healthyholisticliving--2020-11-23--22 Endocrinologists On What Products They Use In Their Homes

Consumerism is rampant and there are a billion products out there that beckon us to spend our money .
Thousands of these products contain harmful ingredients that the average shopper may be unaware of .
It ’ s like walking through a minefield .
Fortunately , there is help .
Consumer safety organizations , health advocacy groups , and numerous research institutions have been focusing on our toxic environment for some time .
Environmental Health News , a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental health issues , sent a survey to 22 endocrinologists on what products they use in their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These doctors are well aware of what chemicals and other materials can affect our health .
They diagnose and treat hormone imbalances in the endocrine organs which are often targeted by these toxic substances .
Many consumer products like cosmetics , personal care products , and cleaners , contain complex mixtures of chemicals that have endocrine disruption properties .
The Endocrine Society has advised endocrinologists to become knowledgeable about common sources of endotoxins , those substances that are considered endocrine disruptors .
( 2 ) Leonardo Trasande , a doctor at New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : phthalates , bisphenols , polybrominated diphenyl ethers ( flame retardants ) , and organophosphate pesticides .
Not only found in products and food , many of these chemicals enter the air , water , and soil where they are manufactured and used .
( 3 ) Buying organic depended on availability and cost .
At the very least , avoiding fresh produce with known high pesticide content , like berries , apples , grapes , greens , and tomatoes , was important .
Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemical pesticides according to Environmental Working Group , a health advocacy group .
They maintain annual lists of both the “ Dirty Dozen ” and the “ Clean Fifteen.
” ( 4 ) Many contaminants can not be filtered out of drinking water at water treatment plants .
Survey responders felt it essential to drink filtered water either from reliable sources or by installing a water filter incorporating carbon , charcoal , or reverse osmosis in their homes .
Use glass or ceramic food storage containers .
Plastic wrap , straws , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastic must be used , be sure it is BPA or phthalate-free .
Never heat food in plastic in the microwave as this causes toxic substances from the plastic to be absorbed by the food .
These products are notorious for containing chemicals and fragrances that can be harmful to the body .
Buy green where possible , especially for multipurpose cleaners , laundry detergents , and window cleaning products .
Some respondents have gone to using vinegar and baking soda , age-old products whose uses can be found on the internet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and body lotions commonly contain artificial fragrances that can be toxic to sensitive skin and by absorption , to various hormone-producing organs .
Use essential oils instead .
Makeup often contains artificial fragrances , phthalates , and parabens .
The cosmetic industry is slowly changing to less toxic products .
However , natural cosmetics are still more expensive than their conventional counterparts causing most respondents to stick to the less expensive choices for now or to stop wearing makeup altogether .

Consumerism is rampant and there are a billion products out there that beckon us to spend our money. Thousands of these products contain harmful ingredients that the average shopper may be unaware of. It’s like walking through a minefield. Fortunately, there is help.
Consumer safety organizations, health advocacy groups, and numerous research institutions have been focusing on our toxic environment for some time. Environmental Health News, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental health issues, sent a survey to 22 endocrinologists on what products they use in their homes. (1)
Why endocrinologists? These doctors are well aware of what chemicals and other materials can affect our health. They diagnose and treat hormone imbalances in the endocrine organs which are often targeted by these toxic substances.
Many consumer products like cosmetics, personal care products, and cleaners, contain complex mixtures of chemicals that have endocrine disruption properties. The Endocrine Society has advised endocrinologists to become knowledgeable about common sources of endotoxins, those substances that are considered endocrine disruptors. (2)
Leonardo Trasande, a doctor at New York University, suggests starting with four categories: phthalates, bisphenols, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants), and organophosphate pesticides. Not only found in products and food, many of these chemicals enter the air, water, and soil where they are manufactured and used. (3)
Survey Results
Organic Food
Buying organic depended on availability and cost. At the very least, avoiding fresh produce with known high pesticide content, like berries, apples, grapes, greens, and tomatoes, was important. Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides according to Environmental Working Group, a health advocacy group. They maintain annual lists of both the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen.” (4)
Drinking Water
Many contaminants cannot be filtered out of drinking water at water treatment plants. Survey responders felt it essential to drink filtered water either from reliable sources or by installing a water filter incorporating carbon, charcoal, or reverse osmosis in their homes.
Plastics
Use glass or ceramic food storage containers. Plastic wrap, straws, and takeout containers should be avoided. If plastic must be used, be sure it is BPA or phthalate-free. Never heat food in plastic in the microwave as this causes toxic substances from the plastic to be absorbed by the food.
Cleaning Products
These products are notorious for containing chemicals and fragrances that can be harmful to the body. Buy green where possible, especially for multipurpose cleaners, laundry detergents, and window cleaning products. Some respondents have gone to using vinegar and baking soda, age-old products whose uses can be found on the internet.
Fragrances
Candles, soaps, hair products, and body lotions commonly contain artificial fragrances that can be toxic to sensitive skin and by absorption, to various hormone-producing organs. Use essential oils instead.
Cosmetics
Makeup often contains artificial fragrances, phthalates, and parabens. The cosmetic industry is slowly changing to less toxic products. However, natural cosmetics are still more expensive than their conventional counterparts causing most respondents to stick to the less expensive choices for now or to stop wearing makeup altogether.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-25--Israeli Scientists Kill Cancer Cells With Ground-breaking DNA-altering Treatment They Compare To Usi

Israeli Scientists Kill Cancer Cells With Ground-breaking DNA-altering Treatment They Compare To Using ‘Microscopic Scissors’ To Target Tumors

With cancer being the second leading cause of death worldwide ( after cardiovascular disease ) medical experts across the globe tirelessly look for “ unconventional ” ways to stop the disease .
( 1 , 2 ) In the cellular race to kill the killer , a Tel Aviv University team has discovered a new gene-editing system ; to zero in and target cancer cells , without affecting other cells in the body .
A far cry from the traditional ‘ cut , burn and poison ’ techniques that are currently only effective in about half of cases , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more elegant chemotherapy ” by Prof. Dan Peer , cancer expert from the University .
( 3 ) His research has been much peer-reviewed , along with the creators of the method , Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier , who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry , for their work .
( 3 ) Their method is being described as ‘ tiny scissors ’ – so how exactly can minuscule clippers kill cancer ?
How Does It Work To Kill Cancer ?
The team used CRISPR Cas-9 , a unique technology that enables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genome , to kill off cancer cells .
For the study , they chose two of the deadliest cancers : glioblastoma ( aggressive brain cancer ) , and metastatic ovarian .
The experiments involved hundreds of mice with these cancers .
The gene-editing system allows scientists to make precise alterations to DNA , and the tumors were given an injection consisting of messenger RNA that ‘ encodes ’ the ‘ tiny scissor function ’ for snipping the DNA .
It ’ s a system for identifying cancerous cells .
It is hoped that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personalized to each patient , based on a biopsy which would determine whether they received a general injection , or an injection directly into the tumor .
Peer states “ This technology can physically cut the DNA in cancerous cells , and those cells will not survive.
’ ’ His research recently published in the Science Advances journal , reports it could be used on humans within 2 years .
It was found that mice with cancer who received the treatment had double the life expectancy of the control group , and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is also mentioned the technique can destroy a tumor within three treatments .
( 3 ) People Changing The Way We Kill Cancer How the world deals with cancer depends on scientists showing us how to do it .
Surgery has been around since the pre-Classical ages , and anesthesia since the late 1800s , yet to some extent the belief that cancer can not be cured has persisted into the 21st century .
( 4 , 5 ) Until now we ’ ve had three basic options for dealing with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through drugs that starve tumors of nutrients or blood supply .
( 4 ) Israel seems to have found cause for cancer-killing celebration : “ When we first spoke of treatments with messenger RNA twelve years ago , people thought it was science fiction , ” said Peer .
“ I believe that in the near future , we will see many personalized treatments based on genetic messengers , for cancer and various genetic diseases.
” ( 3 ) Changing the way we cure , these messages of hope , along with well-designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the science of killing cancer .

With cancer being the second leading cause of death worldwide (after cardiovascular disease) medical experts across the globe tirelessly look for “unconventional” ways to stop the disease. (1, 2)
In the cellular race to kill the killer, a Tel Aviv University team has discovered a new gene-editing system; to zero in and target cancer cells, without affecting other cells in the body.
A far cry from the traditional ‘cut, burn and poison’ techniques that are currently only effective in about half of cases, this new technology has been dubbed “a more elegant chemotherapy” by Prof. Dan Peer, cancer expert from the University. (3)
His research has been much peer-reviewed, along with the creators of the method, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, for their work. (3)
Their method is being described as ‘tiny scissors’ – so how exactly can minuscule clippers kill cancer?
How Does It Work To Kill Cancer?
The team used CRISPR Cas-9, a unique technology that enables geneticists and to edit parts of the genome, to kill off cancer cells.
For the study, they chose two of the deadliest cancers: glioblastoma (aggressive brain cancer), and metastatic ovarian. The experiments involved hundreds of mice with these cancers.
The gene-editing system allows scientists to make precise alterations to DNA, and the tumors were given an injection consisting of messenger RNA that ‘encodes’ the ‘tiny scissor function’ for snipping the DNA. It’s a system for identifying cancerous cells.
It is hoped that in the future, treatment would be personalized to each patient, based on a biopsy which would determine whether they received a general injection, or an injection directly into the tumor.
Peer states “This technology can physically cut the DNA in cancerous cells, and those cells will not survive.’’
His research recently published in the Science Advances journal, reports it could be used on humans within 2 years. It was found that mice with cancer who received the treatment had double the life expectancy of the control group, and their survival rate was 30 percent higher. It is also mentioned the technique can destroy a tumor within three treatments. (3)
People Changing The Way We Kill Cancer
How the world deals with cancer depends on scientists showing us how to do it. Surgery has been around since the pre-Classical ages, and anesthesia since the late 1800s, yet to some extent the belief that cancer cannot be cured has persisted into the 21st century. (4, 5)
Until now we’ve had three basic options for dealing with the C-word- radiation, chemotherapy, or poisoning through drugs that starve tumors of nutrients or blood supply. (4)
Israel seems to have found cause for cancer-killing celebration:
“When we first spoke of treatments with messenger RNA twelve years ago, people thought it was science fiction,” said Peer. “I believe that in the near future, we will see many personalized treatments based on genetic messengers, for cancer and various genetic diseases.” (3)
Changing the way we cure, these messages of hope, along with well-designed experiments, may be curative new beginnings in the science of killing cancer.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-25--IKEA’s First Sustainable Tiny Home Is Packed With Green Features

Tiny homes are certainly a trend in the last few years , even among celebrities .
In fact , multimillionaire Tony Hsieh ( the former CEO of Zappos before it was sold to Amazon ) lives in a trailer no bigger than 200 sq feet .
However , he does own the trailer park where that tiny home sits .
( 1 ) You may be surprised to hear that tiny homes are not just a trend of the last 10 years or so .
Tiny homes have existed in one form or another since humans went from nomads to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 10,200 BC to 2,000 BC ) when humans started farming and keeping animals , they saw the need for a fixed home .
Their first homes were either rectangular or circular , commonly made of mud bricks or timber .
Neolithic homes typically had a cooking area in the middle , that would also be used as a heater , and a living /sleeping area .
Curiously this era saw the birth of the indoor toilet ( they were holes in the ground ) .
At the end of the Bronze and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , the inhabitants of Ancient Mongolia lived in yurts , also known as Mongolian Gers .
Yurts were all wooden structures wrapped with leather/animal skin .
They were collapsable and movable , because of this , toilets were outside the yurt .
Another example of tiny homes in the 19th century was the Gypsy wagons , used by the Romani-people to travel across Europe .
They were houses on wheels made of wood with mostly golden interior , pulled by horses .
The earliest version of RV or camper vans we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been a long time since IKEA ’ s creator Ingvar Kamprad was selling matches by bike at 7 years old .
His entrepreneurial spirit took IKEA out of the southern woods in Sweden to all over the world .
Now , after 60 years of impressive growth , IKEA is a household name worldwide .
With all that fame comes a degree of responsibility too , a reason to set an example for others .
To that end , IKEA is also wholly committed to sustainability .
In 2020 IKEA removed all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stores around the globe .
From reducing the number of assembly parts in a sofa from 122 to 13 to offering veggie hot dogs , IKEA keeps incorporating sustainable approaches for future years .
( 3 ) In its continuous efforts of becoming a greener brand , IKEA just entered the tiny home market .
Together with Escape and Vox Creative , IKEA started The IKEA Tiny Home project .
Escape , a company based in Wisconsin , designs and builds award-winning tiny homes , has 25 years of experience .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 187sq feet IKEA BOHO XL tiny home .
This includes a compostable toilet , solar panels , whitewashed sustainable-grow-pine-paneled walls .
It also has built-in storage made from recycled bottle tops and energy-efficient IKEA appliances .
Together with IKEA furniture , of course .
With the help of Vox Creative , IKEA launched a digital tour of their $ 47,550 ( start price ) IKEA tiny home for customers to experience .
( 4 ) You can certainly live large while staying small .

Tiny homes are certainly a trend in the last few years, even among celebrities. In fact, multimillionaire Tony Hsieh (the former CEO of Zappos before it was sold to Amazon) lives in a trailer no bigger than 200 sq feet. However, he does own the trailer park where that tiny home sits. (1)
The unusually long story of tiny homes
You may be surprised to hear that tiny homes are not just a trend of the last 10 years or so. Tiny homes have existed in one form or another since humans went from nomads to settlers. In the Neolithic age (from 10,200 BC to 2,000 BC) when humans started farming and keeping animals, they saw the need for a fixed home. Their first homes were either rectangular or circular, commonly made of mud bricks or timber.
Neolithic homes typically had a cooking area in the middle, that would also be used as a heater, and a living /sleeping area. Curiously this era saw the birth of the indoor toilet (they were holes in the ground).
At the end of the Bronze and Iron Ages (3,000BC – 300 BC), the inhabitants of Ancient Mongolia lived in yurts, also known as Mongolian Gers. Yurts were all wooden structures wrapped with leather/animal skin. They were collapsable and movable, because of this, toilets were outside the yurt.
Another example of tiny homes in the 19th century was the Gypsy wagons, used by the Romani-people to travel across Europe. They were houses on wheels made of wood with mostly golden interior, pulled by horses. The earliest version of RV or camper vans we know today. (2)
Sustainable IKEA
It’s been a long time since IKEA’s creator Ingvar Kamprad was selling matches by bike at 7 years old. His entrepreneurial spirit took IKEA out of the southern woods in Sweden to all over the world. Now, after 60 years of impressive growth, IKEA is a household name worldwide. With all that fame comes a degree of responsibility too, a reason to set an example for others. To that end, IKEA is also wholly committed to sustainability.
In 2020 IKEA removed all single-use plastic products from all their restaurants in stores around the globe. From reducing the number of assembly parts in a sofa from 122 to 13 to offering veggie hot dogs, IKEA keeps incorporating sustainable approaches for future years. (3)
IKEA Tiny Home
In its continuous efforts of becoming a greener brand, IKEA just entered the tiny home market. Together with Escape and Vox Creative, IKEA started The IKEA Tiny Home project.
Escape, a company based in Wisconsin, designs and builds award-winning tiny homes, has 25 years of experience. They customized their BOHO XL model to create the 187sq feet IKEA BOHO XL tiny home. This includes a compostable toilet, solar panels, whitewashed sustainable-grow-pine-paneled walls. It also has built-in storage made from recycled bottle tops and energy-efficient IKEA appliances. Together with IKEA furniture, of course.
With the help of Vox Creative, IKEA launched a digital tour of their $47,550 (start price) IKEA tiny home for customers to experience. (4)
You can certainly live large while staying small.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-25--Man Builds $150 Mobile Tiny Home He Can Tow With His Bike

With space and square footage becoming ever more expensive and difficult to find , a new trend in micro-living is becoming part of urban culture .
Down-sizing or small-space-living has now become a component of the rental market , where the cost of merely surviving has sky-rocketed in recent years .
For those of us who value leisure time or short vacations away , booking into a hotel or short-stay rental accommodation through an online company such as Airbnb can also be unaffordable .
Whilst camping and sleeping on the earth ’ s floor can be a little too rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived on the market and may be a solution to our getaway desires .
Usually weighing less than a thousand pounds , these are compact enough to be towed by smaller vehicles and a good quality trailer can cost as little as $ 3000 USD .
Still too pricey for you ?
Then meet Washington man , Paul Elkins .
A self-taught designer , artist , and former employee of Boeing , Elkins first attended the Burningman art festival in 2000 ; a place that would awaken his inner creativity and launch his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in love with micro-camping when he toured the country .
( 1 ) Convinced he could build something affordable , Paul began developing and creating his “ micro Airstream bike camper ” .
The super durable and lightweight “ home away from home ” is 6 foot 5 inches in length , weighs 60 pounds , and is light enough to be towed by a bicycle .
For the walls and floor , Elkins used 5 recycled campaign signs made from coroplast plastic fastened together with zip ties .
Duct tape was used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waterproof .
Sitting on a wooden frame and two 20 ” wheels , the aerodynamic design comes complete with the following features included : The total cost of his “ Nomad Bicycle Camper ” was a mere $ 150 USD and all the materials can be found at your local DIY store .
( 2 ) Filmmaker , Kirsten Dirksen , who interviewed Elkin at his home for Tiny House Design website said , “ His work is inspiring because he pushes minimalism to the extreme.
” She continued , “ While his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and portable they are also functional and include all the essentials .
From a tiny house design perspective , his work serves an extreme example that sets the standard for small and outside-the-box thinking ” .
Mr. Elkins ’ creativity has also led him to design and build several other projects from coroplast , also known as fluted plastic .
A small example of these include : All of his inventions and design tutorials can be purchased with prices ranging from $ 5 – $ 20 and can be downloaded in PDF form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also check out Paul ’ s lifestyle and take a virtual tour of his mobile tiny home via his YouTube channel and share your thoughts with him and his 116k subscribers .
( 3 ) Micro-living is not for everyone but if you like a bit of eccentricity in your life , then maybe this is for you .

With space and square footage becoming ever more expensive and difficult to find, a new trend in micro-living is becoming part of urban culture. Down-sizing or small-space-living has now become a component of the rental market, where the cost of merely surviving has sky-rocketed in recent years.
For those of us who value leisure time or short vacations away, booking into a hotel or short-stay rental accommodation through an online company such as Airbnb can also be unaffordable. Whilst camping and sleeping on the earth’s floor can be a little too rough and ready for some, micro-trailers have arrived on the market and may be a solution to our getaway desires. Usually weighing less than a thousand pounds, these are compact enough to be towed by smaller vehicles and a good quality trailer can cost as little as $3000 USD.
Mobile Tiny Home
Still too pricey for you?
Then meet Washington man, Paul Elkins.
A self-taught designer, artist, and former employee of Boeing, Elkins first attended the Burningman art festival in 2000; a place that would awaken his inner creativity and launch his ingenuity. Two years later he fell in love with micro-camping when he toured the country. (1)
Convinced he could build something affordable, Paul began developing and creating his “micro Airstream bike camper”.
The super durable and lightweight “home away from home” is 6 foot 5 inches in length, weighs 60 pounds, and is light enough to be towed by a bicycle. For the walls and floor, Elkins used 5 recycled campaign signs made from coroplast plastic fastened together with zip ties. Duct tape was used to seal joints and make the structure waterproof.
Sitting on a wooden frame and two 20” wheels, the aerodynamic design comes complete with the following features included:
Pop-up windows
Skylight
Bubble insulation
Stove
Sink
Storage units
Shelving
LED lighting
Rear reflective lights
Foam bed
Stereo system
The total cost of his “Nomad Bicycle Camper” was a mere $150 USD and all the materials can be found at your local DIY store. (2)
Interview
Filmmaker, Kirsten Dirksen, who interviewed Elkin at his home for Tiny House Design website said, “His work is inspiring because he pushes minimalism to the extreme.” She continued, “While his tiny structures are lightweight, weatherproof, and portable they are also functional and include all the essentials. From a tiny house design perspective, his work serves an extreme example that sets the standard for small and outside-the-box thinking”.
Inventive Designs
Mr. Elkins’ creativity has also led him to design and build several other projects from coroplast, also known as fluted plastic. A small example of these include:
Speed Boat
Box Boat
Dog House
Teepee
Homeless Emergency Shelter
Micro Mobile Art Studio
All of his inventions and design tutorials can be purchased with prices ranging from $5 – $20 and can be downloaded in PDF form from his website – elkinsdiy.com. You can also check out Paul’s lifestyle and take a virtual tour of his mobile tiny home via his YouTube channel and share your thoughts with him and his 116k subscribers. (3)
Micro-living is not for everyone but if you like a bit of eccentricity in your life, then maybe this is for you.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-25--Meet The Seed-Saving Couple Living Entirely Off The Land (Except For Salt)

Our ancestors learned the art of self-reliance .
This idea appealed to Kay Baxter and Bob Corker of New Zealand .
They took it upon themselves to become regenerative farmers back in 1990 , “ seed-saving ” heritage plant foods of New Zealand .
Today they live off their land , returning to the simplicity of self-reliance .
( 1 ) The couple founded the Koanga Institute in Northern Hawke ’ s Bay .
Here regenerative farmers find a place to gather and discuss their commitment to keep their native fruits and vegetables alive .
“ If we don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to lose them and we need them for our future ; there ’ s heaps of science there now to show we need them , ” says Kay .
( 1 ) To date , their collection includes more than 800 heritage vegetable seeds and over 400 heritage fruit tree and berry seeds .
The act of seed-saving takes hard work , but the pair are dedicated to their cause .
( 1 ) In 2016 , they made a vow to not only continue their commitment to seed-saving but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the food they eat .
Everything else is produced in Kotare Village .
They produce their own dairy , eggs , and honey and get their sweetener from homegrown stevia .
( 1 ) “ It ’ s sweeter than the same weight of sugar .
When our granddaughter Elanor comes into the garden she usually heads for the stevia first and picks a bit , ” says Kay .
( 1 ) According to Bob , one of the basic philosophies the couple shares is the “ key to being self-sufficient is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead of trying to earn more money to buy food , they work towards producing it .
( 1 ) “ It ’ s mainly about staying home !
If you go out your wallet comes out of your pocket .
That makes it difficult for a lot of people but it ’ s easy to make meaningful changes , ” says Bob .
“ Not everyone wants to be self-sufficient , but everyone can become involved in buying local , nutrient-dense food.
” ( 1 ) When Kay and Bob moved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened upon fruit trees growing wild along the road .
They pulled over to pick some and Kay noticed how full the trees were with fruit .
It also tasted better than cultivated fruit .
( 1 ) Unfortunately , they learned the trees were to be cut down as they were dying .
This inspired Kay to do something to save them .
“ The food plants and the seeds touch people somehow .
We ’ ve got between one and five percent of the seeds we had 100 years ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep them alive or that ’ s it , and it ’ s really clear now that industrial food isn ’ t going to maintain our health through the generations , so heritage seeds are totally key to our future.
” ( 1 ) Kay joined a local garden club where she received a bag of heritage bean seeds .
“ I realized the old seeds had to be with the gardeners , so I started looking there , ” says Kay .
This launched her life-long commitment to seed-saving .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farming focuses on providing healthy food in hand with support for their community .
They use sustainable , environmentally friendly practices including improving water availability and ending reliance on fossil fuels and imported fertilizers .
They also use solar power , and only grow species suited to the natural environment and culture .
( 1 ) “ When you first start thinking about growing all your own food , you immediately think of all the things you couldn ’ t give up or how difficult it all seems , ” says Bob .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality and become more confident it turns out it ’ s no big drama.
” ( 1 )

Our ancestors learned the art of self-reliance. This idea appealed to Kay Baxter and Bob Corker of New Zealand. They took it upon themselves to become regenerative farmers back in 1990, “seed-saving” heritage plant foods of New Zealand. Today they live off their land, returning to the simplicity of self-reliance. (1)
Seed Saving Couple Regenerative Farmers
The couple founded the Koanga Institute in Northern Hawke’s Bay. Here regenerative farmers find a place to gather and discuss their commitment to keep their native fruits and vegetables alive. “If we don’t value these seeds enough, we’re going to lose them and we need them for our future; there’s heaps of science there now to show we need them,” says Kay. (1)
To date, their collection includes more than 800 heritage vegetable seeds and over 400 heritage fruit tree and berry seeds. The act of seed-saving takes hard work, but the pair are dedicated to their cause. (1)
Seed Saving Couple Eat Local Food
In 2016, they made a vow to not only continue their commitment to seed-saving but to also buy nothing but salt for the food they eat. Everything else is produced in Kotare Village. They produce their own dairy, eggs, and honey and get their sweetener from homegrown stevia. (1)
“It’s sweeter than the same weight of sugar. When our granddaughter Elanor comes into the garden she usually heads for the stevia first and picks a bit,” says Kay. (1)
Decreased Need For Money
According to Bob, one of the basic philosophies the couple shares is the “key to being self-sufficient is to decrease your need for money.” Instead of trying to earn more money to buy food, they work towards producing it. (1)
“It’s mainly about staying home! If you go out your wallet comes out of your pocket. That makes it difficult for a lot of people but it’s easy to make meaningful changes,” says Bob. “Not everyone wants to be self-sufficient, but everyone can become involved in buying local, nutrient-dense food.” (1)
Seed Saving Couple Find Wild Fruit Trees
When Kay and Bob moved to Bob’s family farm, they happened upon fruit trees growing wild along the road. They pulled over to pick some and Kay noticed how full the trees were with fruit. It also tasted better than cultivated fruit. (1)
Unfortunately, they learned the trees were to be cut down as they were dying. This inspired Kay to do something to save them. “The food plants and the seeds touch people somehow. We’ve got between one and five percent of the seeds we had 100 years ago,” explains Kay. “Someone has to keep them alive or that’s it, and it’s really clear now that industrial food isn’t going to maintain our health through the generations, so heritage seeds are totally key to our future.” (1)
Local Farmers Source Of Native Seeds
Kay joined a local garden club where she received a bag of heritage bean seeds. “I realized the old seeds had to be with the gardeners, so I started looking there,” says Kay. This launched her life-long commitment to seed-saving. (1)
Sustainable, Healthy Foods
Kotare Village’s regenerative farming focuses on providing healthy food in hand with support for their community. They use sustainable, environmentally friendly practices including improving water availability and ending reliance on fossil fuels and imported fertilizers. They also use solar power, and only grow species suited to the natural environment and culture. (1)
“When you first start thinking about growing all your own food, you immediately think of all the things you couldn’t give up or how difficult it all seems,” says Bob. “But once you work through the reality and become more confident it turns out it’s no big drama.” (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-25--Grandmother Who Went Viral After Inviting The Wrong Teenager To Thanksgiving Celebrates Fifth Holida

Grandmother Who Went Viral After Inviting The Wrong Teenager To Thanksgiving Celebrates Fifth Holiday With Him

Maybe you remember a Thanksgiving story from 2016 that quickly went viral after a young man posted a couple of screenshots on his Twitter feed .
The teen in question , Jamal Hinton , was a student at Desert Vista High School , Arizona .
One day in class , his phone went off with a message from a woman claiming to be his grandma .
Jamal tried to tell her she had the wrong teen , but she wouldn ’ t listen .
Eventually , he asked for a selfie , sending one back to prove they weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a plate though ?
” he asked .
“ Of course you can , ” she said .
“ That ’ s what grandmas do…feed everyone !
” And everyone tried to be fed .
Jamal forgot to take her number off the screenshots when he posted them , leading to the woman getting 600 texts asking for an invite .
She had to change her number .
But Jamal still came .
( 1 ) The ‘ Wrong ’ Grandson , Five Thanksgivings Later The grandmother from that story , Wanda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Hinton every year , despite him not being her teenage grandson .
And it ’ s not just Jamal .
Hinton ’ s family comes together with the Denches for a large , blended Thanksgiving .
Of course , Covid has made everything different this year .
The changes , for Wanda Dench , started in April 2020 .
( 2 ) Jamal Hinton made a tweet April 1st , but it wasn ’ t an April Fool ’ s prank–and it certainly wasn ’ t making anyone laugh .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lonnie both have COVID-19 , ” he tweeted .
“ Lonnie is currently in the hospital fighting both COVID and Pneumonia please send words of love and encouragement their way.
” A week later , April 8th , Hinton retweeted his earlier tweet–with a grim addition.
” As some of you may have already found out tonight , ” he said .
“ Lonnie did not make it… he passed away Sunday morning but Wanda told me all the love and support he was receiving put a huge smile on his face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you guys for that !
” ( 3 ) “ It ’ s going to be different , my first Thanksgiving without him [ her husband ] , ” Dench tells the New York Times .
“ My husband was always right behind me , telling me how proud he was of Jamal and me for what we ’ ve done.
” The Denches , Hinton , and Hinton ’ s girlfriend , Mikaela Grubbs would go on double dates with each other .
It doesn ’ t matter [ someone ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You can be friends with anybody , you can be family with anybody.
” And they have kept Thanksgiving a tradition .
In fact , last year they had dinner with Grubb ’ s family too .
“ Gosh it was just a whirlwind of fun , ” says Dench .
( 2 ) Thanksgiving looked a lot different this year .
Dench and Hinton celebrated Friday instead , with Grubbs , and Dench ’ s daughter and grandson .
That allowed them to get tested for COVID-19 before celebrating with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other .
“ The past seven months have been so difficult , but this was really important to me , ” Dench says .
“ I can ’ t even explain how much joy I had , having good food with my favorite company.
” ( 4 )

Maybe you remember a Thanksgiving story from 2016 that quickly went viral after a young man posted a couple of screenshots on his Twitter feed. The teen in question, Jamal Hinton, was a student at Desert Vista High School, Arizona. One day in class, his phone went off with a message from a woman claiming to be his grandma. Jamal tried to tell her she had the wrong teen, but she wouldn’t listen. Eventually, he asked for a selfie, sending one back to prove they weren’t related. “Can I still get a plate though?” he asked.
“Of course you can,” she said. “That’s what grandmas do…feed everyone!”
And everyone tried to be fed. Jamal forgot to take her number off the screenshots when he posted them, leading to the woman getting 600 texts asking for an invite. She had to change her number. But Jamal still came. (1)
The ‘Wrong’ Grandson, Five Thanksgivings Later
The grandmother from that story, Wanda Dench, has continued to celebrate Thanksgiving with Hinton every year, despite him not being her teenage grandson.
And it’s not just Jamal. Hinton’s family comes together with the Denches for a large, blended Thanksgiving.
Of course, Covid has made everything different this year. The changes, for Wanda Dench, started in April 2020. (2)
The Hospital
Jamal Hinton made a tweet April 1st, but it wasn’t an April Fool’s prank–and it certainly wasn’t making anyone laugh. “I am so sad to announce that Wanda and Lonnie both have COVID-19,” he tweeted. “Lonnie is currently in the hospital fighting both COVID and Pneumonia please send words of love and encouragement their way.”
A week later, April 8th, Hinton retweeted his earlier tweet–with a grim addition.” As some of you may have already found out tonight,” he said. “Lonnie did not make it… he passed away Sunday morning but Wanda told me all the love and support he was receiving put a huge smile on his face so I thank every single one of you guys for that!” (3)
The ‘Wrong’ Family Turns Right
“It’s going to be different, my first Thanksgiving without him [her husband],” Dench tells the New York Times. “My husband was always right behind me, telling me how proud he was of Jamal and me for what we’ve done.”
The Denches, Hinton, and Hinton’s girlfriend, Mikaela Grubbs would go on double dates with each other. It doesn’t matter [someone’s age],” says Hinton. “You can be friends with anybody, you can be family with anybody.”
And they have kept Thanksgiving a tradition. In fact, last year they had dinner with Grubb’s family too. “Gosh it was just a whirlwind of fun,” says Dench. (2)
Keeping Tradition Alive
Thanksgiving looked a lot different this year. Dench and Hinton celebrated Friday instead, with Grubbs, and Dench’s daughter and grandson. That allowed them to get tested for COVID-19 before celebrating with their families. But they wanted to see each other.
“The past seven months have been so difficult, but this was really important to me,” Dench says. “I can’t even explain how much joy I had, having good food with my favorite company.” (4)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-28--13 exercises for Knee Pain and Which Ones to Avoid

Nothing dampens your motivation to exercise quite like knee pain .
It ’ s tempting to use it as an excuse to avoid working out , but exercise can actually help alleviate problems .
Here are 13 exercises for knee pain , and which ones to avoid to protect our bodies and our health .
Stretching helps improve flexibility and prevent injury .
Stretch before and after your workout to reap the most benefits .
Hinge at your hips , extending one leg forward .
Slightly bend the opposite leg and bring the chest down , keeping your back straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides .
( 1 ) Lie on your side .
Bend the upper leg and hold your foot in your hand .
Keep the thigh flush with the leg lying on the ground .
Try to bring the ankle all the way to your glute .
Hold the stretch then turn over to switch sides .
( 1 ) Place your hands on a wall and step back with one foot .
Lean into the wall , keeping your heels on the ground .
Hold the stretch , then switch sides .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help reduce knee pain .
They ’ re meant to be performed slowly and smoothly and held for an extended period of time .
Avoid ballistic stretching as they increase muscle tension , causing further injury or pain .
( 3 ) Lay on your back with one leg bent and the other straight .
Tighten the muscle in the straight leg and lift to the level of the bent knee .
Slowly lower to the floor and switch legs .
( 1 ) This Pilates-inspired exercise strengthens your hamstrings and glutes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lay on your stomach with legs straight , hip-distance apart .
Keeping legs straight , slowly raise and lower one leg at a time .
( 2 ) Lay on your side with both legs straight .
Using just your hips , slowly raise and lower the upper leg .
You should feel this in your hips .
Use a resistance band for added intensity without the knee pain .
( 2 ) Bend one knee behind the body , lifting the heel off the floor while keeping the thighs aligned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaches a 90-degree angle .
Hold for 5 seconds and release .
( 1 ) This all-encompassing leg exercise is perfect for those with knee pain .
Facing a step , place one foot on the top .
Shift your weight to step carefully and slowly up .
Pause and slowly lower the back leg to the ground .
Switch sides and repeat .
( 4 ) A resistance band is beneficial to help with knee pain .
Place the band around both legs .
Step to the side with one leg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps in one direction and then repeat the other way .
( 4 ) If squatting causes knee pain , try wall-squats instead .
Place back against the wall .
Step feet out and slide your back down the wall until you ’ re almost in a sitting position .
Hold the position for 5 seconds and slide back up to standing .
( 1 ) Strengthen hips and glutes with one move .
Lay on your side with knees bent .
Feet touching , raise your upper knee .
Keep the lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , then switch sides .
( 4 ) Lay on your back with knees bent .
Keep your feet flat on the floor and lift your butt towards the ceiling .
Hold at the top and slowly lower back down .
( 4 ) Rise onto your toes for a two-second count .
Slowly lower for a four-second count .
This works your lower legs without added knee pain .
( 4 ) Some exercises aggravate knee pain more than others .
Squats and lunges are great leg-strengthening exercises , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee travels over the toe .
Maintain proper form , and if something causes pain , switch to that an alternative movement .
( 3 ) When performing movements , go slowly and avoid jerky motions .
Practice yoga or water activities .
If you experience knee pain , avoid high impact activities , as these can exacerbate problems .
( 3 ) Finally , when walking , to alleviate and prevent knee pain , stay on natural substrates , and avoid hard surfaces .
If possible , find a place to walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounding and better for your joints .
( 3 )

Nothing dampens your motivation to exercise quite like knee pain. It’s tempting to use it as an excuse to avoid working out, but exercise can actually help alleviate problems. Here are 13 exercises for knee pain, and which ones to avoid to protect our bodies and our health.
Stretching the Knee
Stretching helps improve flexibility and prevent injury. Stretch before and after your workout to reap the most benefits.
Hinge at your hips, extending one leg forward. Slightly bend the opposite leg and bring the chest down, keeping your back straight. Feel the stretch, then switch sides. (1)
Quadricep Stretch
Lie on your side. Bend the upper leg and hold your foot in your hand. Keep the thigh flush with the leg lying on the ground. Try to bring the ankle all the way to your glute. Hold the stretch then turn over to switch sides. (1)
Calf Stretch
Place your hands on a wall and step back with one foot. Lean into the wall, keeping your heels on the ground. Hold the stretch, then switch sides. (2)
These are static stretches that help reduce knee pain. They’re meant to be performed slowly and smoothly and held for an extended period of time. Avoid ballistic stretching as they increase muscle tension, causing further injury or pain. (3)
10 Exercises for Knee Pain
1. Supine Leg Lifts
Lay on your back with one leg bent and the other straight. Tighten the muscle in the straight leg and lift to the level of the bent knee. Slowly lower to the floor and switch legs. (1)
2. Prone Leg Lifts
This Pilates-inspired exercise strengthens your hamstrings and glutes, which is important to reduce knee pain. Lay on your stomach with legs straight, hip-distance apart. Keeping legs straight, slowly raise and lower one leg at a time. (2)
3. Side Leg Lifts
Lay on your side with both legs straight. Using just your hips, slowly raise and lower the upper leg. You should feel this in your hips. Use a resistance band for added intensity without the knee pain. (2)
4. Hamstring Curls
Bend one knee behind the body, lifting the heel off the floor while keeping the thighs aligned. Lift the heel until the knee bend reaches a 90-degree angle. Hold for 5 seconds and release. (1)
5. Step Exercises
This all-encompassing leg exercise is perfect for those with knee pain. Facing a step, place one foot on the top. Shift your weight to step carefully and slowly up. Pause and slowly lower the back leg to the ground. Switch sides and repeat. (4)
6. Resistance Band Abduction
A resistance band is beneficial to help with knee pain. Place the band around both legs. Step to the side with one leg, leading with the heel. Take 10 steps in one direction and then repeat the other way. (4)
7. Wall-squats
If squatting causes knee pain, try wall-squats instead. Place back against the wall. Step feet out and slide your back down the wall until you’re almost in a sitting position. Hold the position for 5 seconds and slide back up to standing. (1)
8. Clamshell
Strengthen hips and glutes with one move. Lay on your side with knees bent. Feet touching, raise your upper knee. Keep the lower leg on the floor. Repeat 10-12 times, then switch sides. (4)
9. Glute Bridge
Lay on your back with knees bent. Keep your feet flat on the floor and lift your butt towards the ceiling. Hold at the top and slowly lower back down. (4)
10. Calf Raises
Rise onto your toes for a two-second count. Slowly lower for a four-second count. This works your lower legs without added knee pain. (4)
Precautions with Knee Pain
Some exercises aggravate knee pain more than others. Squats and lunges are great leg-strengthening exercises, but they can cause discomfort, especially if the knee travels over the toe. Maintain proper form, and if something causes pain, switch to that an alternative movement. (3)
When performing movements, go slowly and avoid jerky motions. Practice yoga or water activities. If you experience knee pain, avoid high impact activities, as these can exacerbate problems. (3)
Finally, when walking, to alleviate and prevent knee pain, stay on natural substrates, and avoid hard surfaces. If possible, find a place to walk or jog bare-footed. It’s grounding and better for your joints. (3)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-28--10 Home Remedies For Joint Pain And Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation and tenderness in one or several joints in the human body .
The main indicators are stiffness and joint pain , usually worsening with age .
Women are more likely to suffer from arthritis than men , and adults with other chronic or long-standing conditions such as diabetes , heart disease , and obesity have a higher percentage of severe joint pain linked to arthritis .
( 1 ) The term arthritis derives from the Greek words – arthro – meaning joint , and – itis – meaning inflammation .
With over 100 different conditions it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults in the US will be affected with some form of arthritis and by 2045 this will rise to 78 million doctor-diagnosed cases .
( 2 ) Although there is no cure for arthritis , treatments , and lifestyle habits can help to ease suffering and improve symptoms .
• Exercise .
Low-impact exercises such as walking , cycling , and swimming can be beneficial in supporting weight management , meaning those load-bearing joints are under less stress .
Aquatic exercises such as swimming and aerobics use the resistance of water to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more support .
• Diet .
A healthy and balanced diet can help keep weight and obesity under control .
According to the Arthritis Foundation , a five-pound weight loss can relieve 20 pounds of stress from your joints .
( 3 ) • The Correct Food Intake .
This doesn ’ t mean cutting down from 3 cheeseburgers a day to just one .
We ’ re talking about good healthy food such as fruits , vegetables , oily fish , nuts , and beans .
Supplements such as turmeric have proven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hot And Cold Therapy .
Home remedies can include a hot bath or warm shower .
Using a heat-pad or hot water bottle can also increase blood flow to areas affected .
Alternatively , cold therapy treatment can decrease blood flow and reduces inflammation to newly affected areas including exercise-induced pain .
( 5 ) • Massage .
A great way to involve your partner or loved one is to have them gently massage those painful areas .
If you live on your own then visit a massage therapist ; watch them carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to administer self-massage in your own home .
( 6 ) • Acupuncture .
Some studies have shown that acupuncture can help with joint pain relief .
However , it is recommended to visit a professional rather than try this treatment on yourself .
( 7 ) • Yoga .
This mind and body practice dates back over 5000 years to ancient India .
A 2013 study on quality of life in young women has shown that Iyengar yoga reported significant improvements in health and the ability to cope with chronic pain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-impact exercise that embodies slow and gentle movements to increase flexibility , muscle strength , and balance .
• Drink Plenty Of Water .
Along with remaining hydrated , drinking enough fluids during the day will ensure the effective lubrication of joints and can reduce friction within cartilage .
( 9 ) • CBD Oil .
Although relatively new to the market , many people have reported , or use cannabis for joint pain .
However , there is still a lack of scientific evidence to support claims until further studies have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with all debilitating conditions , or before prescribing any of the above home remedies , please consult with your family doctor or physician .

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


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-27--8 Best Metabolism Boosting Drinks

8 Best Metabolism Boosting Drinks

I have a thyroid issue so when I hear about anything healthy that can help boost metabolism , I am excited .
One area I don ’ t give much thought to however is drinks .
I stick to water and tea most of the time .
However , it is interesting to learn there are eight metabolism-boosting drinks that can assist in weight loss as long as you are enjoying a healthy lifestyle .
Here they are .
( 1 ) This tea has already been associated with health thanks to its antioxidants and other nutrients .
I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss so wasn ’ t surprised to see it on this list .
Green tea ’ s metabolism boost can help reduce body fat according to several studies .
It also makes for a pleasant sip !
( 1 ) Coffee is a go-to energy booster that offers a wake-up call thanks to its caffeine .
Because it reduces energy intake and jump-starts the metabolism it makes a good companion for a healthy diet and exercise regime .
It reduces calorie intake and stimulates fat burn .
It makes me a little too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to avoid !
( 2 , 3 ) This is my favorite warm beverage ; the lovely cup of comfort that helps us keep calm and carry on .
It is high in healthful polyphenols , another powerful antioxidant that can reduce body fat to support weight loss .
It also boosts healthy tummy bacteria as a bonus .
( 4 , 5 ) I consider water a logical choice and can ’ t imagine sipping or chugging anything else when I am thirsty .
It is also one of the easiest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A nice glass of water makes you feel full , so you are less likely to overeat .
This also works between meals , reducing your craving for snacks .
( 1 ) I cook with a lot of apple cider vinegar but drinking it never appealed to me .
I ’ ve tried it , but it just has a sickly sweet tang that I find off-putting .
However , if you are so inclined it does contain acetic acid , which offers many weight loss advantages including decreased insulin levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even fat burning .
This is not something you pour in a glass and drink .
Instead , it is taken in small doses .
I have a friend who swears by taking a “ shot ” a day !
Just make sure you rinse your mouth with water after to remove all that acid from your teeth !
( 6 , 7 ) I enjoy a lovely lemon/ginger tea blend as a little pick me up .
It smells so good and has a lovely flavor .
It ’ s good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with weight loss as it can make you feel full and less hungry .
( 1 ) This one is a no brainer , as these drinks help manage hunger by decreasing appetite .
This in turn also makes you feel full , so you eat less , hence shedding points .
You just have to be careful in your choices as some are packed with ingredients that are a little shady .
Look for healthy ingredients like whey , pea , and hemp protein powders , and maybe speak to your doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe choice .
( 1 ) Vegetable juices low in sodium don ’ t just give you a healthy dose of veggies .
They can also help in your weight loss efforts by decreasing your carb intake .
( 8,9 ) So the next time you head to the grocery store , consider adding some of these drinks to your list .
You might just find they are the perfect sippable to supercharge your weight loss efforts .

I have a thyroid issue so when I hear about anything healthy that can help boost metabolism, I am excited. One area I don’t give much thought to however is drinks. I stick to water and tea most of the time. However, it is interesting to learn there are eight metabolism-boosting drinks that can assist in weight loss as long as you are enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Here they are. (1)
1. Green Tea
This tea has already been associated with health thanks to its antioxidants and other nutrients. I have also heard it is good for weight loss so wasn’t surprised to see it on this list. Green tea’s metabolism boost can help reduce body fat according to several studies. It also makes for a pleasant sip! (1)
2. Coffee
Coffee is a go-to energy booster that offers a wake-up call thanks to its caffeine. Because it reduces energy intake and jump-starts the metabolism it makes a good companion for a healthy diet and exercise regime. It reduces calorie intake and stimulates fat burn. It makes me a little too hyper, so this one I will continue to avoid! (2, 3)
3. Black Tea
This is my favorite warm beverage; the lovely cup of comfort that helps us keep calm and carry on. It is high in healthful polyphenols, another powerful antioxidant that can reduce body fat to support weight loss. It also boosts healthy tummy bacteria as a bonus. (4, 5)
4. Water
I consider water a logical choice and can’t imagine sipping or chugging anything else when I am thirsty. It is also one of the easiest ways to promote weight loss and health. A nice glass of water makes you feel full, so you are less likely to overeat. This also works between meals, reducing your craving for snacks. (1)
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks
I cook with a lot of apple cider vinegar but drinking it never appealed to me. I’ve tried it, but it just has a sickly sweet tang that I find off-putting. However, if you are so inclined it does contain acetic acid, which offers many weight loss advantages including decreased insulin levels, improved metabolism, appetite suppression, and even fat burning. This is not something you pour in a glass and drink. Instead, it is taken in small doses. I have a friend who swears by taking a “shot” a day! Just make sure you rinse your mouth with water after to remove all that acid from your teeth! (6, 7)
6. Ginger Tea
I enjoy a lovely lemon/ginger tea blend as a little pick me up. It smells so good and has a lovely flavor. It’s good to know ginger tea can also help with weight loss as it can make you feel full and less hungry. (1)
7. High-Protein Drinks
This one is a no brainer, as these drinks help manage hunger by decreasing appetite. This in turn also makes you feel full, so you eat less, hence shedding points. You just have to be careful in your choices as some are packed with ingredients that are a little shady. Look for healthy ingredients like whey, pea, and hemp protein powders, and maybe speak to your doctor to make sure you are making a safe choice. (1)
8. Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juices low in sodium don’t just give you a healthy dose of veggies. They can also help in your weight loss efforts by decreasing your carb intake. (8,9)
So the next time you head to the grocery store, consider adding some of these drinks to your list. You might just find they are the perfect sippable to supercharge your weight loss efforts.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-30--Glyphosate Exposure Could Disrupt Human Gut Microbiome

Scientific studies offer answers and solutions to disturbances and diseases associated with the stomach , yet industrial food processing still remains behind the curve .
To go against the grain of unhealthy food that is so convenient and easily available , many of us are beginning to question the contamination of our food .
A recent study from Finland has shown that with the usage of the weedkiller Roundup , exposure to glyphosate , the main ingredient , could adversely affect the bacteria in our gut , which could contribute to poor health .
Pere Puigbò , a researcher at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examined how many species of bacteria are susceptible to glyphosate-exposure damage in the typical human gut .
It was concluded that if we ’ re exposed in sufficiently high concentrations , 54 % of around 101 species of bacteria typically found in our guts could be affected .
Glyphosate , which was introduced to the market in 1974 , is a controversial broad-based weedkiller .
Since then , its use has increased more than 100-fold globally .
Monsanto ’ s weed killer RoundUp which contains Glyphosate , is still the world ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing thousands of lawsuits from customers who now have cancer , believed to be from it ’ s usage , ( 9,000 lawsuits across the U.S. ) ( 6 ) Yet it ’ s not just a case of which weed killers are being used , or in what amounts .
It ’ s how these chemicals are been introduced .
It ’ s no secret , it ’ s not only what ’ s being sprayed .
In 1996 , Monsanto introduced the Roundup Ready soybean , a genetically engineered crop resistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Roundup Ready cotton , maize , and various other crops also made their debut .
Monsanto also in the past has actually taken genes from bacteria and inserted them into a species of corn so the corn will express genes that will kill insects that eat them .
( 5,7 ) Both are controversial examples of genetic modification in our food .
In Europe , where transgenic crops are hardly grown , more traditional methods of cropping are used , where weeds are eradicated by glyphosate prior to sowing .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are commonly desiccated by glyphosate before harvest .
( 3,4 ) Puigbò concluded in the report “ We believe the risk of finding glyphosate residues in Finland should be small , because desiccation of cereal fields is not allowed in Finland .
However , this may not be the case in other countries.
” ( 2 ) That Gut Of Yours In a “ pocket ” of your large intestine called the cecum , most of the bacteria in your intestines are contained , and they are referred to as the gut microbiota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1,000 species of bacteria , and each of them plays a different role in the body .
Most of them are highly important to health , while others can cause illness .
By regulating the digestion of food , the immune system , the central nervous system and other bodily functions , the gut microbiome actually affects the body from birth , and throughout life .
Our systems of food production are far from perfect .
In an ideal world , taking a step backwards to historical farming practices , and avoiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herbicides , may be the healthiest answer .
It ’ s vital to our vitality to be aware of how the food we are putting in our bodies is grown .
Perhaps even , of the ‘ gutmost ’ importance !
( 1 )

Scientific studies offer answers and solutions to disturbances and diseases associated with the stomach, yet industrial food processing still remains behind the curve. To go against the grain of unhealthy food that is so convenient and easily available, many of us are beginning to question the contamination of our food.
A recent study from Finland has shown that with the usage of the weedkiller Roundup, exposure to glyphosate, the main ingredient, could adversely affect the bacteria in our gut, which could contribute to poor health.
Pere Puigbò, a researcher at the University of Turku in Finland, examined how many species of bacteria are susceptible to glyphosate-exposure damage in the typical human gut. It was concluded that if we’re exposed in sufficiently high concentrations, 54% of around 101 species of bacteria typically found in our guts could be affected.
Gut-wrenching news for health-conscious consumers! (1, 2)
Glyphosate, The Gut Punch
Glyphosate, which was introduced to the market in 1974, is a controversial broad-based weedkiller. Since then, its use has increased more than 100-fold globally.
Monsanto’s weed killer RoundUp which contains Glyphosate, is still the world’s most popular weed killer, despite Monsanto facing thousands of lawsuits from customers who now have cancer, believed to be from it’s usage, (9,000 lawsuits across the U.S.) (6)
Yet it’s not just a case of which weed killers are being used, or in what amounts. It’s how these chemicals are been introduced. It’s no secret, it’s not only what’s being sprayed.
In 1996, Monsanto introduced the Roundup Ready soybean, a genetically engineered crop resistant to glyphosate. A few years after, Roundup Ready cotton, maize, and various other crops also made their debut.
Monsanto also in the past has actually taken genes from bacteria and inserted them into a species of corn so the corn will express genes that will kill insects that eat them. (5,7)
Both are controversial examples of genetic modification in our food.
In Europe, where transgenic crops are hardly grown, more traditional methods of cropping are used, where weeds are eradicated by glyphosate prior to sowing. In addition, cereal, bean and seed crops are commonly desiccated by glyphosate before harvest. (3,4)
Puigbò concluded in the report “We believe the risk of finding glyphosate residues in Finland should be small, because desiccation of cereal fields is not allowed in Finland. However, this may not be the case in other countries.” (2)
That Gut Of Yours
In a “pocket” of your large intestine called the cecum, most of the bacteria in your intestines are contained, and they are referred to as the gut microbiota. The human gut microbiome includes up to 1,000 species of bacteria, and each of them plays a different role in the body. Most of them are highly important to health, while others can cause illness. By regulating the digestion of food, the immune system, the central nervous system, and other bodily functions, the gut microbiome actually affects the body from birth, and throughout life.
Our systems of food production are far from perfect. In an ideal world, taking a step backward to historical farming practices, and avoiding food grown with health-damaging pesticides or herbicides, may be the healthiest answer.
It’s vital to our vitality to be aware of how the food we are putting in our bodies is grown. Perhaps even, of the ‘gutmost’ importance! (1)
Pesticide and Environmental Toxin Cleanse
GlyphoCleanse is a daily detox and defense formula designed to address pesticides and other agricultural and environmental toxins, with additional support for healthy digestion. Targeted ingredients help eliminate these agricultural and environmental toxins and block their absorption and storage throughout the body.*


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-30--Why Intelligent People Choose To Be Less Social

Is your ideal Saturday night out and about with friends or on your couch with a book or finishing a project ?
If you are the latter you may just be a highly intelligent individual , not a grinch .
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines intelligence as the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations .
Also , the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one ’ s environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria ( 1 ) For a long time , humans thought that they were the only creature that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darwin published his book On the Origin of the Species in 1859 , where he introduced the theory of evolution through natural selection .
Further studies had demonstrated that other species also possess intelligence , in some cases even outperforming humans .
Chimpanzees have better short-time memory for numbers than humans .
Crows can make tools , whales and dolphins can communicate complex thoughts by sound waves , an octopus can learn by example .
Yes , we are not the only intelligent life on the planet .
Before , researchers thought that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quotidian ) will do better academically , have brilliant careers , and earn more money .
In a nutshell , they will have more success in life .
Eventually , the same researchers noticed that this high IQ equal success was not always true .
It was another crucial factor to consider that composed intelligence : emotional intelligence .
Emotional intelligence is defined as the capacity of identifying emotions , evaluating how others feel , controlling oneself emotions , and relating to others .
Nowadays Emotional Intelligence is an important tool that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( 2 ) Humans are social beings , always have been .
From the beginning of time , living among others was crucial for our survival .
In groups we felt secure and gathered more resources , even child-rearing was a shared experience .
Nowadays we socialize for pleasure more than a need .
Socializing is vital for our mental and emotional health , therefore the idea that being less social will make us happy is a strange one for the majority of us .
However , for the highly intelligent individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happiness .
Researchers , Norman P. Li , and Satoshi Kanazawa were investigating the “ savannah theory ” to measure the relation between the level of happiness with where individuals lived and the amount of social interaction .
Their findings showed that individuals living in rural areas were happier than their counterparts that lived in urban jungles .
Also , most of the participants showed higher levels of happiness when socializing regularly while it was the opposite for the highly intelligent .
( 3 ) Evolutionary psychologists pointed out that highly intelligent individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality and not quantity .
They feel more comfortable when interacting with close friends and family instead of strangers or colleagues .
Moreover , they can cope better with loneliness .
( 4 ) So , nothing wrong with being less social and spending a bit of quality time with you .
You may just be more intelligent than the rest of us !

Is your ideal Saturday night out and about with friends or on your couch with a book or finishing a project? If you are the latter you may just be a highly intelligent individual, not a grinch.
What is Intelligence?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines intelligence as the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations. Also, the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one’s environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (1)
For a long time, humans thought that they were the only creature that possessed intelligence. That was until Charles Darwin published his book On the Origin of the Species in 1859, where he introduced the theory of evolution through natural selection. Further studies had demonstrated that other species also possess intelligence, in some cases even outperforming humans. Chimpanzees have better short-time memory for numbers than humans. Crows can make tools, whales and dolphins can communicate complex thoughts by sound waves, an octopus can learn by example. Yes, we are not the only intelligent life on the planet.
Cognitive Intelligence vs Emotional Intelligence.
Before, researchers thought that individuals with a high IQ (Intelligence quotidian) will do better academically, have brilliant careers, and earn more money. In a nutshell, they will have more success in life. Eventually, the same researchers noticed that this high IQ equal success was not always true. It was another crucial factor to consider that composed intelligence: emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is defined as the capacity of identifying emotions, evaluating how others feel, controlling oneself emotions, and relating to others. Nowadays Emotional Intelligence is an important tool that is being incorporated in schools and business programs. (2)
Less Social, More Happy.
Humans are social beings, always have been. From the beginning of time, living among others was crucial for our survival. In groups we felt secure and gathered more resources, even child-rearing was a shared experience. Nowadays we socialize for pleasure more than a need. Socializing is vital for our mental and emotional health, therefore the idea that being less social will make us happy is a strange one for the majority of us. However, for the highly intelligent individual, a less social life equals more happiness.
Savanna Theory of Happiness
Researchers, Norman P. Li, and Satoshi Kanazawa were investigating the “savannah theory” to measure the relation between the level of happiness with where individuals lived and the amount of social interaction. Their findings showed that individuals living in rural areas were happier than their counterparts that lived in urban jungles. Also, most of the participants showed higher levels of happiness when socializing regularly while it was the opposite for the highly intelligent. (3)
Evolutionary psychologists pointed out that highly intelligent individuals seem to prioritize their interactions based on quality and not quantity. They feel more comfortable when interacting with close friends and family instead of strangers or colleagues. Moreover, they can cope better with loneliness. (4)
So, nothing wrong with being less social and spending a bit of quality time with you. You may just be more intelligent than the rest of us!


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-30--Scientists Have Located The Physical Source Of Anxiety In The Brains Of Mice

Scientists studying anxiety in mice have discovered special neurons that may hold the key to understanding fear responses in humans .
Not only were these “ anxiety cells ” previously unknown , but researchers also found they could suppress or activate them using targeted beams of light .
These findings may have significant meaning for understanding and treating anxiety disorders in humans .
In 2018 , researchers from the University Of California , San Francisco set out to study anxiety in mice .
While fear and anxiety can be appropriate responses to threats and danger , excessive anxiety can cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humans , as anxiety disorders are often accompanied by a feeling of over-exaggerated fear–even when there is nothing concrete to be scare of .
( 1 ) The test set out to examine anxious mice .
Using live images of their brains as they navigated a maze , the mice showed increased activity in the hippocampus .
This area of the brain is involved in navigation and memory–as well as anxiety .
The “ anxiety cells ” were discovered here .
When the mice went into an area that sparked anxiety–like an open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a closed one–certain cells in the hippocampus became more active .
However , the team wanted to be sure that the neurons are what caused the anxiety in the mice .
To test their theory , the researchers used a technique called optogenetics .
By directing a beam of light to targeted cells , researchers found they could control the signals sent between these neurons and the hypothalamus .
At the same time , they could observe the reactions of the mice .
( 2 , 3 ) With the “ anxiety cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ display the same anxious behavior–even in the open areas that naturally should have caused them fear .
Alternatively , turning these neurons “ on ” made the mice anxious even when they were in a safe , comfortable environment .
These findings offer new possibilities for treating humans with anxiety disorders .
Mazen Kheirbek , Ph.D. , is an assistant professor of psychiatry .
His lab , in partnership with neuroscientist René Hen , Ph.D. , conducted the mice experiment .
“ This is exciting , ” Khierbek told the University of California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a direct , rapid pathway in the brain that lets animals respond to anxiety-provoking places without needing to go through the higher-order brain regions.
” These results could help researchers better understand the way anxiety disorders work in humans .
If human anxiety neurons function similarly , there could be a way to “ turn off ” their expression by using optogenetics .
( 2 ) This study on anxiety in mice adds another piece to the puzzle of anxiety disorders .
Understanding them is key , as anxiety disorders affect an estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time in their lives .
These anxiety disorders can cause marked impairment in the daily lives of sufferers .
By better understanding how these disorders work , more effective treatments could alleviate suffering from those affected .
( 4 ) While scientists will need more studies to correlate the study results to human anxiety , the findings offer an interesting avenue to explore .
Targeted therapies like optogenetics could someday alleviate human anxiety disorders .
Many more could then experience relief from the overwhelming , exaggerated fears of anxiety disorders .

Scientists studying anxiety in mice have discovered special neurons that may hold the key to understanding fear responses in humans. Not only were these “anxiety cells” previously unknown, but researchers also found they could suppress or activate them using targeted beams of light. These findings may have significant meaning for understanding and treating anxiety disorders in humans.
Identifying Anxiety In Mice
In 2018, researchers from the University Of California, San Francisco set out to study anxiety in mice. While fear and anxiety can be appropriate responses to threats and danger, excessive anxiety can cause harm. This is easily seen in humans, as anxiety disorders are often accompanied by a feeling of over-exaggerated fear–even when there is nothing concrete to be scare of. (1)
The test set out to examine anxious mice. Using live images of their brains as they navigated a maze, the mice showed increased activity in the hippocampus. This area of the brain is involved in navigation and memory–as well as anxiety. The “anxiety cells” were discovered here.
When the mice went into an area that sparked anxiety–like an open arm of the maze, rather than a closed one–certain cells in the hippocampus became more active. However, the team wanted to be sure that the neurons are what caused the anxiety in the mice. To test their theory, the researchers used a technique called optogenetics. By directing a beam of light to targeted cells, researchers found they could control the signals sent between these neurons and the hypothalamus. At the same time, they could observe the reactions of the mice. (2, 3)
Altering Neural Pathways
With the “anxiety cells” suppressed, the mice did not display the same anxious behavior–even in the open areas that naturally should have caused them fear. Alternatively, turning these neurons “on” made the mice anxious even when they were in a safe, comfortable environment. These findings offer new possibilities for treating humans with anxiety disorders.
Mazen Kheirbek, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of psychiatry. His lab, in partnership with neuroscientist René Hen, Ph.D., conducted the mice experiment. “This is exciting,” Khierbek told the University of California, San Francisco. “It represents a direct, rapid pathway in the brain that lets animals respond to anxiety-provoking places without needing to go through the higher-order brain regions.” These results could help researchers better understand the way anxiety disorders work in humans. If human anxiety neurons function similarly, there could be a way to “turn off” their expression by using optogenetics. (2)
Hope For Human Anxiety Disorders
This study on anxiety in mice adds another piece to the puzzle of anxiety disorders. Understanding them is key, as anxiety disorders affect an estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults at some time in their lives. These anxiety disorders can cause marked impairment in the daily lives of sufferers. By better understanding how these disorders work, more effective treatments could alleviate suffering from those affected. (4)
While scientists will need more studies to correlate the study results to human anxiety, the findings offer an interesting avenue to explore. Targeted therapies like optogenetics could someday alleviate human anxiety disorders. Many more could then experience relief from the overwhelming, exaggerated fears of anxiety disorders.


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-30--Florida Man Who Saved His Puppy From Alligator’s Jaws Shares Update On Dog’s Recovery

When a 4-foot alligator lunged at Richard Wilbank ’ s puppy , Richard did not hesitate to lunge right back .
Gunner , a Cavalier King Charles spaniel was by Wilbank ’ s side as the two walked along a retention pond near their home .
They were unaware an alligator lay in wait , just below the surface of the water .
When it leapt towards the pair and snatched Gunner from the shore , Richard sprang into action .
( 1 ) “ It was like a missile , ” says Richard , 74 .
“ We were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it struck like a snake .
It had Gunner in a vise grip and I just rushed in.
” I watched an interview with Richard and Chris Cuomo on CNN and was impressed by Richard ’ s humbleness .
He doesn ’ t see himself as a hero , and is just happy his 3-month-old pup is safe .
( 1 ) Following the attack , little Gunner went into shock .
Thankfully , Richard ’ s quick thinking saved the puppy , but he had to wrench Gunner from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it bit down on Richard ’ s hand , his only thought was to save Gunner .
( 1 ) Richard and Gunner returned home with their injuries and quickly bandaged up Richard ’ s hand before heading to the veterinarian .
Gunner suffered from a puncture wound , but did not have internal injuries .
He did however have water in his lungs .
( 1 ) Gunner was in hospital for two days to recover .
But this hasn ’ t stopped him from enjoying his favorite trails .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” says Richard .
Richard and his wife Louise moved to the area to be closer to Richard ’ s son , Grant .
A home they had their eye on came on the market just after their honeymoon .
They quickly snatched it up .
“ We fell in love with it , ” says Richard .
( 1 ) According to Louise , Richard made great effort to ensure the view into the nature preserve was perfect .
The couple loves living so close to nature , where Richard sits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bobcats .
He was thrilled to get a rare glimpse of a panther .
( 1 ) “ It ’ s wonderful to be able to share our lives with the wildlife , ” he says .
( 1 ) The entire episode was captured by the Florida Wildlife Federation and the f-stop Foundation cameras .
They track local wildlife with the footage .
“ I ’ m pleased with the job they do , ” says Richard .
“ And this lets people know we can live with wildlife.
” ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed across 15 backyards in Estero .
“ Humans and wildlife , we both inherently share the same landscape and homeowners who live in and around nature should understand the value of wildlife around them , ” says Meredith Budd , the FWF representative in Southwest Florida .
“ While this video was shocking and I ’ m glad everyone was OK , I ’ m glad it ’ s a learning opportunity for the importance of respecting wildlife and taking precautions to make sure this doesn ’ t happen to anyone else.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he is back to his old tricks , with a new leash to keep him safe when out and about .
According to Richard , Gunner has “ a new leash on life.
” Richard ’ s advice to neighbors is to keep their dogs on a leash , and stay at least 10 feet away from the water .
It makes it easier for humans and wildlife to live in harmony and keeps pets safe .
( 1 )

When a 4-foot alligator lunged at Richard Wilbank’s puppy, Richard did not hesitate to lunge right back. Gunner, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel was by Wilbank’s side as the two walked along a retention pond near their home. They were unaware an alligator lay in wait, just below the surface of the water. When it leapt towards the pair and snatched Gunner from the shore, Richard sprang into action. (1)
Man Saves Dog, Gunner
“It was like a missile,” says Richard, 74. “We were only about 3 feet away from it, but it struck like a snake. It had Gunner in a vise grip and I just rushed in.” I watched an interview with Richard and Chris Cuomo on CNN and was impressed by Richard’s humbleness. He doesn’t see himself as a hero, and is just happy his 3-month-old pup is safe. (1)
Man Saves Dog And Suffers Minor Injuries
Following the attack, little Gunner went into shock. Thankfully, Richard’s quick thinking saved the puppy, but he had to wrench Gunner from the alligator’s jaw. Even though it bit down on Richard’s hand, his only thought was to save Gunner. (1)
Richard and Gunner returned home with their injuries and quickly bandaged up Richard’s hand before heading to the veterinarian. Gunner suffered from a puncture wound, but did not have internal injuries. He did however have water in his lungs. (1)
Two Day Recovery For Gunner
Gunner was in hospital for two days to recover. But this hasn’t stopped him from enjoying his favorite trails. “He’s still swimming out there,” says Richard.
Richard and his wife Louise moved to the area to be closer to Richard’s son, Grant. A home they had their eye on came on the market just after their honeymoon. They quickly snatched it up. “We fell in love with it,” says Richard. (1)
Man Saves Dog And Preserves Backyard Views
According to Louise, Richard made great effort to ensure the view into the nature preserve was perfect. The couple loves living so close to nature, where Richard sits and spots local wildlife including deer, turkey, bobcats. He was thrilled to get a rare glimpse of a panther. (1)
“It’s wonderful to be able to share our lives with the wildlife,” he says. (1)
Incident Captured By Cameras
The entire episode was captured by the Florida Wildlife Federation and the f-stop Foundation cameras. They track local wildlife with the footage. “I’m pleased with the job they do,” says Richard. “And this lets people know we can live with wildlife.” (1)
The federation has 17 cameras placed across 15 backyards in Estero. “Humans and wildlife, we both inherently share the same landscape and homeowners who live in and around nature should understand the value of wildlife around them,” says Meredith Budd, the FWF representative in Southwest Florida. “While this video was shocking and I’m glad everyone was OK, I’m glad it’s a learning opportunity for the importance of respecting wildlife and taking precautions to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.” (1)
“New Leash On Life”
As for Gunner, he is back to his old tricks, with a new leash to keep him safe when out and about. According to Richard, Gunner has “a new leash on life.” Richard’s advice to neighbors is to keep their dogs on a leash, and stay at least 10 feet away from the water. It makes it easier for humans and wildlife to live in harmony and keeps pets safe. (1)


healthyholisticliving--2020-11-30--B.C. Man Drives Stranded American Family 1,700 Kilometres To Alaska

Especially around the holiday season , nothing is more important than family .
Unfortunately getting stranded can put a damper on a family reunion .
Luckily , one British Columbia , Canada man was there to be a good Samaritan for an American family in need .
Moreover , he went above and beyond to do so .
Being in the military is a difficult job .
Often , you ’ re required to be away from your family for a long time .
So , on November 10th , 2020 , Lynn Marchessault , a former member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see her husband , who was currently in the military and stationed in Alaska .
For Marchessault , this was quite the undertaking : she has two children , two dogs , and a cat , and all of them were coming along .
It was a long trip : Georgia to Alaska .
And what ’ s more , it was a new experience for Marchessault .
“ I had never driven in the snow , ” she says .
“ It was like a whiteout kind of snowstorm .
I wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even knew what it was called until this day.
” With no snow tires , Marchessault was struggling .
( 1 , 2 ) On November 17th , 2020 , Marchessault and her family stopped at a highway lodge on Pink Mountain .
Not only did her pickup truck have no snow tires , but they were pulling a trailer behind them .
Given all this , it was nearly impossible for her to drive through the twisting mountain roads .
The lodge was really only for temporary workers , but the residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cry for help online .
( 1,2 ) Gary Bath was a former member of the military and a Canadian ranger .
When he saw Marchessault ’ s post , he was moved to help .
Marchessault was understandably a little nervous .
“ I had to make the hard choice — were my children safer in my own hands in these conditions , or in the hands of a kind stranger who was willing to get us to where we needed to be , safely , ” she says .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the phone , she was reassured .
“ I felt good about it from the beginning , like I knew these were good people and that it was a good choice to make , ” ( 1 , 2 ) “ I didn ’ t care how far it was , ” says Bath .
“ I just knew they needed help and they had a few short days to hit the border before they were going to get in trouble , so .
.
.
” Because of COVID-19 , Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass through Canada if they want to get to Alaska .
After arriving in Alaska , the RCMP and donations from kind strangers helped Bath get back home .
The families hope to reconnect after COVID-19 .
“ I ’ m so glad that the whole thing was over , but it was so hard to say goodbye to Gary and leave him , ” Marchessault says .
“ We really bonded .
I think we ’ ve become good friends .
He ’ s a great and grand guy , and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2 )

Especially around the holiday season, nothing is more important than family. Unfortunately getting stranded can put a damper on a family reunion. Luckily, one British Columbia, Canada man was there to be a good Samaritan for an American family in need. Moreover, he went above and beyond to do so.
A Family Reunion
Being in the military is a difficult job. Often, you’re required to be away from your family for a long time. So, on November 10th, 2020, Lynn Marchessault, a former member of the United States military took the opportunity to see her husband, who was currently in the military and stationed in Alaska. For Marchessault, this was quite the undertaking: she has two children, two dogs, and a cat, and all of them were coming along. It was a long trip: Georgia to Alaska. And what’s more, it was a new experience for Marchessault. “I had never driven in the snow,” she says. “It was like a whiteout kind of snowstorm. I wasn’t really familiar with that or even knew what it was called until this day.”
With no snow tires, Marchessault was struggling. (1, 2)
A Good Samaritan Story
On November 17th, 2020, Marchessault and her family stopped at a highway lodge on Pink Mountain. Not only did her pickup truck have no snow tires, but they were pulling a trailer behind them. Given all this, it was nearly impossible for her to drive through the twisting mountain roads.
The lodge was really only for temporary workers, but the residents allowed her to stay while she posted a cry for help online. (1,2)
Good Guy Gary
Gary Bath was a former member of the military and a Canadian ranger. When he saw Marchessault’s post, he was moved to help.
Marchessault was understandably a little nervous. “I had to make the hard choice — were my children safer in my own hands in these conditions, or in the hands of a kind stranger who was willing to get us to where we needed to be, safely,” she says. But after talking to Bath and his family on the phone, she was reassured. “I felt good about it from the beginning, like I knew these were good people and that it was a good choice to make,” (1, 2)
Taking To The Road
“I didn’t care how far it was,” says Bath. “I just knew they needed help and they had a few short days to hit the border before they were going to get in trouble, so. . .”
Because of COVID-19, Americans have between four to six days to pass through Canada if they want to get to Alaska.
After arriving in Alaska, the RCMP and donations from kind strangers helped Bath get back home. The families hope to reconnect after COVID-19.
“I’m so glad that the whole thing was over, but it was so hard to say goodbye to Gary and leave him,” Marchessault says. “We really bonded. I think we’ve become good friends. He’s a great and grand guy, and his wife is pretty awesome.” (1, 2)


healthyholisticliving--2020-12-02--Air Purifying Plants: Oxygen Bombs To Clear Toxins (Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, And More)

Having green plants in your home can literally bring the outdoors inside .
If you are an apartment or condominium dweller , or someone without a yard , indoor plants can bring beauty and oxygen into our lives .
Such plants are often called oxygen bombs for releasing this extra oxygen into the air .
Some plants also have another benefit .
They can filter pollutants and toxins from the air thus acting as air purifiers .
If you are living in a large city or near an industrial area , this can be important in maintaining clean air inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office building with sealed windows can also expose you to toxins from copy machines , computers , and printers , along with other equipment .
In homes and offices with low air exchange rates and multiple sources of air pollution , up to 90 % of exposure to fine particulate matter can come from indoor sources .
Besides particles and volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide , indoor air and dust can also contain brominated flame retardants , pesticides , toxic metals , and other pollutants .
( 1 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in smog , especially in crowded cities .
A study by Dennis Decoteau of Penn State ’ s Department of Horticulture looked at ozone , the main component of smog and poorly ventilated spaces .
This study showed ozone was filtered out of air samples using air-purifying plants .
While indoor ozone is a bigger problem in many developing countries , due to the burning of biomass for cooking and heating , the colorless gas can infiltrate from outdoors into offices and homes , even in developed countries .
( 2 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air is not completely understood .
Plant leaves take in toxins through their stomates , tiny pores used for gas exchange .
This process called photosynthesis breaks down toxins and pollutants once inside the plant .
This process also releases oxygen back into the atmosphere .
The toxins are metabolized releasing harmless by-products into the soil or capturing them in the plant tissues .
Pollutants like mold and bacteria are absorbed by the leaves and taken to the roots where they are metabolized and the by-products reused by the plant .
( 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Dr. B.C .
Wolverton , an environmental scientist , has shown the many benefits of air-purifying plants .
He also wrote the groundbreaking book , How to Grow Fresh Air .
Here are some plants investigated by NASA for their detoxifying properties .
( 4 ) Aloe vera : absorbs more carbon dioxide , carbon monoxide , and formaldehyde than most other plants Even if you do not have a green thumb , growing a few of these plants can beautify your living spaces while being beneficial for your body and mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , self-reflective , and happier so begin growing today .

Having green plants in your home can literally bring the outdoors inside. If you are an apartment or condominium dweller, or someone without a yard, indoor plants can bring beauty and oxygen into our lives. Such plants are often called oxygen bombs for releasing this extra oxygen into the air. Some plants also have another benefit. They can filter pollutants and toxins from the air thus acting as air purifiers.
Environmental Issues
If you are living in a large city or near an industrial area, this can be important in maintaining clean air inside your home. Working in an energy-efficient office building with sealed windows can also expose you to toxins from copy machines, computers, and printers, along with other equipment.
In homes and offices with low air exchange rates and multiple sources of air pollution, up to 90% of exposure to fine particulate matter can come from indoor sources. Besides particles and volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, indoor air and dust can also contain brominated flame retardants, pesticides, toxic metals, and other pollutants. (1)
One huge environmental issue today is the increase in smog, especially in crowded cities. A study by Dennis Decoteau of Penn State’s Department of Horticulture looked at ozone, the main component of smog and poorly ventilated spaces. This study showed ozone was filtered out of air samples using air-purifying plants. While indoor ozone is a bigger problem in many developing countries, due to the burning of biomass for cooking and heating, the colorless gas can infiltrate from outdoors into offices and homes, even in developed countries. (2)
How Plants Purify the Air
The mechanism by which plants clean the air is not completely understood. Plant leaves take in toxins through their stomates, tiny pores used for gas exchange. This process called photosynthesis breaks down toxins and pollutants once inside the plant. This process also releases oxygen back into the atmosphere. The toxins are metabolized releasing harmless by-products into the soil or capturing them in the plant tissues. Pollutants like mold and bacteria are absorbed by the leaves and taken to the roots where they are metabolized and the by-products reused by the plant. (3)
Grow these 8 Plants
An extensive study done by NASA with Dr. B.C. Wolverton, an environmental scientist, has shown the many benefits of air-purifying plants. He also wrote the groundbreaking book, How to Grow Fresh Air. Here are some plants investigated by NASA for their detoxifying properties. (4)
Rubber plant: removes formaldehyde
English ivy: removes benzene, formaldehyde, xylene
Boston fern: removes formaldehyde
Dracaena: removes benzene, xylene, toluene
Aloe vera: absorbs more carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde than most other plants
Peace lily: absorbs formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, ammonia
Spider plant: removes gasoline, formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide
Chrysanthemum: removes large amounts of formaldehyde
Even if you do not have a green thumb, growing a few of these plants can beautify your living spaces while being beneficial for your body and mind. Plants can make people more contemplative, self-reflective, and happier so begin growing today.