wakingtimes--2020-02-26--In Bali, young people lead the fight as a plastic plague threatens paradise

BALI , Indonesia — Waves roll in over the black volcanic sand on Sogsogan , a beach in southern Bali .
Further out , surfers prepare to master the swell .
Bali has long been a tropical paradise destination , but the waves , long beaches , palm trees and party lifestyle associated with the island are overshadowed by an intruder disrupting the idyll .
Plastic bottles , single-use containers , and plastic straws are scattered across the beach .
Some days she goes to the beach just to join cleanup activities .
The problem peaks during the rainy season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivers heaving with waste spew it out into estuaries and the ocean .
Bali and other Indonesian islands lack sufficient waste disposal plants and collection systems , which means that half the generated trash ends up polluting the land , waterways and sea .
Indonesia is the world ’ s second-largest ocean plastic polluter , after China .
‘ We get nowhere by pointing fingers ’ Although the outlook is dire , there have been some recent positive changes .
Civil society groups and the private sector are on the front lines of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold daily beach cleanups .
The effect is temporary , though , because the next tide will bring in more plastic trash .
Any long-term solution will require greater involvement from the government , and that ’ s what local sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen are trying to get .
Inspired by a lesson at school seven years ago , when they were 12 and 10 , respectively , they started the organization Bye Bye Plastic Bags .
It has since grown to become a global movement of predominantly adolescents , who not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also started a number of other environmental projects .
Getting the government of Bali to take action required appealing to its bottom line : the island ’ s all-important tourism industry .
Tourists drawn here in search of pristine seas and colorful fish were instead encountering schools of plastic trash — and uploading photos of filthy beaches to social media .
The Wijsen sisters , together with a number of organizations , held discussions with the local government , leading to a ban on plastic bags , Styrofoam containers and single-use plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
That mind-set is spreading to other areas , including beyond Bali .
Since 2013 , the Bye Bye Plastic Bags network has grown across 29 countries .
Melati and Isabel have become famous young motivators , and they want to continue to inspire young people globally .
Less than half of Bali ’ s generated garbage is disposed of properly — either recycled or sent to landfills — while the rest is burned or dumped in nature .
This results in 33,000 tons of plastic waste entering the ocean each year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steadily grown ( up 10 % in 2018 from the previous year ) , so has the amount of trash ; tourists produce 3.5 times the waste of locals , accounting for 13 % of the total trash output .
The government is trying to find a balance between increasing visitor numbers and combating the contamination .
It recently entered into a collaboration with The Bali Partnership , an organization that supports President Joko Widodo ’ s national initiative to reduce ocean plastic waste by 70 percent by 2025 .
Recent polls show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where a majority want to recycle and reduce their waste .
More than 400 cultural and religious organizations , the private sector and members of the local government will work together in Bali ’ s 15 most highly prioritized areas , which have the most acute lack of proper garbage disposal .
The five-year goal is to cut the 33,000 tons that end up in the ocean by half .
Indonesia , a G20 nation that ’ s home to more than 260 million people , is growing rapidly , both in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Its waste management infrastructure has failed to keep pace , however , with only 39 % of waste collected for processing , recycling or dumping at a landfill .
The result is 40 million tons of waste being either burned — and releasing dioxins , heavy metals and greenhouse gases — or dumped directly in nature — contaminating the soil , groundwater , rivers , and the sea — every year .
A factor for the waste disposal problem is the decentralization of the management system .
In Indonesia , communities are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household and sending it to local transfer stations or temporary disposal sites .
Local governmental waste-collection agencies are usually responsible only for gathering the waste in larger trucks from these aggregation points , as well as from main roadways , markets and other public facilities , and transporting it to dedicated landfills .
Other countries in the region , such as Malaysia and the Philippines , have centralized waste-collection systems that function better in terms of gathering and sorting the waste .
“ There are more than 80,000 villages across Indonesia , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ocean plastics at SYSTEMIQ , a founding organization of The Bali Partnership .
“ Expecting each one to have the technical ability , interest and funding available to set up and operate its own local waste-collection system has not worked , nor is it an operationally efficient approach .
“ Even when there is a passionate village leader willing to work through these constraints , political elections shake the permanence of any waste system built , ” she adds .
“ To dump and burn the waste is free.
” To address this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recycling facilities .
In the western district of Jembrana , one of the worst affected areas , a number of these facilities are expected to come online this year through the STOP project , one of many aimed at reducing plastic waste in 15 prioritized areas in Bali .
The project ’ s administrators plan to work with the local and national governments to provide options for composting organic waste at both the community/home level and at large scale at integrated waste disposal sites , known as TPST .
Under STOP , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inorganic waste and send it off for recycling .
The project aims to establish 100 % waste collection for all households and businesses in Jembrana and create a sustainable business model that is ultimately community-led .
It will not only help with waste management at a local level , but is also expected to create jobs within the waste sector .
While The Bali Partnership tackles the existing waste , it ’ s also looking to prevent future waste output .
One way is through outreach to local schools to educate children in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sekolah Taman Tirta .
Here , students are taught about the importance of not using plastics and of recycling .
The school has an area where all the waste is recycled , with the organic waste composted for use on an adjacent patch of banana trees .
The students also take the school ’ s “ zero plastics ” message home to their parents .
If Indonesia wants to better manage its waste and reach the goal of reducing its ocean plastic output by 70 % over the next five years , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collection , according to Gede Hendrawan , an expert on oceanic plastics and marine science at Bali ’ s Udayana University .
It ’ s important to have that basic data in order to set a meaningful reduction target , he says .
In the case of Bali , this means building more waste banks where trash is sorted , as well as composting facilities , which will reduce the total amount of waste going to the island ’ s 10 landfills .
Stricter law enforcement also needs to be in place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivers will have to be cleaned up .
Danielson says the information is there for policymakers to act ; the government just needs to implement the set-out targets , she says , including by exercising its power to remove the structural constraints in the country ’ s current waste management systems .
She adds that empowering projects like STOP is an important tool for achieving national goals on waste handling , reduction and ocean plastics .
Johan Augustin is a Sydney-based freelance journalist .
He specializes in environmental topics , travelling the globe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell .

In Bali, young people lead the fight as a plastic plague threatens paradise
Johan Augustin, Guest
Waking Times
BALI, Indonesia — Waves roll in over the black volcanic sand on Sogsogan, a beach in southern Bali. Further out, surfers prepare to master the swell. Bali has long been a tropical paradise destination, but the waves, long beaches, palm trees and party lifestyle associated with the island are overshadowed by an intruder disrupting the idyll.
Plastic bottles, single-use containers, and plastic straws are scattered across the beach.
“I paddle through waste when I’m on my board in the water, and on land there are piles of garbage,” says French tourist Lula Marie Seureolu, a regular visitor to Bali since she was a child.
Some days she goes to the beach just to join cleanup activities.
“There is plastic everywhere,” she says.
The problem peaks during the rainy season, between December and February, when rivers heaving with waste spew it out into estuaries and the ocean. Bali and other Indonesian islands lack sufficient waste disposal plants and collection systems, which means that half the generated trash ends up polluting the land, waterways and sea. Indonesia is the world’s second-largest ocean plastic polluter, after China.
‘We get nowhere by pointing fingers’
Although the outlook is dire, there have been some recent positive changes. Civil society groups and the private sector are on the front lines of the fight. A number of organizations hold daily beach cleanups. The effect is temporary, though, because the next tide will bring in more plastic trash. Any long-term solution will require greater involvement from the government, and that’s what local sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen are trying to get.
Inspired by a lesson at school seven years ago, when they were 12 and 10, respectively, they started the organization Bye Bye Plastic Bags. It has since grown to become a global movement of predominantly adolescents, who not only want to prohibit plastic bags but have also started a number of other environmental projects.
Getting the government of Bali to take action required appealing to its bottom line: the island’s all-important tourism industry. Tourists drawn here in search of pristine seas and colorful fish were instead encountering schools of plastic trash — and uploading photos of filthy beaches to social media. The Wijsen sisters, together with a number of organizations, held discussions with the local government, leading to a ban on plastic bags, Styrofoam containers and single-use plastic straws, which took effect in July 2019.
“Together we want to make a change,” says Isabel Wijsen, now 17. “It’s all about changing people’s attitudes, to think outside the box.”
That mind-set is spreading to other areas, including beyond Bali. Since 2013, the Bye Bye Plastic Bags network has grown across 29 countries. Melati and Isabel have become famous young motivators, and they want to continue to inspire young people globally.
“We get nowhere by pointing fingers,” Isabel says. “We must take slow, transparent steps to bring change.”
Less than half of Bali’s generated garbage is disposed of properly — either recycled or sent to landfills — while the rest is burned or dumped in nature. This results in 33,000 tons of plastic waste entering the ocean each year.
As the numbers of tourists has steadily grown (up 10% in 2018 from the previous year), so has the amount of trash; tourists produce 3.5 times the waste of locals, accounting for 13% of the total trash output. The government is trying to find a balance between increasing visitor numbers and combating the contamination. It recently entered into a collaboration with The Bali Partnership, an organization that supports President Joko Widodo’s national initiative to reduce ocean plastic waste by 70 percent by 2025.
Recent polls show that Bali residents are ready for change, where a majority want to recycle and reduce their waste.
More than 400 cultural and religious organizations, the private sector and members of the local government will work together in Bali’s 15 most highly prioritized areas, which have the most acute lack of proper garbage disposal. The five-year goal is to cut the 33,000 tons that end up in the ocean by half.
Waste management woes
Indonesia, a G20 nation that’s home to more than 260 million people, is growing rapidly, both in terms of its population and its economy. Its waste management infrastructure has failed to keep pace, however, with only 39% of waste collected for processing, recycling or dumping at a landfill.
The result is 40 million tons of waste being either burned — and releasing dioxins, heavy metals and greenhouse gases — or dumped directly in nature — contaminating the soil, groundwater, rivers, and the sea — every year.
A factor for the waste disposal problem is the decentralization of the management system. In Indonesia, communities are generally responsible for collecting waste from each household and sending it to local transfer stations or temporary disposal sites. Local governmental waste-collection agencies are usually responsible only for gathering the waste in larger trucks from these aggregation points, as well as from main roadways, markets and other public facilities, and transporting it to dedicated landfills. Other countries in the region, such as Malaysia and the Philippines, have centralized waste-collection systems that function better in terms of gathering and sorting the waste.
“There are more than 80,000 villages across Indonesia,” says Joi Danielson, program director for ocean plastics at SYSTEMIQ, a founding organization of The Bali Partnership. “Expecting each one to have the technical ability, interest and funding available to set up and operate its own local waste-collection system has not worked, nor is it an operationally efficient approach.
“Even when there is a passionate village leader willing to work through these constraints, political elections shake the permanence of any waste system built,” she adds. “To dump and burn the waste is free.”
To address this issue, Bali has started construction of recycling facilities. In the western district of Jembrana, one of the worst affected areas, a number of these facilities are expected to come online this year through the STOP project, one of many aimed at reducing plastic waste in 15 prioritized areas in Bali. The project’s administrators plan to work with the local and national governments to provide options for composting organic waste at both the community/home level and at large scale at integrated waste disposal sites, known as TPST. Under STOP, they will also build a TPST to sort inorganic waste and send it off for recycling. The project aims to establish 100% waste collection for all households and businesses in Jembrana and create a sustainable business model that is ultimately community-led. It will not only help with waste management at a local level, but is also expected to create jobs within the waste sector.
Engaging youths
While The Bali Partnership tackles the existing waste, it’s also looking to prevent future waste output. One way is through outreach to local schools to educate children in environmental science. One such school is Sekolah Taman Tirta. Here, students are taught about the importance of not using plastics and of recycling. The school has an area where all the waste is recycled, with the organic waste composted for use on an adjacent patch of banana trees. The students also take the school’s “zero plastics” message home to their parents.
“I tell my mother not to use plastics, and we have started recycling at home,” says 12-year-old Agung Mahagangga.
If Indonesia wants to better manage its waste and reach the goal of reducing its ocean plastic output by 70% over the next five years, the country has to extensively track its waste collection, according to Gede Hendrawan, an expert on oceanic plastics and marine science at Bali’s Udayana University.
“It’s an ambitious target from the government — and we need to support it to accelerate the marine resources rehabilitation,” he says. “Each province and district in Indonesia must have baseline data related to waste generation, mismanaged waste, and plastics leaking into the ocean.”
It’s important to have that basic data in order to set a meaningful reduction target, he says.
“Without the baseline data, then we will not be able to know the efforts and achievements that have been made,” Hendrawan says. “Then the number will be only on the paper report, not the actual achievements.”
In the case of Bali, this means building more waste banks where trash is sorted, as well as composting facilities, which will reduce the total amount of waste going to the island’s 10 landfills. Stricter law enforcement also needs to be in place to tackle the dumping of waste, and rivers will have to be cleaned up.
“Installation of trash traps in the river will also help to reduce the waste dumped into the ocean. But we not only need the trash traps downstream, but also several trash traps along the rivers, say at each village border,” Hendrawan says. He welcomes the ban on plastic bags, but cautions that it won’t be enough without proper waste management: “The government needs to build a good waste management [system] as soon as possible.” Without that, he says, “banning other single-use plastics will not solve the main problem.”
Danielson says the information is there for policymakers to act; the government just needs to implement the set-out targets, she says, including by exercising its power to remove the structural constraints in the country’s current waste management systems. She adds that empowering projects like STOP is an important tool for achieving national goals on waste handling, reduction and ocean plastics.
“Centralizing waste collection will dramatically improve the pace of establishing waste collection programs and their longevity,” she says.
About the Author
Johan Augustin is a Sydney-based freelance journalist. He specializes in environmental topics, travelling the globe in search of the next story to tell.


wakingtimes--2020-02-25--Natural Protection Strategy Against Viruses, Including the Coronavirus

Viruses are very tiny germs ; much smaller than bacteria .
They are made up of genetic material with an outside protein exterior .
They have some very unique characteristics .
• They are not able to make protein like some other cells .
• They are totally dependent on their host for survival .
• They can only reproduce while inside of a host cell .
• A strong immune system can keep viruses from multiplying .
• In a compromised immune system , the virus inserts its genetic material into a cell and begins to produce more virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus has a unique shape , and is attracted to very specific organs in the body , such as the liver , lungs or even our blood .
What are the diseases/illnesses that are caused by viruses ?
There is a long list of diseases caused by viruses including : Viruses are very difficult to treat with conventional medical approaches .
A few of the more effective treatments include : • HIV – A few medications have proven to be effective .
• Hepatitis C – A few medications have proven to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year ’ s version of the flu vaccine ( 2020 ) is only 10 % effective according to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medcine .
This study in Jan/Feb .
2020 suggests that this year ’ s dominant flu virus is unique and stronger than previous strains .
Vaccinations for the flu and measles have not been shown to be consistently effective , but show some promise for the future .
These efforts deserve to be continued .
However , there are several natural approaches , that deserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported by excellent scientific evidence .
Some viruses emanate from contact with animals .
Fruits and vegetables can also become infected with viruses .
Norovirus contamination can occur before and after harvest from water runoff containing fecal matter , or when infected human touch the plants .
Noroviruses do no grow on the plant like bacteria does .
They wait until the infection is passed on to a human , and then it begins to multiply .
Commercial harvest is safer before most produce it treated with irradiation .
However , when people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not used .
A novel method of treatment has been developed by scientists in Quebec , Canada .
The combined cranberry juice and citrus extract in a spray for produce such as lettuce and strawberries .
Other produce sprays been effectively kill bacteria , but are not as effective on the norovirus .
This spray turned out to be very effective .
( The study was published online on February 12 , 2020 in the Journal of Applied Microbiology ) .
There are a few viruses that are spread by human contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a handful of vitamins , minerals and herbs have been shown to be effective in prevention and treatments of many viral influenced illnesses .
Below are a few examples of some natural prevention and treatment protocols : • Measles – In 2002 , a study of children with measles , under the age of two , experienced a reduced risk of overall mortality , and pneumonia specific mortality , after taking 200,000 iu of vitamin A for two days .
( Pub Med ) • HIV – In 2018 , a National Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D promotes inflammation and de-activation of key immune system elements .
Supplementation with vitamin D to levels between 50 – 90 mg/mL can help provide excellent protection .
• Colds and flu – In April of 2012 , a study found that low levels of vitamin D resulted in an increase in colds , flus and autoimmune diseases .
These low levels , under 50 mg/mL , allow for genetic activation of reduced immune function .
( Federation of American Scientists for Experimental Biology ) • TB and Hepatitis C – Vitamin D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong co-relation to the development of TB , hepatitis C and bacterial vaginosis .
( Canadian AIDS Treatment and Information Exchange ) • Polio – Nearly 50 years ago , Dr. Frederick Klenner cured 60 people with polio by using multi gram doses of vitamin C. He used both intramuscular and intravenous methods over a two-day period .
( Journal of Preventive Medicine – 1974 ) • Sepsis – Sepsis is not a virus , but it is a very dangerous infection caused by difficult to treat bacteria .
Vitamin C used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been shown to be highly effective in reducing the severity and length of the infection .
Many lives are being saved in the hospitals using this integrated protocol .
( J Crit Care – 2018 ) • Viral pneumonia – When Dr. Andrew Saul became ill with viral pneumonia , his doctor offered no treatment .
Dr. Saul knew about the work of Dr. Cathcart , who was using mega doses of intravenous vitamin C ( 200,000 mg daily ) .
Dr. Saul took 2,000 mg of vitamin C orally every six minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After consuming 100,000 mg , he began to experience a considerable reduction of symptoms .
( www.doctoryourself.com and Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine ) The special case of the Coronavirus 1 .
Vitamin C – Coronavirus : Exploring Effective Nutritional Treatments , Andrew W. Saul , Orthomolecular News Service ; January 30 , 2020 .
This article is based on more than 30 clinical studies confirming the antiviral power of vitamin C against a wide range of flu viruses over several decades .
Vitamin C inactivates the virus and strengthens the immune system to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many cases , oral supplementation up to 10,000 mg daily can create this protection .
However , some viruses are stronger and may require larger doses given intravenously ( 100,000 to 150,000 mg daily ) .
Vitamin C helps the body to make its own antioxidant , glutathione as well assist the body in the production of its own antiviral called interferon .
If IV vitamin C is not available there have been cases where some people have gradually increased their oral dose up to 50,000 mg daily before reaching bowel tolerance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ascorbic acid can be taken five grams ( 5,000 mg ) at a time , every four hours .
Every virus seems to respond to this type of treatment , regardless of the whether it is SARs , Bird flu , Swine flu or the new Coronavirus flu .
2 .
Vitamin D3 – Vitamin D helps fend off flu , asthma attacks , American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , March 10 , 2010 .
This was a double-blind placebo controlled study where the treatment group consumed 1,200 IU of vitamin D3 during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the control group took a placebo .
The vitamin D group had a 58 % reduced risk of flu .
Vitamin D3 is also very effective in the treatment of virus/flu infections : • Vitamin D3 helps our body to make an antibiotic protein called cathelicidin , which is known to kill viruses , bacteria , fungi and parasites .
• Vitamin D deficiency for adults is 42 % , but this is incorrect because the standards are too low .
Levels of 30-50 ng/ml are said to be adequate , but every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50-100 ng/ml are needed for true protection .
• Diet and sunshine are good sources of vitamin D , but most people need to supplement , especially during flu season .
Between 5,000-10,000 IU daily is often recommended in the form of a quality liquid supplement .
• When you get the flu Dr. John Cannel recommends taking 50,000 IU daily for the first 5 days , and then 5.000-10,000 IU as a maintenance dose .
3 .
Silver – Silver Kills Viruses , Journal of Nanotechnology , October 18 , 2005 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ HIV-1 and virtually any other viruses .
The study was jointly conducted by the University of Texas and Mexico University .
After incubating HIV-1 virus at 37 C , the silver particles killed 100 % of the virus within 3 hours .
Silver employs a unique mechanism of action to kill viruses .
• Silver binds to the membrane of the virus , limiting its oxygen supply and suffocating it .
• Silver also binds to the DNA of the virus cell , preventing it from multiplying .
• Silver is also able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from one person to another by blocking the ability of the virus to find a host cell to feed on .
All viruses need host cells to survive .
• Colloidal silver can also be used at doses of 10-20 ppm .
Nanoparticle sliver is preferred .
The best defense against swine flu , bird flu or the new coronavirus may be a few teaspoons of sliver every day .
Bacteria and viruses can not develop a resistance like many other treatments can .
Silver disables a vital enzyme and mechanism in pathogens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other evidence-based herbal strategies for the flu In addition to the previously mentioned vitamin strategies for preventing and treating virus-related illnesses , there are several herbal remedies that are also effective .
Here are a few with proven scientific evidence behind them : Elderberry – A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found elderberry can be used as a safe and effective treatment for influenza A and B. Calendula – A study by the University of Maryland Medical Center found that ear drops containing calendula can be effective for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ root – Scientific studies have shown that Astragulus has anti-viral properties and stimulates the immune system .
One study in the Chinese Medical Sciences Journal concluded that Astragulus is able to inhibit the growth of coxsackie B virus .
Licorice root – Licorice is gaining popularity for the prevention and treatment of diseases , such as hepatitis C , HIV and influenza .
( The Chinese Journal of Virology published a review of these findings ) Olive leaf – Olive leaf has been proven effective in the treatment of cold and flu viruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , malaria , gonorrhea and tuberculosis .
One study at the New York University School of Medicine found that olive leaf extracts reversed many HIV-1 infections .
These are just some of the many anti-viral agents that should be included in everyone ’ s home remedy medicine chest .
It may also be helpful to know which foods can provide the best anti-vital protection .
Certain foods can provide strong anti-viral production .
Some of the strongest foods in this category include : It is a generally accepted fact that once a virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves .
The medications , vitamins and herbs that have been proven to be effective simply suppress the virus and limit its ability to reproduce .
A strong immune system is the key to preventing and/or successfully treating any chronic illness .
The key elements of this protection program include : • Eating a plant-based whole food diet with very limited animal products • Adding daily nutritional supplements such as a multiple vitamin/mineral , 2000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids , maintain vitamin D3 levels of 50-90 ng/mL , 1000-2000 mg of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex and about 400 mg of magnesium depending on your level of exercise .
• Avoid stress and use yoga and meditation to manage stress .
• Wash your hands with soap and water after touching areas that have been touched by others .
• In the home , there is a new product , PureGreen24 , that kills Staph , MRSA and most viruses within two minutes .
This product has an EPA IV toxicity rating and is safe and effective for hospitals as well as for children and pets at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your face .
• Avoid anyone who is experiencing flu and cold symptoms .
• At the first signs of any cold or flu symptoms begin a fairly aggressive treatment protocol .
The sooner treatment begins the better the chance is that the infection can be stopped and/or controlled .
By adhering to this basic anti-viral strategy , it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of these virus-related illnesses , as well as most other illnesses .
Conventional medicine offers very little for the prevention or treatment of most viral illnesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles Bens has a Ph.D. in nutrition and uses Functional Medicine as the foundation for his wellness consulting company Healthy at Work in Sarasota , Florida .
He uses nutritional education , along with other natural wellness tools , to help employees make difficult lifestyle changes such as losing weight , smoking cessation or the prevention and reversal of chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes .
Employees seem to appreciate the impressive science behind these educational programs which include workshops , webinars , newsletters , articles and online coaching .
In this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind Functional Medicine , which clearly illustrates that this natural approach is safer , more effective and much less costly then the conventional approaches used by most employers and their healthcare providers .

Natural Protection Strategy Against Viruses, Including the Coronavirus
Charles K. Bens, Ph.D., Guest
Waking Times
What are viruses?
Viruses are very tiny germs; much smaller than bacteria. They are made up of genetic material with an outside protein exterior. They have some very unique characteristics.
They are not able to make protein like some other cells. They are totally dependent on their host for survival. They can only reproduce while inside of a host cell. A strong immune system can keep viruses from multiplying. In a compromised immune system, the virus inserts its genetic material into a cell and begins to produce more virus in the host cell. Each virus has a unique shape, and is attracted to very specific organs in the body, such as the liver, lungs or even our blood.
What are the diseases/illnesses that are caused by viruses?
There is a long list of diseases caused by viruses including:
Treatments for viral diseases
Viruses are very difficult to treat with conventional medical approaches. A few of the more effective treatments include:
Small pox – A vaccine has been effective. HIV – A few medications have proven to be effective. Hepatitis C – A few medications have proven to be very effective. Flu vaccine – This year’s version of the flu vaccine (2020) is only 10% effective according to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medcine. This study in Jan/Feb. 2020 suggests that this year’s dominant flu virus is unique and stronger than previous strains.
Vaccinations for the flu and measles have not been shown to be consistently effective, but show some promise for the future. These efforts deserve to be continued. However, there are several natural approaches, that deserve to be mentioned, and they are supported by excellent scientific evidence.
Animal caused viruses
Some viruses emanate from contact with animals.
Virus Influenza
Rabies
Lassa, leptospirosis, etc.
Ebola and Marburg
HIV – 1 and 2
Newcastle disease
West Nile
Lyme disease
Rabies
Yellow fever and dengue fever Animal cause Birds, pigs, horses
Bats, dogs, foxes
Rodents
Monkeys
Chimpanzees and monkeys
Poultry
Birds
Tics from deer
Animal bite
Insects – mosquitoes, lice, fleas
Plant spread of viruses
Fruits and vegetables can also become infected with viruses. Norovirus contamination can occur before and after harvest from water runoff containing fecal matter, or when infected human touch the plants. Noroviruses do no grow on the plant like bacteria does. They wait until the infection is passed on to a human, and then it begins to multiply. Commercial harvest is safer before most produce it treated with irradiation.
However, when people buy produce at food markets this treatment is not used. A novel method of treatment has been developed by scientists in Quebec, Canada. The combined cranberry juice and citrus extract in a spray for produce such as lettuce and strawberries. Other produce sprays been effectively kill bacteria, but are not as effective on the norovirus. This spray turned out to be very effective. (The study was published online on February 12, 2020 in the Journal of Applied Microbiology).
Human spread of viruses
There are a few viruses that are spread by human contact.
Human transmission Skin contact
Respiratory
Fecal-oral
Milk
Sexually Virus type HPV (warts)
Cold viruses, flu, measles, mumps
Polio, Coxsackie, Hepatitis A
HIV, HTLV-1, CMV
Herpes 1 and 2, HIV, Hepatitis B
Preventing and treating viral disease naturally
There is mounting scientific evidence that a handful of vitamins, minerals and herbs have been shown to be effective in prevention and treatments of many viral influenced illnesses. Below are a few examples of some natural prevention and treatment protocols:
Measles – In 2002, a study of children with measles, under the age of two, experienced a reduced risk of overall mortality, and pneumonia specific mortality, after taking 200,000 iu of vitamin A for two days. ( Pub Med )
In 2002, a study of children with measles, under the age of two, experienced a reduced risk of overall mortality, and pneumonia specific mortality, after taking 200,000 iu of vitamin A for two days. ( ) HIV – In 2018, a National Institute of Health study found that low vitamin D 3 promotes inflammation and de-activation of key immune system elements. Supplementation with vitamin D 3 to levels between 50 – 90 mg/mL can help provide excellent protection.
In 2018, a study found that low vitamin D promotes inflammation and de-activation of key immune system elements. Supplementation with vitamin D to levels between 50 – 90 mg/mL can help provide excellent protection. Colds and flu – In April of 2012, a study found that low levels of vitamin D 3 resulted in an increase in colds, flus and autoimmune diseases. These low levels, under 50 mg/mL, allow for genetic activation of reduced immune function. ( Federation of American Scientists for Experimental Biology )
In April of 2012, a study found that low levels of vitamin D resulted in an increase in colds, flus and autoimmune diseases. These low levels, under 50 mg/mL, allow for genetic activation of reduced immune function. ( ) TB and Hepatitis C – Vitamin D 3 deficiency has now been found to have a strong co-relation to the development of TB, hepatitis C and bacterial vaginosis. ( Canadian AIDS Treatment and Information Exchange )
– Vitamin D deficiency has now been found to have a strong co-relation to the development of TB, hepatitis C and bacterial vaginosis. ( ) Polio – Nearly 50 years ago, Dr. Frederick Klenner cured 60 people with polio by using multi gram doses of vitamin C. He used both intramuscular and intravenous methods over a two-day period. ( Journal of Preventive Medicine – 1974 )
Nearly 50 years ago, Dr. Frederick Klenner cured 60 people with polio by using multi gram doses of vitamin C. He used both intramuscular and intravenous methods over a two-day period. ( ) Sepsis – Sepsis is not a virus, but it is a very dangerous infection caused by difficult to treat bacteria. Vitamin C used as an adjunct to anti-bacterial protocols has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the severity and length of the infection. Many lives are being saved in the hospitals using this integrated protocol. ( J Crit Care – 2018 )
– is not a virus, but it is a very dangerous infection caused by difficult to treat bacteria. Vitamin C used as an adjunct to anti-bacterial protocols has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the severity and length of the infection. Many lives are being saved in the hospitals using this integrated protocol. ( ) Viral pneumonia – When Dr. Andrew Saul became ill with viral pneumonia, his doctor offered no treatment. Dr. Saul knew about the work of Dr. Cathcart, who was using mega doses of intravenous vitamin C (200,000 mg daily). Dr. Saul took 2,000 mg of vitamin C orally every six minutes and experienced dramatic relief within hours. After consuming 100,000 mg, he began to experience a considerable reduction of symptoms. (www.doctoryourself.com and Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine)
The special case of the Coronavirus
1. Vitamin C – Coronavirus: Exploring Effective Nutritional Treatments, Andrew W. Saul, Orthomolecular News Service; January 30, 2020. This article is based on more than 30 clinical studies confirming the antiviral power of vitamin C against a wide range of flu viruses over several decades. Vitamin C inactivates the virus and strengthens the immune system to continue to suppress the virus. In many cases, oral supplementation up to 10,000 mg daily can create this protection. However, some viruses are stronger and may require larger doses given intravenously (100,000 to 150,000 mg daily). Vitamin C helps the body to make its own antioxidant, glutathione as well assist the body in the production of its own antiviral called interferon. If IV vitamin C is not available there have been cases where some people have gradually increased their oral dose up to 50,000 mg daily before reaching bowel tolerance. Powdered or crystal forms of high quality ascorbic acid can be taken five grams (5,000 mg) at a time, every four hours. Every virus seems to respond to this type of treatment, regardless of the whether it is SARs, Bird flu, Swine flu or the new Coronavirus flu.
2. Vitamin D3 – Vitamin D helps fend off flu, asthma attacks, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 10, 2010. This was a double-blind placebo controlled study where the treatment group consumed 1,200 IU of vitamin D3 during the cold and flu season, while the control group took a placebo. The vitamin D group had a 58% reduced risk of flu. Vitamin D3 is also very effective in the treatment of virus/flu infections:
Vitamin D3 helps our body to make an antibiotic protein called cathelicidin, which is known to kill viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
Vitamin D deficiency for adults is 42%, but this is incorrect because the standards are too low. Levels of 30-50 ng/ml are said to be adequate, but every scientific study has shown that levels of 50-100 ng/ml are needed for true protection.
deficiency for adults is 42%, but this is incorrect because the standards are too low. Levels of 30-50 ng/ml are said to be adequate, but every scientific study has shown that levels of 50-100 ng/ml are needed for true protection. Diet and sunshine are good sources of vitamin D, but most people need to supplement, especially during flu season. Between 5,000-10,000 IU daily is often recommended in the form of a quality liquid supplement.
When you get the flu Dr. John Cannel recommends taking 50,000 IU daily for the first 5 days, and then 5.000-10,000 IU as a maintenance dose.
3. Silver – Silver Kills Viruses, Journal of Nanotechnology, October 18, 2005. This study found that silver nanoparticles kills HIV-1 and virtually any other viruses. The study was jointly conducted by the University of Texas and Mexico University. After incubating HIV-1 virus at 37 C, the silver particles killed 100% of the virus within 3 hours. Silver employs a unique mechanism of action to kill viruses.
Silver binds to the membrane of the virus, limiting its oxygen supply and suffocating it.
Silver also binds to the DNA of the virus cell, preventing it from multiplying.
Silver is also able to prevent the transfer of the virus from one person to another by blocking the ability of the virus to find a host cell to feed on. All viruses need host cells to survive.
Colloidal silver can also be used at doses of 10-20 ppm. Nanoparticle sliver is preferred.
The best defense against swine flu, bird flu or the new coronavirus may be a few teaspoons of sliver every day. Bacteria and viruses cannot develop a resistance like many other treatments can. Silver disables a vital enzyme and mechanism in pathogens, so they cannot survive.
Other evidence-based herbal strategies for the flu
In addition to the previously mentioned vitamin strategies for preventing and treating virus-related illnesses, there are several herbal remedies that are also effective. Here are a few with proven scientific evidence behind them:
Elderberry – A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found elderberry can be used as a safe and effective treatment for influenza A and B.
Calendula – A study by the University of Maryland Medical Center found that ear drops containing calendula can be effective for treating ear infections in children.
Astragulus root – Scientific studies have shown that Astragulus has anti-viral properties and stimulates the immune system. One study in the Chinese Medical Sciences Journal concluded that Astragulus is able to inhibit the growth of coxsackie B virus.
Licorice root – Licorice is gaining popularity for the prevention and treatment of diseases, such as hepatitis C, HIV and influenza. (The Chinese Journal of Virology published a review of these findings)
Olive leaf – Olive leaf has been proven effective in the treatment of cold and flu viruses, meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea and tuberculosis. One study at the New York University School of Medicine found that olive leaf extracts reversed many HIV-1 infections.
These are just some of the many anti-viral agents that should be included in everyone’s home remedy medicine chest. It may also be helpful to know which foods can provide the best anti-vital protection. Certain foods can provide strong anti-viral production. Some of the strongest foods in this category include:
Conclusion
It is a generally accepted fact that once a virus is in the body it very seldom leaves. The medications, vitamins and herbs that have been proven to be effective simply suppress the virus and limit its ability to reproduce. A strong immune system is the key to preventing and/or successfully treating any chronic illness. The key elements of this protection program include:
Eating a plant-based whole food diet with very limited animal products
Adding daily nutritional supplements such as a multiple vitamin/mineral, 2000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids, maintain vitamin D3 levels of 50-90 ng/mL, 1000-2000 mg of Omega 3 oils, a vitamin B complex and about 400 mg of magnesium depending on your level of exercise.
Avoid toxins and use detoxification programs periodically.
Regular daily exercise-aerobic, resistance and flexibility.
Avoid stress and use yoga and meditation to manage stress.
and use and meditation to manage stress. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching areas that have been touched by others.
In the home, there is a new product, PureGreen24, that kills Staph, MRSA and most viruses within two minutes. This product has an EPA IV toxicity rating and is safe and effective for hospitals as well as for children and pets at home.
Avoid putting your hands to your face.
Avoid anyone who is experiencing flu and cold symptoms.
At the first signs of any cold or flu symptoms begin a fairly aggressive treatment protocol. The sooner treatment begins the better the chance is that the infection can be stopped and/or controlled.
By adhering to this basic anti-viral strategy, it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of these virus-related illnesses, as well as most other illnesses. Conventional medicine offers very little for the prevention or treatment of most viral illnesses. Natural medicine offers considerably more solutions.
About the Author
Charles Bens has a Ph.D. in nutrition and uses Functional Medicine as the foundation for his wellness consulting company Healthy at Work in Sarasota, Florida. He uses nutritional education, along with other natural wellness tools, to help employees make difficult lifestyle changes such as losing weight, smoking cessation or the prevention and reversal of chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes. Employees seem to appreciate the impressive science behind these educational programs which include workshops, webinars, newsletters, articles and online coaching. In this article Dr. Bens presents the compelling science behind Functional Medicine, which clearly illustrates that this natural approach is safer, more effective and much less costly then the conventional approaches used by most employers and their healthcare providers.


wakingtimes--2020-02-28--Harvey Weinstein to Get Special Treatment in Jail So He Doesn’t Get ‘Epsteined’

Disgraced film producer and convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein will receive special treatment in jail because authorities fear that he may end up dead , much like fellow predator Jeffrey Epstein did .
In an attempt to prevent a similar situation from occurring , Weinstein will have his own cell and will have a dedicated team of correction officers monitoring him at all times .
If authorities decide that it is necessary , he may even be moved to a different facility .
A source at Rikers Island Prison told the New York Post : “ The last thing you want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to be isolated as much as possible and will always have a detail with him throughout the prison .
He ’ s never going to be like other prisoners , able to walk down the hallway or sit in the canteen alone.
” Weinstein never made it to Rikers Island after his conviction because he was rushed to nearby Bellevue Hospital after complaining of chest pains .
Measures have already been put into place at the hospital to ensure that Weinstein is under constant supervision .
The unit of the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all other patients , to prevent any other inmates from getting close to him .
Bellevue happens to be where Epstein was taken after he was found hung in his jail cell in August .
Joe Russo , president of the Assistant Deputy Wardens Association , told the City that officials are strongly leaning towards keeping Weinstein out of Rikers Island because his case is so high-profile .
Russo said that officials are debating numerous locations including Nassau , Suffolk , Westchester , and Albany .
This week , a jury in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges of rape and criminal sexual act in the first degree , charges which together could amount to a 29-year prison sentence .
The case of Jeffrey Epstein remains a target of speculation and controversy , with many experts and journalists still at odds about the official cause of death , with some suggesting that he did not commit suicide as was officially determined .
Tova Noel and Michael Thomas , two corrections officers who were on duty at the time of Epstein ’ s alleged suicide , were charged with falsifying documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they visited Epstein ’ s cell at the time of his death .
As the Mind Unleashed reported earlier today , Dr. Barbara Ziv , the forensic psychologist who played a key role in the conviction of Harvey Weinstein by testifying as a witness in his trial , was recently hospitalized after being hit by a car .

Harvey Weinstein to Get Special Treatment in Jail So He Doesn’t Get ‘Epsteined’
John Vibes, The Mind Unleashed
Waking Times
Disgraced film producer and convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein will receive special treatment in jail because authorities fear that he may end up dead, much like fellow predator Jeffrey Epstein did.
In an attempt to prevent a similar situation from occurring, Weinstein will have his own cell and will have a dedicated team of correction officers monitoring him at all times. If authorities decide that it is necessary, he may even be moved to a different facility.
A source at Rikers Island Prison told the New York Post:
“The last thing you want is another Jeffrey Epstein incident. Harvey is going to be isolated as much as possible and will always have a detail with him throughout the prison. He’s never going to be like other prisoners, able to walk down the hallway or sit in the canteen alone.”
Weinstein never made it to Rikers Island after his conviction because he was rushed to nearby Bellevue Hospital after complaining of chest pains. Measures have already been put into place at the hospital to ensure that Weinstein is under constant supervision. The unit of the hospital where Weinstein is staying has been closed to all other patients, to prevent any other inmates from getting close to him. Bellevue happens to be where Epstein was taken after he was found hung in his jail cell in August.
Joe Russo, president of the Assistant Deputy Wardens Association, told the City that officials are strongly leaning towards keeping Weinstein out of Rikers Island because his case is so high-profile. Russo said that officials are debating numerous locations including Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Albany.
“He’s very high-profile and you can’t put him with somebody else,” Russo said.
This week, a jury in New York found Harvey Weinstein guilty on charges of rape and criminal sexual act in the first degree, charges which together could amount to a 29-year prison sentence.
The case of Jeffrey Epstein remains a target of speculation and controversy, with many experts and journalists still at odds about the official cause of death, with some suggesting that he did not commit suicide as was officially determined.
Tova Noel and Michael Thomas, two corrections officers who were on duty at the time of Epstein’s alleged suicide, were charged with falsifying documents after signing a check-in list claiming that they visited Epstein’s cell at the time of his death.
http://www.facebook.com/TheMindUnleashed/posts/3082415441815580
As the Mind Unleashed reported earlier today, Dr. Barbara Ziv, the forensic psychologist who played a key role in the conviction of Harvey Weinstein by testifying as a witness in his trial, was recently hospitalized after being hit by a car.
By John Vibes | Creative Commons | TheMindUnleashed.com


wakingtimes--2020-02-28--Colombia Is Still the Deadliest Place to Be an Environmental Activist, Report Finds

Colombia was the most dangerous nation in 2019 to be an environmental activist and experts suspect that conditions will only get worse .
More than 100 human rights defenders were killed across the Latin country in 2019 .
Community leaders , teachers and park rangers are among the more than 50 human rights defenders and community leaders additionally killed since the beginning of this year .
In October and November , Colombia experienced a large wave of demonstrations following divisive elections and public opposition to large projects that posed threats to the environment .
In some instances , these mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted violence against human rights defenders , according to the Global Analysis 2019 report published in January 2020 by Irish human rights organization Front Line Defenders .
The report details physical assaults , defamation campaigns , digital security threats , judicial harassment and gendered attacks against global activists at the forefront of social change .
The Philippines , Honduras , Mexico and Brazil all ranked among the deadliest countries after Colombia , according to NBC .
Globally , at least 304 human rights defenders in 31 countries were targeted and killed for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that : • More two-thirds of global killings occurred in Latin America .
• Forty percent of those killed worked on matters surrounding land , indigenous rights , and environmental issues .
• A majority of those killed ( 85 percent ) had previously been threatened .
Human rights defenders were targeted in almost all countries that saw waves of public uprisings and continues to threaten activists .
Just last week , a 45-year-old Costa Rican indigenous defender was killed by an armed mob while trying to reclaim ancestral land , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexican officials are still investigating the suspicious murder of two men connected to a butterfly sanctuary found dead earlier this month in Michoacán .
In Indonesia , Mongabay reports that the family of a murdered environmental activist is calling on national authorities to take over the death investigation .
“ The role human rights defenders ( HRDs ) played in these protests ranged from organizing and mobilizing to monitoring and documenting human rights violations , and to assisting those who were injured or arrested .
The causes of street protests and social unrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outright rejection of deep economic inequality , rampant corruption , and calls for greater civil and political rights , ” Frontline Defenders said .
The report comes after the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern at the “ staggering number ” of activists killed in Colombia , according to The Guardian .
A separate UN report found that 107 human rights defenders were killed in 2019 despite a 2016 peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia aimed at improving conditions in poor , rural areas where most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical attacks , human rights defenders were also subject to restrictive legislation , intimidation , and threats attacking an individual ’ s safety .
Further measures were taken to hinder their ability to work online and in digital spaces , such as internet shutdowns and blocking communications systems like social media and instant messaging .
“ Further conflict appears inevitable as governments in the region , regardless of political persuasion , continued to embrace mega-development projects and grant major concessions to transnational companies in order to secure such projects , ” reads the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life-threatening opposition , the work of human rights defenders was responsible for positive change around the world , concludes the report .
Following huge pressure from human rights activists , Jordan ’ s Parliament withdrew the Cybercrime Bill in February 2019 restricting freedom of speech and the right to privacy .
In Morocco , the women of the Sulaliyat tribe were granted the right to inherit and own land and nine protestors in southern Madagascar successfully halted a mine project after the government declared that the benefits of the proposed mine were not @ @

Colombia Is Still the Deadliest Place to Be an Environmental Activist, Report Finds
Madison Dapcevich, Guest
Waking Times
Colombia was the most dangerous nation in 2019 to be an environmental activist and experts suspect that conditions will only get worse.
More than 100 human rights defenders were killed across the Latin country in 2019. Community leaders, teachers and park rangers are among the more than 50 human rights defenders and community leaders additionally killed since the beginning of this year.
In October and November, Colombia experienced a large wave of demonstrations following divisive elections and public opposition to large projects that posed threats to the environment. In some instances, these mass protests were met with police brutality and targeted violence against human rights defenders, according to the Global Analysis 2019 report published in January 2020 by Irish human rights organization Front Line Defenders. The report details physical assaults, defamation campaigns, digital security threats, judicial harassment and gendered attacks against global activists at the forefront of social change.
The Philippines, Honduras, Mexico and Brazil all ranked among the deadliest countries after Colombia, according to NBC. Globally, at least 304 human rights defenders in 31 countries were targeted and killed for their work.
Additional findings from the report found that:
More two-thirds of global killings occurred in Latin America.
Forty percent of those killed worked on matters surrounding land, indigenous rights, and environmental issues.
A majority of those killed (85 percent) had previously been threatened.
Human rights defenders were targeted in almost all countries that saw waves of public uprisings and continues to threaten activists. Just last week, a 45-year-old Costa Rican indigenous defender was killed by an armed mob while trying to reclaim ancestral land, according to The Guardian. NPR reports that Mexican officials are still investigating the suspicious murder of two men connected to a butterfly sanctuary found dead earlier this month in Michoacán. In Indonesia, Mongabay reports that the family of a murdered environmental activist is calling on national authorities to take over the death investigation.
“The role human rights defenders (HRDs) played in these protests ranged from organizing and mobilizing to monitoring and documenting human rights violations, and to assisting those who were injured or arrested. The causes of street protests and social unrest differed, but tended to revolve around outright rejection of deep economic inequality, rampant corruption, and calls for greater civil and political rights,” Frontline Defenders said.
The report comes after the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern at the “staggering number” of activists killed in Colombia, according to The Guardian. A separate UN report found that 107 human rights defenders were killed in 2019 despite a 2016 peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia aimed at improving conditions in poor, rural areas where most of the murders occurred.
In addition to physical attacks, human rights defenders were also subject to restrictive legislation, intimidation, and threats attacking an individual’s safety. Further measures were taken to hinder their ability to work online and in digital spaces, such as internet shutdowns and blocking communications systems like social media and instant messaging.
“Further conflict appears inevitable as governments in the region, regardless of political persuasion, continued to embrace mega-development projects and grant major concessions to transnational companies in order to secure such projects,” reads the report.
Even in the face of life-threatening opposition, the work of human rights defenders was responsible for positive change around the world, concludes the report. Following huge pressure from human rights activists, Jordan’s Parliament withdrew the Cybercrime Bill in February 2019 restricting freedom of speech and the right to privacy. In Morocco, the women of the Sulaliyat tribe were granted the right to inherit and own land and nine protestors in southern Madagascar successfully halted a mine project after the government declared that the benefits of the proposed mine were not clear.
By Madison Dapcevich | Creative Commons | EcoWatch


wakingtimes--2020-02-28--‘A Scourge of Biblical Proportions’: UN Leaders Sound Alarm on East Africa Locust Crisis in Call for

Top United Nations relief officials warned Tuesday that millions more in funding is needed to combat East Africa ’ s worst outbreak of desert locusts in decades , arguing that “ acting now to avert a food crisis is a more humane , effective , and cost efficient approach than responding to the aftermath of disaster.
” The call for international action came in a joint statement from Qu Dongyu , director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO ) ; Mark Lowcock , U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator ; and David Beasley , executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WFP ) .
The U.N. leaders are especially concerned about the impact on East Africa , which they noted is “ a region beset by climate- and conflict-related shocks .
Millions of people are already acutely food insecure .
Now they face another major hunger threat in the form of desert locusts.
” “ The locust upsurge affecting East Africa is a graphic and shocking reminder of this region ’ s vulnerability , ” they said .
“ This is a scourge of biblical proportions .
Yet as ancient as this scourge is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern times.
” The swarms—at least partly fueled by the climate crisis—have affected Djibouti , the Democratic Republic of Congo , Eritrea , Kenya , Ethiopia , Somalia , South Sudan , Tanzania , and Uganda .
Beyond the African continent , locusts have also been spotted in Yemen , Saudi Arabia , Qatar , Bahrain , Kuwait , Iran , Pakistan , and India .
While the FAO requested $ 76 million in funding for the crisis last month , only $ 33 million has been received or committed .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As the locusts continue their invasion throughout eastern Africa , and more details emerge about the scale of need in affected areas , the cost of action has already doubled , to $ 138 million.
” “ We need to do more .
WFP has estimated the cost of responding to the impact of locusts on food security alone to be at least 15 times higher than the cost of preventing the spread now , ” the statement said .
“ It is time for the international community to act more decisively .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our moral obligation .
Pay a little now , or pay a lot more later.
” Crystal Wells , Africa spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross , told The Lancet last week that “ the locusts are coming on the heels of what has been a very tumultuous year for East Africa .
Last year , the region swung between conditions that were either too hot and dry , or too wet.
” “ At the same time , people in Somalia and parts of Ethiopia continued to suffer from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In real terms , this means that thousands of people who are already on the run from clashes were uprooted once again by droughts and floods—and today risk losing whatever is left to locusts .
There is only so much people can withstand.
” Desert locusts have a reproduction cycle of about three months , and mature swarms are currently laying eggs across the Horn of Africa .
The Lancet pointed out that “ rains starting in March and April are expected to boost the breeding and spread of locusts.
” With $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope to both provide relief to communities where crops have already been devoured by locusts and prevent new swarms from emerging .
According to the FAO , a swarm contains as many as 150 million desert locusts per square kilometer ( 0.39 square miles ) and can consume the same amount of food per day as 35,000 people .
BBC News reported Wednesday on the difficulties of addressing the crisis in the hardest hit countries : The FAO has told us that in three of the worst affected countries , Kenya , Ethiopia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 100,000 hectares in each one needs to be sprayed with insecticide .
By the end of January , they were substantially short of this target in those countries in East Africa .
Given that the aerial spraying of pesticides is the primary method of battling locust swarms , “ vehicles , planes , personal safety equipment , radios , GPS units , and camping equipment are badly needed ” to help contain the current outbreak , BBC reported .
Jessica Corbett is a staff writer for Common Dreams .
Follow her @ @ @ @ @ @

‘A Scourge of Biblical Proportions’: UN Leaders Sound Alarm on East Africa Locust Crisis in Call for Global Response
Jessica Corbett, Common Dreams
Waking Times
Top United Nations relief officials warned Tuesday that millions more in funding is needed to combat East Africa’s worst outbreak of desert locusts in decades, arguing that “acting now to avert a food crisis is a more humane, effective, and cost efficient approach than responding to the aftermath of disaster.”
The call for international action came in a joint statement from Qu Dongyu, director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Mark Lowcock, U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator; and David Beasley, executive director of the World Food Program (WFP).
The U.N. leaders are especially concerned about the impact on East Africa, which they noted is “a region beset by climate- and conflict-related shocks. Millions of people are already acutely food insecure. Now they face another major hunger threat in the form of desert locusts.” “The locust upsurge affecting East Africa is a graphic and shocking reminder of this region’s vulnerability,” they said. “This is a scourge of biblical proportions. Yet as ancient as this scourge is, its scale today is unprecedented in modern times.”
Locust swarms the size of entire cities are devastating East Africa pic.twitter.com/a7LQwrs2Fz — NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 21, 2020
The swarms—at least partly fueled by the climate crisis—have affected Djibouti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Beyond the African continent, locusts have also been spotted in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Pakistan, and India.
While the FAO requested $76 million in funding for the crisis last month, only $33 million has been received or committed. According to the trio of U.N. officials, “As the locusts continue their invasion throughout eastern Africa, and more details emerge about the scale of need in affected areas, the cost of action has already doubled, to $138 million.” “We need to do more. WFP has estimated the cost of responding to the impact of locusts on food security alone to be at least 15 times higher than the cost of preventing the spread now,” the statement said. “It is time for the international community to act more decisively. The math is clear, as is our moral obligation. Pay a little now, or pay a lot more later.”
East Africa is facing major threat from #DesertLocusts. The window of opportunity to help is still open & the math is clear: pay a little now, or pay a lot more later, said the chiefs of @FAO, @WFP and @UNOCHA.https://t.co/bvYrt3Dohg — UN News (@UN_News_Centre) February 26, 2020
Crystal Wells, Africa spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross, told The Lancet last week that “the locusts are coming on the heels of what has been a very tumultuous year for East Africa. Last year, the region swung between conditions that were either too hot and dry, or too wet.” “At the same time, people in Somalia and parts of Ethiopia continued to suffer from violence,” Wells added. “In real terms, this means that thousands of people who are already on the run from clashes were uprooted once again by droughts and floods—and today risk losing whatever is left to locusts. There is only so much people can withstand.”
Desert locusts have a reproduction cycle of about three months, and mature swarms are currently laying eggs across the Horn of Africa. The Lancet pointed out that “rains starting in March and April are expected to boost the breeding and spread of locusts.”
With $138 million funding, the U.N. agencies hope to both provide relief to communities where crops have already been devoured by locusts and prevent new swarms from emerging. According to the FAO, a swarm contains as many as 150 million desert locusts per square kilometer (0.39 square miles) and can consume the same amount of food per day as 35,000 people.
BBC News reported Wednesday on the difficulties of addressing the crisis in the hardest hit countries:
The FAO has told us that in three of the worst affected countries, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, they estimate that at least 100,000 hectares in each one needs to be sprayed with insecticide. By the end of January, they were substantially short of this target in those countries in East Africa. Ethiopia 22,550 hectares
Kenya 20,000 hectares (estimated)
Somalia 15,000 hectares (estimated)
Given that the aerial spraying of pesticides is the primary method of battling locust swarms, “vehicles, planes, personal safety equipment, radios, GPS units, and camping equipment are badly needed” to help contain the current outbreak, BBC reported.
.@FAO @UNOCHA @WFP have made an appeal for more funds to tackle the unprecedented invasion of #desertlocusts in East Africa. "The upsurge is threatening food security in a region that's already seriously food insecure. There is no time to waste" – @FAODGhttps://t.co/o2a6aOTOiX — FAO Newsroom (@FAOnews) February 26, 2020
Stephen Njoka, head of the Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa, the regional body coordinating the fight against the locusts, told BBC: “We have a challenge in the number of aircraft available—there are not enough. Pesticides are also in short supply.”
About the Author
Jessica Corbett is a staff writer for Common Dreams. Follow her on Twitter: @corbett_jessica.


wakingtimes--2020-02-28--What’s in Children’s Drinking Water? Far Too Often, Something Neurotoxic

Hollywood seems to love a good David versus corporate Goliath tale , and the stories it brings to the silver screen not infrequently revolve around real-life contamination of community water .
Twenty years ago , the film Erin Brockovich called attention to a cancer-causing chemical dumped in a California community by Pacific Gas & Electric , while the recent film Dark Waters focuses on DuPont ’ s contamination of a West Virginia town ’ s water with the chemical PFOA ( perfluorooctanoic acid ) .
Outside of Tinseltown , occurrences such as the 2014 lead debacle in Flint , Michigan—and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s cognition and behavior—have helped ensure that water-quality-related incidents continue to get occasional media attention .
PFOA belongs to a wider family of chemicals called PFAS ( per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ) .
The scientific evidence clearly indicates that drinking water contaminants such as PFAS , lead and many others—as well as the fluoride that , incredibly , is intentionally added to drinking water—are not doing anyone any good .
However , these exposures are of particular concern for children .
This is because growing children drink more water than adults ( per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exquisitely vulnerable to adverse developmental effects .
As the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) points out , “ A baby fed exclusively powdered formula mixed with tap water drinks the most water for its small size of any age group ” ; in this scenario , tap water may represent up to 85 % of a formula-fed baby ’ s diet .
Water systems in many of the nation ’ s largest cities routinely violate Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) safety standards for drinking water .
This observation was confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from close to 50,000 water companies and utilities nationwide ( 2010-2015 ) , which found over 250 tap water contaminants and identified studies linking many of these chemicals to cancer ; brain and nervous system damage ; fetal toxicity ; impaired fertility ; and hormone disruption .
EWG concluded that millions of American children are exposed to unsafe levels of contaminants in municipal water supplies ( with an unknown number of children exposed via unmonitored private wells ) —and in this context , even “ a passing grade from the federal government ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in manufacturing and consumer products , are one of the more well-documented and worrisome drinking water contaminants .
Environmental groups have dubbed PFAS “ forever chemicals ” because they resist degradation and build up in the blood and organs .
Although other routes of exposure ( such as food , house dust and indoor air ) are also significant , the chemicals ’ “ extremely durable ” and water-soluble properties have facilitated widespread PFAS infiltration of community water supplies and private wells around the world , even in the most remote areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tap water have increased significantly since the late 1980s .
Research shows that virtually everyone on the planet now harbors PFAS in their bloodstream .
One nationally representative U.S. study detected the compounds in the blood of 99 % of American adults and adolescents age 12 and up .
Although some countries have banned or begun to phase out certain PFAS compounds , the chemicals ’ propensity to bioaccumulate—and the continued or increased use of other PFAS compounds—means that the PFAS body burden remains high .
For children , the implications of PFAS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of potential effects that may begin in utero and continue into adulthood .
Possible adverse outcomes include : • Effects on levels of sex hormones and insulin-like growth factor 1 , both of which play a critical role in growth and sexual maturation Lead is another persistent substance that lingers without breaking down .
Although the U.S. banned lead-based paints in the late 1970s and leaded gasoline in the mid-1990s , lead components of water delivery systems continue to constitute an environmental and health disaster .
Government toxicologists describe lead as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , ” and especially the developing brain .
There is no safe threshold for lead exposure .
In 2016 , a USA Today analysis of EPA data found that the agency had detected lead levels in excess of EPA standards in almost 2,000 community water systems from all 50 states , with over a third displaying levels “ more than double the EPA ’ s action level limit ” and many rivaling or exceeding the alarming levels detected in Flint , Michigan .
Some of the highest lead levels were at schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the “ stunning ” level of lead in the water met the EPA ’ s threshold for hazardous waste .
Moreover , drinking water contamination with brain-damaging lead had often persisted for months or years without redress , and almost one in ten water systems had never notified the public .
Among its many dangerous properties , lead can pass through the blood-brain barrier and cause damage to various regions of the brain linked to neurologic disorders .
In the aftermath of the lead poisoning of Flint ’ s water supply , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proficiency in exposed children , and the proportion of students qualifying for special education services nearly doubled .
A veteran teacher in the Flint school system stated , “ We have a school district where all that ’ s left are damaged kids who are being exposed to other damaged kids , and it ’ s causing more damage , ” while a Flint superintendent reported that the schools “ were bracing for an ‘ evolving , educational emergency.
’ ” Even more concerning , a Reuters analysis later showed that Flint is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s most dangerous “ lead hotspots ” ; Reuters found “ nearly 3,000 areas with recently recorded lead poisoning rates at least double those in Flint during the peak of that city ’ s contamination crisis , ” with blood lead levels at least four times higher than Flint ’ s in more than a third of those communities .
Fluoride stands apart from other water contaminants in that water systems add it to drinking water on purpose .
More Americans drink fluoridated water than in all other countries combined .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an avalanche of evidence that the chemical—an industrial waste product—is lowering IQ and that fluoride produces neurodevelopmental toxicity “ comparable to the effects of lead.
” In addition to effects on cognition , studies have linked fluoride to behavioral symptoms of inattention and diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) as well as to numerous health risks , including an increased risk of bone cancer .
The authors of studies highlighting fluoride ’ s effects on IQ are particularly concerned about the developmental impact of systemic fluoride ingestion and advise pregnant women not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Pregnancy and Fluoride Do Not Mix , cites hundreds of studies linking fluoride to premature birth ( pointing out that rates of premature birth are “ unusually high ” in the U.S. ) as well as preeclampsia , impaired neurological development and autism .
The ostensible rationale for U.S. water fluoridation—prevention of tooth decay—does not hold up to scrutiny , because tooth decay rates have been steadily declining in countries that have never practiced water fluoridation .
In light of the growing awareness that chemicals can exert greater effects in combination with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s finding that U.S. tap water contains at least 250 contaminants is hardly reassuring .
Studies suggest , for example , that chemicals not found to be cancer-causing on their own “ might act together to promote the process of carcinogenesis.
” Although scientists still tend to study one chemical at a time , there are calls to “ elucidate and define combinatory actions , ” with an entire scientific journal now dedicated to considering “ different dose and effect levels , .
.
.
optimal combination ratios or sequences and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , EWG researchers are calling for “ a shift towards aggregate and cumulative assessment of chemical contaminants , ” particularly for drinking water .
Applying a “ cumulative cancer risk framework ” to drinking water data , they reported in 2019 that the national attributable cancer risk due to tap water contaminants was two orders of magnitude higher than the benchmark risk level used by the EPA and other regulatory agencies .
Stated another way , for the 86 % of the U.S. population served by community water systems , tap water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ equivalent to 4 lifetime cancer cases per 10,000 people ” rather than one case per million .
The researchers also noted that their estimate is likely to be conservative due to missing data for many contaminants that are either unmonitored , infrequently monitored or out of compliance with monitoring and reporting requirements .
Back in 1996 , the Food Quality Protection Act established a requirement that the EPA “ set allowable levels for pesticides in a way that would ‘ ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” ; the Act also stipulated an additional tenfold margin of safety “ to account for pre- and postnatal toxicity.
” A subsequent analysis found that the EPA had failed to apply the additional margin of safety for the majority of pesticides reviewed .
Unfortunately , the same phenomenon seems to hold true for drinking water contaminants .
One of the important conclusions drawn by EWG and others is that mere compliance with national drinking water standards is far from a guarantee that contaminant levels are safe , especially for children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waking Times on Twitter .

What’s in Children’s Drinking Water? Far Too Often, Something Neurotoxic
Children’s Health Defense Team, Guest
Waking Times
Hollywood seems to love a good David versus corporate Goliath tale, and the stories it brings to the silver screen not infrequently revolve around real-life contamination of community water. Twenty years ago, the film Erin Brockovich called attention to a cancer-causing chemical dumped in a California community by Pacific Gas & Electric, while the recent film Dark Waters focuses on DuPont’s contamination of a West Virginia town’s water with the chemical PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). Outside of Tinseltown, occurrences such as the 2014 lead debacle in Flint, Michigan—and especially its dramatic impact on children’s cognition and behavior—have helped ensure that water-quality-related incidents continue to get occasional media attention.
PFOA belongs to a wider family of chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The scientific evidence clearly indicates that drinking water contaminants such as PFAS, lead and many others—as well as the fluoride that, incredibly, is intentionally added to drinking water—are not doing anyone any good. However, these exposures are of particular concern for children. This is because growing children drink more water than adults (per pound of body weight) and are exquisitely vulnerable to adverse developmental effects. As the Environmental Working Group (EWG) points out, “A baby fed exclusively powdered formula mixed with tap water drinks the most water for its small size of any age group”; in this scenario, tap water may represent up to 85% of a formula-fed baby’s diet.
Water systems in many of the nation’s largest cities routinely violate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety standards for drinking water. This observation was confirmed in a comprehensive EWG review of reports collected from close to 50,000 water companies and utilities nationwide (2010-2015), which found over 250 tap water contaminants and identified studies linking many of these chemicals to cancer; brain and nervous system damage; fetal toxicity; impaired fertility; and hormone disruption. EWG concluded that millions of American children are exposed to unsafe levels of contaminants in municipal water supplies (with an unknown number of children exposed via unmonitored private wells)—and in this context, even “a passing grade from the federal government” means little.
… the chemicals’ extremely durable and water-soluble properties have facilitated widespread PFAS infiltration of community water supplies and private wells around the world, even in the most remote areas.
Pervasive PFAS
PFAS, extensively used in manufacturing and consumer products, are one of the more well-documented and worrisome drinking water contaminants. Environmental groups have dubbed PFAS “forever chemicals” because they resist degradation and build up in the blood and organs. Although other routes of exposure (such as food, house dust and indoor air) are also significant, the chemicals’ “extremely durable” and water-soluble properties have facilitated widespread PFAS infiltration of community water supplies and private wells around the world, even in the most remote areas. In the U.S., PFAS levels in tap water have increased significantly since the late 1980s.
Research shows that virtually everyone on the planet now harbors PFAS in their bloodstream. One nationally representative U.S. study detected the compounds in the blood of 99% of American adults and adolescents age 12 and up. Although some countries have banned or begun to phase out certain PFAS compounds, the chemicals’ propensity to bioaccumulate—and the continued or increased use of other PFAS compounds—means that the PFAS body burden remains high.
For children, the implications of PFAS exposure are profound, with a wide range of potential effects that may begin in utero and continue into adulthood. Possible adverse outcomes include:
[A] USA Today analysis of EPA data found that the agency had detected lead levels in excess of EPA standards in almost 2,000 community water systems from all 50 states, with over a third displaying levels more than double the EPA’s action level limit …
Lingering Lead
Lead is another persistent substance that lingers without breaking down. Although the U.S. banned lead-based paints in the late 1970s and leaded gasoline in the mid-1990s, lead components of water delivery systems continue to constitute an environmental and health disaster. Government toxicologists describe lead as a “systemic toxicant affecting virtually every organ system,” and especially the developing brain. There is no safe threshold for lead exposure.
In 2016, a USA Today analysis of EPA data found that the agency had detected lead levels in excess of EPA standards in almost 2,000 community water systems from all 50 states, with over a third displaying levels “more than double the EPA’s action level limit” and many rivaling or exceeding the alarming levels detected in Flint, Michigan. Some of the highest lead levels were at schools and day care centers—in one elementary school, the “stunning” level of lead in the water met the EPA’s threshold for hazardous waste. Moreover, drinking water contamination with brain-damaging lead had often persisted for months or years without redress, and almost one in ten water systems had never notified the public.
Among its many dangerous properties, lead can pass through the blood-brain barrier and cause damage to various regions of the brain linked to neurologic disorders. In the aftermath of the lead poisoning of Flint’s water supply, the city observed a decline in reading proficiency in exposed children, and the proportion of students qualifying for special education services nearly doubled. A veteran teacher in the Flint school system stated, “We have a school district where all that’s left are damaged kids who are being exposed to other damaged kids, and it’s causing more damage,” while a Flint superintendent reported that the schools “were bracing for an ‘evolving, educational emergency.’” Even more concerning, a Reuters analysis later showed that Flint is far from being one of the nation’s most dangerous “lead hotspots”; Reuters found “nearly 3,000 areas with recently recorded lead poisoning rates at least double those in Flint during the peak of that city’s contamination crisis,” with blood lead levels at least four times higher than Flint’s in more than a third of those communities.
This CDC-endorsed practice has persisted for decades despite an avalanche of evidence that the chemical—an industrial waste product—is lowering IQ and that fluoride produces neurodevelopmental toxicity comparable to the effects of lead.
Flagrantly unjustifiable fluoride
Fluoride stands apart from other water contaminants in that water systems add it to drinking water on purpose. More Americans drink fluoridated water than in all other countries combined. This CDC-endorsed practice has persisted for decades despite an avalanche of evidence that the chemical—an industrial waste product—is lowering IQ and that fluoride produces neurodevelopmental toxicity “comparable to the effects of lead.” In addition to effects on cognition, studies have linked fluoride to behavioral symptoms of inattention and diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as to numerous health risks, including an increased risk of bone cancer.
The authors of studies highlighting fluoride’s effects on IQ are particularly concerned about the developmental impact of systemic fluoride ingestion and advise pregnant women not to drink fluoridated water. The 2017 book, Pregnancy and Fluoride Do Not Mix, cites hundreds of studies linking fluoride to premature birth (pointing out that rates of premature birth are “unusually high” in the U.S.) as well as preeclampsia, impaired neurological development and autism. The ostensible rationale for U.S. water fluoridation—prevention of tooth decay—does not hold up to scrutiny, because tooth decay rates have been steadily declining in countries that have never practiced water fluoridation.
…mere compliance with national drinking water standards is far from a guarantee that contaminant levels are safe, especially for children.
Chemicals in combination
In light of the growing awareness that chemicals can exert greater effects in combination with other chemicals—a principle known as synergy—the EWG’s finding that U.S. tap water contains at least 250 contaminants is hardly reassuring. Studies suggest, for example, that chemicals not found to be cancer-causing on their own “might act together to promote the process of carcinogenesis.” Although scientists still tend to study one chemical at a time, there are calls to “elucidate and define combinatory actions,” with an entire scientific journal now dedicated to considering “different dose and effect levels, . . . optimal combination ratios or sequences and the prevention of potential adverse events.”
In addition, EWG researchers are calling for “a shift towards aggregate and cumulative assessment of chemical contaminants,” particularly for drinking water. Applying a “cumulative cancer risk framework” to drinking water data, they reported in 2019 that the national attributable cancer risk due to tap water contaminants was two orders of magnitude higher than the benchmark risk level used by the EPA and other regulatory agencies. Stated another way, for the 86% of the U.S. population served by community water systems, tap water contaminants accounted for a cumulative lifetime risk “equivalent to 4 lifetime cancer cases per 10,000 people” rather than one case per million. The researchers also noted that their estimate is likely to be conservative due to missing data for many contaminants that are either unmonitored, infrequently monitored or out of compliance with monitoring and reporting requirements.
Back in 1996, the Food Quality Protection Act established a requirement that the EPA “set allowable levels for pesticides in a way that would ‘ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and children from aggregate exposure’”; the Act also stipulated an additional tenfold margin of safety “to account for pre- and postnatal toxicity.” A subsequent analysis found that the EPA had failed to apply the additional margin of safety for the majority of pesticides reviewed. Unfortunately, the same phenomenon seems to hold true for drinking water contaminants. One of the important conclusions drawn by EWG and others is that mere compliance with national drinking water standards is far from a guarantee that contaminant levels are safe, especially for children.