healthyholisticliving--2020-11-17--This Family Has Been Making Hilariously Awkward Christmas Cards For 16 Years

For those who celebrate Christmas , sending cards is often part of the season ’ s activities .
There are so many approaches to take when expressing your holiday spirit to friends and family it may be hard to decide .
Here is a story that might inspire you .
The Bergeron family began making their own hilarious and somewhat quirky Christmas cards in the early 2000s .
Mike and Laura were in their early 30s with no children so they decided to make their own cards using funny photos of themselves in various costumes with wigs , old glasses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puns on a theme like the American Gothic .
Others reflected back to the age of hippies and then there were spoofs of people like the nouveau French .
How you present your image and to whom can be a dicey situation .
Some of their friends really enjoyed their humor , others were offended .
Nonetheless , Mike and Laura were unfazed and continued until 2018 .
After their two daughters were born , they were included in the cards .
Because of the children , the message was still sincere but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had fun dressing up as witnessed by their latest creations .
( 1 ) If you want to create your own cards for the holidays , using photos of yourself or a place you have visited works well .
If you have the personality , introduce some humor .
Who knows who you might cheer up with a bit of laughter ?
To get ideas for your card , go online to the hundreds of card companies out there .
You might also find the wording you are looking for by perusing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can also make your own from different materials like we used to do years ago .
You know , construction paper , glue , colored pens , and so forth .
These can get very creative but also take a long time .
If you are artistic and have only a few people on your Christmas card list , this might be fun to do .
If you have hundreds to send , having a professional photo company either near you or online to print them is much easier .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this because you also need to address all those envelopes before the holiday is upon you .
Check out paperculture.com for ideas .
( 3 ) If you would rather not create your own , check out the many options for purchase .
The categories are endless .
An online search for Christmas cards is quick and easy .
Next decide if you want religious , humorous , or standard greetings .
You will also see categories like disgusting , rude , sarcastic , and inappropriate .
Even naughty and miserable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with four reindeer dressed for the holidays .
Here is one designed by NobleWorks : “ Oh , oh , that ’ s not good .
Santa just unfriended me on Facebook !
” And one designed by Quriousshop : “ Happy seasonal depression month or months , I can ’ t even care anymore.
” Or another by NobleWorks showing Santa with a pink beard : “ He washed his beard and suit in the same load .
”

For those who celebrate Christmas, sending cards is often part of the season’s activities. There are so many approaches to take when expressing your holiday spirit to friends and family it may be hard to decide. Here is a story that might inspire you.
The Bergeron family began making their own hilarious and somewhat quirky Christmas cards in the early 2000s. Mike and Laura were in their early 30s with no children so they decided to make their own cards using funny photos of themselves in various costumes with wigs, old glasses, and other accessories. Some were puns on a theme like the American Gothic. Others reflected back to the age of hippies and then there were spoofs of people like the nouveau French.
How you present your image and to whom can be a dicey situation. Some of their friends really enjoyed their humor, others were offended. Nonetheless, Mike and Laura were unfazed and continued until 2018.
After their two daughters were born, they were included in the cards. Because of the children, the message was still sincere but the photos toned down. The kids had fun dressing up as witnessed by their latest creations. (1)
Create Your Own Awkward Christmas Cards
If you want to create your own cards for the holidays, using photos of yourself or a place you have visited works well. If you have the personality, introduce some humor. Who knows who you might cheer up with a bit of laughter?
To get ideas for your card, go online to the hundreds of card companies out there. You might also find the wording you are looking for by perusing their selections. (2)
Of course, you can also make your own from different materials like we used to do years ago. You know, construction paper, glue, colored pens, and so forth. These can get very creative but also take a long time. If you are artistic and have only a few people on your Christmas card list, this might be fun to do.
If you have hundreds to send, having a professional photo company either near you or online to print them is much easier. Many include envelopes. Give yourself enough time for this because you also need to address all those envelopes before the holiday is upon you. Check out paperculture.com for ideas. (3)
Card Companies Join The Awkward Christmas Card Fad
If you would rather not create your own, check out the many options for purchase. The categories are endless. An online search for Christmas cards is quick and easy. Next decide if you want religious, humorous, or standard greetings. You will also see categories like disgusting, rude, sarcastic, and inappropriate. Even naughty and miserable.
From Minted.com: “Fleece Navidad” with four reindeer dressed for the holidays.
Here is one designed by NobleWorks: “Oh, oh, that’s not good. Santa just unfriended me on Facebook!”
And one designed by Quriousshop: “Happy seasonal depression month or months, I can’t even care anymore.”
Or another by NobleWorks showing Santa with a pink beard: “He washed his beard and suit in the same load.”
Whatever you decide, enjoy.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-18--Yukon Woman Makes Cinnamon Buns But With Lemon – And We Have The Recipe!

I started cooking at the age of 10 .
I just happened to be the first one home , so it landed in my lap .
My mom would leave a recipe and I would make it .
Usually it turned out pretty good .
Although once I did not cook the chicken through for my first chicken parmesan !
Anyway , through this experience , I began experimenting with my own recipes .
I am a cook without a recipe book , just like my grandmother .
Perhaps it runs in the family ?
I know my older brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a tried and true recipe gal , so it might just be a fluke .
Either way , I was excited to hear of an exciting cinnamon bun recipe from a fellow Canadian and seasoned experimental cook – cinnamon buns but with lemon .
Yum !
( 1 ) “ I surprised myself with this idea , ” says home cook , Rebecca Brauen of Tagish , Yukon .
She came up with the idea when she decided to bake something special for her daughter , Benja .
“ At the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was so fun !
” ( 1 ) According to the raves on her Facebook post , there ’ s a lot of lemon fans in Canada !
I am one of them .
Give me anything lemon and I will cheerfully gobble it down .
When I was little one of my favorite snacks was lemon curd danishes .
I am drooling at the pictures on her post imagining these lemon curd buns would be very close in flavor to my long-lost childhood treat .
( 2 ) “ My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lemon curd would all melt out , but it stayed put , ” she confesses on her Facebook post .
“ Win !
No icing needed — it would be too much .
Whipped cream and extra curd to dress works nicely.
” Well , that sounds just fine to me .
( 1 ) I ’ ve never been much of a baker unfortunately because you do really need recipes for that .
The only recipe I ever invented for baked goods was a killer brownie .
The only reason I even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an urge for brownies and I quickly jumped on board .
The problem ?
No eggs .
I decided to use extra chocolate to get the gooeyness of eggs and it worked .
So how did Rebecca go about her special lemon buns ?
“ I made lemon ‘ curd ’ ( not homemade today , from the package ) and warmed up half a block of cream cheese with a whole lemons zest and 1/4 cup granulated sugar , ” she explains .
“ I Rolled out dough and laid down cream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then spread lemon curd .
Rolled , cut and placed in greased baking tray with extra butter underneath and left them to raise.
” ( 2 ) She then baked them at 375 but without a timer .
“ I time by nose and feel , ” she says .
She promises to use a timer the next time she bakes a batch .
( 2 ) “ It was possibly the best bite I have ever had , ” says Rebecca .
“ Cooking for loved ones is my true joy.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebecca !
And I ’ m sure Benja is glad it is so .
( 1 )

I started cooking at the age of 10. I just happened to be the first one home, so it landed in my lap. My mom would leave a recipe and I would make it. Usually it turned out pretty good. Although once I did not cook the chicken through for my first chicken parmesan! Anyway, through this experience, I began experimenting with my own recipes. I am a cook without a recipe book, just like my grandmother. Perhaps it runs in the family? I know my older brother does the same, yet my mom is a tried and true recipe gal, so it might just be a fluke. Either way, I was excited to hear of an exciting cinnamon bun recipe from a fellow Canadian and seasoned experimental cook – cinnamon buns but with lemon. Yum! (1)
Surprising Lemon Buns
“I surprised myself with this idea,” says home cook, Rebecca Brauen of Tagish, Yukon. She came up with the idea when she decided to bake something special for her daughter, Benja. “At the last minute I changed to a lemon twist. It was so fun!” (1)
Raves For Lemon Buns
According to the raves on her Facebook post, there’s a lot of lemon fans in Canada! I am one of them. Give me anything lemon and I will cheerfully gobble it down. When I was little one of my favorite snacks was lemon curd danishes. I am drooling at the pictures on her post imagining these lemon curd buns would be very close in flavor to my long-lost childhood treat. (2)
No Icing Needed For Lemon Buns
“My concern with this idea was if the lemon curd would all melt out, but it stayed put,” she confesses on her Facebook post. “Win! No icing needed — it would be too much. Whipped cream and extra curd to dress works nicely.” Well, that sounds just fine to me. (1)
Experimenting With Baking
I’ve never been much of a baker unfortunately because you do really need recipes for that. The only recipe I ever invented for baked goods was a killer brownie. The only reason I even attempted it was because my daughter had an urge for brownies and I quickly jumped on board. The problem? No eggs. I decided to use extra chocolate to get the gooeyness of eggs and it worked.
Yukon Lemon Bun Recipe
So how did Rebecca go about her special lemon buns? “I made lemon ‘curd’ (not homemade today, from the package) and warmed up half a block of cream cheese with a whole lemons zest and 1/4 cup granulated sugar,” she explains. “I Rolled out dough and laid down cream cheese, zest, sugar combo first, then spread lemon curd. Rolled, cut and placed in greased baking tray with extra butter underneath and left them to raise.” (2)
She then baked them at 375 but without a timer. “I time by nose and feel,” she says. She promises to use a timer the next time she bakes a batch. (2)
“It was possibly the best bite I have ever had,” says Rebecca. “Cooking for loved ones is my true joy.” I know just how you feel Rebecca! And I’m sure Benja is glad it is so. (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-19--This Is What The World’s Oldest Person Eats Every Day

We all want to know the secret for a long life .
Man has struggled with this since the beginning of time .
Though our life expectancy has increased over the last several decades , especially in the more developed countries , how can we live longer ?
At the end of November in 1899 , Emma Martina Luigia Morano was born in the Piedmont Region of Italy .
She was the first of eight children from Giovanni and Matilde .
Her lively brown eyes got to see three different centuries of crucial events… two World Wars , 90 Italian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When she died in 2017 , she was 117 years and 132 days old .
She outlived all of her siblings , however one of them , Angela Morano lived to 102 years old .
We can say she had the “ longevity ” gene in her .
( 1 ) Emma was in love and engaged to a boy who went to war and never came back .
After her heart broke from losing the love of her life , marriage was not on her mind .
Until Giovanni Martinuzzi forced her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kill her .
Thus , at 26 years of age Emma was trapped in an abusive relationship .
Years later she would also experience the death of her 6-month-old son .
Although she separated from her abusive husband , she didn ’ t get a divorce and was officially married until 1978 , when he died .
After her separation , she kept working until she was 75 years old , and did not marry again .
She attributes her long life to that .
In her words “ I didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 2 ) Emma , the world ’ s oldest person , also attributed her long life to her particular diet .
When in her 20 ’ s , Emma had a close encounter with anemia .
Her doctor at the time told her that she needed to eat 3 eggs a day , to keep healthy .
She followed this diet regime until the end of her days .
Emma ate 2 raw eggs with some biscuits followed by a cooked egg , later on .
Carlo Bavaria , Emma ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her life , said about his supercentenarian patient “ She has always eaten very few vegetables , very little fruit , ” ( 3 ) Nowadays , hardly any physician would advise you to eat three eggs daily .
Their main concern would likely be cholesterol levels .
An egg contains 212mg of cholesterol , more than half of the recommended daily amount .
However , our livers produce less cholesterol when we eat eggs .
Some studies have shown no effect on the cholesterol levels of people that consume eggs , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your diet does not necessarily mean more cholesterol in your blood .
Eggs are a great source of vitamins A , B5 , B12 , phosphorus , selenium , and folate .
With only 77 calories , 5 grams of fat , and 6 grams of protein , some consider eggs a superfood .
The world ’ s oldest person will agree .
Signs of our fascination with the idea of prolonging our lives to the point that cases like Emma are not rare but the norm is everywhere .
From research studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ futuristic French drama on Netflix where everyone gets to live way past 100 years old .
However , it is far from utopia .
They face problems like retraining people after spending more than two “ career lives ” in the same position .
Youth rebelling because they think prolonging life goes against nature .
The problem of people still reproducing , and many more .
( 4 ) The question is who wants to live 1,000 years ?
( 5 )

We all want to know the secret for a long life. Man has struggled with this since the beginning of time. Though our life expectancy has increased over the last several decades, especially in the more developed countries, how can we live longer?
The World’s Oldest Person
At the end of November in 1899, Emma Martina Luigia Morano was born in the Piedmont Region of Italy. She was the first of eight children from Giovanni and Matilde.
Her lively brown eyes got to see three different centuries of crucial events… two World Wars, 90 Italian governments, and so many others.
When she died in 2017, she was 117 years and 132 days old. She outlived all of her siblings, however one of them, Angela Morano lived to 102 years old. We can say she had the “longevity” gene in her. (1)
A Liberated Woman
Emma was in love and engaged to a boy who went to war and never came back. After her heart broke from losing the love of her life, marriage was not on her mind. Until Giovanni Martinuzzi forced her to marry him, he threatened to kill her. Thus, at 26 years of age Emma was trapped in an abusive relationship. Years later she would also experience the death of her 6-month-old son.
Although she separated from her abusive husband, she didn’t get a divorce and was officially married until 1978, when he died. After her separation, she kept working until she was 75 years old, and did not marry again. She attributes her long life to that. In her words “I didn’t want to be dominated by anyone.” (2)
It’s What You Eat
Emma, the world’s oldest person, also attributed her long life to her particular diet. When in her 20’s, Emma had a close encounter with anemia. Her doctor at the time told her that she needed to eat 3 eggs a day, to keep healthy. She followed this diet regime until the end of her days.
Emma ate 2 raw eggs with some biscuits followed by a cooked egg, later on. Carlo Bavaria, Emma’s doctor in the last 27 years of her life, said about his supercentenarian patient “She has always eaten very few vegetables, very little fruit,” (3)
The Healthy Egg
Nowadays, hardly any physician would advise you to eat three eggs daily. Their main concern would likely be cholesterol levels. An egg contains 212mg of cholesterol, more than half of the recommended daily amount. However, our livers produce less cholesterol when we eat eggs. Some studies have shown no effect on the cholesterol levels of people that consume eggs, but the stigma persists. More cholesterol in your diet does not necessarily mean more cholesterol in your blood.
Eggs are a great source of vitamins A, B5, B12, phosphorus, selenium, and folate. With only 77 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 6 grams of protein, some consider eggs a superfood. The world’s oldest person will agree.
Our Search for Longevity
Signs of our fascination with the idea of prolonging our lives to the point that cases like Emma are not rare but the norm is everywhere. From research studies to films like Ad Vitam. A futuristic French drama on Netflix where everyone gets to live way past 100 years old. However, it is far from utopia. They face problems like retraining people after spending more than two “career lives” in the same position. Youth rebelling because they think prolonging life goes against nature. The problem of people still reproducing, and many more. (4)
The question is who wants to live 1,000 years? (5)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-19--Grain-Free Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup (Paleo, Primal, Gluten Free)

If I ’ ve learned one thing about diets , it ’ s that we all look for the cheats allowing us to indulge in some of our favorite things .
Of course for most that involves either dairy , sweets , carbs , or all of the above .
So imagine my surprise when I came upon a recipe for pecan pie claiming to be “ safe ” for paleo , primal , and gluten-free diets .
What ?
Is that even possible ?
And also , how bad is it going to taste ?
The good news is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes this recipe passable for all three , and guess what ?
It actually does taste good .
( 1 ) This grain-free pecan pie tastes good because it uses something naturally sweet and delicious : Maple syrup .
I have often heard maple syrup is a healthy choice .
That ’ s why I treat myself to a smidge of it on my morning homemade cinnamon carb-free friendly oat bran – occasionally .
So why is it okay for these three diet followers ?
( 2 ) Maple syrup is an antioxidant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It contains 54 phenolic compounds , including “ quebecol ” which can only be produced when sap is boiled into syrup .
Using Grade B maple syrup is important as it contains more minerals and phytochemicals .
So be certain you are using this grade of real maple syrup .
And remember it is a sucrose so it ’ s not to be used often !
( 2 ) Ideal for the holidays , indulge your starved sweet tooth with this yummy pecan pie .
( 1 ) • 1 cup plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember it must be Grade B ! )
• 1/2 cup maple sugar or your favorite Organic whole cane sugar or substitute • Add the butter and pulse for eight 1-second pulses then run the processor until a ball forms .
• If you find the dough is too crumbly , add 1-2 tablespoons of water .
• Press the dough into a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan and chill for 30 minutes .
• Heat maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat simmering about 10 to 15 minutes or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , combine maple sugar and butter in a medium mixing bowl .
• Once syrup reaches 225ºF , pour it over sugar and butter mixture and let sit for one minute .
• Whisk the hot syrup and butter together .
• Add the eggs , vanilla , and sea salt and combine .
• In case it bubbles over , I always place the pie on a baking sheet .
• Pour the filling into the crust and add the pecans .
• Cover crust with pie shield or foil so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 15 minutes , then reduce the heat to 350ºF and bake for another 15 minutes .
• It ’ s done when the filling is still a little jiggly in the center , but the edges are firm .
• Allow to cool so the center sets .

If I’ve learned one thing about diets, it’s that we all look for the cheats allowing us to indulge in some of our favorite things. Of course for most that involves either dairy, sweets, carbs, or all of the above. So imagine my surprise when I came upon a recipe for pecan pie claiming to be “safe” for paleo, primal, and gluten-free diets. What? Is that even possible? And also, how bad is it going to taste? The good news is, there is a diet loophole that makes this recipe passable for all three, and guess what? It actually does taste good. (1)
Maple Syrup In Grain-Free Pecan Pie
This grain-free pecan pie tastes good because it uses something naturally sweet and delicious: Maple syrup. I have often heard maple syrup is a healthy choice. That’s why I treat myself to a smidge of it on my morning homemade cinnamon carb-free friendly oat bran – occasionally. So why is it okay for these three diet followers? (2)
Maple syrup is an antioxidant produced for possibly millennia by Native Americans. It contains 54 phenolic compounds, including “quebecol” which can only be produced when sap is boiled into syrup. Using Grade B maple syrup is important as it contains more minerals and phytochemicals. So be certain you are using this grade of real maple syrup. And remember it is a sucrose so it’s not to be used often! (2)
Grain-Free Pecan Pie Recipe
Ideal for the holidays, indulge your starved sweet tooth with this yummy pecan pie. (1)
Crust Ingredients
2 cups almond flour
4 tablespoons coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon unflavored grass-fed gelatin
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon coconut sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cut into tablespoons
Filling Ingredients
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon Grade B maple syrup (remember it must be Grade B!)
1/2 cup maple sugar or your favorite Organic whole cane sugar or substitute
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 – 1 1/4 cups whole pecan halves
How to Prepare Grain-free Pecan Pie
Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Crust
Combine almond flour, coconut flour, gelatin, sea salt, and coconut sugar in a food processor bowl, pulsing 2-3 times. Add the butter and pulse for eight 1-second pulses then run the processor until a ball forms. If you find the dough is too crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. Press the dough into a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan and chill for 30 minutes.
Filling
Heat maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat simmering about 10 to 15 minutes or until it reaches 225ºF. Meanwhile, combine maple sugar and butter in a medium mixing bowl. Once syrup reaches 225ºF, pour it over sugar and butter mixture and let sit for one minute. Whisk the hot syrup and butter together. Add the eggs, vanilla, and sea salt and combine. In case it bubbles over, I always place the pie on a baking sheet. Pour the filling into the crust and add the pecans. Cover crust with pie shield or foil so it doesn’t burn. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350ºF and bake for another 15 minutes. It’s done when the filling is still a little jiggly in the center, but the edges are firm. Allow to cool so the center sets.
Enjoy!


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-19--Antibiotic Use In Babies Linked To Allergies, Asthma And Other Conditions, Study Finds

Young children are the most vulnerable members of our society , and we do everything we can to protect them .
Unfortunately , sometimes we are stuck between two bad options .
In particular , babies , with their fragile health , can pose real dilemmas for parents .
When they ’ re sick , we have to treat them .
However , the side effects of antibiotics could have a lasting impact .
Antibiotics and Asthma In Babies and Newborns A study of 1,401 children in the United States found a strong correlation between children being given antibiotics in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and having signs of asthma at six years .
In fact , if the child had no family history of asthma , their likelihood of developing asthma after exposure to antibiotics increased .
The researchers also addressed protopathic bias , where antibiotics are used to treat symptoms of asthma in very young children .
As one might expect , this protopathic bias can often result in studies which fail to account for it , and thus deliver incorrect results .
However , in this study , the researchers said the correlation between antibiotic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was too great to be the result of protopathic bias .
( 1 ) Antibiotics and Allergies in Babies and Newborns The study of those 1,401 American children also looked at the correlation between allergies in 6-year-olds and the early exposure to antibiotics .
Their results here found a correlation just slightly weaker than the correlation between antibiotics and asthma .
As a result , they felt confident in declaring that allergies , too , can develop from babies being given antibiotics .
( 1 ) Antibiotics and Obesity in Babies and Newborns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obesity , ” begins the article , Antibiotic And Acid-suppression Medications During Early Childhood Are Associated With Obesity .
The premise is that early medication use can alter the gut microbiota and make a child ’ s chance of obesity skyrocket .
There were 333,353 children included in the study , which looked at children born within a 7 year range .
The results showed a strong correlation between early use of antibiotics in babies and childhood obesity later down the line .
Additionally , “ association persisted regardless of antibiotic class and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prescribed , ” according to the article .
Even worse , the likelihood of obesity “ increased commensurately with exposure to each additional medication group prescribed.
” ( 2 ) Other Results of Antibiotics Being Prescribed to Babies A Mayo Clinic study had the goal of “ investigat [ ing ] the extent to which antibiotic exposure in the first 2 years of life is associated with the risk of immunological , metabolic , and neurobehavioral health conditions with childhood onset.
” Their study “ included 14,572 children ( 7026 girls and 7546 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8.8 years .
.
.
The cohort was born to 10,335 unique mothers ; 3374 children ( 23 % ) were delivered by cesarean section.
” The results ?
Their hypothesis was right .
Children were much more at risk for that wide variety of conditions after having exposure to antibiotics as babies .
They noted that the “ widespread application [ of antibiotics ] has considerable collateral effect on the microbiome , which may be of special importance in developing children.
” ( 3 ) Don ’ t avoid antibiotics entirely–your child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consult with your doctor and don ’ t rush to medicate .

Young children are the most vulnerable members of our society, and we do everything we can to protect them. Unfortunately, sometimes we are stuck between two bad options. In particular, babies, with their fragile health, can pose real dilemmas for parents. When they’re sick, we have to treat them. However, the side effects of antibiotics could have a lasting impact.
Antibiotics and Asthma In Babies and Newborns
A study of 1,401 children in the United States found a strong correlation between children being given antibiotics in the first six months of their life and having signs of asthma at six years. In fact, if the child had no family history of asthma, their likelihood of developing asthma after exposure to antibiotics increased.
The researchers also addressed protopathic bias, where antibiotics are used to treat symptoms of asthma in very young children. As one might expect, this protopathic bias can often result in studies which fail to account for it, and thus deliver incorrect results.
However, in this study, the researchers said the correlation between antibiotic use in babies and asthma in children was too great to be the result of protopathic bias. (1)
Antibiotics and Allergies in Babies and Newborns
The study of those 1,401 American children also looked at the correlation between allergies in 6-year-olds and the early exposure to antibiotics. Their results here found a correlation just slightly weaker than the correlation between antibiotics and asthma.
As a result, they felt confident in declaring that allergies, too, can develop from babies being given antibiotics. (1)
Antibiotics and Obesity in Babies and Newborns
“Gut microbiota alterations are associated with obesity,” begins the article, Antibiotic And Acid-suppression Medications During Early Childhood Are Associated With Obesity. The premise is that early medication use can alter the gut microbiota and make a child’s chance of obesity skyrocket.
There were 333,353 children included in the study, which looked at children born within a 7 year range. The results showed a strong correlation between early use of antibiotics in babies and childhood obesity later down the line. Additionally, “association persisted regardless of antibiotic class and strengthened with each additional class of antibiotic prescribed,” according to the article. Even worse, the likelihood of obesity “increased commensurately with exposure to each additional medication group prescribed.” (2)
Other Results of Antibiotics Being Prescribed to Babies
A Mayo Clinic study had the goal of “investigat[ing] the extent to which antibiotic exposure in the first 2 years of life is associated with the risk of immunological, metabolic, and neurobehavioral health conditions with childhood onset.” Their study “included 14,572 children (7026 girls and 7546 boys) with a median follow-up of 8.8 years . . . The cohort was born to 10,335 unique mothers; 3374 children (23%) were delivered by cesarean section.”
The results? Their hypothesis was right. Children were much more at risk for that wide variety of conditions after having exposure to antibiotics as babies. They noted that the “widespread application [of antibiotics] has considerable collateral effect on the microbiome, which may be of special importance in developing children.” (3)
Conclusions?
Don’t avoid antibiotics entirely–your child may need them. But be sure to consult with your doctor and don’t rush to medicate.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-20--Sacred White ‘Spirit Moose’ Is Killed By Hunters In Canada To The Outrage Of Local Indigenous Popula

Sacred White ‘Spirit Moose’ Is Killed By Hunters In Canada To The Outrage Of Local Indigenous Population Who Believe The Animals Give Good Luck

Both biologists and psychologists alike will choose an attribute of a living thing , then study this area in great detail .
‘ Wilsonian Spite ’ theory in animals , comes from studies of species behaving in spiteful ways , to support their own growth .
Animals will kill to provide resources for those who share their genes .
The ‘ Hamiltonian Spite ’ theory suggests , not only will they kill to support their own , but they will also specifically target and kill those who are genetically different , even those simply distant .
Humans being top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to inflict damage to others at little cost to themselves .
Unfortunately , this can have tragic consequences when another form of spite comes out to play , the humankind .
( 1,2 ) A group of poachers in Timmins , Ontario Canada appear to have killed a protected white moose in cold blood .
To set the fur flying even further they took the animal and dumped its body in its entirety , at the side of a road .
Typically , hunters will capture the head of the animal as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of the white moose was left discarded along with the rest of its body , leading to speculation that the majestic creature may have been killed accidentally .
The question still is : was the white moose murdered in spite of the latest laws , or can there still be saving grace in its memory ?
The white moose have recently gained legal protections in this region of Canada , which remains the only area to have such protections .
It is estimated that there are only 30 white moose in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , the local indigenous population believes the animal gives good luck .
The outpouring of grief and outrage is understandable as prevailing rules seem to have been flaunted .
A member of the Flying Post First Nation , Troy Woodhouse , said that if you see a spirit moose in person you realize ‘ how much of a sacred animal it is and rare and majestic to see ’ .
He has put up a $ 1000 CAD reward for any information leading to the hunters ’ arrest , or for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) A total reward now stands at $ 8,000 CAD for arrest following contributions from an animal welfare group and a local drilling company .
It seems that some humans want to help the sacred gene-pool prevail .
Woodhouse added : ‘ Maybe hunters tried to get one moose and got the other by accident .
If a person does come forward and admit what they did , I would put my portion towards any of their legal fees.
’ ( 3 ) The incident is currently being investigated by the Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears the hunters have a second chance to do the right thing .
community .
The hunters returned the pelt after they realized their error so pelt of this latest killing to also be returned If this comes forth remains to be seen , but the remains of this creature in the eyes of the law , are demanding justice and dignity .
The law of nature may also be commanding .

Both biologists and psychologists alike will choose an attribute of a living thing, then study this area in great detail.
‘Wilsonian Spite’ theory in animals, comes from studies of species behaving in spiteful ways, to support their own growth. Animals will kill to provide resources for those who share their genes.
The ‘Hamiltonian Spite’ theory suggests, not only will they kill to support their own, but they will also specifically target and kill those who are genetically different, even those simply distant.
Humans being top of the food chain are in a position to inflict damage to others at little cost to themselves. Unfortunately, this can have tragic consequences when another form of spite comes out to play, the humankind. (1,2)
Saving Grace For Sacred Moose
A group of poachers in Timmins, Ontario Canada appear to have killed a protected white moose in cold blood. To set the fur flying even further they took the animal and dumped its body in its entirety, at the side of a road.
Typically, hunters will capture the head of the animal as a trophy, but in this case, the head of the white moose was left discarded along with the rest of its body, leading to speculation that the majestic creature may have been killed accidentally. The question still is: was the white moose murdered in spite of the latest laws, or can there still be saving grace in its memory?
Laws Of The Indigenous
The white moose have recently gained legal protections in this region of Canada, which remains the only area to have such protections. It is estimated that there are only 30 white moose in the area, and on top of this, the local indigenous population believes the animal gives good luck.
The outpouring of grief and outrage is understandable as prevailing rules seem to have been flaunted.
A member of the Flying Post First Nation, Troy Woodhouse, said that if you see a spirit moose in person you realize ‘how much of a sacred animal it is and rare and majestic to see’. He has put up a $1000 CAD reward for any information leading to the hunters’ arrest, or for them to turn themselves in. (4)
A total reward now stands at $8,000 CAD for arrest following contributions from an animal welfare group and a local drilling company.
It seems that some humans want to help the sacred gene-pool prevail. Woodhouse added: ‘Maybe hunters tried to get one moose and got the other by accident. If a person does come forward and admit what they did, I would put my portion towards any of their legal fees.’ (3)
The incident is currently being investigated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and it appears the hunters have a second chance to do the right thing.
History Of White Moose Heroes
A trio of hunters killed a white moose in the Nova Scotia province in 2013, angering the local Mi’kmaq Indigenous community. The hunters returned the pelt after they realized their error so that a multi-day ceremony could be held, but the head was still kept as their trophy.
The Flying Post nation has ordered the pelt of this latest killing to also be returned so that a ceremony can be held in its honor . (3)
If this comes forth remains to be seen, but the remains of this creature in the eyes of the law, are demanding justice and dignity.
The law of nature may also be commanding.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-20--Nurse Donates Kidney To Save 1-Year-Old Boy’s Life After Returning Home From Treating COVID Sufferer

Nurse Donates Kidney To Save 1-Year-Old Boy’s Life After Returning Home From Treating COVID Sufferers

Imagine the fear and heartbreak of discovering your child has a rare life-threatening kidney disease .
Your only hope lies in finding a kidney donor and it turns out that donor is you .
Such a blessing would allow your child to live .
Now imagine you learn your newborn son has the same disease .
You have already donated your kidney to save your first child ’ s life .
Now you must find a donor to save your baby .
This might seem unimaginable , yet it is the story of Gloria and Brandon Hall .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27-year-old COVID-19 nurse , their beautiful boy Bodie ’ s life was saved .
( 1 ) When the Halls learned of their daughter London ’ s illness , it was easy for Gloria to choose to donate her kidney to save her child ’ s life .
Suffering from congenital nephrotic syndrome , London ’ s little body discharged too much protein in her urine .
( 1 ) Both parents carry a recessive gene that causes the disease .
London ’ s transplant took place at M Health Fairview University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both Gloria and London survived and continued on with their happy lives .
( 1 ) Unfortunately , when their son Bodie was born , he too was diagnosed with the syndrome .
Gloria was unable to donate her only kidney to her son , so the couple found themselves in what seemed to be an impossible situation .
“ We were really worried about Bodie , ” Gloria said .
“ But how can you ask someone to give up a kidney ?
” ( 1 ) The search was on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to donate a kidney for their child .
The experts at M Health Fairview Transplant Care used epitope mapping and eplet matching to identify potential organ donor and recipient pairs .
( 1 ) The process is highly sophisticated and focuses on finding the best possible match to help improve long-term outcomes .
The better the match , the less anti-rejection medicine transplant recipients need .
( 1 ) “ We ’ re very excited about the potential of eplet matching , ” says M Health Fairview Transplant Surgeon Raja Kandaswamy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the few health systems in the country currently using the technology .
It ’ s truly a leading-edge method.
” ( 1 ) As the search continued , 27-year-old registered nurse Taylor Pikkarainen worked selflessly to assist patients suffering from COVID-19 .
A distant relative of the Halls , Taylor heard of their situation through family .
She found the possibility of saving the child ’ s life worth investigating and provided blood and answered a questionnaire .
( 1 ) “ I thought , ‘ if it happens , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in trying ?
’ ” she says .
( 1 ) The epitope mapping and eplet matching process found Taylor the best match out of many possible donors .
( 1 ) On her birthday , Taylor gave 18-month-old Bodie one of her kidneys , making them one of the first eplet-matched pairs to undergo the procedure at the hospital .
Considered a minimally invasive surgery Taylor enjoyed a quick recovery .
As for Bodie , he too is thriving .
( 1 ) “ His color is better , he has much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s learning new things , ” says Gloria .
( 1 ) Taylor encourages others to learn more about live donation .
“ Helping someone else and saving a little boy ’ s life – it wasn ’ t even a ‘ think twice ’ situation , ” she says .
“ I kept moving forward with each step .
I never wondered if it was the right thing to do.
” ( 1 ) As a fellow living kidney donor , Gloria concurs .
“ It ’ s comforting to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a normal life , and it ’ s an amazing feeling to know that you saved someone ’ s life , ” she says .
( 1 )

Imagine the fear and heartbreak of discovering your child has a rare life-threatening kidney disease. Your only hope lies in finding a kidney donor and it turns out that donor is you. Such a blessing would allow your child to live. Now imagine you learn your newborn son has the same disease. You have already donated your kidney to save your first child’s life. Now you must find a donor to save your baby. This might seem unimaginable, yet it is the story of Gloria and Brandon Hall. However, thanks to the selfless donation of a 27-year-old COVID-19 nurse, their beautiful boy Bodie’s life was saved. (1)
Mother A Kidney Donor
When the Halls learned of their daughter London’s illness, it was easy for Gloria to choose to donate her kidney to save her child’s life. Suffering from congenital nephrotic syndrome, London’s little body discharged too much protein in her urine. (1)
Both parents carry a recessive gene that causes the disease. London’s transplant took place at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Both Gloria and London survived and continued on with their happy lives. (1)
Newborn Needs A Kidney Donor
Unfortunately, when their son Bodie was born, he too was diagnosed with the syndrome. Gloria was unable to donate her only kidney to her son, so the couple found themselves in what seemed to be an impossible situation. “We were really worried about Bodie,” Gloria said. “But how can you ask someone to give up a kidney?” (1)
The search was on to find a match for Bodie with someone willing to donate a kidney for their child. The experts at M Health Fairview Transplant Care used epitope mapping and eplet matching to identify potential organ donor and recipient pairs. (1)
Kidney Donor Search Uses Precise Matching
The process is highly sophisticated and focuses on finding the best possible match to help improve long-term outcomes. The better the match, the less anti-rejection medicine transplant recipients need. (1)
“We’re very excited about the potential of eplet matching,” says M Health Fairview Transplant Surgeon Raja Kandaswamy, MD. “M Health Fairview is one of the few health systems in the country currently using the technology. It’s truly a leading-edge method.” (1)
COVID-19 Nurse A Kidney Donor
As the search continued, 27-year-old registered nurse Taylor Pikkarainen worked selflessly to assist patients suffering from COVID-19. A distant relative of the Halls, Taylor heard of their situation through family. She found the possibility of saving the child’s life worth investigating and provided blood and answered a questionnaire. (1)
“I thought, ‘if it happens, it happens. What’s the harm in trying?’” she says. (1)
The epitope mapping and eplet matching process found Taylor the best match out of many possible donors. (1)
Kidney Donated On Donor’s Birthday
On her birthday, Taylor gave 18-month-old Bodie one of her kidneys, making them one of the first eplet-matched pairs to undergo the procedure at the hospital. Considered a minimally invasive surgery Taylor enjoyed a quick recovery. As for Bodie, he too is thriving. (1)
“His color is better, he has much more energy, and every week he’s learning new things,” says Gloria. (1)
Encouraging More Kidney Donors
Taylor encourages others to learn more about live donation. “Helping someone else and saving a little boy’s life – it wasn’t even a ‘think twice’ situation,” she says. “I kept moving forward with each step. I never wondered if it was the right thing to do.” (1)
As a fellow living kidney donor, Gloria concurs. “It’s comforting to know that you can go on to live a normal life, and it’s an amazing feeling to know that you saved someone’s life,” she says. (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-20--Tiny Owl Rescued Rrom New York Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Christmas is traditionally a time for miracles .
But , like so many of us , maybe you feel there could be nothing that could make this Christmas more special .
One tiny owl may prove you wrong .
When the Rockefeller Center ’ s Christmas tree was put up on Saturday , November 14th , One podcaster said “ If it was a beautiful tree , that would have been surprising.
” But , unfortunately , “ 2020 is a trash can .
And it ’ s like , of course we can ’ t have nice things.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I have the saddest Christmas Tree .
A Twitter commenter suggested that the tree “ had cut its own hair.
” “ Just like the rest of us , ” they said , it ’ s “ really been through things.
” What ’ s Going On With The Tree ?
The reason for this disappointment is the scrawny , bedraggled look of the tree .
Some folks protest this assessment .
“ It is beautiful and full , ” says EB Kelly , a managing director at the real estate firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wrapping the tree for transport would make the tree appear the worse for wear until the branches have time to settle .
Al Dick owns the tree farm from where the tree was purchased .
“ It was absolutely beautiful , ” he says .
“ That ’ s why they took it .
You know how many people they had check that tree out ?
” ( 1 ) On Monday , November 16th , this tree , our “ metaphor for 2020 , ” yielded a surprise .
Ellen Kalish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties , New York received a call from a woman hoping they could help a baby owl .
Where was it ?
she asked .
She got the last answer she might expect .
“ ‘ At the Christmas tree in the Rockefeller Center , ’ ” Kalish recounts “ I ’ ve been doing this for 20 years and I ’ ve never heard a story like that.
” ( 2 ) Where Did The Owl Come From ?
“ He could have flown in from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t believe that ’ s true , ” says Kalish .
“ That would be the last place he would want to go in the middle of chaos and construction .
Why would he pick that tree if he had a choice not to ?
He ’ s smart and he wouldn ’ t do that.
” Well , where does she think ?
Her best guess is that the owl was inside the tree when it was wrapped and driven into Manhattan .
What Condition Is He In ?
Kalish said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had had anything to eat or drink in three days .
But , despite these dire circumstances , he was physically doing alright , with no fractures or broken bones .
“ Once he checks in with the vet and gets a clean bill of health , he ’ ll be released to continue on his wild and wonderful journey , ” Kalish says .
To that end , they ’ re giving the little guy lots of mice and water .
“ I will wish him a very long and happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Kalish says .
“ For me , it ’ s the Christmas miracle of 2020 .
It ’ s a pretty great story .
I was honored to be of service.
” ( 2 , 3 )

Christmas is traditionally a time for miracles. But, like so many of us, maybe you feel there could be nothing that could make this Christmas more special. One tiny owl may prove you wrong.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
When the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree was put up on Saturday, November 14th,
One podcaster said “If it was a beautiful tree, that would have been surprising.” But, unfortunately, “2020 is a trash can. And it’s like, of course we can’t have nice things.”
Then she tweeted: “Charlie Brown: I have the saddest Christmas Tree.
Rockefeller Center: Hold my beer.”
A Twitter commenter suggested that the tree “had cut its own hair.” “Just like the rest of us,” they said, it’s “really been through things.”
“A metaphor for 2020,” declared another Twitter user. (1)
What’s Going On With The Tree?
The reason for this disappointment is the scrawny, bedraggled look of the tree.
Some folks protest this assessment. “It is beautiful and full,” says EB Kelly, a managing director at the real estate firm that owns Rockefeller Center. The process of wrapping the tree for transport would make the tree appear the worse for wear until the branches have time to settle.
Al Dick owns the tree farm from where the tree was purchased. “It was absolutely beautiful,” he says. “That’s why they took it. You know how many people they had check that tree out?” (1)
The Christmas Owl
On Monday, November 16th, this tree, our “metaphor for 2020,” yielded a surprise.
Ellen Kalish, who is the director and founder of the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, New York received a call from a woman hoping they could help a baby owl.
Where was it? she asked. She got the last answer she might expect.
“‘At the Christmas tree in the Rockefeller Center,’” Kalish recounts “I’ve been doing this for 20 years and I’ve never heard a story like that.” (2)
Where Did The Owl Come From?
“He could have flown in from Central Park, but I don’t believe that’s true,” says Kalish. “That would be the last place he would want to go in the middle of chaos and construction. Why would he pick that tree if he had a choice not to? He’s smart and he wouldn’t do that.”
Well, where does she think? Her best guess is that the owl was inside the tree when it was wrapped and driven into Manhattan.
What Condition Is He In?
Kalish said on Facebook that she didn’t believe he had had anything to eat or drink in three days. But, despite these dire circumstances, he was physically doing alright, with no fractures or broken bones. “Once he checks in with the vet and gets a clean bill of health, he’ll be released to continue on his wild and wonderful journey,” Kalish says. To that end, they’re giving the little guy lots of mice and water.
“I will wish him a very long and happy life – something we all strive for,” Kalish says. “For me, it’s the Christmas miracle of 2020. It’s a pretty great story. I was honored to be of service.” (2, 3)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-22--Kurt Russell Thinks Celebrities ‘Should Step Away’ from Being Vocally Political: ‘We Are Court Jeste

Kurt Russell Thinks Celebrities ‘Should Step Away’ from Being Vocally Political: ‘We Are Court Jesters’

What you think of actors may vary .
Maybe you follow celebrity gossip religiously .
Maybe you think they ’ re overpaid .
Whatever your opinion , someone out there shares it .
And if you ’ re someone who thinks celebrities and politics are spheres that should not touch ?
Well , Kurt Russell shares that opinion with you .
On Wednesday , November 18th , 2020 , Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn , romantic partners of 37 years , sat down with the New York Times to speak about one of their few collaborative acting projects , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from a previous question–the death of the movie star–the reporter asks Russell about something he ’ s said before .
“ Kurt , ” she says .
“ You ’ ve said in the past that celebrities shouldn ’ t really weigh in on politics .
Do you still feel that way ?
” “ As far as I ’ m concerned , ” he says , “ you should step away from saying anything so that you can still be seen by the audience in any character.
” He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no reason entertainers can ’ t learn just as much as anybody else about a subject , whatever it is .
But I think that what ’ s sad about it is that they lose their status as a court jester.
” ( 1 ) The Role Of Celebrities And Jesters Goldie Hawn fires back almost at once : “ You ’ re not always funny.
” But humor isn ’ t what makes a court jester a court jester in Russell ’ s eyes .
“ A court jester is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ castle and put the king down as long as he doesn ’ t hit too close to home , ” he explains .
“ I think that ’ s been a big , important part of all cultures throughout history , and I ’ d like to see it stay in ours.
” Russell isn ’ t wrong , at least not about the role of the court jester .
As an article published on the Boston Lyric Opera ’ s website says , jesters “ were the original “ truth tellers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human vices .
.
.
religion and the hypocrisy of its authority figures ; pompous and self-serving scholars and grandiloquent artists ; knavish and sycophantic court officials ; and indolent , mercurial , or incompetent rulers.
” ( 1 , 2 ) Hawn seems to disagree with her partner .
After his discourse on jesters and actors , she points out that Ronald Regan was both actor and president .
Russell is quick to defend himself : “ Like I said , actors can learn as much as anybody else can.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a well-known actor , ” she retorts .
“ I think it ’ s a personal choice whether you want to get into that .
The one thing I don ’ t agree with is that just because we have a platform we always have to use it .
That is our choice.
” ( 1 ) Hawn ’ s take seems to be the more measured , a middle ground we can all agree on .
You can say whatever you want .
That ’ s your right as an American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak .
That ’ s also your right .
Perhaps this quote , spoken in various ways by people such as Edmund Burke and John Stuart Mill best sums it up : “ The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing.
” ( 3 )

What you think of actors may vary. Maybe you follow celebrity gossip religiously. Maybe you think they’re overpaid. Whatever your opinion, someone out there shares it. And if you’re someone who thinks celebrities and politics are spheres that should not touch? Well, Kurt Russell shares that opinion with you.
Kurt Russell On Celebrities
On Wednesday, November 18th, 2020, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, romantic partners of 37 years, sat down with the New York Times to speak about one of their few collaborative acting projects, The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two. Turning away from a previous question–the death of the movie star–the reporter asks Russell about something he’s said before.
“Kurt,” she says. “You’ve said in the past that celebrities shouldn’t really weigh in on politics. Do you still feel that way?”
“As far as I’m concerned,” he says, “you should step away from saying anything so that you can still be seen by the audience in any character.” He’s quick to say that “there’s no reason entertainers can’t learn just as much as anybody else about a subject, whatever it is. But I think that what’s sad about it is that they lose their status as a court jester.” (1)
The Role Of Celebrities And Jesters
Goldie Hawn fires back almost at once: “You’re not always funny.” But humor isn’t what makes a court jester a court jester in Russell’s eyes.
“A court jester is the only one who can walk into the castle and put the king down as long as he doesn’t hit too close to home,” he explains. “I think that’s been a big, important part of all cultures throughout history, and I’d like to see it stay in ours.”
Russell isn’t wrong, at least not about the role of the court jester. As an article published on the Boston Lyric Opera’s website says, jesters “were the original “truth tellers,” whose job was to mock typical human vices . . . religion and the hypocrisy of its authority figures; pompous and self-serving scholars and grandiloquent artists; knavish and sycophantic court officials; and indolent, mercurial, or incompetent rulers.” (1, 2)
Goldie Hawn’s Take
Hawn seems to disagree with her partner. After his discourse on jesters and actors, she points out that Ronald Regan was both actor and president.
Russell is quick to defend himself: “Like I said, actors can learn as much as anybody else can.”
“I’m just saying Reagan definitely was a well-known actor,” she retorts. “I think it’s a personal choice whether you want to get into that. The one thing I don’t agree with is that just because we have a platform we always have to use it. That is our choice.” (1)
The Ethical Implications Of Silent Celebrities
Hawn’s take seems to be the more measured, a middle ground we can all agree on. You can say whatever you want. That’s your right as an American. But no one can compel you to speak. That’s also your right.
Perhaps this quote, spoken in various ways by people such as Edmund Burke and John Stuart Mill best sums it up: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing.” (3)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-23--Human Aging Process Biologically Reversed In World First

Humans have always sought ways to reverse the aging process to stay forever young .
The thought of growing old frightens many of us with big business and multinational companies selling the dream .
Lotions , supplements , exercise , and diets can sometimes hold or portray fantastical claims to keep our health , vitality , and youth .
Hollywood too has touched on the subject with movies such as Brad Pitt ’ s ‘ The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button ’ and the comedy film ‘ Death Becomes Her ’ starring Meryl Streep , Goldie Hawn , and Bruce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dream could become reality as researchers in Israel claim to have discovered a world first in clinical trials carried out in elderly adults .
In the “ Holy Grail ” study , scientists say , “ aging can , indeed , be targeted and reversed at the basic cellular level ” .
As age increases the human body experiences the receding of telomeres – protective caps at the end of chromosomes – and an increase in older , malfunctioning senescent cells ( known as zombie cells ) .
With diet and exercise have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this new study showed significantly greater results in patients who did not undergo any lifestyle , diet , or medical adjustments .
( 1 ) The ground-breaking experiment involved 35 adults aged 64 and older , and used a method called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to try and prevent the degeneration of these two areas of the aging process .
Placed in a pressurized chamber the subjects were given pure oxygen for 90 minutes a day , five days a week for three months .
The chamber mirrored a state of hypoxia – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 ) This caused cell regeneration to occur .
Data analyzed at the end of the trial showed the participants ’ telomeres had increased in length by an average of 20 percent and their senescent cells reduced by up to 37 percent – equivalent to body cellular levels 25 years younger .
With many scientists now believing diseases such as cancer , diabetes , arthritis , Parkinson ’ s , and Alzheimer ’ s are a result of aging , and indeed aging itself is a disease , it is hoped the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , can help reduce the risk of certain diseases and ill-health that comes with growing older .
( 3 ) “ Until now , interventions such as lifestyle modifications and intense exercise were shown to have some inhibition effect on the expected telomere length shortening , ” said Dr. Amir Hadanny , chief medical research officer of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research .
“ However , what is remarkable to note in our study is that , in just three months of therapy , we were able to achieve such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond any of the current available interventions or lifestyle modifications .
“ With this pioneering study , we have opened a door for further research on the prolonged cellular impact of the therapy to reverse the aging process .
After dedicating our research to exploring its impact on the areas of brain functionality and age-related cognitive decline , we have now uncovered , for the first time in humans , biological effects at the cellular level in healthy aging adults.
” For those of us who want to elongate our lives , stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the fairytale we all crave .
Like in those fantasy movies , perhaps one day we can all be… .
forever young !

Humans have always sought ways to reverse the aging process to stay forever young. The thought of growing old frightens many of us with big business and multinational companies selling the dream. Lotions, supplements, exercise, and diets can sometimes hold or portray fantastical claims to keep our health, vitality, and youth.
Hollywood too has touched on the subject with movies such as Brad Pitt’s ‘The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button’ and the comedy film ‘Death Becomes Her’ starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. Now, scientists say the dream could become reality as researchers in Israel claim to have discovered a world first in clinical trials carried out in elderly adults.
Aging Reversed
In the “Holy Grail” study, scientists say, “aging can, indeed, be targeted and reversed at the basic cellular level”.
As age increases the human body experiences the receding of telomeres – protective caps at the end of chromosomes – and an increase in older, malfunctioning senescent cells (known as zombie cells). With diet and exercise have previously shown to have a positive effect, this new study showed significantly greater results in patients who did not undergo any lifestyle, diet, or medical adjustments. (1)
Cell Regeneration
The ground-breaking experiment involved 35 adults aged 64 and older, and used a method called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to try and prevent the degeneration of these two areas of the aging process. Placed in a pressurized chamber the subjects were given pure oxygen for 90 minutes a day, five days a week for three months. The chamber mirrored a state of hypoxia – also known as oxygen shortage. (2) This caused cell regeneration to occur.
Data analyzed at the end of the trial showed the participants’ telomeres had increased in length by an average of 20 percent and their senescent cells reduced by up to 37 percent – equivalent to body cellular levels 25 years younger.
Disease Prevention
With many scientists now believing diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s are a result of aging, and indeed aging itself is a disease, it is hoped the results of this test, plus further studies, can help reduce the risk of certain diseases and ill-health that comes with growing older. (3)
“Until now, interventions such as lifestyle modifications and intense exercise were shown to have some inhibition effect on the expected telomere length shortening,” said Dr. Amir Hadanny, chief medical research officer of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research.
“However, what is remarkable to note in our study is that, in just three months of therapy, we were able to achieve such significant telomere elongation – at rates far beyond any of the current available interventions or lifestyle modifications.
“With this pioneering study, we have opened a door for further research on the prolonged cellular impact of the therapy to reverse the aging process. After dedicating our research to exploring its impact on the areas of brain functionality and age-related cognitive decline, we have now uncovered, for the first time in humans, biological effects at the cellular level in healthy aging adults.”
For those of us who want to elongate our lives, stay alert and active for longer, this is the fairytale we all crave. Like in those fantasy movies, perhaps one day we can all be…. forever young!


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-23--This Filipino Student Invented Solar Windows Made From Rotten Vegetables

What do you think ?
The brief directions couldn ’ t have been more open-ended : Design something that solves a problem .
For most of us , such a vague set of instructions would be a challenge that would leave us spinning in circles , but twenty-seven-year-old Carvey Maigue , an engineering student at Mapua University had a vision .
He saw an announcement for The James Dyson Sustainability Award on Facebook and was drawn to the idea of working and thinking on a bigger scale , “ Was the problem I was trying to solve something that other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important ?
” ( 1 ) Like all good ideas , Maigue ’ s concept has gone through a number of changes as he developed it over the years .
In its most recent state , the system he developed ( called AuREUS ) is actually a material that allows other devices to harvest ultraviolet light and convert it into electricity .
What makes AuREUS even more interesting is that this system upcycles the crops of farmers that were hit by natural disasters ( typhoons , hurricanes ) .
There were over 1,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from countries all over the world .
The field was narrowed down to 20 finalists and judged in part by the inventor James Dyson whose foundation sponsored the contest .
Dyson , famous for his no bag Dyson vacuum invented in the eighties , stated that he made over five-thousand prototypes of his vacuum before he found the correct design .
He claimed that he thought failures were more important than successes and suggested that school children be evaluated on the number of failures they ’ ve had .
“ The child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of failures to get there is probably more creative.
” ( 2 ) The James Dyson Foundation was founded in 2002 with the mission of supporting design and engineering education and inspiring young people to become engineers .
The foundation supports a number of engineering programs in schools and universities and supports a number of different medical research projects .
The James Dyson Award was developed to help young engineers and inventors have a platform to launch their ideas .
The award is given annually and is open to current or recently graduated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
( 2 ) Because of financial challenges , it has taken Carvey Maigue more than ten years to graduate from Mapua University .
He has paid for his education by working on prototyping other students ’ projects and helping others with their thesis .
But Maigue sees all of the work and experience as helpful in his own personal goals .
“ I was able to expand my horizon of what I know .
So there are a lot of learnings that I got , especially in terms of design , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and on the business side of things.
” ( 1 ) To that end , Maigue is taking what he ’ s learned and seeing how to apply it for future projects .
This includes creating fabrics that will be able to harvest ultraviolet light and convert it into electricity and the development of curved plates for use in electric cars , airplanes , or boats .
“ AuREUS has the chance to bring solar energy capture closer to people .
in the same way computers were only used by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our smartphones , I want solar energy harvesting to be more accessible.
” ( 1 )

What do you think?
The brief directions couldn’t have been more open-ended: Design something that solves a problem.
For most of us, such a vague set of instructions would be a challenge that would leave us spinning in circles, but twenty-seven-year-old Carvey Maigue, an engineering student at Mapua University had a vision. He saw an announcement for The James Dyson Sustainability Award on Facebook and was drawn to the idea of working and thinking on a bigger scale, “Was the problem I was trying to solve something that other people, globally, also thought was important?”(1)
Like all good ideas, Maigue’s concept has gone through a number of changes as he developed it over the years. In its most recent state, the system he developed (called AuREUS) is actually a material that allows other devices to harvest ultraviolet light and convert it into electricity. What makes AuREUS even more interesting is that this system upcycles the crops of farmers that were hit by natural disasters (typhoons, hurricanes).
There were over 1,500 entries into the James Dyson Sustainability contest, from countries all over the world. The field was narrowed down to 20 finalists and judged in part by the inventor James Dyson whose foundation sponsored the contest. Dyson, famous for his no bag Dyson vacuum invented in the eighties, stated that he made over five-thousand prototypes of his vacuum before he found the correct design. He claimed that he thought failures were more important than successes and suggested that school children be evaluated on the number of failures they’ve had. “The child who tries strange things and experiences lots of failures to get there is probably more creative.” (2)
The James Dyson Foundation
The James Dyson Foundation was founded in 2002 with the mission of supporting design and engineering education and inspiring young people to become engineers. The foundation supports a number of engineering programs in schools and universities and supports a number of different medical research projects.
The James Dyson Award was developed to help young engineers and inventors have a platform to launch their ideas. The award is given annually and is open to current or recently graduated students of engineering or design in 27 countries. (2)
AuREUS and the Future
Because of financial challenges, it has taken Carvey Maigue more than ten years to graduate from Mapua University. He has paid for his education by working on prototyping other students’ projects and helping others with their thesis. But Maigue sees all of the work and experience as helpful in his own personal goals. “I was able to expand my horizon of what I know. So there are a lot of learnings that I got, especially in terms of design, and how it would affect the user, and on the business side of things.”(1)
To that end, Maigue is taking what he’s learned and seeing how to apply it for future projects. This includes creating fabrics that will be able to harvest ultraviolet light and convert it into electricity and the development of curved plates for use in electric cars, airplanes, or boats. “AuREUS has the chance to bring solar energy capture closer to people. in the same way computers were only used by the government and now the same technology is in our smartphones, I want solar energy harvesting to be more accessible.”(1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-23--This Man Transformed His Backyard Into A Vegetable Farm

Viral videos typically tell tales of success and have deep connections , which touch our human emotions .
Alessandro Vitale , who has his own YouTube channel ‘ SpicyMoustache ’ has succeeded in living the horticulturist dream , whilst gaining a business and enjoying internet popularity among fellow home-harvesters .
( 1 ) Encouraging others to create green spaces in their home , Vitale has grown 17 different chili types , 12 different mints and has even harvested 30 different vegetables , to make his own 100 % organic kombucha and teas .
He does not own a climate-controlled farm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t experience harsh winters .
His backyard vegetable farm is an 8x5m shared patio area , at his flat in north London ’ s Walthamstow .
( 2,3 ) Vitale , 29 , a tattoo artist from Italy moved to the UK six years ago , along with his girlfriend , and when they secured a shared patio he set about creating food .
With a goal of ditching supermarkets , he rapidly produced more than they could eat , so he shared with the neighbors .
He now has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his front door with a sign – ‘ free to take ’ .
Not neglecting his Italian roots he has praised his grandfather for teaching him everything he knows about the “ living soil ” surrounding us , and uses his Italian grandmother ’ s secret recipes , to create delicious pasta sauces with tomatoes and veggies .
( 2,3 ) For Vitale , this is no lockdown hobby .
He works a 45 hour week and still finds time to work in his garden for roughly 2 hours each day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ herbs out of recycled water bottles , and installed planters and a greenhouse .
Foraged nettle from a park is used for pest control , and homegrown aloe vera is his secret for fertilizer .
Making sure to spread the word on home-farming environmental and societal benefits , he also has a website , where he sells his chilies online .
A quote from his mission reads : “ My main goal is to help people create as many green spaces as possible because soil can absorb carbon from the air , reducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas help reduce carbon emission levels in cities which in turn makes the air cleaner and healthier for its residents and also spending time in your own green area boosts your mental health and happiness !
” ( 2,3,4 ) Dense cities have been designed in ways that make it difficult to grow some foodstuffs at home , but Vitale has shown that from small beginnings large things can grow .
He had started with window boxes before he moved to this flat , and was finally blessed with an outdoor area just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruit and vegetables can easily be ours with just a small change in mindset .
For urban gardening at it ’ s finest , set yourself up with low-cost hydroponic system that can be set up indoors or out .
Food is free when it comes from the earth , and millions of people are getting their hands dirty as food insecurity rises and society seems to be entering an economic downturn .
Localize food production to the max , by gardening in a small space in your home .
Simply source some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ green ’ fingers .

Viral videos typically tell tales of success and have deep connections, which touch our human emotions. Alessandro Vitale, who has his own YouTube channel ‘SpicyMoustache’ has succeeded in living the horticulturist dream, whilst gaining a business and enjoying internet popularity among fellow home-harvesters. (1)
Encouraging others to create green spaces in their home, Vitale has grown 17 different chili types, 12 different mints and has even harvested 30 different vegetables, to make his own 100% organic kombucha and teas. He does not own a climate-controlled farm, or live in a country that doesn’t experience harsh winters. His backyard vegetable farm is an 8x5m shared patio area, at his flat in north London’s Walthamstow. (2,3)
Italian Seedsman Creates Backyard Vegetable Farm
Vitale, 29, a tattoo artist from Italy moved to the UK six years ago, along with his girlfriend, and when they secured a shared patio he set about creating food. With a goal of ditching supermarkets, he rapidly produced more than they could eat, so he shared with the neighbors. He now has to give away surplus vegetables by leaving them at his front door with a sign – ‘free to take’.
Not neglecting his Italian roots he has praised his grandfather for teaching him everything he knows about the “living soil” surrounding us, and uses his Italian grandmother’s secret recipes, to create delicious pasta sauces with tomatoes and veggies. (2,3)
For Vitale, this is no lockdown hobby. He works a 45 hour week and still finds time to work in his garden for roughly 2 hours each day. He has created a wall trellis for herbs out of recycled water bottles, and installed planters and a greenhouse. Foraged nettle from a park is used for pest control, and homegrown aloe vera is his secret for fertilizer. Making sure to spread the word on home-farming environmental and societal benefits, he also has a website, where he sells his chilies online. A quote from his mission reads:
“My main goal is to help people create as many green spaces as possible because soil can absorb carbon from the air, reducing carbon emissions. Urban backyards and green areas help reduce carbon emission levels in cities which in turn makes the air cleaner and healthier for its residents and also spending time in your own green area boosts your mental health and happiness!” (2,3,4)
The Future Of Food
Dense cities have been designed in ways that make it difficult to grow some foodstuffs at home, but Vitale has shown that from small beginnings large things can grow. He had started with window boxes before he moved to this flat, and was finally blessed with an outdoor area just last year. (3)
Fresh fruit and vegetables can easily be ours with just a small change in mindset. For urban gardening at it’s finest, set yourself up with low-cost hydroponic system that can be set up indoors or out.
Food is free when it comes from the earth, and millions of people are getting their hands dirty as food insecurity rises and society seems to be entering an economic downturn.
Localize food production to the max, by gardening in a small space in your home. Simply source some seeds, then put to work those ‘green’ fingers.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-23--Study: Glass Bottles Harm The Environment More Than Plastic Bottles

We try to be environmentally cautious in our decision making .
We ’ ve seen the commercials of beaches coated in plastic bottles .
We know plastic straws hurt turtles and plastic six-pack rings choke everything .
All those things are true .
However , our commitment to the environment can ’ t stop at switching our plastic bottles for glass bottles and calling it a day .
Unfortunately , that ’ s partially because a new study indicates glass bottles might be worse .
The Environmental Impact of Bottles , Cartons , Etc Ian Williams is a Professor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southampton .
Working with Ph.D. candidate Alice Brock , they compared the environmental impact of different types of containers .
The containers they examined were “ glass bottles , aluminium cans , milk cartons , Tetra Pak , polyethylene terephthalate ( PET ) bottles and high-density polythene ( HDPE ) bottle.
” The pair wrote two versions of their article .
The first was published in Detritus , which bills itself as a “ multidisciplinary journal for waste resources and residue.
” This article was where they looked at the full scope of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ juice boxes .
The other article was published in The Conversation , “ an independent source of news and views , from the academic and research community , ” which grants “ access to independent , high-quality , authenticated , explanatory journalism.
” This article compared only five options for pop containers .
( 1 , 2 ) Out of the five containers compared , glass bottles came in dead last .
How is this possible ?
Well , the answer is not what you might think .
Rather than looking at what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re done drinking , it ’ s how it ’ s actually produced and brought into stores that ’ s the problem .
( 1 ) Firstly , the production of glass requires “ materials such as silica sand and dolomite , and that can release pollution.
” If that ’ s not bad enough , inhaling small fragments of silica and other materials can contribute to silicosis , a lung condition .
However , that ’ s not the end of it .
To melt these raw materials into glass takes extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the article states , “ overwhelmingly powered by fossil fuels.
” When the glass is being heated into actually being glass , it also releases carbon dioxide into the air .
( 1 ) “ A one-litre glass bottle can weigh up to 800g , ” say Williams and Brock .
“ A similar plastic bottle weighs around 40g .
That extra weight means vehicles transporting glass bottles consume more fossil fuels to deliver.
” Therefore , glass bottles have a 95 % greater impact on global warming than using aluminum cans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ came in fourth .
The authors acknowledge that “ some energy is saved in recycling rather than extracting , processing and transporting raw materials.
” Still , there are terrible results from burning the materials to form new glass .
“ In the UK , ” they say , “ the recycling rate for glass is 67.6 % .
This would need to improve for glass bottle production to be self-sufficient by recycling alone.
” ( 1 ) So , Is Glass Really Worse Than Plastic ?
Yes , in terms of overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in third place , according to the researchers , there ’ s a caveat .
“ Glass and aluminum don ’ t break up into harmful microparticles like plastic does.
” ( 1 )

We try to be environmentally cautious in our decision making. We’ve seen the commercials of beaches coated in plastic bottles. We know plastic straws hurt turtles and plastic six-pack rings choke everything. All those things are true. However, our commitment to the environment can’t stop at switching our plastic bottles for glass bottles and calling it a day. Unfortunately, that’s partially because a new study indicates glass bottles might be worse.
The Environmental Impact of Bottles, Cartons, Etc
Ian Williams is a Professor of Applied Environmental Science at the University of Southampton. Working with Ph.D. candidate Alice Brock, they compared the environmental impact of different types of containers. The containers they examined were “glass bottles, aluminium cans, milk cartons, Tetra Pak, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and high-density polythene (HDPE) bottle.”
The pair wrote two versions of their article. The first was published in Detritus, which bills itself as a “multidisciplinary journal for waste resources and residue.” This article was where they looked at the full scope of beverage containers, including milk cartons and juice boxes.
The other article was published in The Conversation, “an independent source of news and views, from the academic and research community,” which grants “access to independent, high-quality, authenticated, explanatory journalism.” This article compared only five options for pop containers. (1, 2)
The Ranking For Glass Bottles
Out of the five containers compared, glass bottles came in dead last.
How is this possible? Well, the answer is not what you might think. Rather than looking at what happens to your bottle after you’re done drinking, it’s how it’s actually produced and brought into stores that’s the problem. (1)
The Production of Glass Bottles
Firstly, the production of glass requires “materials such as silica sand and dolomite, and that can release pollution.” If that’s not bad enough, inhaling small fragments of silica and other materials can contribute to silicosis, a lung condition.
However, that’s not the end of it. To melt these raw materials into glass takes extreme heat, “a process,” the article states, “overwhelmingly powered by fossil fuels.” When the glass is being heated into actually being glass, it also releases carbon dioxide into the air. (1)
The Weight of Glass Bottles
“A one-litre glass bottle can weigh up to 800g,” say Williams and Brock. “A similar plastic bottle weighs around 40g. That extra weight means vehicles transporting glass bottles consume more fossil fuels to deliver.”
Therefore, glass bottles have a 95% greater impact on global warming than using aluminum cans. (1)
What About Recycled Glass?
Recycled glass bottles actually came in fourth. The authors acknowledge that “some energy is saved in recycling rather than extracting, processing and transporting raw materials.”
Still, there are terrible results from burning the materials to form new glass.
“In the UK,” they say, “the recycling rate for glass is 67.6%. This would need to improve for glass bottle production to be self-sufficient by recycling alone.” (1)
So, Is Glass Really Worse Than Plastic?
Yes, in terms of overall impact. However, even though plastic is in third place, according to the researchers, there’s a caveat. “Glass and aluminum don’t break up into harmful microparticles like plastic does.” (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-23--Care Home Creates Visiting Nook With ‘Hugging Mitts’ So Families Can Safely Visit After Months Apart

An elderly care home in the UK has turned laboratory-style rubber gloves into hugging mitts , giving residents their first touches from family in months .
As British residents brace for a second COVID-19 lockdown , Hallamshire Care Home ’ s ‘ visiting nook ’ will allow guests an opportunity to hug their loved ones .
The innovation comes as concerns over the mental health of the isolated and elderly rises .
During the early months of the coronavirus pandemic , over 20,000 people living in care homes died .
These shocking statistics–in the face of renewed lockdown measures as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to care facilities .
While protecting elderly residents from coronavirus is essential , keeping their spirits up is equally important .
This very reason is what moved Hallamshire Care Home to create its ‘ visiting nook.
’ Although warmer months allowed for an outdoor area for residents and families to socialize , the coming winter necessitated an indoor space .
Outfitted with cozy chairs and a large glass window , the nook has a separate entrance for visitors to enter .
On the other side of the glass , residents can not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also touch and hear them .
By installing ‘ hugging mitts ’ and headphones , these isolated elderly ones are receiving the interaction they ’ ve been missing .
The large , black gloves use the same concept as laboratories do .
While it may not be the same as normal contact , residents enjoy a hand-hold or hug from their families .
Scott Mellville , the manager of the Sheffield facility , sees this innovation as simply part of good care .
“ Contact is the most important thing , especially with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK ’ s Daily Mail .
“ It ’ s what ’ s been really missing throughout care homes in recent months.
” The addition of headphones allows for clear communication between both sides of the glass .
The hugging mitts are an innovative solution during a dangerous pandemic .
With the glass window safely keeping germs away , visitors wear disposable gloves inside the mitts for an added layer of protection .
Additionally , the room is steam-sanitized after every visit .
This 30-minute staggering of visitors ensures proper sanitizing can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety play a significant role at Hallamshire as well .
Many of the residents have dementia , making following coronavirus safety rules a challenge .
While UK officials have suggested pods or virtual visits , many elderly ones with dementia have difficulty understanding protocols .
The Sheffield care center ’ s visiting nook , on the other hand , provides a simple and fun way of interaction .
Melville notes that all of the residents and their families have received the new visiting area with excitement .
“ It ’ s going beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he told The Daily Mail .
“ They ’ re actually able to sit and safely hold hands with loved ones that they haven ’ t been able to for six , seven , eight , or nine months.
” ( 1 ) On the care facilities Facebook page , Hallamshire posted photos of the visiting experience .
Elderly ones ’ faces beam along with their visitors as they interact with the hugging mitts .
Residents smile wide as they hold the gloved hands of their loved ones .
While it might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touches will likely help families and residents keep going until an effective COVID-19 vaccine is available .
( 2 )

An elderly care home in the UK has turned laboratory-style rubber gloves into hugging mitts, giving residents their first touches from family in months. As British residents brace for a second COVID-19 lockdown, Hallamshire Care Home’s ‘visiting nook’ will allow guests an opportunity to hug their loved ones. The innovation comes as concerns over the mental health of the isolated and elderly rises.
Hugging Mitts And Headphones
During the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, over 20,000 people living in care homes died. These shocking statistics–in the face of renewed lockdown measures as cases rise and winter approaches–brings renewed concerns to care facilities. While protecting elderly residents from coronavirus is essential, keeping their spirits up is equally important.
This very reason is what moved Hallamshire Care Home to create its ‘visiting nook.’ Although warmer months allowed for an outdoor area for residents and families to socialize, the coming winter necessitated an indoor space. Outfitted with cozy chairs and a large glass window, the nook has a separate entrance for visitors to enter. On the other side of the glass, residents can not only see their loved ones but they can also touch and hear them. By installing ‘hugging mitts’ and headphones, these isolated elderly ones are receiving the interaction they’ve been missing.
The large, black gloves use the same concept as laboratories do. While it may not be the same as normal contact, residents enjoy a hand-hold or hug from their families. Scott Mellville, the manager of the Sheffield facility, sees this innovation as simply part of good care. “Contact is the most important thing, especially with loved ones,” he told the UK’s Daily Mail. “It’s what’s been really missing throughout care homes in recent months.” The addition of headphones allows for clear communication between both sides of the glass.
Staying Safe During The Pandemic
The hugging mitts are an innovative solution during a dangerous pandemic. With the glass window safely keeping germs away, visitors wear disposable gloves inside the mitts for an added layer of protection. Additionally, the room is steam-sanitized after every visit. This 30-minute staggering of visitors ensures proper sanitizing can be completed between guests.
Mental and emotional safety play a significant role at Hallamshire as well. Many of the residents have dementia, making following coronavirus safety rules a challenge. While UK officials have suggested pods or virtual visits, many elderly ones with dementia have difficulty understanding protocols. The Sheffield care center’s visiting nook, on the other hand, provides a simple and fun way of interaction. Melville notes that all of the residents and their families have received the new visiting area with excitement. “It’s going beyond touching a window or through plastic,” he told The Daily Mail. “They’re actually able to sit and safely hold hands with loved ones that they haven’t been able to for six, seven, eight, or nine months.” (1)
On the care facilities Facebook page, Hallamshire posted photos of the visiting experience. Elderly ones’ faces beam along with their visitors as they interact with the hugging mitts. Residents smile wide as they hold the gloved hands of their loved ones. While it might not be the same, these simple touches will likely help families and residents keep going until an effective COVID-19 vaccine is available. (2)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-23--Michigan Governor Seeks Shutdown Of Great Lakes Oil Pipeline

On November 20 , 2020 , Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer took legal action to revoke an easement granted to Enbridge Inc. “ Enbridge has routinely refused to take action to protect our Great Lakes and the millions of Americans who depend on them for clean drinking water and good jobs , ” says Gov .
Whitmer in a statement .
“ They have repeatedly violated the terms of the 1953 easement by ignoring structural problems that put our Great Lakes and our families at risk.
” ( 1 ) The flow of oil through about 4 miles of pipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice .
“ …Enbridge has imposed on the people of Michigan an unacceptable risk of a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes that could devastate our economy and way of life , ” says Whitmer .
( 1 ) According to Canadian company Enbridge there is “ no credible basis ” for the lawsuit .
“ Line 5 remains safe , as envisioned by the 1953 Easement , and as recently validated by our federal safety regulator , ” says Vern Yu , Enbridge President , liquids pipelines .
( 1 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipeline moves as much as 23 million gallons of oil a day .
Oil travels through Superior , Wisconsin , and Sarnia in Canada across Michigan , and Wisconsin .
The main issue surrounds an underwater section in the Straits of Mackinac .
This pipe connecting Lake Huron and Lake Michigan , splits into two which environmentalists feel are vulnerable .
( 1 ) However , the 20 inches of pipe are claimed to be in good condition without leaks according to Enbridge .
( 1 ) Meanwhile , a group consisting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposing elected officials continues to try to decommission Line 5 .
This is a busy area where commercial boats travel .
Because of this Whitmer ’ s office feels the agreement should never have been made back in 1953 .
( 1 ) “ Line 5 remains exposed to uncontrollable and powerful forces , including exceptionally strong currents , lakebed scouring , new anchor and cable strikes and corrosion , ” says Liz Kirkwood of For Love of Water .
As well , environmentalists support the shutdown to help rid the earth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2018 Enbridge struck an agreement with then Gov .
Rick Snyder to replace the same portion with new pipe .
The governor agreed to allow the company to drill a tunnel through bedrock lying beneath the straits .
The project requires federal permits for the $ 500 million project .
( 1 ) Despite the high shipping traffic lanes , the 1953 easement allowed the pipes to operate without protective covering .
This violates the state ’ s duty to protect the waters in the interest of the public .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirement that the pipelines not exceed thresholds regarding pipe spacing and supports .
However , Enbridge denies this .
( 1 ) A dispute rages on between not only democrats and republicans of affected states but of many industry groups .
“ Today ’ s move would kill jobs and increase fuel costs , ” says Geno Alessandrini of the Michigan Laborers Union , one of many criticizing Whitmer ’ s decision .
“ That ’ s the last thing Michigan needs as we work to overcome the coronavirus pandemic.
” ( 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Jim Stamas saying Whitmer sided with “ environmental extremists ” instead of “ hardworking Northern Michigan families.
” And Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters , a member of the Senate committee that oversees the U.S .
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration , saying he would work with officials “ to swiftly evaluate alternatives to Line 5 while continuing to hold Enbridge accountable.
” ( 1 ) There have been lots of issues with Enbridge ’ s pipes in the past including : • 2010 : one of Enbridge ’ s pipes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kalamazoo River • 2018 : a commercial tug and barge dragged its anchor denting the pipes As well , according to Enbridge , they discovered gaps in protective coating and also had to install supports due to wide spaces of pipe and the lakebed opening due to erosion .
( 1 ) Fish as well as hundreds of miles of beaches , dunes , and wetlands remain at risk should the pipelines leak any more oil according to a Michigan Technological University report .
While one side feels the pipe is environmentally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pipeline poses more threats due to increased use of rail and trucks .
( 1 ) It will be interesting to see which side comes out the winner in this highly sensitive lawsuit .

On November 20, 2020, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took legal action to revoke an easement granted to Enbridge Inc. “Enbridge has routinely refused to take action to protect our Great Lakes and the millions of Americans who depend on them for clean drinking water and good jobs,” says Gov. Whitmer in a statement. “They have repeatedly violated the terms of the 1953 easement by ignoring structural problems that put our Great Lakes and our families at risk.” (1)
Pipeline Shutdown To Protect Great Lakes
The flow of oil through about 4 miles of pipe must cease within 180 days of the notice. “…Enbridge has imposed on the people of Michigan an unacceptable risk of a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes that could devastate our economy and way of life,” says Whitmer. (1)
According to Canadian company Enbridge there is “no credible basis” for the lawsuit. “Line 5 remains safe, as envisioned by the 1953 Easement, and as recently validated by our federal safety regulator,” says Vern Yu, Enbridge President, liquids pipelines. (1)
Underwater Pipeline Shutdown
Known as the Lakehead network, the pipeline moves as much as 23 million gallons of oil a day. Oil travels through Superior, Wisconsin, and Sarnia in Canada across Michigan, and Wisconsin. The main issue surrounds an underwater section in the Straits of Mackinac. This pipe connecting Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, splits into two which environmentalists feel are vulnerable. (1)
However, the 20 inches of pipe are claimed to be in good condition without leaks according to Enbridge. (1)
Shutdown Fossil Fuels
Meanwhile, a group consisting of environmental activists, native tribes, and opposing elected officials continues to try to decommission Line 5. This is a busy area where commercial boats travel. Because of this Whitmer’s office feels the agreement should never have been made back in 1953. (1)
“Line 5 remains exposed to uncontrollable and powerful forces, including exceptionally strong currents, lakebed scouring, new anchor and cable strikes and corrosion,” says Liz Kirkwood of For Love of Water. As well, environmentalists support the shutdown to help rid the earth of climate-warming fossil fuels. (1)
Violation Of State Duty
In 2018 Enbridge struck an agreement with then Gov. Rick Snyder to replace the same portion with new pipe. The governor agreed to allow the company to drill a tunnel through bedrock lying beneath the straits. The project requires federal permits for the $500 million project. (1)
Despite the high shipping traffic lanes, the 1953 easement allowed the pipes to operate without protective covering. This violates the state’s duty to protect the waters in the interest of the public. According to the lawsuit, Enbridge repeatedly violated a requirement that the pipelines not exceed thresholds regarding pipe spacing and supports. However, Enbridge denies this. (1)
Jobs Versus The Environment
A dispute rages on between not only democrats and republicans of affected states but of many industry groups. “Today’s move would kill jobs and increase fuel costs,” says Geno Alessandrini of the Michigan Laborers Union, one of many criticizing Whitmer’s decision. “That’s the last thing Michigan needs as we work to overcome the coronavirus pandemic.” (1)
You’ve got Republican state Sen. Jim Stamas saying Whitmer sided with “environmental extremists” instead of “hardworking Northern Michigan families.” And Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a member of the Senate committee that oversees the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, saying he would work with officials “to swiftly evaluate alternatives to Line 5 while continuing to hold Enbridge accountable.” (1)
Past Pipeline Issues
There have been lots of issues with Enbridge’s pipes in the past including:
2010: one of Enbridge’s pipes spilled about 843,000 gallons of oil in the Kalamazoo River
2018: a commercial tug and barge dragged its anchor denting the pipes
2020: pipeline supports were damaged by boat cables
As well, according to Enbridge, they discovered gaps in protective coating and also had to install supports due to wide spaces of pipe and the lakebed opening due to erosion. (1)
Fish as well as hundreds of miles of beaches, dunes, and wetlands remain at risk should the pipelines leak any more oil according to a Michigan Technological University report. While one side feels the pipe is environmentally unfriendly, the other says shutting down the pipeline poses more threats due to increased use of rail and trucks. (1)
It will be interesting to see which side comes out the winner in this highly sensitive lawsuit.