consciouslifenews--2020-04-28--Where Is the Biggest Risk for Getting COVID-19? |  Dr. Joseph Mercola

The benefits of being outside may be related to increased vitamin D production and exposure to fresh air Only one outbreak is known to have been passed outdoors German scientists cultured surfaces in one home where people were infected and did not find any live virus ; a follow-up study is planned The authors of one study found evidence the risk of COVID-19 is higher in enclosed environments , such as at home or in transportation vehicles In the life of scientific evidence and research , the SARS-CoV-2 virus has only been around a relatively short time , less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections across the world began to grow rapidly , scientists scrambled to collect data and make conclusions to reduce the spread and improve treatments .
The pandemic has exposed several weaknesses , such as poor preparation with personal protective equipment stockpiles and expired N95 masks , as well as inflexible food distribution processes in the dairy , fish , and produce markets .
The pandemic has changed the world , potentially for years to come .
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow indicated that health care providers would be influencing decisions related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to work and school , people may have to submit to routine temperature taking , stay home when sick and undergo widespread testing , continuing:1 The government has made moves to reduce your right to privacy , as they engage with large data mining companies like Google , Facebook , Microsoft , and Amazon to track your movements .
Bill Gates took the next step , suggesting digital certificates should be used to record your vaccinations , medical tests , and illness .
Yet , scientific evidence hasn ’ t reached a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary or potentially useful .
It appears that instead of addressing more flexible and responsive solutions , corporations are pouring their time and energy into what serves their specific corporate and financial needs .
The SARS-CoV-2 virus triggers COVID-19 infections , and how it is spread continues to be investigated .
Experts believe most infections are acquired through respiratory droplets that are released when a person speaks , sneezes or coughs.2 These droplets may land on your face , hands , or surrounding surfaces .
Experts believe you may become infected by touching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then touching your face with that same hand .
In order to develop recommendations that would reasonably protect people , scientists investigated the environments where the virus appeared to spread more rapidly .
In one study from the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong , scientists found that the rate of infection with COVID-19 rose in interior spaces.3 The researchers tracked the number of infected from case reports gathered by the Municipal Health Commissions in 320 municipalities in China .
They did not include the Hubei province where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from January 4 , 2020 , to February 11 , 2020 , included 318 outbreaks which met the criteria of three or more cases being involved .
In total , there were 1245 confirmed infections in 120 municipalities .
Their results support many of the previous estimates that each infected person would spread the virus to two or three others.4 In this study they found 53.8 % involved three cases and 26.4 % involved four .
What was most interesting was that the highest number of infections were spread in the home ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of methods of transportation ( 34 % ) , including planes , trains , cars , and buses .
Only one outbreak of cases — an infection passed from one individual to at least three others — was identified from exposure in an outdoor environment .
The researchers wrote this “ confirms that sharing indoor space is a major SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.
” German scientists are also searching for answers about how the SARS-CoV-2 is spread .
Leading German scientist Hendrik Streeck , professor and director of the Institute of Virology at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more answers .
He told a reporter from the Daily Mail5 that the virus may have a different spread pattern than originally believed .
Streeck cultured the home of one family in the district of Heinsberg , a region with 250,000 people and a high number of infected individuals ( this is not the city of Heinsberg , which has less than 41,000 citizens ) .
While there were sick people in the home , the scientists did n't find “ any live virus on any surface.
” He will now oversee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking more information from multiple homes .
The area was estimated to have more than 1,300 confirmed cases and 37 deaths by April 2 , 2020 .
Yet , in the first home that was tested , he did n't find the virus , even on doorknobs or animal fur .
Streeck commented:6 The unique study planned for Heinsberg will essentially make the city population a life-sized laboratory for the virus .
Streeck was encouraged by the anticipated data , telling parliamentarians:7 The hope is that by having a better understanding of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help reduce infections worldwide .
Germany has also begun testing for other countries .
Samples tested by Public Health England are taking four days to process , as compared to two days in Germany .
As the Daily Mail reports:8 Long before antibiotics were discovered and widely used , the ocean air was thought of as a cure .
It appeared to improve illnesses without drugs or side effects .
Dr. Thomas Ferkol , pediatric pulmonologist , spoke with a Wall Street Journal reporter and said there are ample amounts of anecdotal evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the ocean air.9 This knowledge prompted a study in which researchers evaluated the effects of inhaled hypertonic saline solution over 48 weeks .
The results added another tactic in the treatment of cystic fibrosis , as doctors now routinely prescribe 7 % sodium chloride nebulizer solution .
Of the last three influenza pandemics — 1918 , 1957 , and 1968 — it was the H1N1 pandemic in 1918-1919 that claimed the most lives.10 It was originally estimated that the flu killed 21 million worldwide , many of which occurred from secondary bacterial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest the number was likely between 50 million and 100 million .
The fatality rate was near that of other flu infections , between 1 % and 3 % .
The idea of getting plenty of fresh air and sunlight began during this pandemic .
William Brooks , then Surgeon General of the Massachusetts State Guard , wrote an article in the American Journal of Public Health , detailing the results they experienced after treating flu patients in an outdoor hospital.11 When hospitals were overwhelmed with patients , a tent hospital was set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Navy ships docked in Boston harbor .
While taking histories from incoming patients doctors realized those with the worst infections were from areas of ships with the worst ventilation .
Cross Ventilation and Air Flow May Be One Key at Home In an effort to help the patients , they were taken outside their tent on pleasant days .
The Surgeon General wrote the results on the first day were startling:12 At the end of four weeks , the tent hospital was closed as the worst was over for those on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 351 of the most seriously ill were sent to the tent hospital , yet only 35 died , a far lower number than expected considering how seriously ill they were .
Brooks concluded,13 “ The efficacy of open-air treatment has been absolutely proven , and one has only to try it to discover its value.
” Richard Hobday , Ph.D. , is a strong proponent of the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.14 He continues to educate and inform people that many have experienced benefits without side effects common to drugs and vaccines.15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be exposed to other infectious bacteria found in hospital areas , a current concern for hospitalized patients.16 At the time , researchers theorized that creating cross ventilation in hospitals may have the same effect .
However , it was during this time that antibiotics were introduced and starting to become more common .
This movement replaced the idea of investigating the effects of open-air treatment .
There is emerging information that most are infected with SARS-CoV-2 in enclosed spaces , such as at home , and the potential the virus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therefore , opening your windows to create cross-ventilation , especially if someone is ill , may help reduce the spread .
As Ferkol explained to The Wall Street Journal reporter , the sea air helped improve the health of patients with cystic fibrosis .
There are several explanations that have yet to be investigated .
To be clear , none of the research on open-air treatments or ocean air for children with cystic fibrosis mentioned or considered the effect of grounding .
Yet , it may be an idea worth considering .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground helps reduce free radicals in your body , which in turn reduces chronic inflammation .
The effects of negative air ions were discovered 100 years ago ; their effect on health and wellness is still under study.17 Interestingly , there are more negative air ions near the ocean than are found in other geographical areas .
Exposure to the sun boosts the production of vitamin D , which is especially helpful for those who spend a great deal of time indoors .
Boosting your vitamin D levels with supplements will help support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only way to know if you need supplementation is to test your vitamin D levels .
Evidence from the 1918 flu pandemic suggests that sun exposure may also reduce symptoms , along with the severity and length of a viral illness.18 As detailed in “ Vitamin D Prevents Infections , ” research shows that high-dose vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of acquiring respiratory illnesses and lung infections in the elderly .
As noted by one researcher in the study:19

By Dr. Joseph Mercola | mercola.com
The benefits of being outside may be related to increased vitamin D production and exposure to fresh air
Only one outbreak is known to have been passed outdoors
German scientists cultured surfaces in one home where people were infected and did not find any live virus; a follow-up study is planned
The authors of one study found evidence the risk of COVID-19 is higher in enclosed environments, such as at home or in transportation vehicles
In the life of scientific evidence and research, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has only been around a relatively short time, less than six months. When the number of infections across the world began to grow rapidly, scientists scrambled to collect data and make conclusions to reduce the spread and improve treatments.
The pandemic has exposed several weaknesses, such as poor preparation with personal protective equipment stockpiles and expired N95 masks, as well as inflexible food distribution processes in the dairy, fish, and produce markets.
The pandemic has changed the world, potentially for years to come. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow indicated that health care providers would be influencing decisions related to reopening the economy. He anticipates after returning to work and school, people may have to submit to routine temperature taking, stay home when sick and undergo widespread testing, continuing:1
“We are aware that things are going to be different. That’s going to be a new feature of American life. And I don’t know how quickly that gets up and going, but it’s going to be very, very important because we obviously want to prevent any recurrences.”
The government has made moves to reduce your right to privacy, as they engage with large data mining companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon to track your movements. Bill Gates took the next step, suggesting digital certificates should be used to record your vaccinations, medical tests, and illness.
Yet, scientific evidence hasn’t reached a point to make these types of interventions necessary or potentially useful. It appears that instead of addressing more flexible and responsive solutions, corporations are pouring their time and energy into what serves their specific corporate and financial needs.
SARS-CoV-2 Primarily Spreads in Close Quarters
The SARS-CoV-2 virus triggers COVID-19 infections, and how it is spread continues to be investigated. Experts believe most infections are acquired through respiratory droplets that are released when a person speaks, sneezes or coughs.2
These droplets may land on your face, hands, or surrounding surfaces. Experts believe you may become infected by touching a surface where the virus was deposited and then touching your face with that same hand.
In order to develop recommendations that would reasonably protect people, scientists investigated the environments where the virus appeared to spread more rapidly. In one study from the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong, scientists found that the rate of infection with COVID-19 rose in interior spaces.3
The researchers tracked the number of infected from case reports gathered by the Municipal Health Commissions in 320 municipalities in China. They did not include the Hubei province where the virus reportedly originated. The data from January 4, 2020, to February 11, 2020, included 318 outbreaks which met the criteria of three or more cases being involved.
In total, there were 1245 confirmed infections in 120 municipalities. Their results support many of the previous estimates that each infected person would spread the virus to two or three others.4 In this study they found 53.8% involved three cases and 26.4% involved four.
What was most interesting was that the highest number of infections were spread in the home (79.9%) followed by a variety of methods of transportation (34%), including planes, trains, cars, and buses.
Only one outbreak of cases — an infection passed from one individual to at least three others — was identified from exposure in an outdoor environment. The researchers wrote this “confirms that sharing indoor space is a major SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.”
German scientists are also searching for answers about how the SARS-CoV-2 is spread. Leading German scientist Hendrik Streeck, professor and director of the Institute of Virology at the University Hospital in Bonnhas, is looking for more answers. He told a reporter from the Daily Mail5 that the virus may have a different spread pattern than originally believed.
Streeck cultured the home of one family in the district of Heinsberg, a region with 250,000 people and a high number of infected individuals (this is not the city of Heinsberg, which has less than 41,000 citizens). While there were sick people in the home, the scientists didn't find “any live virus on any surface.” He will now oversee a team of 40 researchers in Heinsberg seeking more information from multiple homes.
The area was estimated to have more than 1,300 confirmed cases and 37 deaths by April 2, 2020. Yet, in the first home that was tested, he didn't find the virus, even on doorknobs or animal fur. Streeck commented:6
“We know it's not a smear infection that is transmitted by touching objects, but that close dancing and exuberant celebrations have led to infections.”
The unique study planned for Heinsberg will essentially make the city population a life-sized laboratory for the virus. Streeck was encouraged by the anticipated data, telling parliamentarians:7
“This is a big chance for the whole of Germany. We’ll be gathering information and practical tips as to how to deal with Covid-19 and how we can achieve further containment of it, without our lives having to come to a standstill over a period of years.
If there are ways of preventing the illness from spreading in our environment, we want to know what they are, with the goal of finding out how we can freely move about in the environment together.
On the basis of our findings we’ll be able to make recommendations, which politicians can use to guide their decision-making. It could be that the measures currently in place are fine, and we say: ‘Don’t reduce them.’ But I don’t expect that, I expect the opposite, that we will be able to come up with a range of proposals as to how the curfews can be reduced.”
The hope is that by having a better understanding of how the virus is spread, it could help reduce infections worldwide. Germany has also begun testing for other countries. Samples tested by Public Health England are taking four days to process, as compared to two days in Germany. As the Daily Mail reports:8
“It was also revealed today that hundreds of NHS workers' coronavirus swabs have reportedly been flown to Germany because the results are coming back in half the time.”
Deaths From Spanish Flu Pandemic Reduced by Fresh Air
Long before antibiotics were discovered and widely used, the ocean air was thought of as a cure. It appeared to improve illnesses without drugs or side effects. Dr. Thomas Ferkol, pediatric pulmonologist, spoke with a Wall Street Journal reporter and said there are ample amounts of anecdotal evidence that children with cystic fibrosis respond well to the ocean air.9
This knowledge prompted a study in which researchers evaluated the effects of inhaled hypertonic saline solution over 48 weeks. The results added another tactic in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, as doctors now routinely prescribe 7% sodium chloride nebulizer solution.
Of the last three influenza pandemics — 1918, 1957, and 1968 — it was the H1N1 pandemic in 1918-1919 that claimed the most lives.10 It was originally estimated that the flu killed 21 million worldwide, many of which occurred from secondary bacterial infections.
However, more recent algorithms suggest the number was likely between 50 million and 100 million. The fatality rate was near that of other flu infections, between 1% and 3%.
The idea of getting plenty of fresh air and sunlight began during this pandemic. William Brooks, then Surgeon General of the Massachusetts State Guard, wrote an article in the American Journal of Public Health, detailing the results they experienced after treating flu patients in an outdoor hospital.11
When hospitals were overwhelmed with patients, a tent hospital was set up on Corey Hill for sailors on the Navy ships docked in Boston harbor. While taking histories from incoming patients doctors realized those with the worst infections were from areas of ships with the worst ventilation.
Cross Ventilation and Air Flow May Be One Key at Home
In an effort to help the patients, they were taken outside their tent on pleasant days. The Surgeon General wrote the results on the first day were startling:12
“The charts of these patients are very instructive and clearly demonstrate the great value of plenty of air and sunshine for patients suffering from influenza and pneumonia.”
At the end of four weeks, the tent hospital was closed as the worst was over for those on the Navy ships. During that time, 351 of the most seriously ill were sent to the tent hospital, yet only 35 died, a far lower number than expected considering how seriously ill they were. Brooks concluded,13 “The efficacy of open-air treatment has been absolutely proven, and one has only to try it to discover its value.”
Richard Hobday, Ph.D., is a strong proponent of the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.14 He continues to educate and inform people that many have experienced benefits without side effects common to drugs and vaccines.15 Those who were treated outside were less likely to be exposed to other infectious bacteria found in hospital areas, a current concern for hospitalized patients.16
At the time, researchers theorized that creating cross ventilation in hospitals may have the same effect. However, it was during this time that antibiotics were introduced and starting to become more common. This movement replaced the idea of investigating the effects of open-air treatment.
There is emerging information that most are infected with SARS-CoV-2 in enclosed spaces, such as at home, and the potential the virus is not spread through contact with inanimate objects. Therefore, opening your windows to create cross-ventilation, especially if someone is ill, may help reduce the spread.
The Sea and Pulmonary Infections
As Ferkol explained to The Wall Street Journal reporter, the sea air helped improve the health of patients with cystic fibrosis. There are several explanations that have yet to be investigated.
To be clear, none of the research on open-air treatments or ocean air for children with cystic fibrosis mentioned or considered the effect of grounding. Yet, it may be an idea worth considering. Simply placing your bare feet on the ground helps reduce free radicals in your body, which in turn reduces chronic inflammation.
The effects of negative air ions were discovered 100 years ago; their effect on health and wellness is still under study.17 Interestingly, there are more negative air ions near the ocean than are found in other geographical areas.
Exposure to the sun boosts the production of vitamin D, which is especially helpful for those who spend a great deal of time indoors. Boosting your vitamin D levels with supplements will help support your immune system. However, the only way to know if you need supplementation is to test your vitamin D levels.
Evidence from the 1918 flu pandemic suggests that sun exposure may also reduce symptoms, along with the severity and length of a viral illness.18 As detailed in “Vitamin D Prevents Infections,” research shows that high-dose vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of acquiring respiratory illnesses and lung infections in the elderly. As noted by one researcher in the study:19


consciouslifenews--2020-04-28--How to Stop Feeling So Helpless During Quarantine

On the Internet , the setting of our new coronavirus life , every news site has some graph predicting the future .
Every influencer has advice on how to live , and every business has a COVID-19 FAQ section .
However , no amount of expertise seems to quiet the questions in our heads : Will my parents be okay ?
Is my job going to last ?
Was I six feet away from that person in the vegetable aisle ?
This desperate search for facts and answers , for expert opinions and statistical predictions , is our brain ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control .
We want a roadmap and a manual , a guarantee that if I just do this , my people will be safe .
But in the face of a global pandemic caused by a new virus that we don ’ t fully understand , there is so much out of our control , from the actions of our neighbors to the timing of a vaccine .
And so , alongside the grief and anxiety , we ’ re feeling—the loss of what we had in the past and the fear for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s spreading around : helplessness .
“ We don ’ t know how long this is going to last , ” says Patricia Frazier , a professor at the University of Minnesota .
“ And then there are the losses that we also really can ’ t do much about , like students who don ’ t get to have a graduation .
There ’ s so much about this that we can ’ t control.
” Feeling helpless can have a very negative effect on our mental health , as plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can we let go of what we can ’ t control , without just giving up ?
Research by Frazier and others can help us all to find that balance .
The secret is to focus on what ’ s happening right now , right in front of you .
If you can do that , studies suggest , you ’ ll be better equipped to solve the problems you face—and to accept situations you can ’ t change .
The wisdom to know the difference In early April , as cities around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frazier and her team signed up 400 students to take part in a three-week experiment .
In surveys , the students told her that COVID-19 was affecting their daily lives significantly , leaving them struggling to transition to online classes , missing their friends , and worried about how long this all would last .
Frazier split the students into two groups .
One group is being asked to follow the Centers for Disease Control ’ s recommendations for reducing coronavirus-related stress , including exercising , getting enough sleep , connecting with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The other group is learning how to feel more in control of their stress .
When they get upset , they ’ re reminded to stop , take a few breaths , and be mindful of what ’ s stressing them out .
Then , they reflect on what they have control over , what they have control over , and what they can do about the things within their control .
“ You ’ re not just spinning your wheels dwelling , ” says Frazier .
“ When you focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more energizing , it promotes that sense of agency.
” For example , one student was feeling bogged down by loneliness but realized the solution was as simple as reaching out to friends .
Another student recognized that they could address their stress around classes and exams by taking advantage of some of the university ’ s online resources .
It might seem counterproductive to also reflect on what you control , but making that distinction is important .
Without it , we might end up in a state of “ anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tame reality into submission , refusing to accept our areas of powerlessness .
Today , that might look like obsessing over sanitizing every surface in your house , second-guessing your grocery lists , or burning yourself out to prove you ’ re a model employee .
All that frenzied action can give us the illusion that we ’ re the ultimate masters of our fate—and if something goes wrong , it ’ s only because we didn ’ t do enough , and we just need to tighten our grip in the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to exercise control in some areas can be unhelpful .
When we mistakenly think we can control the future , we can actually feel more distressed , research suggests .
It ’ s not fully up to us whether we experience a loss or a viral infection ; unfortunately , even if we do everything right , things don ’ t always turn out okay .
Nor does it help to focus on the control we had ( and , perhaps , misused ) in the past .
Whether you took that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or didn ’ t stock up on enough canned goods when you had the chance , there is nothing you can do about it now .
Instead , the focus of Frazier ’ s experiments is solely on the present—the things we can control about our daily lives .
When people aim their control efforts here , research suggests , they tend to be less depressed , anxious , and distressed , show fewer obsessive-compulsive tendencies and feel more satisfied with life .
These are the kinds of results she ’ s hoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiment this month .
How to find a few ounces of control There ’ s something to be said for releasing our mania for control .
In fact , research suggests that not all cultures have such a strong need to be in charge all the time .
One study , for example , found that British people were more stressed and distressed when they felt out of control in life—but the Japanese were not .
How comfortable you are with uncertainty , and how desperately you need to carve out a sphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may depend on the culture you grew up in .
It can help to ask yourself if what you were taught growing up is a help or a liability in a pandemic .
Then , spend some time thinking about where you have control and what actions you can take in those areas .
If you start to worry about things you have control over , you can remind yourself of your plans to address them : I ’ ll be sure to sanitize my keys and my phone every time I come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried this technique for non-coronavirus-related stresses , they were able to reduce their stress , depression , and anxiety compared to people who simply got a lesson on stress .
One study of cancer patients offers a peek into the many small ways people find a sense of control in adversity .
For example , the patients talked about staying active and making changes to their diet , reading and relaxing , asking their doctor questions , and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy—nearly all of which are applicable to us today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how we respond to our fear , grief , and anger during this time .
According to one study in the Netherlands , people who tended to face their difficulties directly—for example , recognizing their feelings but also putting things in perspective—felt more in control of their lives .
In contrast , people who passively wallowed in their feelings or avoided them all together felt less in control .
( In fact , trying to suppress a pesky , nagging thought could just make it more persistent . )
Remember : Feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is normal , particularly if you ’ re facing physical limitations or financial strain .
To regulate your emotions around coronavirus in a healthy way , you can try strategies likes Finding Silver Linings , Gaining Perspective on Negative Events , Letting Go of Anger Through Compassion , or taking a Self-Compassion Break .
Even when events and outcomes are out of our hands , we can still exert some influence over our emotional lives with these techniques .
When we feel helpless , we may tamp down our innate instinct to care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like now when the scale of need and suffering is so great .
As Greater Good Science Center science director Emiliana Simon-Thomas points out , for non-essential workers , our normal ways of volunteering or helping our neighbors might not be possible in an era of physical distancing .
But creative forms of communal generosity are still alive and well during COVID-19 .
Following inspiring news stories can give us ideas for ways to contribute—from making masks to writing letters to elderly neighbors .
In the face of everything we ’ re powerless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel weak and helpless and resign ourselves to a fate dictated by reckless neighbors and foolhardy leaders .
And we probably will sometimes .
But it ’ s the little things we do—the daily routines , the way we deal with our emotions , and our care for others—that will remind us our actions make a difference .

By Kira M. Newman | Greater Good Magazine
On the Internet, the setting of our new coronavirus life, every news site has some graph predicting the future. Every influencer has advice on how to live, and every business has a COVID-19 FAQ section.
However, no amount of expertise seems to quiet the questions in our heads: Will my parents be okay? Is my job going to last? Was I six feet away from that person in the vegetable aisle?
This desperate search for facts and answers, for expert opinions and statistical predictions, is our brain’s way of seeking out stability and control. We want a roadmap and a manual, a guarantee that if I just do this, my people will be safe.
But in the face of a global pandemic caused by a new virus that we don’t fully understand, there is so much out of our control, from the actions of our neighbors to the timing of a vaccine. And so, alongside the grief and anxiety, we’re feeling—the loss of what we had in the past and the fear for the future—there is another big emotion that’s spreading around: helplessness.
“We don’t know how long this is going to last,” says Patricia Frazier, a professor at the University of Minnesota. “And then there are the losses that we also really can’t do much about, like students who don’t get to have a graduation. There’s so much about this that we can’t control.”
Feeling helpless can have a very negative effect on our mental health, as plenty of research shows. So, how can we let go of what we can’t control, without just giving up? Research by Frazier and others can help us all to find that balance. The secret is to focus on what’s happening right now, right in front of you. If you can do that, studies suggest, you’ll be better equipped to solve the problems you face—and to accept situations you can’t change.
The wisdom to know the difference
In early April, as cities around the world were going into lockdown, Frazier and her team signed up 400 students to take part in a three-week experiment. In surveys, the students told her that COVID-19 was affecting their daily lives significantly, leaving them struggling to transition to online classes, missing their friends, and worried about how long this all would last.
Frazier split the students into two groups. One group is being asked to follow the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations for reducing coronavirus-related stress, including exercising, getting enough sleep, connecting with other people, and doing activities they enjoy. The other group is learning how to feel more in control of their stress. When they get upset, they’re reminded to stop, take a few breaths, and be mindful of what’s stressing them out. Then, they reflect on what they have control over, what they don’t have control over, and what they can do about the things within their control.
“You’re not just spinning your wheels dwelling,” says Frazier. “When you focus on what you can control, it’s more energizing, it promotes that sense of agency.”
For example, one student was feeling bogged down by loneliness but realized the solution was as simple as reaching out to friends. Another student recognized that they could address their stress around classes and exams by taking advantage of some of the university’s online resources.
It might seem counterproductive to also reflect on what you can’t control, but making that distinction is important. Without it, we might end up in a state of “anxiety and hypervigilance” as we try to tame reality into submission, refusing to accept our areas of powerlessness. Today, that might look like obsessing over sanitizing every surface in your house, second-guessing your grocery lists, or burning yourself out to prove you’re a model employee.
All that frenzied action can give us the illusion that we’re the ultimate masters of our fate—and if something goes wrong, it’s only because we didn’t do enough, and we just need to tighten our grip in the future.
Research backs up the notion that trying to exercise control in some areas can be unhelpful. When we mistakenly think we can control the future, we can actually feel more distressed, research suggests. It’s not fully up to us whether we experience a loss or a viral infection; unfortunately, even if we do everything right, things don’t always turn out okay.
Nor does it help to focus on the control we had (and, perhaps, misused) in the past. Whether you took that ill-advised spring break trip right before lockdown or didn’t stock up on enough canned goods when you had the chance, there is nothing you can do about it now.
Instead, the focus of Frazier’s experiments is solely on the present—the things we can control about our daily lives. When people aim their control efforts here, research suggests, they tend to be less depressed, anxious, and distressed, show fewer obsessive-compulsive tendencies and feel more satisfied with life. These are the kinds of results she’s hoping to see as her participants complete the experiment this month.
How to find a few ounces of control
There’s something to be said for releasing our mania for control. In fact, research suggests that not all cultures have such a strong need to be in charge all the time. One study, for example, found that British people were more stressed and distressed when they felt out of control in life—but the Japanese were not. How comfortable you are with uncertainty, and how desperately you need to carve out a sphere of influence in your coronavirus life, may depend on the culture you grew up in. It can help to ask yourself if what you were taught growing up is a help or a liability in a pandemic.
Then, spend some time thinking about where you have control and what actions you can take in those areas. If you start to worry about things you do have control over, you can remind yourself of your plans to address them: I’ll be sure to sanitize my keys and my phone every time I come home. In a study where participants tried this technique for non-coronavirus-related stresses, they were able to reduce their stress, depression, and anxiety compared to people who simply got a lesson on stress.
One study of cancer patients offers a peek into the many small ways people find a sense of control in adversity. For example, the patients talked about staying active and making changes to their diet, reading and relaxing, asking their doctor questions, and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy—nearly all of which are applicable to us today.
Another way is to be deliberate about how we respond to our fear, grief, and anger during this time. According to one study in the Netherlands, people who tended to face their difficulties directly—for example, recognizing their feelings but also putting things in perspective—felt more in control of their lives. In contrast, people who passively wallowed in their feelings or avoided them all together felt less in control. (In fact, trying to suppress a pesky, nagging thought could just make it more persistent.)
Remember: Feeling a little out of control right now is normal, particularly if you’re facing physical limitations or financial strain. To regulate your emotions around coronavirus in a healthy way, you can try strategies likes Finding Silver Linings, Gaining Perspective on Negative Events, Letting Go of Anger Through Compassion, or taking a Self-Compassion Break. Even when events and outcomes are out of our hands, we can still exert some influence over our emotional lives with these techniques.
When we feel helpless, we may tamp down our innate instinct to care for others, particularly at a time like now when the scale of need and suffering is so great. As Greater Good Science Center science director Emiliana Simon-Thomas points out, for non-essential workers, our normal ways of volunteering or helping our neighbors might not be possible in an era of physical distancing. But creative forms of communal generosity are still alive and well during COVID-19. Following inspiring news stories can give us ideas for ways to contribute—from making masks to writing letters to elderly neighbors.
In the face of everything we’re powerless to change, it’s easy to feel weak and helpless and resign ourselves to a fate dictated by reckless neighbors and foolhardy leaders. And we probably will sometimes. But it’s the little things we do—the daily routines, the way we deal with our emotions, and our care for others—that will remind us our actions make a difference.
About the Author


consciouslifenews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus ‘Effectively Eliminated’ in New Zealand Following Comprehensive Approach of Jacinda Arde

Coronavirus ‘Effectively Eliminated’ in New Zealand Following Comprehensive Approach of Jacinda Ardern’s Government

Five weeks after launching an aggressive nationwide lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic—coupled with one of the most robust economic relief packages of any country—New Zealand 's government on Monday announced that the new coronavirus is currently “ eliminated ” in the nation .
The country 's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday that while cases are not at zero , new cases have been in the single digits for the past several days—an “ incredible ” statistic , said Ardern , as other countries face thousands of new cases per day .
“ We have done what very few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Ardern said last week as the country was preparing to move from a Level 4 restrictions to Level 3 , allowing some businesses to reopen .
“ We have stopped a wave of devastation.
” One new case was reported Monday , as well as four “ probable cases ” and one new death .
“ We 've achieved our goal of elimination… That never meant zero but it does mean we know where our cases are coming from , ” Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said .
As the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that reopen will be required to maintain physical distancing rules .
Schools will reopen with limited capacity , and workers will still be encouraged to work from home if they are able to .
Events such as weddings and funerals will only be able to take place with up to 10 people in attendance , and public buildings such as museums , libraries , and gyms will remain shuttered for the time being .
New Zealand has confirmed a total of 1,469 cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detected on February 28 .
In New Zealand , home to 4.8 million , the disease has infected about 30 in every 100,000 people and has killed 19 people—fewer than one in every 100,000 people .
The numbers in the island nation contrast sharply with those in the U.S. , where nearly one million people have been sickened—nearly 300 in every 100,000—and more than 50,000 people have died .
Ardern has been credited with enforcing a strict lockdown even before the disease had claimed many lives in New Zealand .
Two weeks after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister ordered anyone entering the country to self-quarantine for 14 days .
Most businesses shut down on March 23 , when there were 102 cases and no deaths , and the country began enforcing Level 4 restrictions—forbidding people to leave home except for outdoor exercise nearby—on March 25 .
Ardern 's extreme measures were in line with the recommendations of top public health officials , including U.S. National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins , who said last month that the measures most effective at slowing the outbreak would likely be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New Zealand has also been testing the public at one of the highest rates in the world , Ardern said Monday , administering nearly 124,000 tests in recent weeks with the capacity to complete 8,000 tests per day .
The U.S. has increased its testing capacity in the past month , but public health experts say the severe lag in confronting the pandemic in the U.S. after the first case was reported there in January has made the disease difficult to contain .
On social media , observers noted the stark contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with government watchdog Public Citizen saying the United States ' response has been marked by the “ unending incompetence ” of the Trump administration .
Tags : `` featured , Cornavirus outbreak , Coronavirus pandemic , COVID-19 , COVID-19 coronavirus , COVID-19 pandemic , COVID-19 pandemic response , featured , Jacinda Ardern 's Government , New Zealand COVID-19 pandemic response , New Zealand eliminate coronavirus , New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern , New Zealand Unite against COVID-19 , Unite against COVID-19

By Julia Conley | Common Dreams
Five weeks after launching an aggressive nationwide lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic—coupled with one of the most robust economic relief packages of any country—New Zealand's government on Monday announced that the new coronavirus is currently “eliminated” in the nation.
The country's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday that while cases are not at zero, new cases have been in the single digits for the past several days—an “incredible” statistic, said Ardern, as other countries face thousands of new cases per day.
“We have done what very few countries have been able to do,” Ardern said last week as the country was preparing to move from a Level 4 restrictions to Level 3, allowing some businesses to reopen. “We have stopped a wave of devastation.”
One new case was reported Monday, as well as four “probable cases” and one new death.
“We've achieved our goal of elimination… That never meant zero but it does mean we know where our cases are coming from,” Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said.
As the country reduces restrictions to Level 3, businesses that reopen will be required to maintain physical distancing rules. Schools will reopen with limited capacity, and workers will still be encouraged to work from home if they are able to. Events such as weddings and funerals will only be able to take place with up to 10 people in attendance, and public buildings such as museums, libraries, and gyms will remain shuttered for the time being.
New Zealand has confirmed a total of 1,469 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, since the first case there was detected on February 28.
In New Zealand, home to 4.8 million, the disease has infected about 30 in every 100,000 people and has killed 19 people—fewer than one in every 100,000 people.
The numbers in the island nation contrast sharply with those in the U.S., where nearly one million people have been sickened—nearly 300 in every 100,000—and more than 50,000 people have died.
Ardern has been credited with enforcing a strict lockdown even before the disease had claimed many lives in New Zealand. Two weeks after the first case was reported, the prime minister ordered anyone entering the country to self-quarantine for 14 days. Most businesses shut down on March 23, when there were 102 cases and no deaths, and the country began enforcing Level 4 restrictions—forbidding people to leave home except for outdoor exercise nearby—on March 25.
Ardern's extreme measures were in line with the recommendations of top public health officials, including U.S. National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, who said last month that the measures most effective at slowing the outbreak would likely be seen as “too drastic” by many.
New Zealand has also been testing the public at one of the highest rates in the world, Ardern said Monday, administering nearly 124,000 tests in recent weeks with the capacity to complete 8,000 tests per day. The U.S. has increased its testing capacity in the past month, but public health experts say the severe lag in confronting the pandemic in the U.S. after the first case was reported there in January has made the disease difficult to contain.
On social media, observers noted the stark contrast between the two countries' approaches, with government watchdog Public Citizen saying the United States' response has been marked by the “unending incompetence” of the Trump administration.
First coronavirus case in New Zealand: February 28
First coronavirus case in the US: January 20 New Zealand response: Immediate lockdown
US response: Unending incompetence New Zealand coronavirus deaths: 19
US coronavirus deaths: 55,000+ — Public Citizen (@Public_Citizen) April 27, 2020
Coronavirus eliminated in New Zealand due to quick and decisive action by the Jacinda Ardern government. #COVID19 https://t.co/nKKsAdWQmY — Sara Nelson (@FlyingWithSara) April 27, 2020
Meanwhile, we have almost more deaths here than American casualties from the Vietnam war. https://t.co/E6ZwR7eDOb — Molly Jong-Fast🏡 (@MollyJongFast) April 27, 2020


consciouslifenews--2020-04-28--Morning Inspiration: Have A True Vision For Who You Really Are (Motivational Video)

Look at yourself and face the fears , doubts and uncertainties in your life .
Once you have dealt with @ @ @ @ @ that you can do better and overcome .
Do n't let your doubts of what @ @ @ @ @ of what can be .
“ When you do n't have a true appreciation and @ @ @ @ @ and you allow yourself to be immobilized by fear , what happens in the process @ @ @ @ @ abuse yourself .
You begin to sabotage your life .
You begin to sabotage your @ @ @ @ @ unconsciously work against yourself.
” Les Brown Tags : `` featured , doing impossible things @ @ @ @ @ true vision , how to face failure , how to face fears , what you @ @

FAIR USE NOTICE. Many of the articles on this site contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making this material available in an effort to advance the understanding of environmental issues, human rights, economic and political democracy, and issues of social justice. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of the copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law which contains a list of the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered fair, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. If you wish to use such copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use'...you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. And, if you are a copyright owner who wishes to have your content removed, let us know via the "Contact Us" link at the top of the site, and we will promptly remove it.
The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Conscious Life News assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms.
Paid advertising on Conscious Life News may not represent the views and opinions of this website and its contributors. No endorsement of products and services advertised is either expressed or implied.


consciouslifenews--2020-04-28--5 Ways Owning a Pet Can Help You Manage Stress

In 2011 , Cooper , a 4-year-old Shih-Tzu , joined the staff of Harvard Medical School as a registered therapy dog .
Dr. Francisco assigned him the duty to help faculty members , students , and staff to enjoy a bit of stress relief from work , an endeavor that turned out to be quite successful .
Dozens of researchers have pondered over the question of how a pet can relieve you from stress .
According to a 2016 HABRI survey , 88 % of pet owners are aware that pets can reduce stress , anxiety , and depression .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits , and now you can add mental health to the list as well .
Read on to find your pet is making your life better .
The mere action of petting an animal can cheer up humans .
One of the primary therapy dog requirements is for the animal to be friendly .
Interaction with a friendly companion animal boosts the production of oxytocin , and serotonin and prolactin , the hormones that play a significant role in improving moods .
What 's more , it can also release hormones such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as chocolate on humans !
Stress is often associated with high blood pressure and heart rate .
A substantial number of studies reveal that blood pressure levels are the lowest during dog petting .
The presence of friendly animals , even if they are unfamiliar , can effectively reduce heart rate and blood pressure .
While touching the animal is a major component of the pet effect , owning a pet helps you keep in better shape in other ways too .
It seems only logical that those who own pets , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walks or run a few times a day .
This might encourage them to stay healthier in comparison to non-pet owners .
Your pet 's presence or contact can reduce anxiety and fear .
The relationship between pet-ownership and anxiety encourages the use of therapy dogs for people to cope up with anxiety .
Animal-assisted therapy has facilitated several heart patients to get over their anxiety and speed up their recovery .
The calming effect of a friendly animal aids in several ways to curb panic .
They are great listeners and makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by yourself .
Having a pet undeniably reduces loneliness .
Pets are not only an active presence , but they come with an unavoidable responsibility .
Taking ownership and care of a pet could help the owner build self-esteem .
It offers reassurance that you can care for another and that they will love you unconditionally for that .
Their presence alone is positively correlated with uplifting one 's spirits , perhaps more than human interaction does .
5 .
They Help you Heal Regardless of the cause of your stress , your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days with playfulness .
Animal-assisted therapy is gaining popularity as a means to bring a sense of constant love and affection and help them get over the trauma .
The bond between humans and animals works both ways .
They provide companionship and support you through all phases of life , while they find a reliable friend in you as well .
Looking after a pet is a big responsibility , but the benefits often outweigh the difficult parts .
And ultimately , when they can make you smile .
It would make @ @ @ @ @

In 2011, Cooper, a 4-year-old Shih-Tzu, joined the staff of Harvard Medical School as a registered therapy dog. Dr. Francisco assigned him the duty to help faculty members, students, and staff to enjoy a bit of stress relief from work, an endeavor that turned out to be quite successful.
In addition to other pet therapy benefits, having a pet undeniably reduces loneliness. Pets are not only an active presence, but they come with an unavoidable responsibility. Taking ownership and care of a pet could help the owner build self-esteem. It offers reassurance that you can care for another and that they will love you unconditionally for that. Their presence alone is positively correlated with uplifting one's spirits, perhaps more than human interaction does.
Dozens of researchers have pondered over the question of how a pet can relieve you from stress. According to a 2016 HABRI survey, 88% of pet owners are aware that pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Getting a new pet comes with many benefits, and now you can add mental health to the list as well. Read on to find your pet is making your life better.
1. Elevate your Mood
The mere action of petting an animal can cheer up humans. One of the primary therapy dog requirements is for the animal to be friendly. Interaction with a friendly companion animal boosts the production of oxytocin, and serotonin and prolactin, the hormones that play a significant role in improving moods. What's more, it can also release hormones such as Phenylethylamine, which has the same effect as chocolate on humans!
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Stress is often associated with high blood pressure and heart rate. A substantial number of studies reveal that blood pressure levels are the lowest during dog petting. The presence of friendly animals, even if they are unfamiliar, can effectively reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
While touching the animal is a major component of the pet effect, owning a pet helps you keep in better shape in other ways too. It seems only logical that those who own pets, especially dogs, would take them out for walks or run a few times a day. This might encourage them to stay healthier in comparison to non-pet owners.
3. Decreases Anxiety
Your pet's presence or contact can reduce anxiety and fear. The relationship between pet ownership and anxiety encourages the use of therapy dogs for people to cope up with anxiety. Animal-assisted therapy has facilitated several heart patients to get over their anxiety and speed up their recovery. The calming effect of a friendly animal aids in several ways to curb panic. They are great listeners and make for an excellent distraction to avoid overthinking by yourself.
4. Reduce Depressive Symptoms
Having a pet undeniably reduces loneliness. Pets are not only an active presence, but they come with an unavoidable responsibility. Taking ownership and care of a pet could help the owner build self-esteem. It offers reassurance that you can care for another and that they will love you unconditionally for that. Their presence alone is positively correlated with uplifting one's spirits, perhaps more than human interaction does.
5. They Help you Heal
Regardless of the cause of your stress, your pet can fill the gaps in your days with playfulness. Animal-assisted therapy is gaining popularity as a means to bring a sense of constant love and affection and help them get over the trauma. The bond between humans and animals works both ways. They provide companionship and support you through all phases of life, while they find a reliable friend in you as well.
Looking after a pet is a big responsibility, but the benefits often outweigh the difficult parts. And ultimately, when they can make you smile. It would make the hard work worthwhile.


Trigonometry Formula

Everything that we see around is somewhere tangled with mathematics .
Mathematics is the language , through which this creation around the world , communicates .
To know better , how every single thing works around the world or this cosmos , we need to learn the language of mathematics .
This language has several different chapters .
Each and every chapter are interrelated .
You may name these chapters as arithmetic , algebra , geometry , trigonometry , Calculous and so on .
So when you complete all the chapters one by one , you can see how beautifully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was basic and invented first .
Everything related to counting finite numbers was taken care of by arithmetic .
And when some of the parameters were known , some of them were unknown , Algebra came into action .
People were measuring line , length and perimeters using geometry but when the question of Triangle with different angles came , Trigonometry was invented .
Trigonometry is that important chapter of mathematics that deals with triangles .
To be more specific , a triangle that is in a plane and one angle of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ratio and relationship between Triangles sides and angles .
Why Do We Need It ?
All the branches of engineering , starting from civil to computer science , are there because trigonometry was invented .
Whenever we needed applied mathematics , Trigonometry was the first option .
From astronomy to Music Theory , Trigonometry formulas have a strong presence all over them .
Experts from the Vedantu Trigonometry formula department helped us with quick tips for the students to crack it in a easy way .
How Do We Do It – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are the core of trigonometry .
Among them , Three functions are the primary ones .
Those are – The other three are not used much often and if they are needed , can be derived from the primary functions .
Those are – Definitions of the six functions – Consider the right triangle on the left .
For each angle P or Q , there are six functions , each function is the ratio of two sides of the triangle .
The only difference between the six functions is which pair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following table a is the length of the side adjacent to the angle ( x ) in question .
o is the length of the side opposite the angle .
h is the length of the hypotenuse .
“ x ” represents the measure of their angle in either degrees or radians .
For example , in the figure above , the cosine of x is the side adjacent to x ( labelled a ) , over the hypotenuse ( labelled h ) : For each of the six functions , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The inverse function has the letters ‘ ARC ' in front of it .
For example , the inverse function of COS is ARCCOS .
While COS tells you the cosine of an angle , ARCCOS tells you what angle has a given cosine .
The six functions can also be defined in a rectangular coordinate system .
This allows them to go beyond right triangles , to where the angles can have any measure , even beyond 360° , and can be both positive and negative .
Trigonometric identities are simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For example , from the table above we see that This equivalence is called an identity .
If we had an equation with sec x in it , we could replace sec x with one over cos x if that helps us reach our goals .
There are many such identities .
Not Just Right Triangles These Trigonometry Formulas are defined using a right triangle but used in other triangles too .
For example , the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines can be used to solve any triangle – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be graphed , and some , notably the SIN function , produce shapes that frequently occur in nature .
Examples see the graph of the SIN function , often called a sine wave above .
This is all in a nutshell offered for you to have a basic understanding of how trigonometry works .
But this is just the beginning .
We have a sea to explore here .
Step by step .

Everything that we see around is somewhere tangled with mathematics. Mathematics is the language, through which this creation around the world, communicates. To know better, how every single thing works around the world or this cosmos, we need to learn the language of mathematics. This language has several different chapters. Each and every chapter are interrelated. You may name these chapters as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, Calculous and so on. So when you complete all the chapters one by one, you can see how beautifully everything is communicating with everything.
Arithmetic was basic and invented first. Everything related to counting finite numbers was taken care of by arithmetic. And when some of the parameters were known, some of them were unknown, Algebra came into action. People were measuring line, length and perimeters using geometry but when the question of Triangle with different angles came, Trigonometry was invented.
What Is Trigonometry?
Trigonometry is that important chapter of mathematics that deals with triangles. To be more specific, a triangle that is in a plane and one angle of that triangle is 90 Degree. In particular the ratio and relationship between Triangles sides and angles.
Why Do We Need It?
All the branches of engineering, starting from civil to computer science, are there because trigonometry was invented. Whenever we needed applied mathematics, Trigonometry was the first option. From astronomy to Music Theory, Trigonometry formulas have a strong presence all over them. Experts from the Vedantu Trigonometry formula department helped us with quick tips for the students to crack it in a easy way.
How Do We Do It – The Trigonometry Formula
There are six functions that are the core of trigonometry. Among them, Three functions are the primary ones. Those are –
Sine (Sin)
Cosine (Cos)
Tangent (Tan)
The other three are not used much often and if they are needed, can be derived from the primary functions. Those are –
Secant (Sec)
Cosecant (Cosec)
Cotangent (Cot)
Definitions of the six functions –
Consider the right triangle on the left. For each angle P or Q, there are six functions, each function is the ratio of two sides of the triangle. The only difference between the six functions is which pair of sides we use.
In the following table
a is the length of the side adjacent to the angle (x) in question.
o is the length of the side opposite the angle.
h is the length of the hypotenuse.
“x” represents the measure of their angle in either degrees or radians.
Sine Sin x = o/h Primary Cosine Cos x = a/h Primary Tangent Tan X = o/a Primary Secant Sec x = h/a Derived Sec x = 1/Cos x Cosecant Cosec x = h/o Derived Cosec x = 1/Sin x Cotangent Cot x = a/o Derived Cot x = 1/Tan x
For example, in the figure above, the cosine of x is the side adjacent to x (labelled a), over the hypotenuse (labelled h):
Cos x = a/h
If a=12cm,
and h=24cm,
then cos x = 0.5
Inverse Functions
For each of the six functions, there is an inverse function that works in reverse. The inverse function has the letters ‘ARC' in front of it.
For example, the inverse function of COS is ARCCOS. While COS tells you the cosine of an angle, ARCCOS tells you what angle has a given cosine.
Trigonometry Functions Of Large and/or Negative Angles
The six functions can also be defined in a rectangular coordinate system. This allows them to go beyond right triangles, to where the angles can have any measure, even beyond 360°, and can be both positive and negative.
Identities – Replacing A Function With Others
Trigonometric identities are simply ways of writing one function using others. For example, from the table above we see that
Sec x = 1/Cos x
This equivalence is called an identity. If we had an equation with sec x in it, we could replace sec x with one over cos x if that helps us reach our goals. There are many such identities.
Not Just Right Triangles
These Trigonometry Formulas are defined using a right triangle but used in other triangles too. For example, the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines can be used to solve any triangle – not just right triangles
Function Graphs
The functions can be graphed, and some, notably the SIN function, produce shapes that frequently occur in nature. Examples see the graph of the SIN function, often called a sine wave above.
This is all in a nutshell offered for you to have a basic understanding of how trigonometry works. But this is just the beginning. We have a sea to explore here. Step by step.


consciouslifenews--2020-04-28--Drip Irrigation Systems – Advantages and Disadvantages

Drip irrigation stands out as a very useful way to water your plants .
This type of micro-irrigation saves you water and guarantees that enough water reaches the plant ’ s roots .
A slow drip is introduced and the system can work from under soil surface or from above soil surface .
Just as any irrigation system on the market , there are advantages and disadvantages that have to be considered before making a final choice .
Progrow.co.uk highlights the following .
Obviously , many others can be mentioned but these are those that you have to always talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
When the water supply is improper , it is impossible for nutrients and fertilizers to reach plant root .
A drip irrigation system helps a lot because it guarantees water effectively reaches roots .
When you need highly efficient water application , this is the system that is the best .
Another advantage is that this irrigation system aids in field levelling .
You can not use it without it .
No matter what the capacity of the field is , moisture is guaranteed , and all roots remain hydrated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced and you can fully control water distribution .
Based on unique necessity , water reaches individual roots in a way you can control .
You should also take into account the fact that you will no longer need help to water plants , even if the area is large and there are many plants to water at the same time .
Zero labour cost becomes a reality .
You can easily use drip irrigation systems as a low-cost alternative that can be installed even if water pressure is low .
Installation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In some cases , court approval might be needed but this is rare .
If you are not handy with your tools , you need to hire a professional to install the system for you .
Keep in mind that the sun can affect tubes .
They can break because heat production is excessive .
Also , the fertility of the soil can be affected by plastic tubes .
It is common to see the sun that degrades plastic .
Fertilizers and soil can easily be affected .
At times , clogs can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not go through , roots end up being dehydrated .
When the drip irrigation system is not properly installed , you simply lose heat , water and time .
As you can easily notice , there are both advantages and disadvantages of using a drip irrigation system .
They all need to be considered before you make your final choice .
Fortunately , in most cases , especially when you have to work on an indoor garden , this is the best possible way to water your plants because of the extra control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t have to worry about many of the possible disadvantages .
When you need to water plants in an open field setting , the choice is not so simple .
Work with professional gardeners so that you can easily choose what is good for you .

Drip irrigation stands out as a very useful way to water your plants. This type of micro-irrigation saves you water and guarantees that enough water reaches the plant’s roots. A slow drip is introduced and the system can work from under soil surface or from above soil surface.
Just as any irrigation system on the market, there are advantages and disadvantages that have to be considered before making a final choice. Progrow.co.uk highlights the following. Obviously, many others can be mentioned but these are those that you have to always talk about as you discuss the drip irrigation system.
Drip Irrigation Systems – Advantages
When the water supply is improper, it is impossible for nutrients and fertilizers to reach plant root. A drip irrigation system helps a lot because it guarantees water effectively reaches roots. When you need highly efficient water application, this is the system that is the best.
Another advantage is that this irrigation system aids in field levelling. You cannot use it without it. No matter what the capacity of the field is, moisture is guaranteed, and all roots remain hydrated. Weed growth and soil erosion are instantly reduced and you can fully control water distribution. Based on unique necessity, water reaches individual roots in a way you can control.
You should also take into account the fact that you will no longer need help to water plants, even if the area is large and there are many plants to water at the same time. Zero labour cost becomes a reality. You can easily use drip irrigation systems as a low-cost alternative that can be installed even if water pressure is low.
Drip Irrigation Systems – Disadvantages
Installation is not easy and it is time-consuming. In some cases, court approval might be needed but this is rare. If you are not handy with your tools, you need to hire a professional to install the system for you.
Keep in mind that the sun can affect tubes. They can break because heat production is excessive. Also, the fertility of the soil can be affected by plastic tubes. It is common to see the sun that degrades plastic. Fertilizers and soil can easily be affected.
At times, clogs can appear in tubes. If water cannot go through, roots end up being dehydrated. When the drip irrigation system is not properly installed, you simply lose heat, water and time.
Conclusions
As you can easily notice, there are both advantages and disadvantages of using a drip irrigation system. They all need to be considered before you make your final choice. Fortunately, in most cases, especially when you have to work on an indoor garden, this is the best possible way to water your plants because of the extra control that is offered. Also, you wouldn’t have to worry about many of the possible disadvantages. When you need to water plants in an open field setting, the choice is not so simple. Work with professional gardeners so that you can easily choose what is good for you.


consciouslifenews--2020-04-29--How Music Can Boost Your Immune System During Coronavirus Lockdown

Do you know that music can help you boost your immune system and help people recover from illness ?
That ’ s really interesting to know since most of us take music as our relaxation or therapy .
Music is everywhere and we could hear it on radios , televisions , the start or end of the movie , both in private and public places .
Music sets the mood up and almost every one of us can ’ t live without it .
And now that the world is stuck in a crisis which mandated everyone to stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kill the boredom as we stayed within our premises .
This article will help you know how music can boost your immune system during coronavirus lockdown .
Feel free to crank up the melodies and boom those beats , because the outcomes are in — music is good for you .
There are many to listening to music .
Music has healing power .
For those of who ’ ve been in a bad break up , tend to cling and cry along with the depth of lyrics from Taylor Swift or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a long run by jamming on Eminem ’ s quality music .
Music can relax the brokenhearted , encourage runners , and kickoff the grandest dance parties , but for our health and overall well-being , music could give us some significant scientific benefits .
It has shown that listening to music improves memory functioning , escalate the rate of healing , develop your workouts , and more .
Additionally , scientists have revealed that if you listen to only 50 minutes of “ inspiring ” dance music , your antibody levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to music , they also found that stress hormones can decline the immune system drop .
It seems to be quite actual to recover the quality of life of those suffering physical health problems and is used often to encourage mental and emotional health .
Therefore , taking Happy dance music has a vital role in increasing immunity while relaxing music helps to decrease stress .
Another essential thing to retain in mind is the listener ’ s taste in music .
The music chosen by someone seems to have a bigger impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the important benefits of music to our immune system : • Singing For An Hour Can Increase Levels Of Immune Proteins Music can have extensive effects on the hormones cortisol and adrenaline – which frequently kick in for the period of nerve-wracking situations .
However , when playing music or , the body experiences fewer of the indications in terms of the ‘ fight or flight ' retort and leads to a decrease in adrenaline .
• Playing Musical Instruments Helped to Lower the Levels of Harmful Stress Hormones A study shows that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ musical experience did best on tests of mental perception and show that it helps reduce the levels of harmful stress hormones .
Compared to non-musicians , the individuals with an extraordinary degree of musical involvement had much higher totals on the cognitive tests because they tend to have a calmer condition , plus those related to visual and special memory , identification of objects and the brain ’ s aptitude to acclimatize to new information • Listening to Music Can Reduces Stress and Eases Anxiety has a unique link to our emotions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective stress management means .
Music can also have a relaxing effect on the mind just like listening to slow music to calm the body .
Researchers at Stanford University originate that listening to music appears to be capable to change brain functioning to a similar degree as medication .
It ’ s an easy stress reduction option since music is so widely available and inexpensive .
comprising the brain function , blood pressure , and heartbeat .
It also connects to the limbic system such as feelings and emotions .
The bodily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played , – the heart blow slows down and blood pressure descents .
This results in the inhalation to slow , which helps discharge tension in the neck , shoulders , stomach , and back .
Listening to slow or calming music on a steady basis can benefit our bodies to relax , which over time , means a smaller amount of pain to experience and faster recovery time .
A similar study with stroke patients Finnish researchers .
They discovered that if stroke patients listened to music for a couple of hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attentive responsiveness improved better and they had a more optimistic mood than patients who did not listen to anything or who listened to acoustic books .
What Kind of Music Can Boost the Immune System ?
Music is so voluntarily available , not many people understand the benefits that music can have on their lives , particularly when it comes to anxiety .
is well-known for being one of the most prevalent and most active practices you can relish and participate in to lessen the levels of stress in your life and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meditation music is widely available , meaning you can meditate and find the present moment , notwithstanding where you are or what you ’ re doing .
Something about music is enticing — chiefly — that stimulates and actuates the body .
Music very much has a way of augmenting the quality of life and can , in addition , promote recovery for both physical , emotional , and mental health .
Overall , turning up your tunes can also awake the effort you use during exercise , study , or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what are you waiting for during this lockdown boredom ?
Seize your earbuds and start jamming !
Tags : `` featured , boost immune system , Coronavirus lockown , COVID-19 , COVID-19 coronavirus , COVID-19 lockdown , COVID-19 pandemic , feature , music and immune system , music help boost immune system , music to boost immune system

By Curtis Dean
Do you know that music can help you boost your immune system and help people recover from illness? That’s really interesting to know since most of us take music as our relaxation or therapy.
Music is everywhere and we could hear it on radios, televisions, the start or end of the movie, both in private and public places. Music sets the mood up and almost every one of us can’t live without it.
And now that the world is stuck in a crisis which mandated everyone to stay at home, music gave us the company to kill the boredom as we stayed within our premises.
This article will help you know how music can boost your immune system during coronavirus lockdown. Feel free to crank up the melodies and boom those beats, because the outcomes are in — music is good for you.
Music and Immune System
There are many benefits to listening to music. Music has healing power. For those of who’ve been in a bad break up, tend to cling and cry along with the depth of lyrics from Taylor Swift or so while some wanted to power up through a long run by jamming on Eminem’s quality music.
Music can relax the brokenhearted, encourage runners, and kickoff the grandest dance parties, but for our health and overall well-being, music could give us some significant scientific benefits.
It has shown that listening to music improves memory functioning, escalate the rate of healing, develop your workouts, and more.
Additionally, scientists have revealed that if you listen to only 50 minutes of “inspiring” dance music, your antibody levels will strengthen suggestively. After being exposed to music, they also found that stress hormones can decline the immune system drop.
It seems to be quite actual to recover the quality of life of those suffering physical health problems and music therapy is used often to encourage mental and emotional health. Therefore, taking music lessons is highly recommended.
How Music Can Boost Immune System
Happy dance music has a vital role in increasing immunity while relaxing music helps to decrease stress. Another essential thing to retain in mind is the listener’s taste in music. The music chosen by someone seems to have a bigger impact on his health.
The following are the important benefits of music to our immune system:
Singing For An Hour Can Increase Levels Of Immune Proteins
Music can have extensive effects on the hormones cortisol and adrenaline – which frequently kick in for the period of nerve-wracking situations. However, when playing music or singing, the body experiences fewer of the indications in terms of the ‘fight or flight' retort and leads to a decrease in adrenaline.
Playing Musical Instruments Helped to Lower the Levels of Harmful Stress Hormones
A study shows that those who have the utmost amount of musical experience did best on tests of mental perception and show that it helps reduce the levels of harmful stress hormones.
Compared to non-musicians, the individuals with an extraordinary degree of musical involvement had much higher totals on the cognitive tests because they tend to have a calmer condition, plus those related to visual and special memory, identification of objects and the brain’s aptitude to acclimatize to new information
Listening to Music Can Reduces Stress and Eases Anxiety
Research has found that music has a unique link to our emotions and it can be used as an exceptionally effective stress management means.
Music can also have a relaxing effect on the mind just like listening to slow music to calm the body. Researchers at Stanford University originate that listening to music appears to be capable to change brain functioning to a similar degree as medication.
It’s an easy stress reduction option since music is so widely available and inexpensive.
It Helps You Heal
Music links with the automatic nervous system comprising the brain function, blood pressure, and heartbeat. It also connects to the limbic system such as feelings and emotions.
The bodily reaction follows suit when slow music is played, – the heart blow slows down and blood pressure descents. This results in the inhalation to slow, which helps discharge tension in the neck, shoulders, stomach, and back.
Listening to slow or calming music on a steady basis can benefit our bodies to relax, which over time, means a smaller amount of pain to experience and faster recovery time.
A similar study with stroke patients Finnish researchers. They discovered that if stroke patients listened to music for a couple of hours a day, their verbal memory and attentive responsiveness improved better and they had a more optimistic mood than patients who did not listen to anything or who listened to acoustic books.
What Kind of Music Can Boost the Immune System?
Music is so voluntarily available, not many people understand the benefits that music can have on their lives, particularly when it comes to anxiety.
Meditative Music For Relish
Meditation is well-known for being one of the most prevalent and most active practices you can relish and participate in to lessen the levels of stress in your life and it is best paired up with meditative music.
Meditation music is widely available, meaning you can meditate and find the present moment, notwithstanding where you are or what you’re doing.
Dance Music For Activation
Something about music is enticing — chiefly upbeat music — that stimulates and actuates the body. Music very much has a way of augmenting the quality of life and can, in addition, promote recovery for both physical, emotional, and mental health.
Overall, turning up your tunes can also awake the effort you use during exercise, study, or even doing simple chores are home.
So what are you waiting for during this lockdown boredom? Seize your earbuds and start jamming!


consciouslifenews--2020-04-29--Radical Love in the Age of COVID-19

Radical Love in the Age of COVID-19

As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on , it has become painfully obvious just how fractured society has become as a result… .
particularly in America .
For example , the virus has revealed the shocking and unconscious able disparities that exist between rich and poor .
It has also demonstrated that the line between fact and fiction in the media has been badly blurred due to sensationalized and partisan reporting on all sides .
Finally , the emergence of anti-shutdown protests in US cities shows that we can ’ t even agree on whether to continue with extreme social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Frustratingly , it would appear that politics ( the world ’ s current expression of collective ego ) has divided us again .
However , in these times , the negative consequences of such separation are felt more profoundly due to the high stakes of both the public health and economic crises .
At the time of this writing , we are approaching a quarter-million global confirmed deaths from COVID-19 and countless millions of people are now out of work as a result of government-mandated shutdowns .
In response to both crises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boil over among certain sections of the world population .
The question now becomes : how can we collectively meet this moment in a manner that alleviates suffering while also pushing us closer toward the positive end goal of world peace ?
The answer to that question is radical love .
When Jesus , that inspiring saint , and sage , was nailed to the cross he uttered these words : “ Father , forgive them , for they do not know what they are doing.
” Those powerful words were extended as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They were also an expression of the highest form of radical love .
When Gandhi guided his beloved India to independence through leading a dangerous 24-day Salt March ( which eventually cost him his life ) that too , was an example of radical love .
Martin Luther King Jr. endured beatings , death threats , prison , and eventually his own assassination to liberate his nation from the scourge of racial apartheid .
He too expressed the fullest vision of radical love .
And , when Vietnamese monks self-immolated themselves in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Buddhist monks , that too was an act of radical love .
Of course , each of the above beings is rightfully remembered for their willingness to surrender their lives in pursuit of oneness .
However , one does not need to become a martyr in order to act in accordance with this divine principle .
Fortunately , there are many acts of radical love that we can now all engage in to relieve such widespread suffering and hardship .
Examples include : • None Attending to those who have lost a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is especially telling , that the great Indian Saint , Neem Karoli Baba , taught his devotees that the act of feeding the hungry was itself such a high expression of radical love that it could be used as a path to one ’ s spiritual enlightenment .
It would be wise for us all to resist being emotionally pulled into the political drama of our leaders ’ response to this pandemic .
For the sake of humanity , it would be much more constructive for us all to make ourselves instruments of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After all , this is the essence of radical love : treating the suffering of others as if it were your own AND having the courage to alleviate another ’ s suffering even if it may come at a steep personal cost to you .
The display of that very courage is what imbues the expression of love with its truly radical component .
In the end , this pandemic represents a rare opportunity for us all to undergo a paradigm shift in consciousness from one focused on self-serving egoic ends to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loving-kindness .
We are all connected .
We are all one .
It is now time to start living that way !
Forrest Rivers is a lover of the Earth and author of the book : The Hippie Revival and Collected Writings ( https : //www.amazon.com/Hippie-Revival-Collected-Writings/dp/1515396959 ) .
He lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado .
Feel free to reach out to Forrest through email : or leave a message on his website : forrestrivers.com Tags : `` featured , age of COVID-19 , COVID-19 , COVID-19 outbreak , COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love and COVID-19 , radical love in age of COVID-19

By Forrest Rivers
As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, it has become painfully obvious just how fractured society has become as a result…. particularly in America. For example, the virus has revealed the shocking and unconscious able disparities that exist between rich and poor. It has also demonstrated that the line between fact and fiction in the media has been badly blurred due to sensationalized and partisan reporting on all sides. Finally, the emergence of anti-shutdown protests in US cities shows that we can’t even agree on whether to continue with extreme social distancing measures or to begin re-opening the economy. Frustratingly, it would appear that politics (the world’s current expression of collective ego) has divided us again. However, in these times, the negative consequences of such separation are felt more profoundly due to the high stakes of both the public health and economic crises. At the time of this writing, we are approaching a quarter-million global confirmed deaths from COVID-19 and countless millions of people are now out of work as a result of government-mandated shutdowns. In response to both crises, anger and frustration have begun to boil over among certain sections of the world population. The question now becomes: how can we collectively meet this moment in a manner that alleviates suffering while also pushing us closer toward the positive end goal of world peace? The answer to that question is radical love.
When Jesus, that inspiring saint, and sage, was nailed to the cross he uttered these words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Those powerful words were extended as a prayer of forgiveness for his tormenters. They were also an expression of the highest form of radical love. When Gandhi guided his beloved India to independence through leading a dangerous 24-day Salt March (which eventually cost him his life) that too, was an example of radical love. Martin Luther King Jr. endured beatings, death threats, prison, and eventually his own assassination to liberate his nation from the scourge of racial apartheid. He too expressed the fullest vision of radical love. And, when Vietnamese monks self-immolated themselves in protest to South Vietnam’s persecution of Buddhist monks, that too was an act of radical love. Of course, each of the above beings is rightfully remembered for their willingness to surrender their lives in pursuit of oneness. However, one does not need to become a martyr in order to act in accordance with this divine principle. Fortunately, there are many acts of radical love that we can now all engage in to relieve such widespread suffering and hardship. Examples include:
feeding the hungry
Providing clothing for the poor
Caring for the sick
Attending to those who have lost a loved one due to the virus
Uplifting elderly neighbors in isolation
It is especially telling, that the great Indian Saint, Neem Karoli Baba, taught his devotees that the act of feeding the hungry was itself such a high expression of radical love that it could be used as a path to one’s spiritual enlightenment.
It would be wise for us all to resist being emotionally pulled into the political drama of our leaders’ response to this pandemic. For the sake of humanity, it would be much more constructive for us all to make ourselves instruments of service and lead with our hearts. After all, this is the essence of radical love: treating the suffering of others as if it were your own AND having the courage to alleviate another’s suffering even if it may come at a steep personal cost to you. The display of that very courage is what imbues the expression of love with its truly radical component. In the end, this pandemic represents a rare opportunity for us all to undergo a paradigm shift in consciousness from one focused on self-serving egoic ends to one grounded in the spirit of service and loving-kindness. We are all connected. We are all one. It is now time to start living that way!
Author Bio:
Forrest Rivers is a lover of the Earth and author of the book: The Hippie Revival and Collected Writings(https://www.amazon.com/Hippie-Revival-Collected-Writings/dp/1515396959). He lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Feel free to reach out to Forrest through email: forrestrivers4@gmail.com or leave a message on his website: forrestrivers.com


consciouslifenews--2020-04-29--Air Pollution Has Dropped by as Much as 60% in Major Cities Across the World Due to Lockdown

On Earth Day , Swiss-based air quality technology company IQAir published a COVID-19 Air Quality Report that shows how air pollution levels in 10 major cities around the globe have fallen to as much as 60 percent due to government-mandated shutdowns of non-essential businesses and physical distancing measures meant to curb the novel coronavirus .
The study examined cities ’ measurements before and after the COVID-19 outbreak of the harmful fine particulate matter known as PM 2.5 .
The particulate matter , which lodges deep into the lungs and passes into vital organs and the bloodstream , causes a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
The report looked at London , Los Angeles , New Delhi , New York City , Madrid , Mumbai , Rome , São Paulo , Seoul , and Wuhan .
The research revealed a “ drastic drop ” in air pollution in almost every city facing lockdown compared to a year earlier , with the exception of Rome .
New Delhi experienced a 60 percent fall of PM2.5 from 2019 levels .
The metropolis also experienced a sharp drop in hours during which the Indian capital experienced air pollution ratings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hours falling from 68 percent in 2019 to 17 percent during the 2020 lockdown .
In Mumbai , air pollution dropped by 34 percent .
Seoul , South Korea , saw a 54 percent decrease from last year while soot levels in Wuhan , China , dropped by 44 percent .
Meanwhile , in São Paulo , Brazil , air pollution has dropped by 32 percent .
In sunny Los Angeles , California , which has long been associated with its clogged freeways and dense smog , Angelenos celebrated Earth Day with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city has ever seen , according to IQAir .
With far fewer cars on the road due to the city ’ s Safer-at-Home order and much-welcomed spring showers , the City of Angels ’ fine particle pollution has dropped by 31 percent compared to last year and 51 percent compared to the previous four-year average .
“ We saw that L.A. had some of the cleanest air quality in the world .
“ About a year ago , Los Angeles was ranked the worst air quality in the entire country- and now we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air quality in the world.
” Meanwhile , New York City saw its air pollution drop by 25 percent as a result of its lockdown .
London and Madrid saw far more modest air pollution reductions at 9 percent and 11 percent , respectively .
Frank Hammes , CEO of IQAir Group said in a statement : “ Across the globe , the coronavirus pandemic has had a monumental impact on the way we live .
“ While the human and economic costs are devastating , we are also witnessing how much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The drastic reduction in air pollution during COVID-19 lockdowns shows how our habits and behaviors directly impact the air we breathe .
That ’ s an important insight [ after ] this unique Earth Day.
” While this news is more than welcome amid the horrific stream of daily news related to the novel coronavirus that attacks the respiratory system and our bodies ’ major organs , the news regrettably will not last .
Air pollution is expected to kick off again with a vengeance once restrictions are loosened and industries churn back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality and greenhouse gas emissions have been recorded during past crises including the 2008 recession .
However , the dire fears over a prolonged and deep recession with no precedent since the Great Depression of the 1930s could mean that this respite for the air could last much longer than investors and global markets desire .

On Earth Day, Swiss-based air quality technology company IQAir published a COVID-19 Air Quality Report that shows how air pollution levels in 10 major cities around the globe have fallen to as much as 60 percent due to government-mandated shutdowns of non-essential businesses and physical distancing measures meant to curb the novel coronavirus.
The study examined cities’ measurements before and after the COVID-19 outbreak of the harmful fine particulate matter known as PM 2.5. The particulate matter, which lodges deep into the lungs and passes into vital organs and the bloodstream, causes a number of serious risks to people’s health.
The report looked at London, Los Angeles, New Delhi, New York City, Madrid, Mumbai, Rome, São Paulo, Seoul, and Wuhan.
The research revealed a “drastic drop” in air pollution in almost every city facing lockdown compared to a year earlier, with the exception of Rome.
New Delhi experienced a 60 percent fall of PM2.5 from 2019 levels. The metropolis also experienced a sharp drop in hours during which the Indian capital experienced air pollution ratings of “unhealthy,” with the percentage of hours falling from 68 percent in 2019 to 17 percent during the 2020 lockdown. In Mumbai, air pollution dropped by 34 percent.
Seoul, South Korea, saw a 54 percent decrease from last year while soot levels in Wuhan, China, dropped by 44 percent.
Meanwhile, in São Paulo, Brazil, air pollution has dropped by 32 percent.
In sunny Los Angeles, California, which has long been associated with its clogged freeways and dense smog, Angelenos celebrated Earth Day with some of the best air quality the city has ever seen, according to IQAir. With far fewer cars on the road due to the city’s Safer-at-Home order and much-welcomed spring showers, the City of Angels’ fine particle pollution has dropped by 31 percent compared to last year and 51 percent compared to the previous four-year average.
IQAir North America CEO Glory Dolphin Hammes said:
“We saw that L.A. had some of the cleanest air quality in the world.
“About a year ago, Los Angeles was ranked the worst air quality in the entire country- and now we’re seeing some of the best air quality in the world.”
Meanwhile, New York City saw its air pollution drop by 25 percent as a result of its lockdown.
London and Madrid saw far more modest air pollution reductions at 9 percent and 11 percent, respectively.
Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir Group said in a statement:
“Across the globe, the coronavirus pandemic has had a monumental impact on the way we live.
“While the human and economic costs are devastating, we are also witnessing how much of air pollution comes from human activity. The drastic reduction in air pollution during COVID-19 lockdowns shows how our habits and behaviors directly impact the air we breathe. That’s an important insight [after] this unique Earth Day.”
While this news is more than welcome amid the horrific stream of daily news related to the novel coronavirus that attacks the respiratory system and our bodies’ major organs, the news regrettably will not last.
Air pollution is expected to kick off again with a vengeance once restrictions are loosened and industries churn back into action. Such rebounds impacting air quality and greenhouse gas emissions have been recorded during past crises including the 2008 recession.
However, the dire fears over a prolonged and deep recession with no precedent since the Great Depression of the 1930s could mean that this respite for the air could last much longer than investors and global markets desire.