theheartysoul--2020-09-30--Insects Called Scorpionflies Exists, and They are Terrifying

Whenever we come across cute animal pics online , we can ’ t help but let out a sighed “ aww !
” But when this species began going viral , it was met with the universal response of “ nope !
” I ’ m of course talking about the scorpionflies , the stuff of monsters that belongs in a science-experiment-gone-wrong flick instead of the real world .
However , as frightening as they appear , these creatures are actually completely harmless Although these insects can be found around the globe , there is much research needed to fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them is just as strange and scary as their appearance .
Read : A Single Opossum Can Kill 5,000 Ticks In One Season , Which Spread Lyme Disease 1 .
They are unrelated to scorpions and flies .
While these creatures of nightmares may resemble their namesakes , they are actually in an entirely different species category .
For one , scorpions are arachnids , not insects , and have more in common with friendly neighborhood spiders .
[ 1 ] Meanwhile , scorpionflies are categorized as mecopteran , which makes hanging flies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four wings but are poor flyers , a sharp contrast to the appropriately named housefly .
[ 2 ] 2 .
Their assumed “ stingers ” are actually the males ’ genitalia .
Remember , the scorpionflies are completely harmless and they don ’ t have any kind of stinger .
Instead , the bulbous tip is actually the male genitalia , and its unsettling purpose in copulation is about to be explained .
AdvertisementOf all of the strange sex in the animal kingdom , scorpionflies definitely take first prize for how disgusting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by vibrating their wings and releasing sex pheromones when they spot a female .
Some varieties give the females dead and decaying insects to feed on while they mate .
Others offer her globs of his own saliva for her to drink .
[ 2 ] The males use their genitalia to pin down the females who try to shake them off .
It ’ s an aggressive process that can last hours and can take place on human flesh , with quick breaks to snack on the corpse .
4 .
Homicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of death .
Many insects are attracted to rotting corpses and scorpionflies are no exception .
Forensics experts actually used these creatures to determine how long the body has been dead .
For a while , blowflies were believed to be to first bugs on the freshly dead ; some species lay eggs in corpses withing minutes after the demise .
However , scorpionflies have been proven to be the first bugs on the body .
Therefore , they aid investigators in finding the timeline of the decomposing .
[ 3 ] Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were named after scorpions .
The mouths are serrated to more easily tear and chew their food , as well as digging into the soft interior of their victims .
6 .
They diet consists of pretty much everything .
If they won ’ t turn their noses at dead human flesh , one could imagine that scorpionflies wouldn ’ t turn their noses away at much else .
Their diet also includes include other insects , pollen , nectar , fruit , and each other ’ s saliva .
They find sweat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead ones .
So fear not if one comes too close to take a sip .
They are not going to sting or bite you , as we ’ ve already established .
[ 4 ] 8 .
They are very elusive .
This is no surprise , being that only a handful of specimens were found to be studied in 1982 .
For a while , it was believed that these insects were on the verge of extinction .
Then , in 2012 , a photographer in Florida confirmed that his species @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] 9 .
Earth is covered with them .
There is no escape from these mini monsters !
They cover the entire globe with the exception of Antarctica .
They tend to habit the edges of dense forests , along with a variety of other biomes .
[ 6 ] AdvertisementAdvertisement If you thought the transformation of a caterpillar to butterfly was bizarre , wait until you hear about this one .
Scorpionflies go through a lot to achieve their strange appearance .
They are born as little worm-like larvae and live on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decaying food they can reach .
This could include anything from dead bugs to rotting leaves .
When they begin to pupate , they burrow into the soil to begin their metamorphosis .
When they emerge , they are beautifully fully-formed scorpionflies .
Keep Reading : If You See These 5 Insects in Your Garden , DO NOT Kill Them

Whenever we come across cute animal pics online, we can’t help but let out a sighed “aww!” But when this species began going viral, it was met with the universal response of “nope!”
I’m of course talking about the scorpionflies, the stuff of monsters that belongs in a science-experiment-gone-wrong flick instead of the real world. However, as frightening as they appear, these creatures are actually completely harmless
Although these insects can be found around the globe, there is much research needed to fully understand them. What was discovered about them is just as strange and scary as their appearance.
Read: A Single Opossum Can Kill 5,000 Ticks In One Season, Which Spread Lyme Disease
10 Bizarre Facts About Scorpionflies
1. They are unrelated to scorpions and flies.
While these creatures of nightmares may resemble their namesakes, they are actually in an entirely different species category. For one, scorpions are arachnids, not insects, and have more in common with friendly neighborhood spiders. [1] Meanwhile, scorpionflies are categorized as mecopteran, which makes hanging flies their relatives. Mecopterans tend to have four wings but are poor flyers, a sharp contrast to the appropriately named housefly. [2]
2. Their assumed “stingers” are actually the males’ genitalia.
Remember, the scorpionflies are completely harmless and they don’t have any kind of stinger. Instead, the bulbous tip is actually the male genitalia, and its unsettling purpose in copulation is about to be explained.
3. Scorpionfly sex is super gross and unsettling.
Of all of the strange sex in the animal kingdom, scorpionflies definitely take first prize for how disgusting it is. First, males begin by vibrating their wings and releasing sex pheromones when they spot a female. Some varieties give the females dead and decaying insects to feed on while they mate. Others offer her globs of his own saliva for her to drink. [2]
The males use their genitalia to pin down the females who try to shake them off. It’s an aggressive process that can last hours and can take place on human flesh, with quick breaks to snack on the corpse.
4. Homicide detectives use scorpionflies to determine the time of death.
Many insects are attracted to rotting corpses and scorpionflies are no exception. Forensics experts actually used these creatures to determine how long the body has been dead. For a while, blowflies were believed to be to first bugs on the freshly dead; some species lay eggs in corpses withing minutes after the demise. However, scorpionflies have been proven to be the first bugs on the body. Therefore, they aid investigators in finding the timeline of the decomposing. [3]
5. Their faces are terrifying.
Their strange mugs are probably the reason they were named after scorpions. The mouths are serrated to more easily tear and chew their food, as well as digging into the soft interior of their victims.
6. They diet consists of pretty much everything.
If they won’t turn their noses at dead human flesh, one could imagine that scorpionflies wouldn’t turn their noses away at much else. Their diet also includes include other insects, pollen, nectar, fruit, and each other’s saliva.
7. They drink human sweat.
They find sweat delicious from live humans, not just dead ones. So fear not if one comes too close to take a sip. They are not going to sting or bite you, as we’ve already established. [4]
8. They are very elusive.
This is no surprise, being that only a handful of specimens were found to be studied in 1982. For a while, it was believed that these insects were on the verge of extinction. Then, in 2012, a photographer in Florida confirmed that his species is still at large. [5]
9. Earth is covered with them.
There is no escape from these mini monsters! They cover the entire globe with the exception of Antarctica. They tend to habit the edges of dense forests, along with a variety of other biomes. [6]
10. Their larvae undergo an intense metamorphosis.
If you thought the transformation of a caterpillar to butterfly was bizarre, wait until you hear about this one. Scorpionflies go through a lot to achieve their strange appearance.
They are born as little worm-like larvae and live on the earth, eating all sorts of decaying food they can reach. This could include anything from dead bugs to rotting leaves. When they begin to pupate, they burrow into the soil to begin their metamorphosis. When they emerge, they are beautifully fully-formed scorpionflies.
Keep Reading: If You See These 5 Insects in Your Garden, DO NOT Kill Them


theheartysoul--2020-09-30--14 Simple Tricks to Make Your Life Easier

Our daily lives get busy and stressful .
So much so , that even little things can seem like massive tasks .
Thankfully , there are things you can do to make those small things simpler and leave room to focus on more important ones .
Here are some tricks to make life easier , even if just a little bit .
These tricks won ’ t necessarily help you nail that presentation at work or make your kids less grumpy when getting up for school each morning .
They will , however , help keep you more organized and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit easier .
These are wonderful little organizers for your countertop fruits .
You can see what ’ s in each one and can even organize them based on color to give your kitchen a really put-together look .
Most of us have that cupboard , basket , or drawer that we just put all of our medications , medicines , and supplements in .
Instead , divide them into several labeled baskets to make finding what you are looking for simple and easy .
Labels can include : AdvertisementAdvertisement Organize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you .
Rather than having your bras in a tangled mess in a drawer , use hangers hung down the inside of your closet door .
This will help keep them organized and will help to maintain the shape and integrity of the bra .
4 .
Window scraper to remove fur from the carpet .
Anyone with pets knows the challenges of cleaning up pet hair .
Drag a window scraper along your carpets and easily collect all of the hairs .
Read : 10 Hacks to Keep Your Produce Fresh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Repurpose them to store cables .
You will easily be able to find the cable you are looking for and you won ’ t have to spend hours attempting to untangle them from the others .
One of the most annoying parts about moving is taking all of your clothes off of the hangers , only to then hang them back up in the new place .
Instead , leave them on their hangers and tie garbage bags up around them , They will stay clean in transit and will save you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardest part of repairing a punctured tire is finding the hole .
Cover it in soap and see where the bubble appears – that way you ’ ve found your hole .
The next time you ’ re moving or you simply need to carry a full box , cut out hand-sized holes near the top to make it easier to carry .
Sunglasses and other glasses are easily lost and broken .
Help keep track of them and prevent them from getting crushed in a drawer or bag by hanging them all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear drawers banging shut all of the time .
If you ’ ve got loud drawers in your home , run some hot glue along the inside edge .
Once it has cooled and hardened , it will soften the impact of the drawer .
Have a dirty frying pan that no dishwasher or soap and sponge can seem to fix ?
Try covering the pan in salt and oil and rubbing it with a cut-open potato .
Babies are learning plenty of new things , including how to stand and walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are learning , however , they are vulnerable to falling and hurting themselves .
An inflatable pool makes the perfect playpen to keep them safe .
If they fall , they will only hit their head on the soft , air-filled edges of the pool .
If you only use a part of an avocado and want to preserve the rest for later , brush the open flesh with oil .
The oil seals the inside of the avocado to air , helping to keep it fresher for longer .
Want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slices but don ’ t want them to get brown ?
Cut the apple with an apple cutter , then put the apple back together and wrap an elastic band or hair tie around it .
This will keep the insides pressed firmly together to prevent oxygen from getting in so the slices will stay fresh .
These are just a few little tricks to make everyday things a little bit better , and make life easier .
What other helpful home and life tips do you have ?
Look at your palms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has its own number from 1 to 10 , from the left to the right .
Then find the finger that corresponds to the number you want to multiply by 9 and bend it .
The fingers to the left of the bent finger will be the tens and the fingers to the right will be the ones .
Keep Reading : These 12 Space Saving Tips Will Turn Your Small Space Into Your Dream Home

Our daily lives get busy and stressful. So much so, that even little things can seem like massive tasks. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make those small things simpler and leave room to focus on more important ones. Here are some tricks to make life easier, even if just a little bit.
14 Tricks to Make Life Easier
These tricks won’t necessarily help you nail that presentation at work or make your kids less grumpy when getting up for school each morning. They will, however, help keep you more organized and innovative so that your home life is a little bit easier.
1. Magazine holders for fruit storage.
These are wonderful little organizers for your countertop fruits. You can see what’s in each one and can even organize them based on color to give your kitchen a really put-together look.
2. Medication baskets.
Most of us have that cupboard, basket, or drawer that we just put all of our medications, medicines, and supplements in. Instead, divide them into several labeled baskets to make finding what you are looking for simple and easy. Labels can include:
Names – a basket for each individual’s medications
Sunscreen and bug spray
First aid
Pain and itch relief
Allergies
Cold and Flu
Organize them in a way that makes sense to you.
3. Hangers for bra storage
Rather than having your bras in a tangled mess in a drawer, use hangers hung down the inside of your closet door. This will help keep them organized and will help to maintain the shape and integrity of the bra.
4. Window scraper to remove fur from the carpet.
Anyone with pets knows the challenges of cleaning up pet hair. Drag a window scraper along your carpets and easily collect all of the hairs.
5. CD cases for cable storage.
Have old CD storage cases hanging around? Repurpose them to store cables. You will easily be able to find the cable you are looking for and you won’t have to spend hours attempting to untangle them from the others.
6. Trash bags for clothes when moving.
One of the most annoying parts about moving is taking all of your clothes off of the hangers, only to then hang them back up in the new place. Instead, leave them on their hangers and tie garbage bags up around them, They will stay clean in transit and will save you time both packing and unpacking.
7. Soap foam to find a hole in a tire
The hardest part of repairing a punctured tire is finding the hole. Cover it in soap and see where the bubble appears – that way you’ve found your hole.
8. Hand-holes in boxes.
The next time you’re moving or you simply need to carry a full box, cut out hand-sized holes near the top to make it easier to carry.
Read: 27 of the most effective housekeeping hacks for naturally cleaning your home without chemicals
9. Sunglasses hanger
Sunglasses and other glasses are easily lost and broken. Help keep track of them and prevent them from getting crushed in a drawer or bag by hanging them all neatly on a hanger.
10. Hot glue for quiet drawers
No one likes to hear drawers banging shut all of the time. If you’ve got loud drawers in your home, run some hot glue along the inside edge. Once it has cooled and hardened, it will soften the impact of the drawer.
11. Salt, oil, and potato frying pan trick
Have a dirty frying pan that no dishwasher or soap and sponge can seem to fix? Try covering the pan in salt and oil and rubbing it with a cut-open potato.
Read: 13 Surprising Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
12. Inflatable pool playpen
Babies are learning plenty of new things, including how to stand and walk on their own two feet. While they are learning, however, they are vulnerable to falling and hurting themselves. An inflatable pool makes the perfect playpen to keep them safe. If they fall, they will only hit their head on the soft, air-filled edges of the pool.
13. Brush avocados with oil
If you only use a part of an avocado and want to preserve the rest for later, brush the open flesh with oil. The oil seals the inside of the avocado to air, helping to keep it fresher for longer.
14. Keep apple slices fresh
Want to send your kid to school with apple slices but don’t want them to get brown? Cut the apple with an apple cutter, then put the apple back together and wrap an elastic band or hair tie around it. This will keep the insides pressed firmly together to prevent oxygen from getting in so the slices will stay fresh.
These are just a few little tricks to make everyday things a little bit better, and make life easier. What other helpful home and life tips do you have?
Bonus: Multiply by 9 using your hands.
Look at your palms and imagine that each of your fingers has its own number from 1 to 10, from the left to the right. Then find the finger that corresponds to the number you want to multiply by 9 and bend it. The fingers to the left of the bent finger will be the tens and the fingers to the right will be the ones.
Keep Reading: 24 Everyday Objects With ‘Secret’ Uses You Don’t Know About


theheartysoul--2020-09-30--Easy Hack to Keep Strawberries Fresh in the Fridge for Weeks

Strawberries are undeniably delicious .
They taste like summertime and happiness on their own , but they are also a dream in a dessert .
Chocolate-covered strawberries , strawberry shortcake , strawberry cheesecake , strawberry jam , and strawberry rhubarb pie are among many of the classic strawberry-flavored confections .
You may imagine all these sweets when you are shopping and you add a load of undeniably juicy , red strawberries to the cart .
However , when you get home , life gets busy and the strawberries lie forgotten in the fridge .
Suddenly , you remember them but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already become moldy and you have to throw them out .
What a waste !
Fortunately , there is a way to improve the shelf life of berries .
And don ’ t worry .
The hack takes only a few minutes to complete .
After all , if there ’ s no time for baking strawberry muffins or compote , there ’ s no time for a long , complicated process .
Instead , you need two simple ingredients and you will have fresh strawberries for the munching for weeks afterward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good After Their Expiration Date Here ’ s the Trick to Keep Strawberries Fresh You will need : • Place the strawberries into the bowl .
• With a ratio of one-part vinegar to five parts water , cover the top of the strawberries .
• Let rest for a few minutes .
The vinegar solution will remove bacteria and mold spores that cause strawberries to go bad so fast .
This is a more thorough cleaning solution than just rinsing them with water .
You ’ ll probably notice some dirt and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but that ’ s a sign the vinegar is working .
• Remove the strawberries from the vinegar solution and dry them as much as possible .
The remaining dampness could cause them to easily mold again .
You can use a salad spinner or pat them with paper towels .
• Store the strawberries spread out on a paper towel in the fridge .
Do not place them back into their container .
[ 1 ] No , the strawberries won ’ t taste like vinegar afterward , not at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other kinds of berries , like raspberries , blackberries , and blueberries .
The best part about this procedure is long-lasting , fresh , sweet , red strawberries .
No more panicking about the produce lost in the back of the fridge ; the strawberries will stay delicious .
Read : The Shelf Life of 32 Foods in Your Pantry When they are not baked with a sugary batter or dipped into chocolate fondue , strawberries are powerhouses of vitamins and nutrients like vitamin C , manganese , folate , and potassium .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes them relatively low in carbohydrates and calories .
Additionally , these carbs come from simple sugars , but they also have 2 grams of fiber per 100 grams of strawberries ( about 26 % of their carb content ) .
[ 2 ] They are low on the glycemic index , which means they do not cause large spikes in blood sugar levels ; this makes them safe for people with diabetes .
[ 3 ] Not only that , strawberries have been associated with reducing the risk or symptoms of many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is because strawberries have been found to : Studies that included observing thousands of people found a connection between consuming berries and lowering the risk of heart-related deaths .
[ 5 ] [ 6 ] Now that your strawberries are keeping fresh , you have a larger window of opportunity to make delicious treats with them .
Here are several you can try :

Strawberries are undeniably delicious. They taste like summertime and happiness on their own, but they are also a dream in a dessert. Chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake, strawberry jam, and strawberry rhubarb pie are among many of the classic strawberry-flavored confections. You may imagine all these sweets when you are shopping and you add a load of undeniably juicy, red strawberries to the cart.
However, when you get home, life gets busy and the strawberries lie forgotten in the fridge. Suddenly, you remember them but it’s too late. They have already become moldy and you have to throw them out. What a waste!
Fortunately, there is a way to improve the shelf life of berries. And don’t worry. The hack takes only a few minutes to complete. After all, if there’s no time for baking strawberry muffins or compote, there’s no time for a long, complicated process. Instead, you need two simple ingredients and you will have fresh strawberries for the munching for weeks afterward.
Read: 11 Foods That Stay Good After Their Expiration Date
Here’s the Trick to Keep Strawberries Fresh
You will need:
Medium-sized bowl
Water
White vinegar
Directions:
Place the strawberries into the bowl.
With a ratio of one-part vinegar to five parts water, cover the top of the strawberries.
Let rest for a few minutes. The vinegar solution will remove bacteria and mold spores that cause strawberries to go bad so fast. This is a more thorough cleaning solution than just rinsing them with water. You’ll probably notice some dirt and grime at the bottom of the bowl, but that’s a sign the vinegar is working.
Remove the strawberries from the vinegar solution and dry them as much as possible. The remaining dampness could cause them to easily mold again. You can use a salad spinner or pat them with paper towels.
Store the strawberries spread out on a paper towel in the fridge. Do not place them back into their container. [1]
No, the strawberries won’t taste like vinegar afterward, not at all. Also, this hack works with other kinds of berries, like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
The best part about this procedure is long-lasting, fresh, sweet, red strawberries. No more panicking about the produce lost in the back of the fridge; the strawberries will stay delicious.
Read: The Shelf Life of 32 Foods in Your Pantry
Health Benefits of Strawberries
When they are not baked with a sugary batter or dipped into chocolate fondue, strawberries are powerhouses of vitamins and nutrients like vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium.
They consist of mainly water, which makes them relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. Additionally, these carbs come from simple sugars, but they also have 2 grams of fiber per 100 grams of strawberries (about 26% of their carb content). They are low on the glycemic index, which means they do not cause large spikes in blood sugar levels; this makes them safe for people with diabetes. [3]
Not only that, strawberries have been associated with reducing the risk or symptoms of many chronic diseases including heart disorders. This is because strawberries have been found to:
reduce inflammation
improve blood antioxidant status
aid vascular function
better your blood lipid profile
decrease oxidative stress
reduce the harmful oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol [4]
Studies that included observing thousands of people found a connection between consuming berries and lowering the risk of heart-related deaths. [5] [6]
Strawberry Recipes to Enjoy
Now that your strawberries are keeping fresh, you have a larger window of opportunity to make delicious treats with them. Here are several you can try:


theheartysoul--2020-09-30--Crows Are Capable of Conscious Thought, Scientists Demonstrate For The First Time

You ’ ve likely heard the term “ bird brain ” before .
Usually , it describes someone who lacks intelligence or who makes dumb decisions .
Well , that saying may change because a new study has shown that crows have conscious thought .
For many years , people considered birds to be unintelligent compared to mammals and humans .
We thought conscious decision-making was a trait only humans and mammals possessed .
Birds , on the other hand , acted only based on instinct .
This new research is changing the way we think about avian intelligence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ far more intelligent than we have given them credit for .
Consciousness is essentially everything you experience .
It ’ s the ability to be aware of yourself and the world around you .
It ’ s what allows you to know what you know , and to think about that knowledge .
Consciousness makes us better at problem-solving and decision-making [ 1 ] .
Humans ’ ability to speak gave rise to higher-order , or secondary , consciousness , which is the state of being aware of your own existence [ 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk , it is difficult to determine if animals have consciousness .
New research has revealed that crows are able to be consciously aware of the world around them .
This means that they can have subjective experiences .
This type of consciousness is called primary , or sensory consciousness .
It is an essential process in humans , but until now had only been demonstrated in primates .
It is associated with the primate cerebral cortex .
This is a complex , layered region of the mammalian brain .
The cerebral cortex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including : Bird brains , on the other hand , are quite different in structure .
Where mammalian brains have layers , bird brains are smooth .
Despite this , corvids , which is the bird family that includes crows and ravens , are incredibly smart .
Previous research showed that like humans and apes , crows are actually capable of planning for the future [ 4 ] .
This still did not prove , however , that they are capable of conscious thought .
Andreas Nieder is an animal physiologist at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues designed a test to determine whether or not birds could have subjective experiences using two crows .
They trained the birds to respond to visual stimuli by showing them screens on which lights were displayed .
If the crows saw the lights , they were taught to nod their heads .
Most of the lights were easy to see , and the crows were reliable at reporting that they had seen them .
Some of the lights , however , were brief and faint .
This made them much more difficult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had seen them , and sometimes they didn ’ t .
The researchers showed each crow approximately twenty thousand signals over the course of several sessions .
Researchers had implanted electrodes in the crows ’ brains during the experiment to record their neuronal activity .
Neuronal activity was recorded in the interval between when the crow saw the light , and when they gave their answer .
Every time they said yes , the researchers saw an increase in neuronal activity .
Every time they said no , the researchers saw no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the scientists were able to predict the crows ’ answers before they gave them [ 5 ] .
The experiment , says Nieder , proves that the nerve cells at the higher processing level of the crow ’ s brain produce subjective experiences .
This means that primate brains are not the only ones who can have subjective experiences .
It also means that the complex layering of the mammalian brain is not a requirement of consciousness .
A second new study confirmed this .
Biopsychologist Martin Stacho of Ruhr-University Bochum in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neural circuit tracing techniques to characterise the anatomy of pigeon and owl brains .
They found that the structure of the cerebral cortex in birds is actually much more similar to mammals than we previously thought .
This means that it is possible that our brains and bird brains are more closely related than they are different [ 8 ] .
Through this research , scientists are beginning to realize that primary consciousness may be far more common between birds and mammals that we originally thought .
This , of course , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The question on everyone ’ s mind now is whether or not birds are capable of secondary consciousness .
Do they know they exist ?
Perhaps future studies will solve that problem .

You’ve likely heard the term “bird brain” before. Usually, it describes someone who lacks intelligence or who makes dumb decisions. Well, that saying may change because a new study has shown that crows have conscious thought.
For many years, people considered birds to be unintelligent compared to mammals and humans. We thought conscious decision-making was a trait only humans and mammals possessed. Birds, on the other hand, acted only based on instinct.
This new research is changing the way we think about avian intelligence. We are realising that birds may be far more intelligent than we have given them credit for.
Bird Brains Vs. Mammalian Brains
Consciousness is essentially everything you experience. It’s the ability to be aware of yourself and the world around you. It’s what allows you to know what you know, and to think about that knowledge. Consciousness makes us better at problem-solving and decision-making [1].
Humans’ ability to speak gave rise to higher-order, or secondary, consciousness, which is the state of being aware of your own existence [2]. Because they don’t talk, it is difficult to determine if animals have consciousness.
New research has revealed that crows are able to be consciously aware of the world around them. This means that they can have subjective experiences.
This type of consciousness is called primary, or sensory consciousness. It is an essential process in humans, but until now had only been demonstrated in primates. It is associated with the primate cerebral cortex. This is a complex, layered region of the mammalian brain.
The cerebral cortex participates in several functions in the body including:
Determining intelligence
Determining personality
Motor function
Planning and organization
Touch sensation
Processing sensory information
Language processing [3]
Bird brains, on the other hand, are quite different in structure. Where mammalian brains have layers, bird brains are smooth. Despite this, corvids, which is the bird family that includes crows and ravens, are incredibly smart.
Previous research showed that like humans and apes, crows are actually capable of planning for the future [4]. This still did not prove, however, that they are capable of conscious thought.
Study: Crows Have Conscious Thought
Andreas Nieder is an animal physiologist at the University of Tübingen. He and his colleagues designed a test to determine whether or not birds could have subjective experiences using two crows.
They trained the birds to respond to visual stimuli by showing them screens on which lights were displayed. If the crows saw the lights, they were taught to nod their heads. Most of the lights were easy to see, and the crows were reliable at reporting that they had seen them.
Some of the lights, however, were brief and faint. This made them much more difficult to see. Sometimes the crows reported that they had seen them, and sometimes they didn’t.
The researchers showed each crow approximately twenty thousand signals over the course of several sessions. Researchers had implanted electrodes in the crows’ brains during the experiment to record their neuronal activity.
Neuronal activity was recorded in the interval between when the crow saw the light, and when they gave their answer. Every time they said yes, the researchers saw an increase in neuronal activity. Every time they said no, the researchers saw no change. This happened so reliably, that the scientists were able to predict the crows’ answers before they gave them [5].
Subjective Experiences
The experiment, says Nieder, proves that the nerve cells at the higher processing level of the crow’s brain produce subjective experiences. This means that primate brains are not the only ones who can have subjective experiences. It also means that the complex layering of the mammalian brain is not a requirement of consciousness.
“In any case, the capability of conscious experience can be realized in differently structured brains and independently of the cerebral cortex,” Nieder said in a press release [6].
A second new study confirmed this. Biopsychologist Martin Stacho of Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany used 3D polarized light training and neural circuit tracing techniques to characterise the anatomy of pigeon and owl brains.
They found that the structure of the cerebral cortex in birds is actually much more similar to mammals than we previously thought. This means that it is possible that our brains and bird brains are more closely related than they are different [8].
Scientists Have More Questions
Through this research, scientists are beginning to realize that primary consciousness may be far more common between birds and mammals that we originally thought. This, of course, has led them to ask even more questions.
The question on everyone’s mind now is whether or not birds are capable of secondary consciousness. Do they know they exist? Perhaps future studies will solve that problem.


theheartysoul--2020-09-30--Cabins We Wouldn’t Mind Being Stuck in Right Now

The coronavirus pandemic is certainly taking its toll .
Many of us are beginning to resent the walls of our homes and apartments and are dreaming of getting away somewhere else .
Of course , the ideal getaway spots during a pandemic are nature cabins – ones in remote areas where we can disconnect to reconnect and find some peace again .
Cabins We Would Love To Live In These cabins are all designed in a minimalistic style to help you really connect with the nature that they are surrounded by .
Melissa and Jake Brillhart built Brillhut in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent it to the Bahamas .
They then reassembled it on Eleuthera Island in the archipelago .
The walls of the cabin are made from fiberglass and insulated foam panels which can be lifted using a pulley system to create an ideal outdoor-indoor space .
Casa Tiny is a cement and wood cabin inspired by the book Walden .
Artist Claudio Sodi commissioned the cabin located in Oaxaca , Mexico , and architect Aranzazu de Ariño designed it .
A true lovers ’ cabin , the pair fell in love during the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private getaway from Mexico City .
AdvertisementAdvertisement If you want to experience life at Casa Tiny , you can rent it on Airbnb .
On the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall , England , The Cornish Cabin almost blends entirely into its surroundings .
Designed by Hakan Stroz of Sweden , it is built entirely using traditional woodworking techniques .
Each log has talismans in their notches to give the home a spiritual blessing .
( 1 ) What began as a run-down shack in the Santa Monica Mountains has been reimagined into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlotte Beaver completely overhauled the place , making it bright , airy , and full of windows for optimal nature views .
( 1 ) The McGovern Residence in Tucannon , Washington was originally built in the 1970s .
It is currently in the process of being restored by the McGovern ’ s grandson Sven Holt to be used as an event and overnight space for guests .
Oz Farm in Northern California has a number of cabins that sleep anywhere from one to 10 people , depending on which cabin you choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can accommodate eight to 10 people .
Nestled away in Northeastern England , Sky Den was given its name for the way the roof opens up so you can gaze at the night ’ s sky .
British TV show George Clark ’ s Amazing Spaces featured the cabin due to its unique design .
Book the space here .
This is the ultimate off-the-grid eco-house in Wales .
Undercroft is designed using Earthship sustainability principles ( 2 ) : • Electricity from the sun and wind • Water from rain and snowmelt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooling from the sun and the earth • Food is grown both in and outside If you want to get away while leaving a minimal carbon footprint , this is the cabin for you .
Located in Fermanville , France , The Viking Seaside Summer House is the definition of tiny house living .
At just 10 by 15 feet and sitting just above a little beach , this was the largest the builders were allowed to make it due to France ’ s coastal building laws .
They made the most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows to keep it bright and airy .
If a nature-filled getaway is what you need , then perhaps one of these cabins is close enough to your hometown for you to make use of it .
If not , you ’ ll have to add them to your post-coronavirus travel bucket list .
Keep Reading : A Couple Buy a Collapsing Cabin For $ 7K in Joshua Tree and Revamp it Into a Desert Oasis

The coronavirus pandemic is certainly taking its toll. Many of us are beginning to resent the walls of our homes and apartments and are dreaming of getting away somewhere else. Of course, the ideal getaway spots during a pandemic are nature cabins – ones in remote areas where we can disconnect to reconnect and find some peace again.
Cabins We Would Love To Live In
These cabins are all designed in a minimalistic style to help you really connect with the nature that they are surrounded by.
1. Brillhut
Melissa and Jake Brillhart built Brillhut in their backyard, then packed it down and sent it to the Bahamas. They then reassembled it on Eleuthera Island in the archipelago. The walls of the cabin are made from fiberglass and insulated foam panels which can be lifted using a pulley system to create an ideal outdoor-indoor space.
Photo: Courtesy Melissa Brillhart
2. Casa Tiny
Casa Tiny is a cement and wood cabin inspired by the book Walden. Artist Claudio Sodi commissioned the cabin located in Oaxaca, Mexico, and architect Aranzazu de Ariño designed it. A true lovers’ cabin, the pair fell in love during the building process and now use it as their private getaway from Mexico City.
Photo: Courtesy Camila Cossio
If you want to experience life at Casa Tiny, you can rent it on Airbnb.
3. The Cornish Cabin
On the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, England, The Cornish Cabin almost blends entirely into its surroundings. Designed by Hakan Stroz of Sweden, it is built entirely using traditional woodworking techniques. Each log has talismans in their notches to give the home a spiritual blessing. (1)
Photo: Courtesy Richard Stewart; Alistair Sopp
4. Beavers Lodge
What began as a run-down shack in the Santa Monica Mountains has been reimagined into a gorgeous little wilderness oasis. Mike and Charlotte Beaver completely overhauled the place, making it bright, airy, and full of windows for optimal nature views. (1)
Photo: Courtesy Mike Beavers
5. The McGovern Residence
The McGovern Residence in Tucannon, Washington was originally built in the 1970s. It is currently in the process of being restored by the McGovern’s grandson Sven Holt to be used as an event and overnight space for guests.
Photo: Courtesy Sven Holt
6. Oz Farm
Oz Farm in Northern California has a number of cabins that sleep anywhere from one to 10 people, depending on which cabin you choose. The Domes are particularly popular and can accommodate eight to 10 people.
Photo: Courtesy Brian Vogelgesang
7. Sky Den
Nestled away in Northeastern England, Sky Den was given its name for the way the roof opens up so you can gaze at the night’s sky. British TV show George Clark’s Amazing Spaces featured the cabin due to its unique design. Book the space here.
Photo: Courtesy Jack Boothby
8. Undercroft
This is the ultimate off-the-grid eco-house in Wales. Undercroft is designed using Earthship sustainability principles (2):
Electricity from the sun and wind
Water from rain and snowmelt, used four times
Sewage treated on-site in botanical planters
Heating and cooling from the sun and the earth
Food is grown both in and outside
If you want to get away while leaving a minimal carbon footprint, this is the cabin for you.
Photo: Courtesy Simon Dale
9. Viking Seaside Summer House
Located in Fermanville, France, The Viking Seaside Summer House is the definition of tiny house living. At just 10 by 15 feet and sitting just above a little beach, this was the largest the builders were allowed to make it due to France’s coastal building laws.
Photo: Courtesy Karel Balas
They made the most of the space with folding furniture and big windows to keep it bright and airy.
If a nature-filled getaway is what you need, then perhaps one of these cabins is close enough to your hometown for you to make use of it. If not, you’ll have to add them to your post-coronavirus travel bucket list.
Keep Reading: A Couple Buy a Collapsing Cabin For $7K in Joshua Tree and Revamp it Into a Desert Oasis


theheartysoul--2020-10-01--7 Things Your Tongue Is Trying to Tell You About Your Health

Your body often sends you subtle signals when something isn ’ t quite right .
The trouble is , if you don ’ t know what to watch out for , these signs can go unnoticed until the problem becomes more severe .
One area where signs of an underlying health condition might show up is your tongue .
You may not realize it , but your tongue health can actually tell you a lot about what ’ s going on in your body .
7 Things Your Tongue Could be Telling You About Your Health When it comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not often the first thing we think about .
Changes in look and feel of your tongue , however , could be an early sign of another health issue .
While some of these issues are rather small and easy to fix , some could be much more serious .
If you notice any of the following changes to your tongue , you may want to consider calling your doctor .
This term describes a tongue that is swollen and bumpier than usual .
Typically , the tongue will be red , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bumps on the surface may make it look like a strawberry or raspberry.AdvertisementAdvertisement Strawberry tongue could be a sign of one of the following health conditions [ 1 ] : • Kawasaki disease .
This is a condition that causes certain arteries to become inflamed .
It typically affects children .
• Scarlet fever .
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that may develop when a person has strep throat .
It occurs most often in children between the ages of five and fifteen .
• A food or drug allergy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of inflammation caused by an allergic reaction .
• Toxic shock syndrome .
TSS is a rare complication from using tampons or nasal gauze packing .
The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus usually causes it , but other bacteria can as well .
• Vitamin B12 deficiency .
If you are not getting enough vitamin B12 in your diet , it could cause strawberry tongue .
• Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children ( MIS-C ) .
This is a rare syndrome that can occur in children infected with COVID-19 .
While most children who get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are reports that some children may have this complication that can be severe and dangerous [ 8 ] .
If you develop strawberry tongue , you should speak to a doctor who can diagnose the underlying condition .
Some of them , such as a B12 deficiency , can be fixed very easily .
Others , however , such as toxic shock syndrome , are much more serious .
If you think you have Toxic shock syndrome or are having an acute allergic reaction , you should seek emergency medical care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may look alarming , black hairy tongue is actually a harmless condition .
It is usually temporary and painless .
The black , hairy look is from a buildup of dead skin cells on the papillae ( tiny projections ) on the surface of the tongue .
These papillae , however , are longer than normal .
This means they can easily trap food , bacteria , yeast , tobacco , or other substances .
This can alter your ability to taste somewhat , and may also cause bad breath .
Possible causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include : • Changes in the normal bacteria or yeast content of the mouth after antibiotic use • Regular use of mouthwashes containing irritating oxidizing agents , such as peroxide • Eating a soft diet that doesn ’ t help to rub dead skin cells from your tongue You can usually solve the issue by eliminating any causes , and practicing good oral hygiene .
Of course , see your doctor if you are concerned , especially if it doesn ’ t it doesn ’ t resolve itself after you ’ ve improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read : Woman ’ s Itchy , ‘ Velvety ’ Palms Turn Out to be Cancer Symptom This happens when the papillae on your tongue swell .
Debris , bacteria , and dead cells that get lodged between the papillae make the tongue appear to have a white coating .
The condition is also called papillae hypertrophy or inflammation .
It could be caused by any of the following : • Smoking or other oral tobacco use This could simply be an oral yeast infection , or it could be the sign of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of white plaque on your tongue , you should go see a doctor [ 3 ] .AdvertisementAdvertisement This is when the tongue has smooth , reddish patches surrounded by white borders .
This gives it a map-like pattern , hence the name .
Geographic tongue does not cause any long-term health conditions .
It is not contagious , and most people have no symptoms .
Some may feel a burning or tingling sensation on their tongue , but typically no treatment is necessary .
People who have psoriasis Reiter ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tongue .
Women who are taking hormonal birth control are also more likely to have it .
Other causes could be a vitamin deficiency , such as zinc , iron , folic acid , or B6 and B12 , diabetes , allergies , or emotional stress .
Geographic tongue can come and go , and it could last for weeks or years .
If you ’ re concerned , speak with your doctor [ 4 ] .
Read : ‘ Mask mouth ’ is a seriously stinky side effect of wearing masks Oral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of your mouth .
Candida is normally present in your mouth , but sometimes it can overgrow .
Creamy white lesions on your tongue are usually a sign of oral thrush .
You may also notice them on the inner lining of your cheeks , the roof of your mouth , your gums or tonsils , or the back of your throat .
If you have a healthy immune system , oral thrush is usually a minor problem .
It can become more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are immunocompromised .
For these people , oral thrush can lead to a more serious systemic candida infection .
You can prevent oral thrush by practicing good oral hygiene , avoiding high-sugar foods , maintaining good blood sugar if you have diabetes , and treating conditions like dry mouth and vaginal yeast infections [ 5 ] .
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes inside your mouth .
This may result in white lacy patches , red swollen tissues , or open sores on your tongue or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not contagious , and usually occurs when the immune system attacks the cells of the oral mucous membrane .
It can cause a painful , burning feeling , make you more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures , or cause discomfort when speaking , chewing , or swallowing .
Experts do not know what causes lichen planus , but if you notice it starting to develop , you should speak with your doctor .
It could put you at greater risk for developing mouth cancer , and your doctor will want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you develop blisters on your tongue that do not seem to be going away , you should talk to your doctor .
They could be a sign of mouth cancer .
Other symptoms of oral cancer include : • an unusually whitish or reddish patch of skin in the mouth • growths or lumps in the mouth • numbness in the face or neck Even if you don ’ t have any of these other symptoms , you should have your tongue looked at .
If it is an early sign of cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better chance you have at beating it [ 7 ] .
There are many health conditions that could present symptoms on your tongue and in your mouth .
Some of them may be minor and easy to treat , but some could be life-threatening .
If you notice any changes in the appearance or feeling of your tongue , talk to your doctor right away .
Keep Reading : Dentists Are Seeing an Epidemic of Cracked Teeth .
What ’ s Going On ?

This article was originally published in September 2020 and has since been updated.
Your body often sends you subtle signals when something isn’t quite right. The trouble is, if you don’t know what to watch out for, these signs can go unnoticed until the problem becomes more severe. One area where signs of an underlying health condition might show up is your tongue. You may not realize it, but your tongue health can actually tell you a lot about what’s going on in your body.
When it comes to our physical well-being, our tongue health is not often the first thing we think about. Changes in the look and feel of your tongue, however, could be an early sign of another health issue.
While some of these issues are rather small and easy to fix, some could be much more serious. If you notice any of the following changes to your tongue, you may want to consider calling your doctor.
1. Strawberry Tongue
This term describes a tongue that is swollen and bumpier than usual. Typically, the tongue will be red, although sometimes it could appear white. The bumps on the surface may make it look like a strawberry or raspberry.
Strawberry tongue could be a sign of one of the following health conditions [1]:
Kawasaki disease. This is a condition that causes certain arteries to become inflamed. It typically affects children. Scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that may develop when a person has strep throat. It occurs most often in children between the ages of five and fifteen. A food or drug allergy. A swollen tongue could be the result of inflammation caused by an allergic reaction. Toxic shock syndrome. TSS is a rare complication from using tampons or nasal gauze packing. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus usually causes it, but other bacteria can as well. Vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are not getting enough vitamin B12 in your diet, it could cause strawberry tongue. Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). This is a rare syndrome that can occur in children infected with COVID-19. While most children who get COVID-19 have a mild or asymptomatic illness, there are reports that some children may have this complication that can be severe and dangerous [8].
If you develop strawberry tongue, you should speak to a doctor who can diagnose the underlying condition. Some of them, such as a B12 deficiency, can be fixed very easily. Others, however, such as toxic shock syndrome, are much more serious.
If you think you have Toxic shock syndrome or are having an acute allergic reaction, you should seek emergency medical care immediately [1].
2. Black Hairy Tongue
Although it may look alarming, black hairy tongue is actually a harmless condition. It is usually temporary and painless. The black, hairy look is from a buildup of dead skin cells on the papillae (tiny projections) on the surface of the tongue.
These papillae, however, are longer than normal. This means they can easily trap food, bacteria, yeast, tobacco, or other substances. This can alter your ability to taste somewhat, and may also cause bad breath.
Possible causes or contributing factors of black hairy tongue include:
Changes in the normal bacteria or yeast content of the mouth after antibiotic use
Poor oral hygiene
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Regular use of mouthwashes containing irritating oxidizing agents, such as peroxide
Tobacco use
Drinking excessive amounts of coffee or black tea
Excessive alcohol use
Eating a soft diet that doesn’t help to rub dead skin cells from your tongue
You can usually solve the issue by eliminating any causes, and practicing good oral hygiene. Of course, see your doctor if you are concerned, especially if it doesn’t resolve itself after you’ve improved your oral hygiene [2].
3. White Plaque on your Tongue
This happens when the papillae on your tongue swell. Debris, bacteria, and dead cells that get lodged between the papillae make the tongue appear to have a white coating. The condition is also called papillae hypertrophy or inflammation. It could be caused by any of the following:
Poor oral hygiene Dry mouth Dehydration Smoking or other oral tobacco use Alcohol use (excessive) Mouth breathing Low roughage diet (eating mostly soft or mashed foods) Mechanical irritation from sharp tooth edges or dental appliances Fever
This could simply be an oral yeast infection, or it could be a sign of something more serious. If you notice a lot of white plaque on your tongue, you should go see a doctor [3].
4. Geographic Tongue
This is when the tongue has smooth, reddish patches surrounded by white borders. This gives it a map-like pattern, hence the name.
Geographic tongue does not cause any long-term health conditions. It is not contagious, and most people have no symptoms. Some may feel a burning or tingling sensation on their tongue, but typically no treatment is necessary.
People who have psoriasis Reiter’s Syndrome are more likely to have a geographic tongue. Women who are taking hormonal birth control are also more likely to have it. Other causes could be a vitamin deficiency, such as zinc, iron, folic acid, or B6 and B12, diabetes, allergies, or emotional stress.
Geographic tongue can come and go, and it could last for weeks or years. If you’re concerned, speak with your doctor [4].
5. Thrush
Oral thrush, or Oral Candidiasis, occurs when the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of your mouth. Candida is normally present in your mouth, but sometimes it can overgrown.
Creamy white lesions on your tongue are usually a sign of oral thrush. You may also notice them on the inner lining of your cheeks, the roof of your mouth, your gums or tonsils, or the back of your throat.
If you have a healthy immune system, oral thrush is usually a minor problem. It can become more of an issue, however, for people who are immunocompromised. For these people, oral thrush can lead to a more serious systemic candida infection.
You can prevent oral thrush by practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding high-sugar foods, maintaining good blood sugar if you have diabetes, and treating conditions like dry mouth and vaginal yeast infections [5].
6. Lichens Planus
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes inside your mouth. This may result in white lacy patches, red swollen tissues, or open sores on your tongue or inside of your mouth.
This condition is not contagious and usually occurs when the immune system attacks the cells of the oral mucous membrane. It can cause a painful, burning feeling, make you more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, or cause discomfort when speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
Experts do not know what causes lichen planus, but if you notice it starting to develop, you should speak with your doctor. It could put you at greater risk for developing mouth cancer, and your doctor will want to monitor it closely [6]
7. Blisters
If you develop blisters on your tongue that do not seem to be going away, you should talk to your doctor. They could be a sign of mouth cancer. Other symptoms of oral cancer include:
an unusually whitish or reddish patch of skin in the mouth
growths or lumps in the mouth
loose teeth
numbness in the face or neck
problems chewing or swallowing
difficulty speaking
Even if you don’t have any of these other symptoms, you should have your tongue looked at. If it is an early sign of cancer, the sooner you are diagnosed the better chance you have at beating it [7].
Pay Attention to Your Tongue Health
There are many health conditions that could present symptoms on your tongue and in your mouth. Some of them may be minor and easy to treat, but some could be life-threatening.
If you notice any changes in the appearance or feeling of your tongue, talk to your doctor right away.
Keep Reading: 50 Weird Signs That Lead To a Cancer Diagnosis
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-10-01--5 Reasons Why I’m Not Afraid of Being Single, I’m Afraid of Being With a Guy Who Doesn’t Give a Damn

5 Reasons Why I’m Not Afraid of Being Single, I’m Afraid of Being With a Guy Who Doesn’t Give a Damn About Me

In a world where marriage continues to be a common expectation for adults ( 2 ) , strong , independent women might find themselves asking : Is it okay to be single ?
The answer , of course , is yes .
Singlehood is on the rise – and has been , for some time .
As of 2015 , only 50 % of all adults in the US were married , as opposed to 72 % in 1960 ( 3 ) ; for every 10 marriages filed , 4 divorces are being signed ( 2 ) .
What ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer , with the median age for marriage being 29.5 for men and 27.4 for women ( 3 ) .
Recent studies even show that single people can lead lives that are just as happy and fulfilling as those of married people , if not better ( 5 , 20 ) : Of course , this is not to say that marriage is not beneficial !
After all , marriage can offer immense physical and emotional benefits , especially if the married partners feel satisfied , happy , and stable in their relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life is not necessarily guaranteed to be more advantageous than single life , as single life can often provide similar benefits ( 20 ) , as in the case of a supportive , non-romantic roommate.AdvertisementAdvertisement Below are some reasons why it may be just as beneficial – if not better – to be a strong , single , and independent woman !
It ’ s certainly an infinitely better option than being in a sub-par relationship with someone who brings you down .
5 Reasons Why It ’ s Great to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # 1 – You have meaningful time alone Strong , independent people enjoy their time alone – and all the self-discovery it can bring .
Indeed , research shows that spending time alone can foster creativity and freedom of thought , free from self-consciousness or the judgment of others ( 7 ) .
In this way , solitude may help us discover and confirm our self-identity , reflect meaningfully on the changes that are happening in our lives , and grow in spirituality ( 7 ) .
Plus , solitude can also make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from intimate social relationships , for instance , may help lift mood ( 10 , 20 ) and increase life satisfaction ( 10 ) .
Being able to satisfy our own needs and desires may also prove to be an empowering skill ( 1 ) .
# 2 -You can easily recognize the signs of a bad relationship Self-sufficient people may be better at analyzing relationships without being blinded by some of the most common issues that keep people in bad relationships , like a desperate need to date or emotional dependence on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they may also know exactly what they want – and thus , how much they should be giving or receiving in a romantic relationship without compromising other aspects of their lives ( 7 ) .
As a result , strong , independent people may be better at gauging the level and type of emotional investment each partner brings to a relationship – and when their efforts do not line up !
# 3 – You have more time for your friends and family On the one hand , being single and independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and self-care .
Indeed , it may be much easier to advance your career , pursue meaningful hobbies , and take care of yourself when you don ’ t have a significant other ( 4 ) – or when you keep a strict “ me ” time in your daily schedule .
But being single also means that you can choose to devote to your non-romantic loved ones and your community at large .
Indeed , single ( or “ single-minded ” ) people tend to stay closer to their friends , family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do ( 11 ) .
Single people have also been found to volunteer in their communities ( 18 ) and take care of the sick or elderly more often than married people ( 6 , 8 ) !
# 4 – You have the means to chase your dreams Single people tend to have less financial obligations ( e.g .
a family to feed ) ( 4 ) , greater financial stability ( 8 ) and less debt ( 16 ) than married people , and feel more satisfied with their pay than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , single people also tend to value meaningful work and intrinsic rewards ( e.g .
how good they feel while working ) more so than extrinsic rewards ( e.g .
their salary ) , especially when compared to married people ( 17 ) .AdvertisementAdvertisement In other words , strong , independent , and single individuals may tend to set realistic financial goals in conjunction with heartfelt career goals – and have the time , effort , and means needed to find success in both .
# 5 – You ’ re in great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows that strong , independent people tend to be emotionally and physically healthier than those in relationships ( 14 ) .
Single people have been found to exercise more than married people ( 9 ) , and have less excess body fat than married people , given that satisfying marriages have been associated with weight gain ( 15 ) .
Strong , independent , and single people may also be at lower risk of dying from certain stress-related diseases , like cardiovascular disease ( 13 ) , as they tend to have stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( see # 3 above ) .
The bottom line ?
It ’ s amazing to be a strong , single , and independent woman in the world we live in .
Just keep doing what you do while keeping an eye out for a good partner ( if and when you want one ) .
You ’ ll know when the right person comes your way !

In a world where marriage continues to be a common expectation for adults (2), strong, independent women might find themselves asking: Is it okay to be single?
The answer, of course, is yes.
Singlehood is on the rise – and has been, for some time. As of 2015, only 50% of all adults in the US were married, as opposed to 72% in 1960 (3); for every 10 marriages filed, 4 divorces are being signed (2). What’s more, people are staying single longer, with the median age for marriage being 29.5 for men and 27.4 for women (3). Recent studies even show that single people can lead lives that are just as happy and fulfilling as those of married people, if not better (5, 20):
Of course, this is not to say that marriage is not beneficial! After all, marriage can offer immense physical and emotional benefits, especially if the married partners feel satisfied, happy, and stable in their relationship (21). However, married life is not necessarily guaranteed to be more advantageous than single life, as single life can often provide similar benefits (20), as in the case of a supportive, non-romantic roommate.
Below are some reasons why it may be just as beneficial – if not better – to be a strong, single, and independent woman! It’s certainly an infinitely better option than being in a sub-par relationship with someone who brings you down.
Read: 8 Truths we Should Tell Our Daughters Before They Become Adults
5 Reasons Why It’s Great to be a Strong, Single, and Independent Woman
#1 – You have meaningful time alone
Strong, independent people enjoy their time alone – and all the self-discovery it can bring.
Indeed, research shows that spending time alone can foster creativity and freedom of thought, free from self-consciousness or the judgment of others (7). In this way, solitude may help us discover and confirm our self-identity, reflect meaningfully on the changes that are happening in our lives, and grow in spirituality (7).
Plus, solitude can also make us feel good. Taking a break from intimate social relationships, for instance, may help lift mood (10, 20) and increase life satisfaction (10). Being able to satisfy our own needs and desires may also prove to be an empowering skill (1).
#2 -You can easily recognize the signs of a bad relationship
Self-sufficient people may be better at analyzing relationships without being blinded by some of the most common issues that keep people in bad relationships, like a desperate need to date or emotional dependence on others (12). Being self-aware, they may also know exactly what they want – and thus, how much they should be giving or receiving in a romantic relationship without compromising other aspects of their lives (7).
As a result, strong, independent people may be better at gauging the level and type of emotional investment each partner brings to a relationship – and when their efforts do not line up!
#3 – You have more time for your friends and family
On the one hand, being single and independent can give you immense room for self-improvement and self-care. Indeed, it may be much easier to advance your career, pursue meaningful hobbies, and take care of yourself when you don’t have a significant other (4) – or when you keep a strict “me” time in your daily schedule.
But being single also means that you can choose to devote to your non-romantic loved ones and your community at large. Indeed, single (or “single-minded”) people tend to stay closer to their friends, family, and meaningful others than married people do (11). Single people have also been found to volunteer in their communities (18) and take care of the sick or elderly more often than married people (6, 8)!
Read: ‘You’d walk out if your husband hit you – you can’t when it’s your child’
#4 – You have the means to chase your dreams
Single people tend to have less financial obligations (e.g. a family to feed)(4), greater financial stability (8) and less debt (16) than married people, and feel more satisfied with their pay than married people (19).
However, single people also tend to value meaningful work and intrinsic rewards (e.g. how good they feel while working) more so than extrinsic rewards (e.g. their salary), especially when compared to married people (17).
In other words, strong, independent, and single individuals may tend to set realistic financial goals in conjunction with heartfelt career goals – and have the time, effort, and means needed to find success in both.
#5 – You’re in great shape – and only getting better
Research shows that strong, independent people tend to be emotionally and physically healthier than those in relationships (14). Single people have been found to exercise more than married people (9), and have less excess body fat than married people, given that satisfying marriages have been associated with weight gain (15). Strong, independent, and single people may also be at lower risk of dying from certain stress-related diseases, like cardiovascular disease (13), as they tend to have stronger and friendlier social circles than married people (see #3 above).
The bottom line? It’s amazing to be a strong, single, and independent woman in the world we live in. Just keep doing what you do while keeping an eye out for a good partner (if and when you want one). You’ll know when the right person comes your way!
Keep Reading: Why Being a Single Mom is Something to Be Thankful For
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-10-01--Here’s Why Some Parents Are Putting Purple Pumpkins On Their Doorsteps This Year

When COVID-19 forced global shut-downs back in March , many of us thought ( or at the very least hoped ) that by Halloween , things would be better .
Instead , parents have to decide whether or not they can allow their kids to go out for Halloween at all .
This is where the idea of putting out purple pumpkins came from .
Across the country , there are a variety of opinions as to whether or not Halloween should be canceled this year .
Some say yes , others no .
Some say that it should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others say it should be neighborhood dependent .
A recent viral campaign started on Facebook that suggests that maybe it can be an individual family decision , and the way that people in the neighborhood can indicate their participation is using purple pumpkins .
Essentially , if you put a purple pumpkin on your porch , you are indicating to your neighborhood that you are participating in Halloween .
This is a signal to trick-or-treaters that they can come and get candy from your house .
The pumpkin itself can be anything you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut-out , a store-bought fake purple pumpkin , or a real pumpkin that you ’ ve painted purple .
Whatever it ’ s made out of , the important thing that it is big and visible enough to be seen from the sidewalk .
Now , while this viral Facebook post suggests that painting pumpkins purple is a new thing this year , it actually isn ’ t .
People have been painting pumpkins purple since 2012 , but for a different reason , to raise awareness for Epilepsy .
So it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awareness that is meant to made to help fight the disease .
Some Viral Confusion : The Original Purple Pumpkin is Actually for Epilepsy Awareness Ron Lamontagne ’ s youngest son was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2009 .
( 4 ) Epilepsy is also known as a seizure disorder and is diagnosed when a person has had two or more seizures .
( 5 ) It can start at any age , however is most often diagnosed in people either under the age of 20 or over the age of 65 .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family through Connecticut one Sunday , Ron was thinking about how he could help to raise awareness about his son ’ s condition .
Pumpkin carving season gave him an idea : He would paint one of his pumpkins purple .
( 4 ) Naturally , people would be curious about the purple pumpkin , allowing Ron the opportunity to talk about Epilepsy with friends , family , and neighbors .
( 4 ) Ron started the Purple Pumpkin Project Facebook page on September 2 , 2012 , and within three days it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every autumn you can see purple pumpkins on porches and various purple pumpkin events across America .
( 4 ) It is important that while we attempt to create a safe way for children to enjoy Halloween this year , we don ’ t forget the real reason behind purple pumpkins .
The Argument For and Against Halloween In the year of the coronavirus pandemic , obviously many people have some valid concerns .
After all , going knocking door-to-door and touching things that other people are touching does seem potentially dangerous given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many people have a few reasons why Halloween should be okay : • Costumes are generally something you wear once ( or at least once a year ) • Halloween doesn ’ t involve actually going into people ’ s homes • Halloween is the only “ holiday ” that doesn ’ t involve visiting older relatives and lots of hugging • Most of the candy comes individually wrapped .
These points are all valid , though of course , there are still flaws : • Not all costumes involve masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks .
• Not everyone will do a good job at maintaining six feet of distance from the candy-givers and the trick-or-treaters • Some neighborhoods can get crowded • You still have to touch the wrappers of the candy that many hands could have been on .
The point of the purple pumpkins is so that each individual can decide whether or not they will participate in Halloween .
This will mitigate the number of trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbells of people who have no candy for them .
The CDC states that costume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They also recommend not to have your children wear a costume mask with a protective mask because the combination of the two will make it hard for them to breathe .
( 3 ) Buy a Halloween-themed face mask or decorate plain masks with a spooky theme or to match your child ’ s costume .
For example , fangs or a witches nose can be added , mouths can be drawn on , or you can decorate like the superhero they are going as .
( 2 ) According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to safely celebrate Halloween this year .
Thre are low , medium , and high risk activities associated with the holiday .
The CDC advises those who have or think they have COVD-19 to not participate in any in person activities .
For Those Who Will Be Trick or Treating While the CDC , in general , advises against traditional trick-or-treating there will be some who decide to do it .
In these cases , there are some best practices that you should follow .
According to Sandra Kesh , an infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Purchase , New York , its possible to safely trick or treat this year if you : • Limit groups to only 3 or 4 kids , or keep it to just your family .
• If going with other families , ask if they have been taking precautions and wearing masks .
• Wipe down candy with sanitizing wipes or allow it to sit for a few days .
• Do not go out if coronavirus is uncontrolled in your area .
• Trick-or-treat outdoors , not in closed spaces like apartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with your kids outlining this year ’ s rules .
• Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face .
• Wear Halloween themed cloth masks , with at least two layers of fabric .
• If you are sick , don ’ t hand out candy or trick or treat .
• Try contactless candy delivery – a close line strung with candy bags , candy bags lined up six feet apart at the end of a yard or driveway , or a long cardboard “ candy tube slide ” .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here are some other Ideas : • Have a scavenger hunt inside your home or yard for just your kids ( 3 ) The CDC recommends either doing indoor activities with just your family or outdoor activities where everyone stays six feet apart , wears masks , and washes their hands .
( 3 ) A little creativity goes a long way .
If you think outside of the normal , your kids can still have a fun-filled Halloween .
It is everyone ’ s responsibility to abide by their local regulations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled ’ Halloween , do not disregard this order .
If you are able and decide to participate in Halloween this year , be sure to wear masks , use hand sanitizer when needed , stay six feet apart from others , and wash your hands when you get home .
Keep Reading : Selfless Man Cleans Entire Playground to Keep Kids Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

There are plenty of unique ways to design and decorate pumpkins for Halloween, but none are out of this world quite like a galaxy pumpkin.
You get to the pumpkin patch (or grocery store, whatever the case may be) and find your favorite gourd of choice. Now, where to go from here…
There’s an overwhelming number of ways to decorate or carve your pumpkin, and depending on your skill level, the stars are the limit. Or are they?
I have spent the past few days trying to find something clever that combines my love of astrology, creating things, and galaxy art all into one. And I believe I have found it!
These Galaxy Jack O’ Lanterns are the prettiest pumpkins around, and they’re seriously out of this world. See for yourself, and check out our DIY instructions below:
First off, you’re going to need more than just a spoon and a carving knife. We are slightly modifying the directions from Martha Stewart’s instructions so you won’t need as many tools. Obviously, you already have a pumpkin, so we can leave that off the list.
Find a template of the constellation you want on your pumpkin. After you have that, you’re going to need a drill with a drill bit either the same size as the small lightbulbs on LED string lights, or one big enough to allow light through if you’re using a regular tea candle.
You’ll also need scissors, a knife, masking tape, and something to gouge out lines in the pumpkin skin without going all the way through the flesh.
How To Make Your Galaxy Pumpkin
STEP 1– You are going to hollow out your pumpkin and remove all the seeds and pulp. Turn pumpkin on its side and use a knife to carve out a round opening in the base large enough so your hand can fit comfortably through it.
STEP 2– Use a scraping tool to scrape away the inner wall until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Turn the pumpkin right side up.
STEP 3– Punch holes with drill to create constellations; connect dots with gouge.
STEP 4– Place individual bulbs of a light strand in each hole and pin to secure, or, for a faster finish, insert one battery-powered candle.
The best thing about this is that you can create a design as detailed, or as simple as you want. For example, the galaxy pumpkin below have chosen minimal detail in order to let the “stars” themselves stand out.
Depending on how you choose to paint your Halloween gourd, a simple look can actually go a very long way. Whether you opt for a light pearl finish, a dark blue sky, or a spooky black, the contrast will always be in your favour.
If I’m being honest, I will always choose the “over the top” look as opposed to the simple styles. With the next two examples, a steady hand and a lot of patience is required.
Also, you’ll need some paints and a toothbrush to create the galaxy effect- just remember to let the paint dry before drilling any holes.
If you’re not into carving and want to skip the mess of de-pulping, you can always use fabric paint for a 3-D effect and paint the constellations on one by one.
And there you have it! You now have the coolest pumpkin on the block, and yes, it’s totally out of this world.


theheartysoul--2020-10-01--Incredibly rare albino camel is captured on camera at nature reserve

Albino animals stand out from the pack because their partial or complete loss of pigmentation makes them much lighter in color compared to the other members of their species .
Although they are very rare , they have been spotted in the wild around the world .
Over the years , there have been sightings of albino turtles , seals , and even reindeer .
Recently , a rare sighting of an albino camel was caught on film .
Those who saw it believe that it may be the only of its kind in the world .
Staff at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northwest China ’ s Gansu province caught the animal on camera .
It was drinking from a puddle , standing amongst a dozen other brown camels .
According to staff member Zhou Yongxiang , the rare albino animal is a Bactrian camel , which normally has brown skin and fur .
Currently , the camels are in the middle of their shedding season , so the staff at the reserve are not sure if the camel ’ s fur will remain white once it grows out [ 1 ] .
Bactrian camels are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Native to the steppes of Central Asia , they have two humps on their back .
This is different from the Arabian camel , which only has one.AdvertisementAdvertisement These camels are very large , and can reach a height of over two meters tall and nearly four meters long .
They can weigh anywhere from three hundred to almost seven hundred kilograms .
Despite the fact that they live in very hot areas , they have minimal sweat glands .
Their bodies can tolerate a six degree increase in internal temperature before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retain water .
The average life expectancy of a Bactrian camel is about thirty years , however they can live to be up to fifty years old .
They don ’ t have many natural predators , however sometimes leopards and wolves can be found closeby in colder regions in Asia .
Because of their large size , they are not these animals ’ primary target .
Currently , wild Bactrian camels are a critically endangered species .
The domesticated version , which differs significantly genetically , is not included in that group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will decrease by more than eighty percent within the next three generations .
The subpopulation in Mongolia has lost nearly half of its population since 1985 .
Efforts to protect the population focus on isolating herds in China and Mongolia so that they don ’ t breed with domestic animals [ 2 ] .
The staff at the National Reserve believe this camel is the only of its kind in the world [ 3 ] .
The Annanba Reserve is home to one third of the total population of wild camels in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible creature , click here .
Keep Reading : Photographer Gives Birth to Twins , One Dark-Skinned and the Other Albino , and They Are a Sight For Sore Eyes

Albino animals stand out from the pack because their partial or complete loss of pigmentation makes them much lighter in color compared to the other members of their species. Although they are very rare, they have been spotted in the wild around the world. Over the years, there have been sightings of albino turtles, seals, and even reindeer. Recently, a rare sighting of an albino camel was caught on film. Those who saw it believe that it may be the only of its kind in the world.
A Rare Albino Camel
Staff at the Annanba Wild Camel National Nature Reserve in northwest China’s Gansu province caught the animal on camera. It was drinking from a puddle, standing amongst a dozen other brown camels.
According to staff member Zhou Yongxiang, the rare albino animal is a Bactrian camel, which normally has brown skin and fur. Currently, the camels are in the middle of their shedding season, so the staff at the reserve are not sure if the camel’s fur will remain white once it grows out [1].
Bactrian Camels
Bactrian camels are the only true wild camels in existence. Native to the steppes of Central Asia, they have two humps on their back. This is different from the Arabian camel, which only has one.
These camels are very large, and can reach a height of over two meters tall and nearly four meters long. They can weigh anywhere from three hundred to almost seven hundred kilograms. Despite the fact that they live in very hot areas, they have minimal sweat glands. Their bodies can tolerate a six degree increase in internal temperature before they begin sweating. This helps them retain water.
The average life expectancy of a Bactrian camel is about thirty years, however they can live to be up to fifty years old. They don’t have many natural predators, however sometimes leopards and wolves can be found closeby in colder regions in Asia. Because of their large size, they are not these animals’ primary target.
Currently, wild Bactrian camels are a critically endangered species. The domesticated version, which differs significantly genetically, is not included in that group.
Experts believe wild Bactrian camel populations will decrease by more than eighty percent within the next three generations. The subpopulation in Mongolia has lost nearly half of its population since 1985.
Efforts to protect the population focus on isolating herds in China and Mongolia so that they don’t breed with domestic animals [2].
A One-of-a-Kind Camel
The staff at the National Reserve believe this camel is the only of its kind in the world [3]. The Annanba Reserve is home to one third of the total population of wild camels in China. To see the footage of this incredible creature, click here.
Keep Reading: Photographer Gives Birth to Twins, One Dark-Skinned and the Other Albino, and They Are a Sight For Sore Eyes


theheartysoul--2020-10-01--Mom shares warning after son, 9, dies of carbon monoxide poisoning on lake trip

It was a regular day at the lake for the Free family .
Cassandra Free , her husband , their three sons , and a family friend spent the entire day motoring around Lake Eufaula , the largest lake in Eastern Oklahoma .
They were tubing , wake surfing , and just generally enjoying the beautiful June weather – that is , until carbon monoxide poisoning struck .
Sadly , the fun family activities ended in tragedy .
Free ’ s youngest son , nine-year-old Andrew Brady , had been sitting at the rear of the boat for most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ docking the boat to go home , Little Andy fell unconscious into the water .
The boy ’ s father managed to get him out of the water , but he never took another breath .
Andrew Brady died .
The culprit ?
Carbon monoxide poisoning [ 1 ] .
Carbon monoxide ( CO ) is a colorless , odorless , tasteless gas .
It is a byproduct of burning gasoline , wood , propane , charcoal , or other fuel .
AdvertisementAdvertisement When it accumulates , carbon monoxide can be very dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas builds up in your bloodstream .
When you breathe too much of it in , your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide .
This can lead to serious tissue damage or death [ 2 ] .
Fuel-burning appliances and engines produce carbon monoxide .
Usually , the amount they produce is not dangerous , but if they ’ re in a closed or partially closed space , CO levels in the air can build up to toxic amounts .
Read : Man Who Lost Arms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Training Boats that are powered by gasoline produce carbon monoxide .
In many cases , these boats have generators that vent near the rear of the vessel .
This can pose a threat to people in that area of the boat .
CO can build up even in the open air if the boat is travelling at low speeds or idling in the water for longer periods of time [ 3 ] .
Little Andy was sitting at the rear of the boat for most of the day .
Without realizing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His parents , both of whom had more than twenty years of boating experience each , had no idea this could happen .
Because Lake Eufaula was so large , it had a substantial no-wake zone .
This is the area in a lake where boaters must drive at low speeds .
All three of the kids had been complaining that they were tired and nauseous .
The parents didn ’ t think it was unusual for their nine , thirteen , and fifteen-year-old sons to be somewhat cranky after a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t think much of it .
At the end of the day , Andy crawled to the back of the boat and curled up into a ball .
When his dad , Brett , tried to get him up , he fell off the boat and into the water .
At first , the family couldn ’ t understand why .
Someone suggested that they have the other boys tested for CO poisoning.AdvertisementAdvertisement Andy was tested as well , and the results said he had 72 carboxyhemoglobin .
That means that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry oxygen to his brain , causing his brain to die .
Read : Dentists Are Seeing an Epidemic of Cracked Teeth .
What ’ s Going On ?
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Boats The problem is that carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are similar to that of seasickness or alcohol intoxication .
The US Coast Guard says that CO poisoning on boats is entirely preventable .
They make the following statement on their website : In a boating situation , CO can accumulate in the following areas : • Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the boat docked next to you ) • At slow speeds , idling , or stopped .
CO can remain in or around your boat at dangerous levels even after the engine is turned off [ 5 ] .
Emergency physician Dr. Ryan Stanton says that children are the most susceptible , and the back of the boat is the highest-risk area , since that is the location of the exhaust .
Boaters should also educate all their passengers on the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning , and take care that no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boat vents its exhaust .
Telling Andy ’ s Story to Help Others Free says that life has been a nightmare since Andy died .
Despite the fact that she , her husband , and their friend were all experienced boaters , they had never heard of carbon monoxide poisoning on a boat .
She is now telling her painful story in hopes that it will prevent the same tragedy from happening to another family .
Read : What Is Uterus Didelphys ?
A UK Teen Is Raising Awareness Of The Condition

It was a regular day at the lake for the Free family. Cassandra Free, her husband, their three sons, and a family friend spent the entire day motoring around Lake Eufaula, the largest lake in Eastern Oklahoma. They were tubing, wake surfing, and just generally enjoying the beautiful June weather – that is, until carbon monoxide poisoning struck.
Sadly, the fun family activities ended in tragedy. Free’s youngest son, nine-year-old Andrew Brady, had been sitting at the rear of the boat for most of the day. Just as they were docking the boat to go home, Little Andy fell unconscious into the water.
The boy’s father managed to get him out of the water, but he never took another breath. Andrew Brady died. The culprit? Carbon monoxide poisoning [1].
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. It is a byproduct of burning gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal, or other fuel.
When it accumulates, carbon monoxide can be very dangerous. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the gas builds up in your bloodstream. When you breathe too much of it in, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage or death [2].
Fuel-burning appliances and engines produce carbon monoxide. Usually, the amount they produce is not dangerous, but if they’re in a closed or partially closed space, CO levels in the air can build up to toxic amounts.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Dull headache
Weakness
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Blurred vision
Loss of consciousness [2]
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Boats
Boats that are powered by gasoline produce carbon monoxide. In many cases, these boats have generators that vent near the rear of the vessel. This can pose a threat to people in that area of the boat.
CO can build up even in the open air if the boat is travelling at low speeds or idling in the water for longer periods of time [3].
Little Andy was sitting at the rear of the boat for most of the day. Without realizing it, he was breathing in carbon monoxide. His parents, both of whom had more than twenty years of boating experience each, had no idea this could happen.
Because Lake Eufaula was so large, it had a substantial no-wake zone. This is the area in a lake where boaters must drive at low speeds.
“We had no idea it was so dangerous. Prior to that we had been out doing our normal stuff, tubing, wakesurfing,” said Free [1].
All Children Affected
All three of the kids had been complaining that they were tired and nauseous. The parents didn’t think it was unusual for their nine, thirteen, and fifteen-year-old sons to be somewhat cranky after a full day in the sun, so they didn’t think much of it.
At the end of the day, Andy crawled to the back of the boat and curled up into a ball. When his dad, Brett, tried to get him up, he fell off the boat and into the water. At first, the family couldn’t understand why. Someone suggested that they have the other boys tested for CO poisoning.
Andy was tested as well, and the results said he had 72 carboxyhemoglobin. That means that 72 percent of his blood could not carry oxygen to his brain, causing his brain to die.
“[Brett and two other men] did CPR forever, it seemed, before emergency services came,” said Free. “The doctors said there is zero brain activity. Even if they got a single breath, there would have been no quality of life.” [1]
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Boats
The problem is that carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are similar to that of seasickness or alcohol intoxication. The US Coast Guard says that CO poisoning on boats is entirely preventable. They make the following statement on their website:
“Every boater should be aware of the risks associated with carbon monoxide – what it is; where it may accumulate; and the symptoms of CO poisoning. To protect yourself, your passengers, and those around you, learn all you can about CO.” [4]
In a boating situation, CO can accumulate in the following areas:
Inadequately vented canvas enclosures
Exhaust gas trapped in enclosed spaces
Blocked exhaust outlets
Another boat’s exhaust (such as the boat docked next to you)
“Station wagon effect” or backdrafting
At slow speeds, idling, or stopped. CO can remain in or around your boat at dangerous levels even after the engine is turned off [5].
Emergency physician Dr. Ryan Stanton says that children are the most susceptible, and the back of the boat is the highest-risk area, since that is the location of the exhaust.
“Carbon monoxide emergencies can be avoided but detecting symptoms can be challenging,” he said. “It’s very important to know the symptoms, and wherever you can, have detectors. Boat, vehicle or home owners should take steps to ensure clean air circulation.” [1]
Boaters should also educate all their passengers on the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning, and take care that no one is swimming or playing near where a boat vents its exhaust.
Telling Andy’s Story to Help Others
Free says that life has been a nightmare since Andy died. Despite the fact that she, her husband, and their friend were all experienced boaters, they had never heard of carbon monoxide poisoning on a boat.
“None of us had ever heard of it. None of us had considered it,” she said. “We were stunned.” [1]
She is now telling her painful story in hopes that it will prevent the same tragedy from happening to another family.