which require immediate medical attention include: (2)
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
bluish face or lips
showing confusion or unable to be roused
consistent pressure or pain in the chest
The woman said that she woke up with a headache and a sore throat. Fortunately, she works from home, but she felt so sick by noon that she stopped working. By early afternoon, the woman had a fever of 100.2°F, as well as body aches and chills. Thinking that she had the flu, the woman got into bed around 3 pm and stayed there until the next day. (1)
Testing Positive for the New Coronavirus
When this woman first got sick, she had only heard of one confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Seattle area. This person didn’t have any connections to people who had recently traveled overseas, so authorities suspected they had contracted the virus through community spread. (1)
The woman visited a clinic on Saturday, February 29 and received Tamiflu, which treats flu symptoms. She began to suspect that she could have the new coronavirus, so she called the nurse she saw at the clinic and asked about getting tested. At that point, coronavirus tests were in short supply, and the nurse told her that she didn’t meet the testing requirements. (1)
However, the nurse suggested that the woman enroll in the Seattle Flu Study online. This research project sends qualified participants a testing kit. Participants swab their nose and send it back to the study. (1)
The woman sent in her sample and received a call on Friday, March 6. The woman on the phone told her she had tested positive for COVID-19. (1)
Self-Quarantining with a Family
To keep her husband and two children safe, the woman decided to self-quarantine in her bedroom, not seeing anyone for the first 72 hours she was sick. She believes that this kept her family from contracting the virus. Her husband has since tested negative for the new coronavirus, and her children will only get tested if they show symptoms. (1)
The health department recommended that the family self-quarantine for 14 days to make sure they don’t develop any symptoms. They pass the time with “Clorox wiping-down parties”, cleaning doorknobs and other spots that they frequently touch. (1)
Most difficult, the woman said, was calling everyone she had come into contact with after contracting COVID-19. But people have thanked her for informing them, and many people in her community have offered to help by dropping off groceries and other supplies. (1)
Because of the stigma surrounding this new coronavirus, the woman chose to remain anonymous while sharing her story. According to the CDC’s website, “Stigma affects the emotional or mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities they live in. Stopping stigma is important to making communities and community members resilient.” They recommend countering stigma during the COVID-19 outbreak by: (1, 3)
speaking out against stereotyping and stigmatizing specific groups of people.
sharing accurate information about COVID-19 and the way it spreads.
communicating with stigmatized groups in person and through social media.
Reducing the stigma around COVID-19 will allow people to be honest about their experiences and get the treatment they need. Stories like the one this woman shared are so valuable as we learn how to fight this new virus. (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-16--Exclusive: Zoom CEO Eric Yuan Is Giving K-12 Schools His Videoconferencing Tools For Free

In the turmoil caused by COVID-19 , schools are struggling to find a way to keep education going online .
Zoom CEO Eric Yuan is here to help .
The videoconferencing software , Zoom , is “ one of the most in-demand software tools for the work-from-home economy , ” according to forbes.com .
With the closures of schools across the world and an increasing pressure for employers to allow employees to stay home , a work-from-home solution is desperately needed .
And although Zoom does have a free “ personal meeting ” plan , Eric Yuan knows its 40-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job done .
Eric Yuan had already removed the time limit from provinces in China—the country of his birth—under siege from COVID-19 .
( 1 ) But Yuan ’ s generosity didn ’ t end there .
With the help of a simple online form , now schools in China , Italy , and America will have unlimited meeting minutes , as long as their students are in the kindergarten to twelfth-grade range .
Additionally , schools in Austria , Denmark , France , Ireland , Poland , Romania , and South Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their classes are disrupted .
Zoom even has a blog post that shows the best way for educators to use Zoom for teaching , which outlines the new , free additions to the basic plan , making this transitional process as easy as possible .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Zoom makes business necessities available remotely , with such features as schedulers , videoconferencing , cloud support , and webinars all available .
Although Yuan did not create Zoom with a global pandemic in mind , it seems like the answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yuan agrees .
“ I feel like overnight , this is one of the catalysts wherein every country , everybody ’ s realized they needed to have a tool like Zoom to connect their people , ” he says .
The research backs him up , as well : App analytics company , Apptopia , released data showing that the daily downloads of Zoom have almost quadrupled from amounts two months ago ( 343,000 as compared to 90,000 ) .
The United States is responsible for only about 17 % of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently as March 11 , 2020 .
( 1 , 2 ) In the last half-hour of March 13th , Zoom tweeted they were now # 1 in Apple ’ s app store .
Additionally , since February 17th , Zoom ’ s stock is outpacing Microsoft ’ s for the first time since October 11th , 2019 .
Despite this increased demand for his product , Yuan is insistent that his company not use COVID-19 as a marketing opportunity .
“ Let ’ s not leverage the opportunity for marketing or sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
“ Let ’ s focus on our customers .
If you leverage this opportunity for money , I think that ’ s a horrible culture.
” ( 1 , 4 ) Yuan ’ s decisions back up his statements .
Since schools will really only need unlimited video conference minutes while closed , they are unlikely to become paying customers .
If Zoom was driven by profit abut humanitarianism , this would be the time to charge .
An analyst at the renowned JPMorgan ’ s Equity Research division agrees : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfair advantage .
They are looking to help.
” ( 1 )

In the turmoil caused by COVID-19, schools are struggling to find a way to keep education going online. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan is here to help. The videoconferencing software, Zoom, is “one of the most in-demand software tools for the work-from-home economy,” according to forbes.com. With the closures of schools across the world and an increasing pressure for employers to allow employees to stay home, a work-from-home solution is desperately needed. And although Zoom does have a free “personal meeting” plan, Eric Yuan knows its 40-minute time limit won’t get the job done. Eric Yuan had already removed the time limit from provinces in China—the country of his birth—under siege from COVID-19. (1)
School Solutions
But Yuan’s generosity didn’t end there. With the help of a simple online form, now schools in China, Italy, and America will have unlimited meeting minutes, as long as their students are in the kindergarten to twelfth-grade range. Additionally, schools in Austria, Denmark, France, Ireland, Poland, Romania, and South Korea can also request this same benefit if their classes are disrupted. Zoom even has a blog post that shows the best way for educators to use Zoom for teaching, which outlines the new, free additions to the basic plan, making this transitional process as easy as possible. (1, 2, 3)
Zoom and Coronavirus
Zoom makes business necessities available remotely, with such features as schedulers, videoconferencing, cloud support, and webinars all available. Although Yuan did not create Zoom with a global pandemic in mind, it seems like the answer to quarantines and social distancing people need. Yuan agrees. “I feel like overnight, this is one of the catalysts wherein every country, everybody’s realized they needed to have a tool like Zoom to connect their people,” he says. The research backs him up, as well: App analytics company, Apptopia, released data showing that the daily downloads of Zoom have almost quadrupled from amounts two months ago (343,000 as compared to 90,000). The United States is responsible for only about 17% of those downloads. These numbers come from as recently as March 11, 2020. ( 1, 2)
The Finances of Fear?
In the last half-hour of March 13th, Zoom tweeted they were now #1 in Apple’s app store. Additionally, since February 17th, Zoom’s stock is outpacing Microsoft’s for the first time since October 11th, 2019. Despite this increased demand for his product, Yuan is insistent that his company not use COVID-19 as a marketing opportunity. “Let’s not leverage the opportunity for marketing or sales,” was his message to his team. “Let’s focus on our customers. If you leverage this opportunity for money, I think that’s a horrible culture.” (1, 4)
Yuan’s decisions back up his statements. Since schools will really only need unlimited video conference minutes while closed, they are unlikely to become paying customers. If Zoom was driven by profit abut humanitarianism, this would be the time to charge. An analyst at the renowned JPMorgan’s Equity Research division agrees: “They are not looking to take unfair advantage. They are looking to help.” (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-16--Deserted Italian Street Under Quarantine Rings Out With Song As People Lean From Windows To Sing Tog

Deserted Italian Street Under Quarantine Rings Out With Song As People Lean From Windows To Sing Together During Lockdown

Resting across three Tuscan hills , Siena is known as one of Italy ’ s most beautiful medieval cities–and now , as one of the many communities under quarantine due to COVID-19 .
While the globe ’ s news and social media feeds are filled with panic-inducing facts and figures , Italians are managing to make the headlines for another reason : filling their streets with song .
A short video shared to Twitter by a user @ valemercurii recorded a narrow , dimly lit street .
The rich timbre of voices echoed through the still night , as quarantined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hauntingly melodic tune is a well-known folk song with a lilting melody .
The words of Canto Della Verbena ( Song of the Verbena ) , also known as E Mentre Siena Dorme ( While Siena Sleeps ) , hung in the still air .
Often sung out of pride in the beautiful Tuscan city , the population of over 50,000 all know the tune .
Since Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte put the country on lockdown , daily Italian life has largely been disrupted .
Groceries , banks , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Millions of children throughout the country are cooped up at home as schools closed .
Heeding the guidelines to distance themselves socially , the normal gregarious Italian people have been forced indoors .
It ’ s no wonder , then , that singing has been the perfect expression of solidarity that doesn ’ t require the quarantine to be broken .
( 1 , 2 ) While Siena ’ s singing Italians move us emotionally , there may be actual health benefits for those crooning under quarantine .
A simple act of curing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the immune systems of those involved .
Science has the studies to back this claim , and the research is promising .
According to a 2016 study , singing in a chorus or group for one hour significantly reduced stress and boosted immune response .
The research examined cancer patients from five different choirs .
They gave samples of their saliva an hour before singing and an hour after .
Scientists then examined what changes occurred in certain hormones , neuropeptides and receptors , and immune proteins .
The results showed that singing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stress hormones , like cortisol .
Cytokines , which are proteins of the immune system , increased .
These proteins boost the body ’ s ability to combat serious diseases , also allowing medical treatments to work more effectively .
The results indicate that singing in a group can help ease anxiety and depression , lower inflammation , and boost immune response .
( 3 ) As Covid-19 continues it ’ s course , quarantine and lockdown remain effective means of slowing the spread .
Since stress and anxiety suppress the immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to stay calm .
Staying informed and preparing are important , but hours browsing scary statistics may do more harm than good .
Look for positive stories of hope and community .
Avoid checking hourly infection numbers , all day long .
Be prepared , but don ’ t panic .
And if your family is stuck inside for a few weeks , a good group sing might just boost your immune response .

Resting across three Tuscan hills, Siena is known as one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval cities–and now, as one of the many communities under quarantine due to COVID-19. While the globe’s news and social media feeds are filled with panic-inducing facts and figures, Italians are managing to make the headlines for another reason: filling their streets with song.
Finding Comfort During Quarantine
A short video shared to Twitter by a user @valemercurii recorded a narrow, dimly lit street. The rich timbre of voices echoed through the still night, as quarantined Italians sang out of their open windows. The hauntingly melodic tune is a well-known folk song with a lilting melody. The words of Canto Della Verbena (Song of the Verbena), also known as E Mentre Siena Dorme (While Siena Sleeps), hung in the still air. Often sung out of pride in the beautiful Tuscan city, the population of over 50,000 all know the tune.
Since Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte put the country on lockdown, daily Italian life has largely been disrupted. Groceries, banks, and pharmacies remain the few places open. Millions of children throughout the country are cooped up at home as schools closed. Heeding the guidelines to distance themselves socially, the normal gregarious Italian people have been forced indoors. It’s no wonder, then, that singing has been the perfect expression of solidarity that doesn’t require the quarantine to be broken. (1, 2)
Surprising Health Benefits Of Singing
While Siena’s singing Italians move us emotionally, there may be actual health benefits for those crooning under quarantine. A simple act of curing boredom and lifting spirits–singing together–could be boosting the immune systems of those involved. Science has the studies to back this claim, and the research is promising.
According to a 2016 study, singing in a chorus or group for one hour significantly reduced stress and boosted immune response. The research examined cancer patients from five different choirs. They gave samples of their saliva an hour before singing and an hour after. Scientists then examined what changes occurred in certain hormones, neuropeptides and receptors, and immune proteins.
The results showed that singing in the group resulted in a reduction of stress hormones, like cortisol. Cytokines, which are proteins of the immune system, increased. These proteins boost the body’s ability to combat serious diseases, also allowing medical treatments to work more effectively. The results indicate that singing in a group can help ease anxiety and depression, lower inflammation, and boost immune response. (3)
Keeping Calm Amidst Panic
As Covid-19 continues it’s course, quarantine and lockdown remain effective means of slowing the spread. Since stress and anxiety suppress the immune system, it’s important to try to stay calm. Staying informed and preparing are important, but hours browsing scary statistics may do more harm than good. Look for positive stories of hope and community. Avoid checking hourly infection numbers, all day long. Be prepared, but don’t panic. And if your family is stuck inside for a few weeks, a good group sing might just boost your immune response.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-16--If You Want To Be Happy, Keep Your Personal Life As Private As Possible

It feels very ironic to tell people on an internet post that privacy is the key to happiness – but it ’ s not wrong !
There have been studies talking about how social media makes you more depressed , the idea of FOMO , and all sorts of takes on how our internet culture of oversharing collides with our wellness .
About a year ago , I made a decision .
I deleted all my social media—especially Facebook .
My feed was filled with all those friends-of-friends , current and former coworkers , and family that you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I tried—a particularly overzealous friend of my mom ’ s sent me a request thirty minutes after I unfriended her . )
With a stream of constant negativity and complaining , I got sucked into thinking with that kind of mindset .
Even worse , when I felt like that , it compelled me to reach out for validation—but not by calling a friend or having coffee with my grandma .
Instead , I ended up posting it back on social media—and a vicious cycle was born .
Since deleting my Facebook , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve noticeably .
But what if your Facebook looks different than mine did ?
What if you ’ ve surrounded yourself with positive people ?
That may not help .
Why Happiness Can Make You Depressed In a 2016 article in Current Opinion in Psychology , two researchers reached the conclusion that “ users [ of social media ] communicate abundant social comparison information conveying mainly positive self-portrayals .
.
.
social comparison or envy mediate a positive association between Facebook use and undesirable affective outcomes such as depression.
” To break that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photos you see on your feed , the worse your instant ramen with your cat actually looks .
( 1 ) If you don ’ t post anything in response , people might notice you ’ re not putting anything out there .
If you post something about how great your life is , now maybe your posts are making someone else feel insecure .
Or , maybe , you posted this great thing and now you feel fake .
Or the disparity between your online life and your real life makes you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posting “ positive self-portrayals , ” it seems like that could be a very real danger .
In an interview , Los Angeles relationship therapist Dr. Gary Brown offered some thoughts on why people post so much of their lives on social media—and what it could reveal about their mental health .
“ Anxiety can be big .
.
.
as well as feeling lonely and needing to connect with others , ” he says .
“ Or , a person may do it out of feeling generally inadequate or if they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share everything that comes to mind to make sure they ’ re heard.
” And what if the information is ‘ oversharing ’ ?
“ An over-sharer may also not have a good ‘ internal censor , ’ .
.
.
typically , they do not have a good sense of boundaries.
” ( 2 ) So , Before You Post .
.
.
Examine what your motivations are , what response you ’ re looking for—and if this will help or hurt your mental health .

It feels very ironic to tell people on an internet post that privacy is the key to happiness – but it’s not wrong! There have been studies talking about how social media makes you more depressed, the idea of FOMO, and all sorts of takes on how our internet culture of oversharing collides with our wellness.
My Social Media Cleanse
About a year ago, I made a decision. I deleted all my social media—especially Facebook. My feed was filled with all those friends-of-friends, current and former coworkers, and family that you can’t get rid of. (And I tried—a particularly overzealous friend of my mom’s sent me a request thirty minutes after I unfriended her.) With a stream of constant negativity and complaining, I got sucked into thinking with that kind of mindset. Even worse, when I felt like that, it compelled me to reach out for validation—but not by calling a friend or having coffee with my grandma. Instead, I ended up posting it back on social media—and a vicious cycle was born.
Since deleting my Facebook, I’ve felt my general outlook improve noticeably.
But what if your Facebook looks different than mine did? What if you’ve surrounded yourself with positive people? That may not help.
Why Happiness Can Make You Depressed
In a 2016 article in Current Opinion in Psychology, two researchers reached the conclusion that “users [of social media] communicate abundant social comparison information conveying mainly positive self-portrayals . . . social comparison or envy mediate a positive association between Facebook use and undesirable affective outcomes such as depression.” To break that down, the more vacation and engagement photos you see on your feed, the worse your instant ramen with your cat actually looks. (1)
If you don’t post anything in response, people might notice you’re not putting anything out there. If you post something about how great your life is, now maybe your posts are making someone else feel insecure. Or, maybe, you posted this great thing and now you feel fake. Or the disparity between your online life and your real life makes you feel worse. If most people are posting “positive self-portrayals,” it seems like that could be a very real danger.
Why Do People Post?
In an interview, Los Angeles relationship therapist Dr. Gary Brown offered some thoughts on why people post so much of their lives on social media—and what it could reveal about their mental health.
“Anxiety can be big. . . as well as feeling lonely and needing to connect with others,” he says. “Or, a person may do it out of feeling generally inadequate or if they’re a narcissist — they need to share everything that comes to mind to make sure they’re heard.”
And what if the information is ‘oversharing’? “An over-sharer may also not have a good ‘internal censor,’ . . . typically, they do not have a good sense of boundaries.” (2)
So, Before You Post . . .
Examine what your motivations are, what response you’re looking for—and if this will help or hurt your mental health.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-16--Quarantined Italians Send A Message To Themselves 10 Days Ago: What They Wish They Knew Then

In a 14-day nationwide lockdown , Italians have been experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions .
After a dramatic spike in confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths on March 8 , 2020 , the European country ordered citizens to stay home .
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told the public in a TV address , “ There is no more time , ” and reassured viewers that the measures are necessary to protect the most vulnerable .
( 1 ) No doubt , being in quarantine is stressful for everyone in Italy , and some riots have broken out in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) Yet , for some in quarantine , there is new optimism and understanding .
In particular , a viral YouTube video features Italians speaking about their experience in quarantine and how that has brought renewed solidarity to the country in a time of intense turmoil .
( 2 ) The Italian government has taken some measures to enforce its lockdown recommendations .
Most notably , places of business that prompt social gatherings have been asked to close ( ie .
nightclubs , sporting venues ) , and control points at transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers .
( 1 ) For individual Italians , quarantine from the lockdown requires no visiting , staying at home , staying at least six feet away from other people , and reducing the number of shared objects with other household members .
Frequent hand hygiene and ‘ cough etiquette ’ are also important in homes with multiple individuals .
( 3 ) What They Wish They Knew… In response to the fact that North America and most of Europe are projected to be approximately ten days behind the progression of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video of quarantined Italians arose on YouTube on March 15 , 2020 .
Asked to share what they wish they could have sent to themselves 10 days ago , the messages were surprisingly heartwarming and positive for us in midst of uncertainty .
The video features numerous Italians still in quarantine , being candid with their past selves .
The initial messages start off on a serious note , with speakers prompting themselves not to underestimate coronavirus and better value the precautions to prevent disease transmission .
One speaker , Anna , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario ’ happening .
Yet , by the end of the video , you can see that Italians in quarantine are back to appreciating life in a new and profound way .
One woman states , “ You ’ ll realize that even just being able to breathe air in your own house is something you should already be grateful for.
” Other speakers pass really kind messages of unity stating , “ You ’ re not alone.
” and “ You ’ ll start seeing beauty and ugliness together.
” It seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home ’ or remaining in quarantine is now seen as a very reasonable thing to do to protect others – not a burden .
( 2 ) Adding to the messages of hope shared in this viral YouTube video , more good signs of unity and kindness are coming from Italy while in lockdown .
Balcony singing appears to be a phenomenon quickly spreading in the southern cities of Salerno and Naples , and beyond !
Boosting morale and giving people something to do , anyone who can sing , play an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathering on their balconies or near a window to make music for others in quarantine .
Less musical folks have been putting up placards on their homes that read “ andra tutto bene ” , or “ everything will be OK ” , followed by a picture of a rainbow .
Finally , social media is a buzz of Italians seeking connection and offering support in this tough time .
( 4 ) Hopefully in America , we can provide one another support like the Italians have already in these coming days .

In a 14-day nationwide lockdown, Italians have been experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. After a dramatic spike in confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths on March 8, 2020, the European country ordered citizens to stay home. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told the public in a TV address, “There is no more time,” and reassured viewers that the measures are necessary to protect the most vulnerable. (1)
No doubt, being in quarantine is stressful for everyone in Italy, and some riots have broken out in response to the strict infection control methods. (1) Yet, for some in quarantine, there is new optimism and understanding. In particular, a viral YouTube video features Italians speaking about their experience in quarantine and how that has brought renewed solidarity to the country in a time of intense turmoil. (2)
Lockdown Restrictions For Italians
The Italian government has taken some measures to enforce its lockdown recommendations. Most notably, places of business that prompt social gatherings have been asked to close (ie. nightclubs, sporting venues), and control points at transportation hubs have been set up to screen passengers. (1)
For individual Italians, quarantine from the lockdown requires no visiting, staying at home, staying at least six feet away from other people, and reducing the number of shared objects with other household members. Frequent hand hygiene and ‘cough etiquette’ are also important in homes with multiple individuals. (3)
What They Wish They Knew…
In response to the fact that North America and most of Europe are projected to be approximately ten days behind the progression of the coronavirus, as seen in Italy, a video of quarantined Italians arose on YouTube on March 15, 2020. Asked to share what they wish they could have sent to themselves 10 days ago, the messages were surprisingly heartwarming and positive for us in midst of uncertainty.
The video features numerous Italians still in quarantine, being candid with their past selves. The initial messages start off on a serious note, with speakers prompting themselves not to underestimate coronavirus and better value the precautions to prevent disease transmission. One speaker, Anna, even summarizes the situation as ‘the worst-case scenario’ happening.
Yet, by the end of the video, you can see that Italians in quarantine are back to appreciating life in a new and profound way. One woman states, “You’ll realize that even just being able to breathe air in your own house is something you should already be grateful for.” Other speakers pass really kind messages of unity stating, “You’re not alone.” and “You’ll start seeing beauty and ugliness together.” It seems as if the idea of ‘staying at home’ or remaining in quarantine is now seen as a very reasonable thing to do to protect others – not a burden. (2)
More Shows of Solidarity
Adding to the messages of hope shared in this viral YouTube video, more good signs of unity and kindness are coming from Italy while in lockdown. Balcony singing appears to be a phenomenon quickly spreading in the southern cities of Salerno and Naples, and beyond! Boosting morale and giving people something to do, anyone who can sing, play an instrument, or bang a pot are gathering on their balconies or near a window to make music for others in quarantine. Less musical folks have been putting up placards on their homes that read “andra tutto bene”, or “everything will be OK”, followed by a picture of a rainbow. Finally, social media is a buzz of Italians seeking connection and offering support in this tough time. (4)
Hopefully in America, we can provide one another support like the Italians have already in these coming days.


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-17--In ‘Defining Moment,’ San Francisco To Order Residents To Stay Home Over Coronavirus

As the Coronavirus continues to spread around the world , San Francisco announced residents must shelter in place in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
The public health order was issued on Monday , March 16 , 202 and applies to San Francisco as well as surrounding areas in the Bay .
( 1 ) Essential Needs Only In San Francisco People of the city are allowed to leave their homes to purchase essential foods and supplies as well as to seek medical care or to assist those in need of medical care at the households of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in effect until April 7 , 2020 but could be extended if the situation remains dire .
( 1 ) The shelter in place order applies to six Bay Area counties .
“ We know these measures will significantly disrupt people ’ s day to day lives , but they are absolutely necessary , ” says San Francisco Mayor London Breed .
“ This is going to be a defining moment for our city and we all have a responsibility to do our part to protect our neighbors and slow the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is absolutely essential to go outside .
I want to encourage everyone to remain calm and emphasize that all essential needs will continue to be met .
San Francisco has overcome big challenges before and we will do it again , together.
” ( 1 ) As an additional precaution people must remain at least six feet apart to reduce the chances of spreading or catching the virus .
The city ’ s essential stores will remain open including grocery markets and pharmacies as well as businesses offering essential services such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide take out and delivery services .
All other non-essential retailers must close .
( 1 ) A challenge is presented by homeless residents who are encouraged to seek shelter if possible .
( 1 ) The six counties included in the mandate agreed to the shelter in place strategy .
“ The evidence tells us that now is the time to implement this step , ” says Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax .
“ Based on what we can predict , now is the time to do everything we can to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter of days or weeks .
Every hour counts.
” ( 1 ) Dr. Colfax urges residents to remain calm in an effort to reduce potential strains on the city ’ s services .
“ Please do not go to urgent care or emergency rooms for COVID-19 testing or non-emergency needs .
Do not overwhelm the health care system or the emergency response systems at this time .
We need these services to care for those who are seriously ill .
If you are otherwise sick or concerned that you may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provider , ” he says .
( 1 ) Residents can leave their homes to take walks and walk their dogs .
However , Dr. Grant stresses the need to keep the recommended six feet distance from people residents encounter when out and about .
Strict handwashing still applies , as does regularly wipe downs of surfaces frequently touched in the home .
( 1 ) San Francisco police Chief Bill Scott says they are depending on residents to remain compliant during the restrictions .
“ This is not about a criminal justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he says .
“ This is about educating the public .
This is about social distancing and practicing those safe protocols .
And we will be a part of that education process.
” ( 1 )

As the Coronavirus continues to spread around the world, San Francisco announced residents must shelter in place in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. The public health order was issued on Monday, March 16, 202 and applies to San Francisco as well as surrounding areas in the Bay. (1)
Essential Needs Only In San Francisco
People of the city are allowed to leave their homes to purchase essential foods and supplies as well as to seek medical care or to assist those in need of medical care at the households of family members. The order will be in effect until April 7, 2020 but could be extended if the situation remains dire. (1)
The shelter in place order applies to six Bay Area counties. “We know these measures will significantly disrupt people’s day to day lives, but they are absolutely necessary,” says San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “This is going to be a defining moment for our city and we all have a responsibility to do our part to protect our neighbors and slow the spread of this virus by staying at home unless it is absolutely essential to go outside. I want to encourage everyone to remain calm and emphasize that all essential needs will continue to be met. San Francisco has overcome big challenges before and we will do it again, together.” (1)
Social Distancing Six Feet Apart
As an additional precaution people must remain at least six feet apart to reduce the chances of spreading or catching the virus. The city’s essential stores will remain open including grocery markets and pharmacies as well as businesses offering essential services such as banks and gas stations. Restaurants can provide take out and delivery services. All other non-essential retailers must close. (1)
A challenge is presented by homeless residents who are encouraged to seek shelter if possible. (1)
Preventing Further Spread of COVID-19
The six counties included in the mandate agreed to the shelter in place strategy. “The evidence tells us that now is the time to implement this step,” says Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax. “Based on what we can predict, now is the time to do everything we can to prevent the situation from getting much worse in a matter of days or weeks. Every hour counts.” (1)
Remain Calm Amidst COVID-19 Scare
Dr. Colfax urges residents to remain calm in an effort to reduce potential strains on the city’s services. “Please do not go to urgent care or emergency rooms for COVID-19 testing or non-emergency needs. Do not overwhelm the health care system or the emergency response systems at this time. We need these services to care for those who are seriously ill. If you are otherwise sick or concerned that you may have coronavirus, please contact your health care provider,” he says. (1)
Walks Allowed
Residents can leave their homes to take walks and walk their dogs. However, Dr. Grant stresses the need to keep the recommended six feet distance from people residents encounter when out and about. Strict handwashing still applies, as does regularly wipe downs of surfaces frequently touched in the home. (1)
Police Depend on Compliance
San Francisco police Chief Bill Scott says they are depending on residents to remain compliant during the restrictions. “This is not about a criminal justice approach to a public health issue,” he says. “This is about educating the public. This is about social distancing and practicing those safe protocols. And we will be a part of that education process.” (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-03-18--Stores Are Opening Early for Seniors to Shop Without Crowds amid Coronavirus Fears

In the time of coronavirus , grocery shopping can be more of a frantic dash for toilet paper and hand sanitizer than a leisurely Tuesday activity .
Some grocery chains across the world are looking to ease that burden on the most vulnerable populations .
Dollar General CEO , Todd Vasos announced on Monday , March 16th , that , “ in keeping with our mission and our ongoing commitment to serve our communities , we are dedicating the first hour of each day to seniors.
” ( 1 ) Many other stores have followed suit in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For instance , Food Town in Houston , Texas will allow elderly shoppers between 7-8am , but their starting age for this senior hour is 65—older than many other stores .
Jersey City announced they will try to make sure all local grocery stores have not one , but two hours for specialized shopping .
Jersey City is also going above and beyond by servicing not just the elderly , but immunocompromised and disabled shoppers , as well as pregnant women .
( 1 ) Danny Burke manages a grocery store called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s not just about making it easier for senior citizens to ‘ compete ’ for items—although that ’ s certainly part of it .
“ The store is fully cleaned every morning , ” he explains .
These early hours will be the most sanitary times during the day .
Senior-only hours will also improve ‘ social distancing , ’ the hugely important strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
With a smaller set of people in the store , it will be easier to maintain distance between everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also just a lot of stress off the elderly in general , to Burke ’ s mind .
“ It will just give them a bit of quiet time to get what they need and get home before it all sort of kicks off.
” ( 2 ) However , not everyone agrees with the senior shopping strategy .
The Texas and Mexico supermarket chain , H-E-B , thinks that elderly hours could be downright harmful .
“ H-E-B takes care of Texas , ” declared a company statement , “ and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our stores in a certain timeframe is not a safe idea.
” ( 3 ) Instead , their website declares they ’ ll help the shoppers of Texas in other ways .
They ’ ll use item limits , sanitizing wipes , and “ maintaining close contact with our suppliers.
” Their website post also states that they will be constantly re-evaluating to make sure they ’ re using best shopping practices .
( 4 ) Some seniors are unhappy with the senior-only shopping hours as well .
Robert Hilton was interviewed about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 5am elderly shopping hours .
He expressed his frustration with the level of stock available .
“ There ’ s nothing in there , there ’ s nothing stocked for us , ” he said .
“ No toilet paper , no water , no paper towels , nothing.
” ( 5 ) It is hard to know how much of the low supply levels can be ascribed to an earlier opening time , and how much is an inability to keep up with demand .
As of March 17th , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 4 in Lorain .
( 5 )

In the time of coronavirus, grocery shopping can be more of a frantic dash for toilet paper and hand sanitizer than a leisurely Tuesday activity. Some grocery chains across the world are looking to ease that burden on the most vulnerable populations.
Elder-Only Shopping Hours
Dollar General CEO, Todd Vasos announced on Monday, March 16th, that, “in keeping with our mission and our ongoing commitment to serve our communities, we are dedicating the first hour of each day to seniors.” (1)
Many other stores have followed suit in the wake of this announcement, although with slight variations. For instance, Food Town in Houston, Texas will allow elderly shoppers between 7-8am, but their starting age for this senior hour is 65—older than many other stores. Jersey City announced they will try to make sure all local grocery stores have not one, but two hours for specialized shopping. Jersey City is also going above and beyond by servicing not just the elderly, but immunocompromised and disabled shoppers, as well as pregnant women. (1)
Why?
Danny Burke manages a grocery store called Iceland in North Ireland. To him, it’s not just about making it easier for senior citizens to ‘compete’ for items—although that’s certainly part of it. “The store is fully cleaned every morning,” he explains. These early hours will be the most sanitary times during the day. Senior-only hours will also improve ‘social distancing,’ the hugely important strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With a smaller set of people in the store, it will be easier to maintain distance between everyone. Of course, it’s also just a lot of stress off the elderly in general, to Burke’s mind. “It will just give them a bit of quiet time to get what they need and get home before it all sort of kicks off.” (2)
Naysayers
However, not everyone agrees with the senior shopping strategy. The Texas and Mexico supermarket chain, H-E-B, thinks that elderly hours could be downright harmful. “H-E-B takes care of Texas,” declared a company statement, “and we feel asking a group to congregate at our stores in a certain timeframe is not a safe idea.” (3)
Instead, their website declares they’ll help the shoppers of Texas in other ways. They’ll use item limits, sanitizing wipes, and “maintaining close contact with our suppliers.”
Their website post also states that they will be constantly re-evaluating to make sure they’re using best shopping practices. (4)
Some seniors are unhappy with the senior-only shopping hours as well. Robert Hilton was interviewed about his experience in Lorain, Ohio’s 5am elderly shopping hours. He expressed his frustration with the level of stock available. “There’s nothing in there, there’s nothing stocked for us,” he said. “No toilet paper, no water, no paper towels, nothing.” (5)
It is hard to know how much of the low supply levels can be ascribed to an earlier opening time, and how much is an inability to keep up with demand. As of March 17th, 2020 there are 67 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 4 in Lorain. (5)