healthyholisticliving--2020-10-16--You Have To See It To Believe It! Mother And Her 1yr Old Son Show Off Stunning ‘Swirled’ Eyes After

You Have To See It To Believe It! Mother And Her 1yr Old Son Show Off Stunning ‘Swirled’ Eyes After They Were Both Born With A Rare Condition

Many of us can claim we ’ ve had compliments based solely on the color of our eyes .
If they are blue they are calm like the ocean , if green they seem shiny like emeralds .
Gray is mysterious , whilst possession of black or brown blinkers seems to rouse some kind of romantic drowning in a magical and sensual abyss .
Yet can you imagine taking this allure one step further and possessing swirled eyes , and the good or bad attention they would attract ?
One woman , Elizabeth Tyler from Ohio , USA truly has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She and her son , Liam Mexus , are keeping and holding eye contact with their acquired , large audience on social media .
( 2 ) Elizabeth Tyler was often bullied whilst growing up , simply because she has heterochromia iridium , a rare condition that gives a person two different colored eyes or color differences within one or both eyes .
( 1 ) Her swirled eyes have caught the attention of nearly 15.5k followers on her Instagram account , and she regularly posts updates of herself , along with one-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye who has also inherited the trait .
A mother of 5 , Elizabeth is also gaining her online jewelry and t-shirt business an image of credibility , confidence , and charisma , all whilst educating on the rare condition .
By spreading knowledge that heterochromia iridium ( or swirling eyes ) can be a condition one is born with , or can develop at any stage in life , she is literally opening the public ’ s eyes .
Feeling inferior because of her looks is now only a bad memory for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be in Liam ’ s life , thanks to education and enlightenment on the condition .
Most Cases Of Heterochromia Are Present From Birth When The Condition Is Called Genetic Heterochromia .
( 1 ) However , some cases of genetic heterochromia are linked to diseases and syndromes , including : Heterochromia that develops later in life due to illness , injury , or medication , is known as acquired heterochromia .
( 1 ) This is less common than the genetic form .
Elizabeth has deep blue and black eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his second being both blue and black .
Her father and siblings both have the rare condition also , and along with making her career versatile , she wants to inspire positivity about being born different .
She is connecting with the world on what she cares about and people want to see it .
She is truly opening the eyes of others .
Each of us has a unique part to play in the drama of life , and all the approval we could hope for can be ours .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herself and for her family , all through her big , expressive , gorgeous , and yes , swirled eyes .

Many of us can claim we’ve had compliments based solely on the color of our eyes. If they are blue they are calm like the ocean, if green they seem shiny like emeralds. Gray is mysterious, whilst possession of black or brown blinkers seems to rouse some kind of romantic drowning in a magical and sensual abyss.
Yet can you imagine taking this allure one step further and possessing swirled eyes, and the good or bad attention they would attract? One woman, Elizabeth Tyler from Ohio, USA truly has the most unique and mesmerizing optics. She and her son, Liam Mexus, are keeping and holding eye contact with their acquired, large audience on social media. (2)
Swirled Eyes Holding The Vision.
Elizabeth Tyler was often bullied whilst growing up, simply because she has heterochromia iridium, a rare condition that gives a person two different colored eyes or color differences within one or both eyes. (1)
Her swirled eyes have caught the attention of nearly 15.5k followers on her Instagram account, and she regularly posts updates of herself, along with one-year-old Liam – one apple of her own eye who has also inherited the trait. A mother of 5, Elizabeth is also gaining her online jewelry and t-shirt business an image of credibility, confidence, and charisma, all whilst educating on the rare condition. By spreading knowledge that heterochromia iridium (or swirling eyes) can be a condition one is born with, or can develop at any stage in life, she is literally opening the public’s eyes.
Feeling inferior because of her looks is now only a bad memory for her, and such emotional pain won’t be in Liam’s life, thanks to education and enlightenment on the condition.
Most Cases Of Heterochromia Are Present From Birth When The Condition Is Called Genetic Heterochromia. (1)
However, some cases of genetic heterochromia are linked to diseases and syndromes, including:
Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome
Bourneville disease
Hirschsprung disease
Horner’s syndrome
Parry-Romberg syndrome
Sturge-Weber syndrome
Von Recklinghausen disease
Waardenburg syndrome (1)
Heterochromia that develops later in life due to illness, injury, or medication, is known as acquired heterochromia. (1) This is less common than the genetic form.
Causes of acquired heterochromia include:
diabetes
eye surgery
glaucoma
injury to the eye
iris ectropion syndrome
Pigment dispersion syndrome
Posner-Schlossman syndrome
swelling of the eye
tumors of the iris (1)
Eye Contact Is A Personal Thing.
Elizabeth has deep blue and black eyes, whilst Liam has one blue eye with his second being both blue and black. Her father and siblings both have the rare condition also, and along with making her career versatile, she wants to inspire positivity about being born different. She is connecting with the world on what she cares about and people want to see it. She is truly opening the eyes of others.
Each of us has a unique part to play in the drama of life, and all the approval we could hope for can be ours. It seems like Elizabeth has seen this for herself and for her family, all through her big, expressive, gorgeous, and yes, swirled eyes.


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-16--Flatpack Coffins Help The Environment, Funeral Costs And The Grieving Process

If the word Tasmania rings a bell to you , I guess you were one of the kids that watch Sunday morning Loony Toons cartoons .
There was this always hungry tornado creature that growled a lot but was also sweet .
The Tasmanian Devil .
( 1 ) Well , Tasmania ( an Australian island ) is making news because of its eco-friendly and tender approach towards funerals .
Tasmania ’ s Community Coffin Club has implemented the flatpack coffin alternative .
( 2 ) Death is a subject that ironically concerns only the living .
The way we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has evolved alongside us .
Discoveries of ritual burial sites from at least 50,000 years ago had been found .
This tells scientists that funeral rituals were used by the Neanderthals in the Stone Age .
The Egyptians created the sarcophagus , a stone coffin with hieroglyphics ( in Greek : “ sacred carving ” ) about the story of the deceased .
Wooden coffins were first used in Medieval times but it was not until the American Civil War that coffins were employed to safely transport dead soldiers ’ bodies .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( four sides ) as we know them today resemble the fashion of the Victorian era where funerals were a fancy , expensive event .
They added to the coffin elements such as grave ornaments , burial shrouds , breastplates , and brass handles .
( 3 ) Nowadays coffins use chemically treated wood products , synthetic glues , paint , and varnish that contain toxic ingredients .
This type of coffin does not disintegrate like that old wooden and cloth ones .
They are not biodegradable or sustainable for the environment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about our footprint .
We recycle and make more sustainable choices in our everyday lives .
Thinking about the impact of our death on the environment is important too .
According to the World Health Organization , more than 100 people die every minute .
That was 56 million in 2015 , and the projection is that it will be a 25 % increase by 2030 .
These numbers reaffirm that we should be more concerned about our present methods used for our departures .
( 4 ) Though cremation is less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a traditional coffin , it is not the more eco-friendly option .
Cremation uses a lot of energy and releases harmful greenhouse gases .
( 5 ) Few companies around the world are focusing their efforts to create more eco-friendly funeral options from woven and wicker coffins , water cremation , burial shrouds to flatpack coffins .
This last one is embraced by the Community Coffin Club in Tasmania .
The flatpack coffin is not only an environmentally friendly option but also helps with the grieving process , claims Jenny Cox .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She thought that using a flatpack coffin would align with her deceased relative ’ s values .
“ He was a strong environmentalist and loved the bush.
” Added Cox .
Flatpack coffins also cut the funeral cost , which goes anywhere from $ 4,000 to $ 20,000 .
Spending more money on your recently passed away love ones does not mean you loved them more , she explains .
( 6 ) We can certainly show respect for the environment throughout the choices we make like the car we drive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we consume in our lifetime .
However , it is equally important the choices we make when we are no longer around .

If the word Tasmania rings a bell to you, I guess you were one of the kids that watch Sunday morning Loony Toons cartoons. There was this always hungry tornado creature that growled a lot but was also sweet. The Tasmanian Devil. (1)
Well, Tasmania (an Australian island) is making news because of its eco-friendly and tender approach towards funerals. Tasmania’s Community Coffin Club has implemented the flatpack coffin alternative. (2)
Why A Box?
Death is a subject that ironically concerns only the living. The way we view death and the rituals around it has evolved alongside us. Discoveries of ritual burial sites from at least 50,000 years ago had been found. This tells scientists that funeral rituals were used by the Neanderthals in the Stone Age. The Egyptians created the sarcophagus, a stone coffin with hieroglyphics (in Greek: “sacred carving”) about the story of the deceased. Wooden coffins were first used in Medieval times but it was not until the American Civil War that coffins were employed to safely transport dead soldiers’ bodies.
The coffins (six sides) and caskets (four sides) as we know them today resemble the fashion of the Victorian era where funerals were a fancy, expensive event. They added to the coffin elements such as grave ornaments, burial shrouds, breastplates, and brass handles. (3)
The Death Business
Nowadays coffins use chemically treated wood products, synthetic glues, paint, and varnish that contain toxic ingredients. This type of coffin does not disintegrate like that old wooden and cloth ones. They are not biodegradable or sustainable for the environment.
In recent years we have become more concerned about our footprint. We recycle and make more sustainable choices in our everyday lives. Thinking about the impact of our death on the environment is important too.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 100 people die every minute. That was 56 million in 2015, and the projection is that it will be a 25% increase by 2030. These numbers reaffirm that we should be more concerned about our present methods used for our departures. (4)
Though cremation is less harmful to the environment than being buried in a traditional coffin, it is not the more eco-friendly option. Cremation uses a lot of energy and releases harmful greenhouse gases. (5)
Environmentally Friendly Approach
Few companies around the world are focusing their efforts to create more eco-friendly funeral options from woven and wicker coffins, water cremation, burial shrouds to flatpack coffins.
This last one is embraced by the Community Coffin Club in Tasmania. The flatpack coffin is not only an environmentally friendly option but also helps with the grieving process, claims Jenny Cox. She recently lost her brother in law. She thought that using a flatpack coffin would align with her deceased relative’s values. “He was a strong environmentalist and loved the bush.” Added Cox. Flatpack coffins also cut the funeral cost, which goes anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000. Spending more money on your recently passed away love ones does not mean you loved them more, she explains. (6)
We can certainly show respect for the environment throughout the choices we make like the car we drive, the clothes we buy, and everything we consume in our lifetime. However, it is equally important the choices we make when we are no longer around.


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-16--That’s Too Wuff! Loyal Golden Retriever ‘Protects’ Crying Girl As She Is Being Told Off By Her Mothe

That’s Too Wuff! Loyal Golden Retriever ‘Protects’ Crying Girl As She Is Being Told Off By Her Mother

Dogs are often praised as “ man ’ s best friend.
” A recent video of a little girl with her dog shows that some dogs are also “ children ’ s best friend.
” A mother in China recently posted a video she had taken of Harry Potter , the family dog .
Why ?
Because she could not believe how he responded when she spoke harshly to her 2-year-old daughter YouYou .
The loyal golden retriever was trying to protect her .
( 3 ) The video , which went viral in China , shows Harry with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waist and his head on her shoulder as if he were hugging her .
Harry also bared his teeth while Ms. Sun was scolding YouYou as though warning her to stop .
Ms. Sun commented that she took the video because she found Harry ’ s reaction so “ funny and infuriating ” but then realized how heart-warming the situation was .
The 5-year-old golden retriever and the 2-year-old child grew up together and have developed a deep bond .
Although many parents are wary of buying a family dog when young children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some breeds which are more suitable for children .
In addition to being protective like Harry , many dogs show unconditional love , teach responsibility and cooperation .
When choosing a dog for your family , consider your lifestyle and the ages of your children .
Some breeds have infinite patience , others can play endlessly .
Parents may need to do a bit of training of the dog and child to teach them how to behave .
The trick is picking the right kind of dog to blend in with your family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factors to consider when choosing what breed of dog will best suit your family .
Focus on size , temperament , energy levels , and specific care needs when you begin your search .
According to PetMD , an online veterinarian website , the following breeds are most popular for families with children .
• None : confident , smart , kind , and loyal ; need a lot of exercise and care of its long coat ; affectionate and obedient Golden Retriever : confident , smart , kind , and loyal ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its long coat ; affectionate and obedient • None Labrador Retriever : playful , patient , loving , protective , and reliable ; stamina , strength , and obedient ; needs a lot of exercise like running and swimming • None Poodle : smart and gentle ; proud and elegant ; caring and loyal ; great for kids with allergies as they shed very little • None Irish Setter : playful and energetic , loves being around people , and plays well with children ; smart and trainable ; need regular grooming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collie : gentle and predictable ; rarely misbehave and easily trainable ; sensitive and intelligent ; need regular grooming of their long coats Last but not least are the mutts .
Mixed breeds often provide the best traits of two ( or more ! )
great breeds in one dog .
They also tend to be less expensive than purebreds .
Once families have decided on the breed , finding a breeder may be challenging .
Check out rescue groups where you might find the family dog that everyone falls in love with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog a new home .

Dogs are often praised as “man’s best friend.” A recent video of a little girl with her dog shows that some dogs are also “children’s best friend.”
A mother in China recently posted a video she had taken of Harry Potter, the family dog. Why? Because she could not believe how he responded when she spoke harshly to her 2-year-old daughter YouYou. The loyal golden retriever was trying to protect her. (3)
The video, which went viral in China, shows Harry with his paws around the little girl’s waist and his head on her shoulder as if he were hugging her. Harry also bared his teeth while Ms. Sun was scolding YouYou as though warning her to stop.
Ms. Sun commented that she took the video because she found Harry’s reaction so “funny and infuriating” but then realized how heart-warming the situation was.
The 5-year-old golden retriever and the 2-year-old child grew up together and have developed a deep bond.
Best Dogs for Children
Although many parents are wary of buying a family dog when young children are in the house, there are some breeds which are more suitable for children. In addition to being protective like Harry, many dogs show unconditional love, teach responsibility and cooperation.
When choosing a dog for your family, consider your lifestyle and the ages of your children. Some breeds have infinite patience, others can play endlessly. Parents may need to do a bit of training of the dog and child to teach them how to behave. The trick is picking the right kind of dog to blend in with your family’s lifestyle.
There are several factors to consider when choosing what breed of dog will best suit your family. Focus on size, temperament, energy levels, and specific care needs when you begin your search.
According to PetMD, an online veterinarian website, the following breeds are most popular for families with children.
Golden Retriever : confident, smart, kind, and loyal; need a lot of exercise and care of its long coat; affectionate and obedient
Labrador Retriever: playful, patient, loving, protective, and reliable; stamina, strength, and obedient; needs a lot of exercise like running and swimming
Poodle: smart and gentle; proud and elegant; caring and loyal; great for kids with allergies as they shed very little
Irish Setter: playful and energetic, loves being around people, and plays well with children; smart and trainable; need regular grooming of their long hair
Border Collie: gentle and predictable; rarely misbehave and easily trainable; sensitive and intelligent; need regular grooming of their long coats
Beagle: smart, calm, friendly, and happy; small size; loves to play outdoors (1,2)
Last but not least are the mutts. Mixed breeds often provide the best traits of two (or more!) great breeds in one dog. They also tend to be less expensive than purebreds.
Once families have decided on the breed, finding a breeder may be challenging. Check out rescue groups where you might find the family dog that everyone falls in love with. Plus you are giving an abandoned dog a new home.


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-16--Banana Bread Recipe – The Best One

Banana Bread Recipe – The Best One

Grandma made the best banana bread in the world .
I often thought her secret ingredient was “ love ” .
And perhaps there is truth in that sentiment .
My grandmother didn ’ t buy her banana bread from the store , or a boxed mixture .
She made it from scratch .
I watched her measure the ingredients and helped mash bananas .
And squeeze that extra secret ingredient to make the treat special– time together creating memories that will last a lifetime .
Health experts continue to debate whether banana bread is okay for the diet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
Bananas are a delicious and nutritious treat .
The right flour isn ’ t horrible for us .
But there ’ s all that sugar in banana bread .
Sugar has a pretty nasty reputation .
Perhaps rightly so .
It increases our risk of heart disease , some forms of cancer , and diabetes .
Sugar causes weight gain , and affects our hormones , increasing depression , acne , and draining our energy .
( 1 ) But there ’ s more to banana bread than sugar , right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incredible source of potassium , which helps with muscle contraction and moving nutrients throughout the body .
( 2 ) Alternative forms of flours are also proving beneficial .
Quinoa flour and buckwheat flours are rich in protein and fiber and are good substitutes .
( 3 ) Just Like Grandma Used to Make The best banana bread , or any snack for that matter , is one you make yourself .
In his book Food Rules , Michael Pollan shares 64 guidelines for eating sustainably and healthier– for us and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules he researched that state “ stop eating foods you love.
” In fact , there are several rules which encourage you to eat what you love .
Just do so responsibly .
And treat treats as treats .
( 4 ) This recipe is one Pollan would definitely approve of .
It is inspired by a 1958 article and passed down from generation to generation .
And it follows rules set by Michael Pollan to help us eat a little better , even with the sugar .
Rule # 2- Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t recognize as food .
( 4 ) • 2 cups Flour- try quinoa , buckwheat , or whole wheat flour ( anything except white bleached flour ) • 3/4 cup sugar , or sweetener equivalent ( Rule # 64- Break the rules once in a while ) ( 4 ) Directions for the Best Banana Bread Rule # 39- Eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself .
( 4 ) • None Sift flour and baking soda into a large bowl to combine .
Add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small well in the center of the flour mixture • None Peel bananas and place in a separate bowl .
Mash with a potato masher or fork .
Add beaten eggs and mix well .
Stir sugar and butter into the mixture .
Mix with a beater until ingredients have a creamy consistency .
• None Pour wet ingredients into the well created in the dry mix .
Fold mixtures together , then add the chopped nuts .
• None Grease a loaf pan with oil or cooking spray .
Transfer the batter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oven at 325 degrees .
Bake for an hour or until the loaf begins to brown .
Stick a toothpick into the center and check to see if it comes out clean .
Turn off the oven and let the banana bread passively bake for 5-10 minutes .
Remove from the oven and let cool .
• None Try not to eat the whole loaf in one sitting .

Grandma made the best banana bread in the world. I often thought her secret ingredient was “love”. And perhaps there is truth in that sentiment. My grandmother didn’t buy her banana bread from the store, or a boxed mixture. She made it from scratch. I watched her measure the ingredients and helped mash bananas. And squeeze that extra secret ingredient to make the treat special– time together creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Banana Bread Dilemma
Health experts continue to debate whether banana bread is okay for the diet, or if it’s bad for us. Bananas are a delicious and nutritious treat. The right flour isn’t horrible for us. But there’s all that sugar in banana bread.
Sugar has a pretty nasty reputation. Perhaps rightly so. It increases our risk of heart disease, some forms of cancer, and diabetes. Sugar causes weight gain, and affects our hormones, increasing depression, acne, and draining our energy. (1)
But there’s more to banana bread than sugar, right? Oh, yes. Bananas are an incredible source of potassium, which helps with muscle contraction and moving nutrients throughout the body. (2) Alternative forms of flours are also proving beneficial. Quinoa flour and buckwheat flours are rich in protein and fiber and are good substitutes. (3)
Just Like Grandma Used to Make
The best banana bread, or any snack for that matter, is one you make yourself. In his book Food Rules, Michael Pollan shares 64 guidelines for eating sustainably and healthier– for us and the planet. And there are actually no rules he researched that state “stop eating foods you love.” In fact, there are several rules which encourage you to eat what you love. Just do so responsibly. And treat treats as treats. (4)
This recipe is one Pollan would definitely approve of. It is inspired by a 1958 article and passed down from generation to generation. And it follows rules set by Michael Pollan to help us eat a little better, even with the sugar.
Ingredients
Rule #2- Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food. (4)
2 cups Flour- try quinoa, buckwheat, or whole wheat flour (anything except white bleached flour)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 overripe bananas
2 eggs- beaten
3/4 cup sugar, or sweetener equivalent (Rule #64- Break the rules once in a while) (4)
1/2 cup butter- one stick, softened at room temperature
1/2 cup nuts chopped- pecans or walnuts (5)
Directions for the Best Banana Bread
Rule #39- Eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself. (4)


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-16--Investigation Reveals Tyson Foods as #1 Culprit in Largest “Dead Zone” on Earth

Meat has an environmental impact .
We all know this .
The more we want hamburgers , steak , meatballs , the more cows we have to have at the ready .
And , those cattle need somewhere to graze .
But there are other environmental consequences , too .
Now , we have a very real example of how bad things can get .
In 2017 , news outlets reported on a ‘ dead zone ’ in the Gulf of Mexico that was over 8,000 square miles .
The culprit according to the environmental group , Mighty Earth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Henry Waxman , chairs the organization .
Although there is a “ highly industrialized and centralized factory farm system ” to blame , one company stands out among the rest .
That company ?
Tyson Foods , supplier of McDonald ’ s and Walmart .
( 1 ) National Geographic explains it like this : When pollutants , such as fertilizer , end up in waterways , that water is eventually carried out into the ocean .
Then , the “ fresh water , less dense than ocean water , sits on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from mixing through the water column.
” It gets worse though ; “ freshwater nutrients can spur a burst of algal growth , which consumes oxygen as the plants decompose .
The resulting patch of low-oxygen waters leads to a condition called hypoxia , where animals in the area suffocate and die.
” ( 2 ) “ When the oxygen is below two parts per million , any shrimp , crabs , and fish that can swim away , will swim away , ” according to Louisiana State University ocean ecologist , Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sediment [ that can ’ t swim away ] can be close to annihilated.
” But even the ones who do swim away can be damaged .
Shrimp who are impacted by the low oxygen will end up much smaller than normal .
( 2 ) Well , as explained by The Guardian , “ stripped soils can wash away in the rain , bringing fertilisers into waterways.
” How does soil become stripped ?
Well , that happens when farmers and companies remove natural grasses–like , when companies convert land to farmland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmland feeds animals .
And the more animals you have , the more crops you need .
But , whether you believe that meat is murder or necessity , the sheer amount of animals slaughtered by Tyson is astounding .
In a single week , 35 million chickens and 125,000 cattle were killed .
To feed this absolutely monstrous amount of livestock , Tyson uses 5 million acres of corn a year .
( 1 , 2 ) In September of 2017 , cities across America started the hashtag : # CleanItUpTyson .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orleans , to Omaha , Kansas City , Texas , and Chicago , protested the “ vast environmental impact ” of Tyson .
Unfortunately , Tyson causes “ widespread water pollution , clearance of natural landscapes , high rates of soil erosion , and greenhouse gas emissions.
” Significantly , the press release from Mighty Earth says that all the environmental damage Tyson causes have a financial impact on real people .
“ Local communities from the Heartland to the Gulf are among those most affected by the meat industry ’ s impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These communities “ pay billions each year in clean up costs.
” ( 3 )

Meat has an environmental impact. We all know this. The more we want hamburgers, steak, meatballs, the more cows we have to have at the ready. And, those cattle need somewhere to graze. But there are other environmental consequences, too. Now, we have a very real example of how bad things can get.
Tyson Foods
In 2017, news outlets reported on a ‘dead zone’ in the Gulf of Mexico that was over 8,000 square miles. The culprit according to the environmental group, Mighty Earth, is agribusiness. Interestingly, former congressman, Henry Waxman, chairs the organization. Although there is a “highly industrialized and centralized factory farm system” to blame, one company stands out among the rest. That company? Tyson Foods, supplier of McDonald’s and Walmart. (1)
What Is A Dead Zone?
National Geographic explains it like this:
When pollutants, such as fertilizer, end up in waterways, that water is eventually carried out into the ocean. Then, the “fresh water, less dense than ocean water, sits on top of the ocean, preventing oxygen from mixing through the water column.” It gets worse though; “freshwater nutrients can spur a burst of algal growth, which consumes oxygen as the plants decompose. The resulting patch of low-oxygen waters leads to a condition called hypoxia, where animals in the area suffocate and die.” (2)
Results of The Dead Zone
“When the oxygen is below two parts per million, any shrimp, crabs, and fish that can swim away, will swim away,” according to Louisiana State University ocean ecologist, Nancy Rabalais. “The animals in the sediment [that can’t swim away] can be close to annihilated.”
But even the ones who do swim away can be damaged. Shrimp who are impacted by the low oxygen will end up much smaller than normal. (2)
How Is Tyson Responsible?
Well, as explained by The Guardian, “stripped soils can wash away in the rain, bringing fertilisers into waterways.” How does soil become stripped? Well, that happens when farmers and companies remove natural grasses–like, when companies convert land to farmland.
We’ve talked about how farmland feeds animals. And the more animals you have, the more crops you need. But, whether you believe that meat is murder or necessity, the sheer amount of animals slaughtered by Tyson is astounding. In a single week, 35 million chickens and 125,000 cattle were killed. To feed this absolutely monstrous amount of livestock, Tyson uses 5 million acres of corn a year. (1, 2)
#CleanItUpTyson
In September of 2017, cities across America started the hashtag: #CleanItUpTyson. A variety of communities, from New Orleans, to Omaha, Kansas City, Texas, and Chicago, protested the “vast environmental impact” of Tyson. Unfortunately, Tyson causes “widespread water pollution, clearance of natural landscapes, high rates of soil erosion, and greenhouse gas emissions.” Significantly, the press release from Mighty Earth says that all the environmental damage Tyson causes have a financial impact on real people. “Local communities from the Heartland to the Gulf are among those most affected by the meat industry’s impacts,” says the press release. These communities “pay billions each year in clean up costs.” (3)


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-19--How to Detox Your Body from Mold Without Stressing Out Your Kidneys & Liver

You may not be aware of it , but mold is probably affecting your health .
So even if it ’ s not on your mind , “ how to detox your body from mold ” should be something we all need to be asking .
Even if mold is making you sick , you might not know it ’ s the source of your symptoms .
That ’ s because mold toxicity can act like many other conditions , so it often goes misdiagnosed and untreated .
Exposure can cause many different symptoms , including : One of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many different symptoms is this : These toxins can suppress or damage your immune system .
Not only can they bring on symptoms themselves , they can make you more vulnerable to other illnesses .
Mold exposure is shockingly common .
It ’ s found in the air , damp or water-damaged buildings , even the food you ’ re eating .
Foods that commonly contain mold include cereal grains , nuts , spices , coffee , bulk foods ( like the kind you buy from bins to save money ) and dairy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and outside , and it can travel around with you .
Mold spores can attach to things like : That means it can come home with you from just about anywhere .
And if it ends up somewhere even slightly damp , it will grow and multiply .
In nature , mold speeds up the break down ( decomposition ) of things like dead trees and fallen leaves .
Some molds are used to make cheese or create antibiotics .
But many types of mold can be hazardous to your health .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause severe health problems and a wide variety of symptoms .
The two most common harmful mycotoxins are aflatoxin and ochratoxin , and exposure to either ( or both ) of these can trigger substantial health issues — from chronic allergies to cancer .
What ’ s more , if your body can ’ t remove these toxins on its own , they can slip into long-term storage to cause lasting or recurring damage .
Mycotoxins are sneaky .
While mold itself can ’ t enter your bloodstream — though it can hang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nostrils and lungs — mycotoxins can get into your bloodstream and circulate throughout your body .
These opportunistic toxins can hijack your immune system , making you more vulnerable to infections .
If your immune system is already compromised ( such as people with autoimmune conditions or undergoing cancer treatment ) , mycotoxins take advantage .
If you ’ re healthy , they can make you very sick .
• Cause lung inflammation that can make it harder to breathe • Disrupt your gut health by reducing beneficial bacteria and encouraging pathogens Unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because of its wide-ranging effects , it ’ s typically mistaken for other conditions including depression , multiple sclerosis , or autoimmune conditions .
Plus , because mycotoxins are opportunistic , they ’ re often connected with debilitating diseases such as Lyme disease , IBS ( irritable bowel syndrome ) and fibromyalgia .
Your Genes Can Make You More Vulnerable Around 25 % of people are genetically predisposed to get sick from mold exposure .
A simple test , called the HLA-DR , can tell you if you ’ re in that more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it means your immune system can ’ t easily identify and get rid of mycotoxins .
That can allow them to build up in the body , causing harm wherever they end up .
On top of that , because of that genetic twist , even relatively small exposures to mycotoxins can affect you .
And even if you ’ re not genetically susceptible to mold sickness , it can still impact your health .
Healthy people can get sick from chronic or intense mold exposure .
People with already compromised immune systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mold — are also extra vulnerable to mold toxicity .
If that ’ s you , be sure to double down on how to detox your body from mold .
How to Detox Your Body from Mold Even if you ’ re not especially sensitive to mold , your body still needs help safely clearing out mycotoxins .
When these aren ’ t removed properly and completely , they can cycle back around , and cause ongoing damage and symptoms .
The best way to clear out these toxins is with proven toxin-binders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure you ’ re working with safe , gentle detoxing agents so they don ’ t overtax your body ’ s clearance system ( mainly your liver and kidneys ) .
At the same time , you must use proven binders that don ’ t allow toxins to be reabsorbed in the intestines rather than excreted from the body .
One prescription cholesterol-lowering medication called Cholestyramine binds strongly to some mycotoxins — especially ochratoxin — and keeps them getting reabsorbed .
On the natural front , modified citrus pectin ( MCP ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent .
Because MCP works so gently , it ’ s safe for long-term use , which is often necessary for completely removing mycotoxins from your system .
MCP works especially well when paired with another natural detoxifier : seaweed-derived alginates , natural gel-like substances that bind tightly to toxins .
The combination of MCP and alginate prevents toxins — including mycotoxins and heavy metals — from being reabsorbed in the intestines .
And although they make a strong detoxifying team , MCP and alginate are easily tolerated and their gentle action won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body .
Equally important , MCP offers additional benefits that are essential when combating mold : Breaking the biofilm — By blocking galectin-3 and disrupting the biofilm backbone structure , it makes it easier for the body to identify the mold hiding in these areas and clear it , along with fungal infections that produce mycotoxins .
Removing heavy metals — Fungus thrives on mercury .
MCP as well as alginate are superior binders that safely remove mercury as well as lead , cadmium , uranium , arsenic and other heavy metals from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduces the excessive inflammatory response that is responsible for many of the mold-driven symptoms .
In addition to utilizing detoxifiers when answering the “ how do I detox my body from mold ” question , it ’ s also important to strengthen your gut microbiome ( the trillions of bacteria that live in your gut ) with a high-quality probiotic and prebiotic combination .
And , whenever possible , avoid mold exposure .
This can be tricky , as mold can be tough to detect ( if it ’ s inside walls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important , if you ’ re concerned about mold toxicity , it ’ s critical to work with an experienced health practitioner who knows what to test for and which therapies are most appropriate for your situation .
With the right support , you can identify—and resolve—any long-standing mold issues , and experience greater long-term health and vitality .

You may not be aware of it, but mold is probably affecting your health. So even if it’s not on your mind, “how to detox your body from mold” should be something we all need to be asking.
Even if mold is making you sick, you might not know it’s the source of your symptoms. That’s because mold toxicity can act like many other conditions, so it often goes misdiagnosed and untreated. Exposure can cause many different symptoms, including:
Fatigue
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fever
Headache
Joint pain
Memory problems
Dizziness
Sinus infections
Wheezing
Trouble concentrating
Sensitivity to light
Skin rash
Digestive problems
One of the main reasons mold toxins can cause so many different symptoms is this: These toxins can suppress or damage your immune system. Not only can they bring on symptoms themselves, they can make you more vulnerable to other illnesses.
Surrounded by Mold
Mold exposure is shockingly common. It’s found in the air, damp or water-damaged buildings, even the food you’re eating. Foods that commonly contain mold include cereal grains, nuts, spices, coffee, bulk foods (like the kind you buy from bins to save money) and dairy products.
You come across mold inside and outside, and it can travel around with you. Mold spores can attach to things like:
Clothing
Shoes
Pets
Reusable grocery bags
That means it can come home with you from just about anywhere. And if it ends up somewhere even slightly damp, it will grow and multiply.
Mold Produces Toxins
In nature, mold speeds up the break down (decomposition) of things like dead trees and fallen leaves. Some molds are used to make cheese or create antibiotics.
But many types of mold can be hazardous to your health. These molds produce mycotoxins, poisons that can cause severe health problems and a wide variety of symptoms.
The two most common harmful mycotoxins are aflatoxin and ochratoxin, and exposure to either (or both) of these can trigger substantial health issues — from chronic allergies to cancer.
What’s more, if your body can’t remove these toxins on its own, they can slip into long-term storage to cause lasting or recurring damage.
Mycotoxins Damage Your Health
Mycotoxins are sneaky. While mold itself can’t enter your bloodstream — though it can hang around and colonize in spots like your nostrils and lungs — mycotoxins can get into your bloodstream and circulate throughout your body.
These opportunistic toxins can hijack your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. If your immune system is already compromised (such as people with autoimmune conditions or undergoing cancer treatment), mycotoxins take advantage. If you’re healthy, they can make you very sick.
Studies show that mycotoxins can:
Unfortunately, mold toxicity is frequently misdiagnosed. Because of its wide-ranging effects, it’s typically mistaken for other conditions including depression, multiple sclerosis, or autoimmune conditions. Plus, because mycotoxins are opportunistic, they’re often connected with debilitating diseases such as Lyme disease, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and fibromyalgia.
Your Genes Can Make You More Vulnerable
Around 25% of people are genetically predisposed to get sick from mold exposure. A simple test, called the HLA-DR, can tell you if you’re in that more susceptible population.
If you are, it means your immune system can’t easily identify and get rid of mycotoxins. That can allow them to build up in the body, causing harm wherever they end up. On top of that, because of that genetic twist, even relatively small exposures to mycotoxins can affect you.
And even if you’re not genetically susceptible to mold sickness, it can still impact your health. Healthy people can get sick from chronic or intense mold exposure. People with already compromised immune systems — even if their bodies can identify mold — are also extra vulnerable to mold toxicity. If that’s you, be sure to double down on how to detox your body from mold.
How to Detox Your Body from Mold
Even if you’re not especially sensitive to mold, your body still needs help safely clearing out mycotoxins. When these aren’t removed properly and completely, they can cycle back around, and cause ongoing damage and symptoms.
The best way to clear out these toxins is with proven toxin-binders. It’s important to make sure you’re working with safe, gentle detoxing agents so they don’t overtax your body’s clearance system (mainly your liver and kidneys). At the same time, you must use proven binders that don’t allow toxins to be reabsorbed in the intestines rather than excreted from the body.
One prescription cholesterol-lowering medication called Cholestyramine binds strongly to some mycotoxins — especially ochratoxin — and keeps them getting reabsorbed.
On the natural front, modified citrus pectin (MCP) has been extensively researched as an effective detoxifying agent. Because MCP works so gently, it’s safe for long-term use, which is often necessary for completely removing mycotoxins from your system. MCP works especially well when paired with another natural detoxifier: seaweed-derived alginates, natural gel-like substances that bind tightly to toxins.
The combination of MCP and alginate prevents toxins — including mycotoxins and heavy metals — from being reabsorbed in the intestines. And although they make a strong detoxifying team, MCP and alginate are easily tolerated and their gentle action won’t strip essential minerals from your body.
Equally important, MCP offers additional benefits that are essential when combating mold:
Breaking the biofilm — By blocking galectin-3 and disrupting the biofilm backbone structure, it makes it easier for the body to identify the mold hiding in these areas and clear it, along with fungal infections that produce mycotoxins.
Removing heavy metals — Fungus thrives on mercury. MCP as well as alginate are superior binders that safely remove mercury as well as lead, cadmium, uranium, arsenic and other heavy metals from the body.
Calming inflammation — MCP reduces the excessive inflammatory response that is responsible for many of the mold-driven symptoms.
Other mycotoxin detoxifiers include:
Activated charcoal
Bentonite clay
Glutathione
Chlorella
In addition to utilizing detoxifiers when answering the “how do I detox my body from mold” question, it’s also important to strengthen your gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria that live in your gut) with a high-quality probiotic and prebiotic combination.
And, whenever possible, avoid mold exposure. This can be tricky, as mold can be tough to detect (if it’s inside walls, for example) and remove.
Most important, if you’re concerned about mold toxicity, it’s critical to work with an experienced health practitioner who knows what to test for and which therapies are most appropriate for your situation. With the right support, you can identify—and resolve—any long-standing mold issues, and experience greater long-term health and vitality.


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-19--Greener Play Areas Boost Children’s Immune Systems

There ’ s a reason why your mother wanted you to go outside and play , aside from getting you out of her way .
Playing outside is good for a child ’ s immuno-development .
The Hygiene hypothesis says that childhood exposure to germs and certain infections helps the immune system develop .
Conversely , non-exposure can lead to a less robust immunity .
This theory is being used to explain the high incidence of autoimmune diseases in children in western countries ( asthma , allergies , or eczema ) .
( 1 ) In the U.S. there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hypothesis .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , asthma is the leading chronic disease in children .
Currently , there are about 6.2 million children under the age of 18 with asthma .
In 2013 , about 13.8 million missed school days were reported due to asthma .
( 2 ) The prevalence of childhood eczema in the US is around 10 % and about 8 % have food allergies .
When we start to add in socioeconomic background , it is no surprise that lower-income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these issues .
( 3 ) In 2020 , a group of scientists in Finland decided to explore the possibility of reversing the Hygiene Hypothesis .
Over twenty-eight days , children at ten different daycare centers were given the opportunity to play for ninety minutes in yards that were “ enriched with microbial biodiversity ” which included adding turf from natural forest floors , shrubs , berries , and mosses .
The results showed a change in both the skin and gut microbiota of the children .
( 3 ) Of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in considering the Hygiene Hypothesis .
While it is definitely a good idea for children to play outdoors and get exposed to good bacteria , there are limits to how and where this applies .
Children should still be encouraged to wash up when they come in from playing outside , or after playing with the family pet .
Hand washing is still important , before a meal , after using the bathroom , after a sneeze or cough .
So is cleaning food preparation surfaces before and after use .
( 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a balancing act .
Allowing children to be exposed to some bacteria on a regular basis can help build immunity .
At the same time , they should be taught proper , healthy habits when considering personal hygiene .
Targeted hygiene suggests that we focus on the places and times that hygiene matters .
It subscribes to the idea that it is possible to inhibit infections while at the same time exposing children to the ‘ good bacteria ’ required for a healthy microbiome .
Sally Bloomfield , an honorary professor at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and their parents , should be taught about how infections occur and the concept of targeted hygiene .
“ This should embed best practice of hygiene from an early age and promote a consistent understanding of the terminology used to talk about hygiene and hygiene issues.
” Bloomfield also wants the media to be more educated so that they are not offering confusing or counter-productive messages .
( 5 )

The Hygiene Hypothesis
There’s a reason why your mother wanted you to go outside and play, aside from getting you out of her way. Playing outside is good for a child’s immuno-development. The Hygiene hypothesis says that childhood exposure to germs and certain infections helps the immune system develop. Conversely, non-exposure can lead to a less robust immunity. This theory is being used to explain the high incidence of autoimmune diseases in children in western countries (asthma, allergies, or eczema). (1)
In the U.S. there is plenty of evidence to support the Hygiene Hypothesis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma is the leading chronic disease in children. Currently, there are about 6.2 million children under the age of 18 with asthma. In 2013, about 13.8 million missed school days were reported due to asthma. (2) The prevalence of childhood eczema in the US is around 10% and about 8% have food allergies. When we start to add in socioeconomic background, it is no surprise that lower-income children were more affected by each of these issues. (3)
In 2020, a group of scientists in Finland decided to explore the possibility of reversing the Hygiene Hypothesis. Over twenty-eight days, children at ten different daycare centers were given the opportunity to play for ninety minutes in yards that were “enriched with microbial biodiversity” which included adding turf from natural forest floors, shrubs, berries, and mosses. The results showed a change in both the skin and gut microbiota of the children. (3)
Of course, there should be a bit of caution in considering the Hygiene Hypothesis. While it is definitely a good idea for children to play outdoors and get exposed to good bacteria, there are limits to how and where this applies. Children should still be encouraged to wash up when they come in from playing outside, or after playing with the family pet.
Hand washing is still important, before a meal, after using the bathroom, after a sneeze or cough. So is cleaning food preparation surfaces before and after use. (5)
Targeted Hygiene
So it becomes a bit of a balancing act. Allowing children to be exposed to some bacteria on a regular basis can help build immunity. At the same time, they should be taught proper, healthy habits when considering personal hygiene. Targeted hygiene suggests that we focus on the places and times that hygiene matters. It subscribes to the idea that it is possible to inhibit infections while at the same time exposing children to the ‘good bacteria’ required for a healthy microbiome.
Sally Bloomfield, an honorary professor at the London School of Hygiene suggests that children, and their parents, should be taught about how infections occur and the concept of targeted hygiene. “This should embed best practice of hygiene from an early age and promote a consistent understanding of the terminology used to talk about hygiene and hygiene issues.” Bloomfield also wants the media to be more educated so that they are not offering confusing or counter-productive messages. (5)


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-19--Hidden Camera’s Hugging Tiger Wins Wildlife Photo Award

Tigers being mostly nocturnal are full of survival instinct , coexisting with predators whilst keeping solitary .
Their preying behavior amongst indigenous territories is often captured by photographers , yet how often do we get to see a hugging tiger ?
Cuteness-overload mainstream images showing caresses , maybe – mostly captured at zoos .
How about an Amur tigress hugging an ancient Manchurian fir within a national park in Russia ?
Now that ’ s exclusive .
Such quirkiness explains why photographer Sergey Gorshkov recently won London ’ s Wildlife Photographer of the Year award , staving off over 49,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1966 , has had a career in photography for a mere 12 years .
He started taking pictures on his first trip to the Russian peninsula , Kamchatka .
So stunned by the richness of nature he decided to buy a photo album of the landscapes .
When he couldn ’ t find one he liked , for the first time he thought : “ I ’ ll come back and make my own photos.
” It was a later trip to Africa that really inspired .
It was no secret that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , he ’ d only seen wildlife through a rifle scope .
When he saw a leopard there he was so fascinated by its beauty , he simply couldn ’ t shoot to kill .
He now shoots his one shot with a Nikon camera only ( 1 ) .
In the Land of the Leopard National park in Russia which spans 260,000 hectares , Gorshgov left a camera trap in the forest for 10 months before he went back to retrieve the memory card and image files .
When he saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Photographer of the Year Competition , now in its 56th year .
His skill and patience in knowing where to place the trap , and how long it might take to capture an image of a tiger , won this image and won him the whole competition .
WPY judge Roz Kidman-Cox told BBC news ‘ “ The lighting , the colours , the texture – it ’ s like an oil painting .
It ’ s almost as if the tiger is part of the forest .
Her tail blends with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two are one.
” ( 2 ) The tiger is actually rubbing her cheek against the tree bark to leave secretions from her scent glands , yet a hugging tiger in a moment of ecstasy is really what is seen .
The fact that Amur tigers must range over vast distances to find food , mostly deer and wild boar -which are now almost diminished , also shows how the timing of this capture is so unique .
Like so many 2020 events the ceremony was held online , with the Duchess of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exploitation of animals in captivity and photos taken by young adults also received mentions with high praise during the ceremony .
Full Circle Of Love From The Hugging Tiger .
Willingness to re-evaluate your first principles can be a secret to success .
Kamchatka , Russia being famous for the abundance and size of its brown bears was the start of Gorshgov ’ s career .
The leopards in Africa made him never want to bear arms again .
The hugging tiger won him this award .
He says “ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I realized that wildlife photography satisfies my hunting instincts without having to take the life of an animal.
” ( 1 ) .

Tigers being mostly nocturnal are full of survival instinct, coexisting with predators whilst keeping solitary. Their preying behavior amongst indigenous territories is often captured by photographers, yet how often do we get to see a hugging tiger? Cuteness-overload mainstream images showing caresses, maybe – mostly captured at zoos. How about an Amur tigress hugging an ancient Manchurian fir within a national park in Russia? Now that’s exclusive. Such quirkiness explains why photographer Sergey Gorshkov recently won London’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year award, staving off over 49,000 competitors.
Prestigious Photography Through Reluctance To Bear Arms.
Gorshkov, born in Siberia in 1966, has had a career in photography for a mere 12 years. He started taking pictures on his first trip to the Russian peninsula, Kamchatka. So stunned by the richness of nature he decided to buy a photo album of the landscapes. When he couldn’t find one he liked, for the first time he thought: “I’ll come back and make my own photos.”
It was a later trip to Africa that really inspired. It was no secret that he enjoyed hunting animals; up until then, he’d only seen wildlife through a rifle scope. When he saw a leopard there he was so fascinated by its beauty, he simply couldn’t shoot to kill. He now shoots his one shot with a Nikon camera only (1).
Hugging Tiger Photograph Compared To An Oil Painting.
In the Land of the Leopard National park in Russia which spans 260,000 hectares, Gorshgov left a camera trap in the forest for 10 months before he went back to retrieve the memory card and image files. When he saw this capture he entered it into the World Photographer of the Year Competition, now in its 56th year. His skill and patience in knowing where to place the trap, and how long it might take to capture an image of a tiger, won this image and won him the whole competition.
WPY judge Roz Kidman-Cox told BBC news ‘“The lighting, the colours, the texture – it’s like an oil painting. It’s almost as if the tiger is part of the forest. Her tail blends with the roots of the tree. The two are one.” (2)
The tiger is actually rubbing her cheek against the tree bark to leave secretions from her scent glands, yet a hugging tiger in a moment of ecstasy is really what is seen. The fact that Amur tigers must range over vast distances to find food, mostly deer and wild boar -which are now almost diminished, also shows how the timing of this capture is so unique.
Like so many 2020 events the ceremony was held online, with the Duchess of Cambridge announcing the winner. Photos showing the exploitation of animals in captivity and photos taken by young adults also received mentions with high praise during the ceremony.
Full Circle Of Love From The Hugging Tiger.
Willingness to re-evaluate your first principles can be a secret to success. Kamchatka, Russia being famous for the abundance and size of its brown bears was the start of Gorshgov’s career. The leopards in Africa made him never want to bear arms again. The hugging tiger won him this award.
He says “I am not ashamed of my past, but I realized that wildlife photography satisfies my hunting instincts without having to take the life of an animal.” (1).


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-19--People Are Only Now Learning About “Human-Sized” Megabats

I will state right up front bats terrify me .
While where I live , they are small creatures , they can still be scary .
As a teenager , my best friends parents moved to a small town north of the city I grew up in .
As a city girl , I knew little of the country .
When I helped my friend bring some boxes up to the house before the big move , we slept on the floor of the living room that night .
We brought our sleeping bags and kind of camped out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strange noise in the room .
We stirred on and off but finally the noise became too loud , so we turned on the lights .
To our horror , it was bats hovering overhead with their fluttery wings coming towards us at full speed as we both screamed our heads off .
I will NEVER forget that and have been terrified of bats ever since .
So imagine my horror when I heard of “ human-sized ” bats living somewhere on this planet of ours .
( 1 ) Apparently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I do realize they serve several important purposes including eating small annoying bugs like mosquitoes and even helping the pollination process .
While some people think of bats as “ cute ” , I find them quite unattractive .
Yet , many people love these little leathery winged creatures .
( 1 ) Found all around the world in different shapes and sizes , for the most part , there ’ s no denying when one spots a bat that it is indeed a bat .
However , when images hit social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human-sized ” bats , it definitely made quite a stir .
( 1 ) The bats in question are giant golden-crowned flying foxes .
They are freakishly large in comparison to other bats , at least in my neck of the woods .
It is the largest of about 150 aptly named “ mega bat ” species .
( 1 ) The photo that appeared of the ginormous flying fox is beyond creepy .
It ’ s not surprising it went viral .
I shudder when I see it wrapped in its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , although the image is indeed authentic , it is a bit misleading .
( 1 ) The image is taken at an angle that distorts what you see .
What appears to be a massive bat when compared to the motorcycle and child in the image , is in fact simply an optical illusion due to the angle the images are taken from .
( 1 ) I sighed with relief when I learned that when taken from a more direct angle , the same bat does appear much more reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevertheless , this type of flying fox is still the largest bat in the world with a wingspan of 5 feet and a body averaging about 11 to 13 inches in length — so really , not that big at all .
( 1 ) I ’ m glad to hear they live in Indonesia , Malaysia , China , Myanmar , the Philippines , Singapore , Vietnam , Timor-Leste , and Thailand .
Nice and far from my home !
( 1 ) It also sets one ’ s mind at ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so no fear of being swooped up and eaten by one .
( 1 )

I will state right up front bats terrify me. While where I live, they are small creatures, they can still be scary. As a teenager, my best friends parents moved to a small town north of the city I grew up in. As a city girl, I knew little of the country. When I helped my friend bring some boxes up to the house before the big move, we slept on the floor of the living room that night. We brought our sleeping bags and kind of camped out. As we slept, I kept hearing a strange noise in the room. We stirred on and off but finally the noise became too loud, so we turned on the lights. To our horror, it was bats hovering overhead with their fluttery wings coming towards us at full speed as we both screamed our heads off. I will NEVER forget that and have been terrified of bats ever since. So imagine my horror when I heard of “human-sized” bats living somewhere on this planet of ours. (1)
1,400 Species Of Bats
Apparently, there are some 1,400 species of bats. I do realize they serve several important purposes including eating small annoying bugs like mosquitoes and even helping the pollination process. While some people think of bats as “cute”, I find them quite unattractive. Yet, many people love these little leathery winged creatures. (1)
Human-Sized Bat
Found all around the world in different shapes and sizes, for the most part, there’s no denying when one spots a bat that it is indeed a bat. However, when images hit social media of what people are calling “human-sized” bats, it definitely made quite a stir. (1)
The bats in question are giant golden-crowned flying foxes. They are freakishly large in comparison to other bats, at least in my neck of the woods. It is the largest of about 150 aptly named “mega bat” species. (1)
Human-Sized Bat A Flying Fox
The photo that appeared of the ginormous flying fox is beyond creepy. It’s not surprising it went viral. I shudder when I see it wrapped in its own cape-like wings hanging from the rafter. However, although the image is indeed authentic, it is a bit misleading. (1)
The image is taken at an angle that distorts what you see. What appears to be a massive bat when compared to the motorcycle and child in the image, is in fact simply an optical illusion due to the angle the images are taken from. (1)
Not Actually A Huma-Sized Bat
I sighed with relief when I learned that when taken from a more direct angle, the same bat does appear much more reasonable and far less terrifying in size. Nevertheless, this type of flying fox is still the largest bat in the world with a wingspan of 5 feet and a body averaging about 11 to 13 inches in length — so really, not that big at all. (1)
I’m glad to hear they live in Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and Thailand. Nice and far from my home!(1)
It also sets one’s mind at ease knowing, these airborne creatures are herbivores, so no fear of being swooped up and eaten by one. (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-19--Young People Can’t Remember How Much More Wildlife There Used to Be

A few years back , someone mentioned to me that when taking a long drive now his windshield was insect-free .
That was not the case a couple of decades ago , he said .
Only then the memory of childhood road trips came to me .
It was true .
I remember the windshield being plastered with little insects .
My dad would have to stop and clean it a few times before arriving at our destination .
I am not a driver , so I never thought much about the insect on the windshield phenomenon .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will never experience that problem .
The absence of insects on their windshield is not strange .
Actual data tells us , and it is alarming , of the great loss of wildlife .
( 1 ) Nowadays , it seems like nothing gets forgotten anymore .
We can take 100 pictures and videos of all our picnic trips , birthday parties , and sports games .
We believe we can have a reliable image of yesterday .
But the reality is that we are forgetting now more than ever .
Things we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will not recall .
This is the case with our perception of the natural world that surrounds us .
We don ’ t have an accurate baseline for the loss of wildlife we are presently experiencing .
Shifting Baseline Síndrome ( SBS ) , first came to light in 1995 by French-born marine biologist Daniel Pauly at the University of British Columbia in Canada .
SBS refers to the loss of memory of the natural world by younger generations .
He explains that a rare animal we see today was abundant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every new generation takes in the picture of the world when they come to life as their reference .
When the older generation talks about wildlife abundance it ’ s considered anecdotal .
Even scientists see these facts as unreliable as is not data recorded to back it up .
We can not take proper measures to prevent the loss of wildlife if we don ’ t think the decline is significant in our perspective .
( 3 ) On September 10th , 2020 , the World Wildlife Fund ( WWF ) published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarming 68 % LPI ( Living Planet Index ) decrease in the animal population over the globe .
This number was a result of 46 years of data analysis , from 1970 to 2016 .
The freshwater population has plummeted a worrying 84 % .
That is a yearly decline of 4 % starting in 1970 .
The report shows that the main causes of the loss of wildlife are excessive energy production and mining .
Unsustainable agriculture , transportation , and logging .
Together with the lack of eco-friendly residential and commercial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carter Roberts , urgently call on us stating that “ It ’ s time to restore our broken relationship with nature for the benefit of species and people alike ” .
( 4 ) To tackle SBS , Lizzie Jones at Royal Holloway , University of London advise “ All we need to do is get grandparents to talk to grandchildren about environmental things , ” Jones conducted a study comparing records of data on 10 species of birds against people ’ s perception of the same birds .
The younger generation did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For them , the numbers of birds seem normal .
They had no way to compare .
( 5 ) The loss of wildlife is a big serious problem and needs all our attention and efforts to change the catastrophic course we are heading towards .
This is the only planet we have , our only home .
As much as we like to believe that our livelihood depends exclusively on everything we had constructed to support our modern lifestyle .
We are wrong .
What affects every species in nature has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to reconnect with nature now !

A few years back, someone mentioned to me that when taking a long drive now his windshield was insect-free. That was not the case a couple of decades ago, he said. Only then the memory of childhood road trips came to me. It was true. I remember the windshield being plastered with little insects. My dad would have to stop and clean it a few times before arriving at our destination.
I am not a driver, so I never thought much about the insect on the windshield phenomenon. But the new generation of drivers, now, will never experience that problem. The absence of insects on their windshield is not strange. Actual data tells us, and it is alarming, of the great loss of wildlife. (1)
Shifting Baseline Síndrome (SBS)
Nowadays, it seems like nothing gets forgotten anymore. We can take 100 pictures and videos of all our picnic trips, birthday parties, and sports games. We believe we can have a reliable image of yesterday.
But the reality is that we are forgetting now more than ever. Things we don’t pay much attention to, we will not recall. This is the case with our perception of the natural world that surrounds us. We don’t have an accurate baseline for the loss of wildlife we are presently experiencing.
Shifting Baseline Síndrome (SBS), first came to light in 1995 by French-born marine biologist Daniel Pauly at the University of British Columbia in Canada. SBS refers to the loss of memory of the natural world by younger generations. He explains that a rare animal we see today was abundant two generations ago. (2)
Every new generation takes in the picture of the world when they come to life as their reference. When the older generation talks about wildlife abundance it’s considered anecdotal. Even scientists see these facts as unreliable as is not data recorded to back it up. We can not take proper measures to prevent the loss of wildlife if we don’t think the decline is significant in our perspective. (3)
Loss Of Wildlife
On September 10th, 2020, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) published its Living Planet Report 2020. An alarming 68% LPI (Living Planet Index) decrease in the animal population over the globe. This number was a result of 46 years of data analysis, from 1970 to 2016. The freshwater population has plummeted a worrying 84%. That is a yearly decline of 4% starting in 1970.
The report shows that the main causes of the loss of wildlife are excessive energy production and mining. Unsustainable agriculture, transportation, and logging. Together with the lack of eco-friendly residential and commercial developments.
The WWF-US President and CEO Carter Roberts, urgently call on us stating that “It’s time to restore our broken relationship with nature for the benefit of species and people alike”. (4)
Creating Awareness
To tackle SBS, Lizzie Jones at Royal Holloway, University of London advise “All we need to do is get grandparents to talk to grandchildren about environmental things,”
Jones conducted a study comparing records of data on 10 species of birds against people’s perception of the same birds. The younger generation did not notice the decline of the species. For them, the numbers of birds seem normal. They had no way to compare. (5)
The loss of wildlife is a big serious problem and needs all our attention and efforts to change the catastrophic course we are heading towards.
This is the only planet we have, our only home. As much as we like to believe that our livelihood depends exclusively on everything we had constructed to support our modern lifestyle. We are wrong. What affects every species in nature has a direct impact on our wellbeing. We need to reconnect with nature now!


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-19--Photo Of Newborn Pulling Mask Off Doctor Is The Perfect 2020 Image

Has the pandemic caused you to feel depressed , frustrated , sad ?
Then consider the photo that went viral recently .
Dr. Samer Cheaib , a gynecologist from the UAE , was snapped while delivering a baby .
What makes this photo so special ?
The newborn is shown with its hand grabbing the doctor ’ s mask and pulling it down to reveal his broad smile .
Indeed , this picture is worth 1000 words !
( 4 ) This photo speaks much to how people from all over the world feel about having to wear masks during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they make it difficult to breathe , and they for sure make it impossible for others to see our smile .
Globally , many authorities – including the World Health Organization ( WHO ) – initially suggested that masks were not effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus .
Go Mask-Free ?
New Studies Say No In recent months , there ’ s been increased evidence that many people with the virus do not have symptoms .
But they can still be contagious – and masks can stop them from passing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , WHO changed its guidelines to include the following : • None The general public should wear non-medical masks where there is widespread transmission and when physical distancing is difficult , such as on public transport , in shops , or other confined or crowded environments .
• None Additionally , the WHO has released new guidance on cloth masks , recommending that they consist of at least three layers of different materials .
( 1 ) Some studies also suggest that people ’ s attitudes have changed .
The changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better understanding of how Covid-19 spreads .
Most people still appear much more willing to use hand sanitizer , social distance , or wash their hands regularly , than wear face masks .
This is according to data from Covid-19 iCARES , a group of over 150 researchers from more than 40 countries .
They want to understand people ’ s awareness , attitudes , beliefs , and behaviors about COVID-19 .
( 2,3 ) Results show that if everyone wears face coverings it will “ protect against the most common mode of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extent maybe aerosol droplets , ” says Kim Lavoie , chair of behavioral medicine at the University of Quebec at Montreal ’ s psychology department and one of the iCARES researchers .
( 2,3 ) In the past few days , both US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have been seen wearing masks in public for the first time .
When our world leaders like Trump , Johnson , and Mexico ’ s AMLO mock the wearing of these masks , it sends a mixed message from those being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and US Centers for Disease Control who recommend face coverings .
Sarah P. Jones , a health behavior researcher at the Imperial College London , says mask-wearing can vary .
Depending on how vulnerable people feel about an illness , whether they believe the costs outweigh the benefits , and how readily available masks are .
We may all wish to be mask free after this long pandemic .
But one thing is for sure ̶ the virus is not disappearing any time soon .
So the new norm is to continue wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smile .

Has the pandemic caused you to feel depressed, frustrated, sad? Then consider the photo that went viral recently. Dr. Samer Cheaib, a gynecologist from the UAE, was snapped while delivering a baby. What makes this photo so special? The newborn is shown with its hand grabbing the doctor’s mask and pulling it down to reveal his broad smile. Indeed, this picture is worth 1000 words! (4)
This photo speaks much to how people from all over the world feel about having to wear masks during this pandemic. Masks are uncomfortable, they make it difficult to breathe, and they for sure make it impossible for others to see our smile.
Globally, many authorities – including the World Health Organization (WHO) – initially suggested that masks were not effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Go Mask-Free? New Studies Say No
In recent months, there’s been increased evidence that many people with the virus do not have symptoms. But they can still be contagious – and masks can stop them from passing it on to others. On June 5, 2020, WHO changed its guidelines to include the following:
The general public should wear non-medical masks where there is widespread transmission and when physical distancing is difficult, such as on public transport, in shops, or other confined or crowded environments.
Additionally, the WHO has released new guidance on cloth masks, recommending that they consist of at least three layers of different materials. (1)
Some studies also suggest that people’s attitudes have changed. The changes appear to be partly due to a better understanding of how Covid-19 spreads.
Most people still appear much more willing to use hand sanitizer, social distance, or wash their hands regularly, than wear face masks. This is according to data from Covid-19 iCARES, a group of over 150 researchers from more than 40 countries. They want to understand people’s awareness, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors about COVID-19. (2,3)
Results show that if everyone wears face coverings it will “protect against the most common mode of transmission ̶ droplets ̶ and to some extent maybe aerosol droplets,” says Kim Lavoie, chair of behavioral medicine at the University of Quebec at Montreal’s psychology department and one of the iCARES researchers. (2,3)
Mixed Mask-Free Messages
In the past few days, both US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have been seen wearing masks in public for the first time. When our world leaders like Trump, Johnson, and Mexico’s AMLO mock the wearing of these masks, it sends a mixed message from those being broadcast by health care authorities like WHO and US Centers for Disease Control who recommend face coverings.
Sarah P. Jones, a health behavior researcher at the Imperial College London, says mask-wearing can vary. Depending on how vulnerable people feel about an illness, whether they believe the costs outweigh the benefits, and how readily available masks are.
We may all wish to be mask free after this long pandemic. But one thing is for sure ̶ the virus is not disappearing any time soon. So the new norm is to continue wearing masks for the foreseeable future, and smile.


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-19--Man’s Ginormous Self-Removed Tapeworm Linked To Sushi Addiction

It ’ s Halloween season , so what better time to hear the grossest story of all time ?
It ’ s got tapeworms , it ’ s got at home approximations of medical treatment–and it ’ ll put you off sushi forever .
“ This Won ’ t Hurt A Bit ” is a medical podcast that talks about unusual cases in healthcare .
In one episode , Dr. Kenny Banh talks about a case involving tapeworms .
At the end of 2017 , Dr. Banh was working in the emergency room at the Community Regional Medical Center in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came and said he wanted to be treated for tapeworms .
It ’ s not unusual for patients to make guesses about what ’ s wrong with them .
But most of them don ’ t produce evidence .
As for what this evidence was ?
A multi-foot tapeworm wrapped around a toilet paper roll .
( 1 ) How The Tapeworm Came Out The man , who was not named , for obvious confidentiality reasons , told Dr. Banh he had been in the bathroom when he felt a strange sensation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening at first .
Then , he was struck with fear : “ Oh , my goodness , my guts are coming out of me !
” Most of us , if we thought our internal organs were becoming external , might seek medical help .
This man did the exact opposite : he grabbed whatever was coming out of him , and pulled .
When he saw it was a worm , he was understandably relieved .
Only after that , did he go to the hospital .
The medical staff rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 5.5 feet long .
( 1 ) The source of helminth–the scientific name for the tapeworm–baffled both doctor and patient .
But then , it struck him .
“ I eat raw salmon almost everyday , ” he said .
( 1 ) Well , before , it was thought to be very unlikely .
The common idea was that tapeworms were mostly found in Asian countries .
Even the Center for Disease Control ( CDC ) says that “ tapeworm infections due to T. solium are more prevalent in under-developed communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raw or undercooked pork .
.
.
.Latin America , Eastern Europe , sub-Saharan Africa , India , and Asia.
” However , Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense , the Japanese broad tapeworm , was found in fish in Alaska , according to a 2017 report in the journal , Emerging Infectious Diseases .
Between 1986 , when the Japanese broad tapeworm was discovered , and 2017 , the article says there have only been approximately “ 2,000 cases .
.
.
reported , mainly from northeastern Asia .
However , recent studies that used molecular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases caused by this tapeworm may have been highly underestimated.
” ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) It ’ s hard to say .
As the journal report says , there have been relatively few cases .
But , according to Dr. William Schaffner , a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine , “ we do things that we haven ’ t done before.
” “ Now , we have these fresh caught fish that can be transported anywhere and eaten raw , ” he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the lookout for this kind of tapeworm going forward.
” ( 3 )

It’s Halloween season, so what better time to hear the grossest story of all time?
It’s got tapeworms, it’s got at home approximations of medical treatment–and it’ll put you off sushi forever.
“This Won’t Hurt A Bit”–Tapeworm
“This Won’t Hurt A Bit” is a medical podcast that talks about unusual cases in healthcare. In one episode, Dr. Kenny Banh talks about a case involving tapeworms.
At the end of 2017, Dr. Banh was working in the emergency room at the Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, California. A young man came and said he wanted to be treated for tapeworms. It’s not unusual for patients to make guesses about what’s wrong with them. But most of them don’t produce evidence. As for what this evidence was? A multi-foot tapeworm wrapped around a toilet paper roll. (1)
How The Tapeworm Came Out
The man, who was not named, for obvious confidentiality reasons, told Dr. Banh he had been in the bathroom when he felt a strange sensation. He didn’t know what was happening at first. Then, he was struck with fear: “Oh, my goodness, my guts are coming out of me!”
Most of us, if we thought our internal organs were becoming external, might seek medical help. This man did the exact opposite: he grabbed whatever was coming out of him, and pulled.
When he saw it was a worm, he was understandably relieved. Only after that, did he go to the hospital.
The medical staff rolled the tapeworm out on the floor–and it was 5.5 feet long. (1)
Tapeworm From Sushi?
The source of helminth–the scientific name for the tapeworm–baffled both doctor and patient. But then, it struck him. “I eat raw salmon almost everyday,” he said. (1)
Is A Tapeworm From Sushi Possible?
Well, before, it was thought to be very unlikely. The common idea was that tapeworms were mostly found in Asian countries. Even the Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that “tapeworm infections due to T. solium are more prevalent in under-developed communities with poor sanitation and where people eat raw or undercooked pork. . . .Latin America, Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Asia.” However, Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense, the Japanese broad tapeworm, was found in fish in Alaska, according to a 2017 report in the journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases. Between 1986, when the Japanese broad tapeworm was discovered, and 2017, the article says there have only been approximately “2,000 cases . . . reported, mainly from northeastern Asia. However, recent studies that used molecular methods indicate that the number of human cases caused by this tapeworm may have been highly underestimated.” (1, 2, 3, 4)
Is A Tapeworm From Sushi Likely?
It’s hard to say. As the journal report says, there have been relatively few cases. But, according to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, “we do things that we haven’t done before.” “Now, we have these fresh caught fish that can be transported anywhere and eaten raw,” he says. “I am sure we will be on the lookout for this kind of tapeworm going forward.” (3)


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-20--Should You Let Your Cat Go Outside? GPS Study Reveals The Deadly Consequences

My grandmother has five cats , all of them outdoor cats .
The difference is , they ’ re outdoor-only cats–they sleep under the porch outside .
They ’ re still very much wild cats though .
When most people talk about outdoor cats , they mean something different : a cat with a place to sleep inside that is also allowed outside to roam .
I have experience with one of those , too .
Absolutely adorable little girl got into my laundry room , and then into my apartment .
She had no collar , so I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried , desperately to figure out what to do .
I was desperate .
My landlord had said he would literally throw the cat into the street if she was there when he got home .
Animal Control was no help , refusing to pick her up .
In the end , I had to let her outside , and hope for the best .
Why Your Indoor Cats Shouldn ’ t Be Outdoor Cats Needless to say , I was very peeved when I saw that cat a few days later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If you had a place to go , why did you have to make my very early Wednesday morning so stressful ?
” It turns out that , really , it ’ s better , scientifically , if the cats of the world listen to me and stay indoors .
A research group , Cat Tracker , spent 6 years looking at the activities of over 900 cats .
The participants came from over 4 countries .
The findings were interesting .
( 1 ) Why It ’ s Bad For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study authors , collecting data for the United States , while she was an undergrad at North Carolina State University .
She says that your kitty , however sweet , is doing damage .
“ Urban areas have wildlife that are already affected by human development and landscape fragmentation .
The more pet cats outside , ” she says , “ the more stress and fatalities local wildlife species can encounter .
The ecological impact of housecats roaming outside can be even more dire when there are threatened or endangered wildlife living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that their cats brought home 42 prey items per year , while estimates show that cats kill one to three times as many prey than they bring home .
This suggests that each cat was killing around 50 to 138 animals per year , according to estimates , ” says Gizmodo .
“ Wild carnivores spread those kills out over a range 10 to 1,250 times larger than the pet cats .
This means that wild carnivores kill fewer animals per concentrated region , compared to cats.
” ( 1 , 2 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cat “ A lot of people , when they received the data on their cats , were more concerned about them crossing roads than their effect on wildlife , ” says Heidy Kikillus , who was part of the New Zealand data collection .
Apparently , that ’ s a very real fear .
The cats crossed the road four-and-a-half times a day .
In fact , when Kikilus followed up with study participants afterward , a lot of the cats had been run over by cars .
( 1 ) If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you for keeping it indoors , don ’ t .
“ Without the motivations of food and sex , ” says study lead Roland Keys , “ most cats seem content to be homebodies.
” ( 1 )

My grandmother has five cats, all of them outdoor cats. The difference is, they’re outdoor-only cats–they sleep under the porch outside. They’re still very much wild cats though.
When most people talk about outdoor cats, they mean something different: a cat with a place to sleep inside that is also allowed outside to roam.
I have experience with one of those, too. Absolutely adorable little girl got into my laundry room, and then into my apartment. She had no collar, so I had no idea who to call as I tried, desperately to figure out what to do. I was desperate. My landlord had said he would literally throw the cat into the street if she was there when he got home. Animal Control was no help, refusing to pick her up. In the end, I had to let her outside, and hope for the best.
Why Your Indoor Cats Shouldn’t Be Outdoor Cats
Needless to say, I was very peeved when I saw that cat a few days later, sitting smugly on someone’s windowsill.
“If you had a place to go, why did you have to make my very early Wednesday morning so stressful?”
It turns out that, really, it’s better, scientifically, if the cats of the world listen to me and stay indoors.
A research group, Cat Tracker, spent 6 years looking at the activities of over 900 cats. The participants came from over 4 countries. The findings were interesting. (1)
Why It’s Bad For The World
Troi Perkins was one of the study authors, collecting data for the United States, while she was an undergrad at North Carolina State University. She says that your kitty, however sweet, is doing damage. “Urban areas have wildlife that are already affected by human development and landscape fragmentation. The more pet cats outside,” she says, “the more stress and fatalities local wildlife species can encounter. The ecological impact of housecats roaming outside can be even more dire when there are threatened or endangered wildlife living nearby.”
Additionally, “owners estimated that their cats brought home 42 prey items per year, while estimates show that cats kill one to three times as many prey than they bring home. This suggests that each cat was killing around 50 to 138 animals per year, according to estimates,” says Gizmodo. “Wild carnivores spread those kills out over a range 10 to 1,250 times larger than the pet cats. This means that wild carnivores kill fewer animals per concentrated region, compared to cats.” (1, 2)
Why It’s Bad For Your Cat
“A lot of people, when they received the data on their cats, were more concerned about them crossing roads than their effect on wildlife,” says Heidy Kikillus, who was part of the New Zealand data collection. Apparently, that’s a very real fear. The cats crossed the road four-and-a-half times a day. In fact, when Kikilus followed up with study participants afterward, a lot of the cats had been run over by cars. (1)
If you’re worried your cat will resent you for keeping it indoors, don’t. “Without the motivations of food and sex,” says study lead Roland Keys, “most cats seem content to be homebodies.” (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-10-20--Kill Your Gas Stove

Kill Your Gas Stove

I like to think of myself as someone who looks at both sides of a story .
With so much misinformation out there , we need to remain objective .
This way we avoid getting pulled in by sensational news headlines or explosive social media posts .
I am especially interested in articles and reports regarding the environment .
How can we work together to make small improvements that support the greater good ?
One idea is to kill your gas stove .
However , this suggestion has the American Gas Association ( AGA ) up in arms .
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the story .
( 1 , 2 ) According to studies , gas stoves can emit between 50 to 400 % more NO2 than other types of cooking appliances .
However , the AGA says gas stoves are a minor source of NO2 .
They claim more NO2 enters the home from outdoor sources such as vehicle emissions .
They admit emissions do exist from gas ranges and ovens .
But , they don ’ t feel they represent health risks .
They also note that emissions decay over time so accumulative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2 ) Coughing and Wheezing From Exposure to NO2 According to the EPA , even brief exposures to air with high concentrations of NO2 can cause breathing issues .
This relates to people with existing respiratory issues such as asthma .
As well , as NO2 levels increase , children with asthma experienced worsening symptoms .
According to AGA , these “ far-reaching ” conclusions didn ’ t measure emissions exposures .
They also feel the tests lacked validity because the calculations and estimates were not reported in relation to exposure calculations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there you go !
( 4 , 5 ) This one gets hazy .
It appears there is little to tie gas stoves directly to causing greenhouse emissions and carbon pollution .
However , AGA says when using natural gas for cooking it creates less than 0.2 % of total annual greenhouse gas emissions .
( 1 , 2 ) To use gas stoves gas lines must be installed within the infrastructure of residential areas .
Because this is costly , it prevents these areas from investing in other renewable power grids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While there ’ s no denying the underlying infrastructure is required for natural gas lines , many areas already have these in place .
As well , the AGA says natural gas is used in combination with renewable energy which has contributed to the decline of carbon monoxide emissions related to energy use .
In fact , they say that the existing infrastructure is perfect for many alternatives including the storage of renewable energy .
It can also be used to deliver renewable gases created from biogenic sources as well as zero-carbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are notorious for having poorer ventilation .
They are also more likely to force people to heat their homes with their gas ovens if they can ’ t afford to repair their furnace or live in a complex with malfunctioning furnaces .
AGA says natural gas ranges can be used safely even without exhausting range hoods .
However , this would require education of lower-income households to explain the steps they can take to keep safe .
( 1 , 2 ) So there you have it .
While it seems a natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might need more conclusive studies to prove the point .
( 1,2 )

I like to think of myself as someone who looks at both sides of a story. With so much misinformation out there, we need to remain objective. This way we avoid getting pulled in by sensational news headlines or explosive social media posts. I am especially interested in articles and reports regarding the environment. How can we work together to make small improvements that support the greater good? One idea is to kill your gas stove. However, this suggestion has the American Gas Association (AGA) up in arms. Here’s a look at both sides of the story. (1, 2)
Gas Stoves Unleash Dangerous Fumes
According to studies, gas stoves can emit between 50 to 400% more NO2 than other types of cooking appliances. However, the AGA says gas stoves are a minor source of NO2. They claim more NO2 enters the home from outdoor sources such as vehicle emissions. They admit emissions do exist from gas ranges and ovens. But, they don’t feel they represent health risks. They also note that emissions decay over time so accumulative exposure is not likely. (3, 2)
Coughing and Wheezing From Exposure to NO2
According to the EPA, even brief exposures to air with high concentrations of NO2 can cause breathing issues. This relates to people with existing respiratory issues such as asthma. As well, as NO2 levels increase, children with asthma experienced worsening symptoms. According to AGA, these “far-reaching” conclusions didn’t measure emissions exposures. They also feel the tests lacked validity because the calculations and estimates were not reported in relation to exposure calculations. Not sure what that means, but there you go! (4, 5)
Natural Gas Contributes To Carbon Pollution
This one gets hazy. It appears there is little to tie gas stoves directly to causing greenhouse emissions and carbon pollution. However, AGA says when using natural gas for cooking it creates less than 0.2% of total annual greenhouse gas emissions. (1, 2)
Gas Stoves Prevent Switching To Renewable Power Grids
To use gas stoves gas lines must be installed within the infrastructure of residential areas. Because this is costly, it prevents these areas from investing in other renewable power grids to provide different choices for cooking appliances. While there’s no denying the underlying infrastructure is required for natural gas lines, many areas already have these in place. As well, the AGA says natural gas is used in combination with renewable energy which has contributed to the decline of carbon monoxide emissions related to energy use. In fact, they say that the existing infrastructure is perfect for many alternatives including the storage of renewable energy. It can also be used to deliver renewable gases created from biogenic sources as well as zero-carbon electricity. (1,2)
Lower Income Homes Exposed To Gas Stove Pollution
Lower-income homes are notorious for having poorer ventilation. They are also more likely to force people to heat their homes with their gas ovens if they can’t afford to repair their furnace or live in a complex with malfunctioning furnaces. AGA says natural gas ranges can be used safely even without exhausting range hoods. However, this would require education of lower-income households to explain the steps they can take to keep safe. (1, 2)
So there you have it. While it seems a natural gas stove can be problematic, it might need more conclusive studies to prove the point. (1,2)