StemCell Therapy

The world is slowly reopening but the COVID-19 crisis isnt over. Our health will remain in danger until we make a major paradigm shift.

The solution is our soil and in our food. What we eat is critical to protecting our health, and our broken food system needs an overhaul.

The coronavirus pandemic has focused the spotlight on the importance of health: we watched as our medical systems became inundated with patients while feeling helpless to support our own health in the face of an invisible threat.

As we return to a new normal, it is imperative that we stay vigilant about maintaining our health. Sales of organic food rose 22 percent in March and 18 percent in April as consumers looked for ways to boost their immune systems. We cannot return to our industrial, chemical food system that is harming people and the planet.

What we eat is directly related to how we feel and how we protect our health. So why have we allowed an agricultural system that sprays our food with chemicals be the main source of food for our families? Why is our medical system so out of touch with the role that food plays in our physical health?

For too long, farmers and doctors have been siloed while pursuing the same goal: keeping people healthy. It's far past time that we bring these individuals, and professions, back together.

The path toward change can be found in regenerative health care. At Rodale Institute near Kutztown, our research has shown not only that organic can feed the world, but that it can feed families more nutrient dense food that can prevent, suspend and even reverse the most wide-spread of lifestyle diseases.

And yet only 11% of calories in the standard American diet come from whole plant foods. More than 70% of global deaths are due to lifestyle-related illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic immune disorders.

When facing a threat as strong as COVID-19, we need every support system we have. Our diet is one of the simplest ways to improve our health. And yet, many medical students receive less than 25 hours of training in nutrition during their education.

We must combine what we know about the power of food with our knowledge of nutrition and our bodies, working to prevent disease through an organic, whole-foods, plant-forward diet that begins on farms that work in harmony with nature. Regenerative Healthcare is the only path forward.

Results from Rodale Institute's Farming Systems Trial, a 40-year comparison of organic and conventional grain cropping systems, has shown conclusively that organic systems are comparable to conventional systems in terms of yields, yielding up to 40% higher in years of drought. Organic systems also use 45% less energy, reducing carbon emissions.

Consumers clearly understand that organic food is healthier, as organic grocery sales and CSA memberships have skyrocketed since the pandemic took hold.

Adapting the holistic, regenerative model to our nations health care systems is a crucial step in improving human health. A shift in our medical system away from pharmaceutical-based disease management towards an integrative system founded on lifestyle medicine supported by organic, nutrient-dense whole foods could dramatically alter the trajectory of chronic disease and create a healthier future.

Let us agree we cannot forget the critical role our food plays in protecting our health. Though the everyday threat of COVID-19 will eventually be a memory, the decisions we make about our food will always affect us. Take the first steps to protect your health now. You won't regret it.

Go here to see the original:
Commentary: As world reopens, threat to our health still looms - The Reporter

Picture used for representational purpose only

CHANDIGARH: Diagnostics have been of immense help in containing Covid-19. TOIs Shimona Kanwar spoke to experts to understand the type of tests which are available to detect the virus and their accuracy New, quicker test availableA new kit based on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats technology (CRISPR) gives the result in a hours time. It is claimed that unlike RTPCR , CRISPR has fewer chances of giving inaccurate results. In this technique, genetic material from the RNA of the virus does not have to be converted into DNA. That is why while RTPCR takes 5-6 hours in one round, CRISPR takes just about an hour. The test has been approved by FDA Best time for accurate testThere have been publications which have found that the usual incubation period for Covid-19 is five days, and the vast majority of infected patients who develop symptoms will do so within 10-14 days. Detection of specific antibodies, typically, begins during the first week of symptoms, and many patients seroconvert by the end of the second week after symptoms begin, with nearly all patients becoming seropositive by the end of the third week. However, some patients remain asymptomatic despite viral shedding, and asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals make an important contribution to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Why are rapid test kits required?Serology testing is popular due to short time of diagnosis and ability to test for an active immune response against the virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends molecular testing (PCR, antigen). The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg school of public health has documented that while serology tests are now widely available, correlates of immunity are incompletely understood. The presence of antibodies does not indicate that an individual is protected from reinfection. There is limited understanding of the levels and persistence of antibodies necessary for protective immunity. Indigenous testsRT-LAMP TEST Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, has partnered with Reliance Industries to develop a RT-LAMP-based diagnostic kit. Reverse Transcriptase-Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) test is a nucleic acid-based test carried out from nasal or throat swab sample. It takes up to 60 mins, is cost effective and accurate. It is being validated FELUDA Feluda kit is a paper-based diagnostic that uses CRISPR geneediting technology to get results. CSIR has developed the test. which tales just 30 minutes. It is like a pregnancy test where the paper strip can be used for rapid mass testing. Types of diagnosticsThere are mainly two broad ways to detect the virus molecular-based testing and protein-based rapid testing. Under molecular testing, there are diagnostics like RT PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), GeneXpert, CRISPR. In case of rapid tests, proteins are tested and the testing is be based on antibodies and antigens. Rapid test kits are either for antigen or antibody testing. Only 2 tests in UTOnly RT PCR and GeneXpert are available in Chandigarh. Both have high sensitivity and specificity. This implies the window for error is slightly lesser than other tests. RT PCR is considered the gold standard. It is believed GeneXpert has higher sensitivity of 99% as compared to RT PCR, which has 70%-90% sensitivity for RNA virus detection. GeneXpert is available at PGI, while RT PCR is at Government Medical College and Hospital and the Institute of Microbial Technology. Used for HIV, H1N1The two tests have been used before in infections like tuberculosis, HIV and H1N1. In fact, RT PCR was used during H1N1. Cartridge-based diagnostic machines like the GeneXpert have been used for tuberculosis and HIV. For Covid-19, machines are the same, except reagents and cartridge.

Read this article:
Getting the coronavirus test right - Times of India

Suns out time to go out? Maybe, maybe not, depending on the reopening plan in your state and what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend. As families, couples and friend groups start to consider summer vacations, a road trip seems like a stellar idea. After all, you have more control when you travel via four wheels, since you can pack much more of your own (properly sanitized) goods, avoid airports entirely, and not be in close proximity to anyone you dont know.

However, there are still safety precautions that all travelers should take, even if theyre heading out to a nearby mountain for a camping trip, renting a seaside Airbnb, or choosing any other getaway. For advice on everything from what to pack to how to protect yourself and others, we spoke with doctors and travel experts to figure out the ultimate safety guide to getting on the road.

Even though restrictions are starting to loosen, case counts are unfortunately rising in many parts of the country. Dr. Suzanne Bartlett-Hackenmiller, an integrative medicine physician and the medical adviser for AllTrails, reminds us that you still need to make sure to bring and use your mask whenever you could be in close proximity to anyone.

She recommends creating a coronavirus kit of sorts that includes these essentials, along with extra toilet paper in case your rental isnt stocked, and other goods. Tylenol, water and other basics could go a long way if you need them in a pinch.

Try this: Assacalynn 50pcs Disposable Face Mask ($22.98, originally $27.88; amazon.com)

Assacalynn 50pcs Disposable Face Mask

During the pandemic, you can never have too many face masks. And when youre on the road, hiking more or going into unfamiliar places, you may need a new covering more often. Many rentals may lack a washer and dryer, and camping doesnt make it easy to clean a fabric mask, so these are better for a road trip, according to our expert.

Nostalgia in the Garden Face Mask by Alja Horvat ($13.59, originally $16.99; society6.com)

Nostalgia in the Garden Face Mask by Alja Horvat

If you do have access to a washer and dryer, a fabric mask is always a good idea too. Society6 just launched more than 1,000 masks on its site, all of which are covered in art from independent artists. Best of all: A portion of all proceeds go to World Central Kitchens coronavirus relief efforts.

While part of the joy of exploring Mother Nature is seeing new and beautiful views, if your road trip includes a hike, stay on the marked path. Particularly now, when a jaunt to the emergency room with a fractured ankle could put you at risk for more severe problems, podiatrist Dr. Velimir Petkov suggests following the course.

Avoid the temptation to hike off-trail and in unfamiliar or unmarked areas, he warns. You could get lost, injured or both.

Try this: Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Lightweight Durable Backpack ($100; amazon.com)

Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Lightweight Durable Backpack

If you intend to scale a mountain in search of great views of a waterfall, make sure youre packed for the trek. A sturdy, waterproof and lightweight backpack like this one allows you to take first-aid materials, water, snacks and other necessities.

In the morning, when you set out on your adventure, your temperature will likely be comfortable. As the sun reaches its highest point, youll start to sweat inside your car. And at night? Certain areas of the country experience a dramatic drop in degrees. Thats why car expert and CEO of eAutoLease.com Zoriy Birenboym recommends packing everything you need to stay comfortable, including clothing for different temperatures.

You dont want to be caught without the necessities and have to look for places in areas youve never been before, he says. Make sure this includes staying updated on what the weather will be in the areas you are traveling through. It may get cold at night even though its summer, so you may not think to pack a sweater or extra blankets, but if its 50 degrees you may wish you had.

Try these: Helly Hansen HH Lifa Active Solen Hoodie ($70; backcountry.com)

Helly Hansen HH Lifa Active Solen Hoodie

This lightweight option features moisture-wicking material thatll keep you fresh while battling triple-digit heat. It also has built-in UPF to protect yourself from UV radiation from the sun. Its ideal for daywear.

L.L.Bean Womens Classic Cashmere Sweater ($159; llbean.com)

L.L.Bean Women's Classic Cashmere Sweater

A cozy and simple cashmere-blend sweater will capture your body heat to keep you warm in colder temperatures. Its ideal for sitting around the campfire in the woods or stargazing by the lake.

While many people have reported difficulty sleeping during the pandemic, thanks to anxiety and uncertainty, adequate rest is mandatory before a long car ride, Petkov says. Do not drive while you are feeling sleepy. If you feel like you need rest, pull over and take a 30-minute power nap, he recommends.

Petkov says that even if you did reap the benefits of seven to eight hours of sleep, a little coffee can never hurt.

Try this: Thermos Stainless King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle (starting at $22.99, originally $29.99; amazon.com)

Thermos Stainless King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle

To keep your energy levels piqued, travel with coffee you can sip when needed. Reviewers love how long this thermos keeps hot drinks hot and how durable it is for everyday use.

As with any vacation, you want to make sure to plan, says Katie Key, president of Escape Campervans. This is true whether youre going camping, checking in to a hotel, renting a vacation home or enjoying any other type of travel experience.

Many state parks are urging people to make reservations so they can predict overcapacity, and many are limiting parking capacity to reduce crowding, she says. You should check various websites, call ahead, and ensure everything is in order before you fill up your tank and go.

Try this: Amazon Echo Auto ($34.99, originally $49.99; amazon.com)

Have a question about the weather, road conditions or operation hours? Ask Alexa while you drive, with this tech editor-approved device. It connects through your Alexa app on your phone and plays through the cars speaker. Alexa can play music, check the news, dial numbers, add to your to-do list, update your calendar and much more.

If there was ever a time to pack a first-aid kit, its now. Whether you scrape your knees or have an allergy attack, Petkov says it can always come in handy, especially if you plan on camping, hiking or biking as part of your road trip.

Try these: Adventure Medical Sportsman Series Medical Kit (starting at $39.99; amazon.com)

Adventure Medical Sportsman Series Medical Kit

This kit has all the nuts and bolts and all the bells and whistles you need to treat common injuries or illnesses. Youll find trauma pads, bandages, dressings, irrigation syringes, butterfly closures and many other hospital-quality supplies.

VSSL Camp Supplies ($129; amazon.com)

Consider this tiny yet mighty first-aid kit if you dont want a bulky pack. It comes with 45 essentials including tweezers, thermometers, bandages, antibiotic cream and so on, all in a tube with a diameter less than 2 inches. Plus, its waterproof!

Though you may be tired of singing the Happy Birthday song while you wash your hands, soap and hand sanitizer are a great form of defense against spreading germs. Terika L. Haynes, the CEO and founder of Dynamite Travel, reminds us that drivers and passengers alike should be very mindful of keeping their paws clean.

Each time the travelers enter the vehicle, they should apply hand sanitizer to their hands and also heavy-touch areas such as the steering wheel, drive shift and door handles, she says. One idea is to appoint one person as the hand sanitizer drill sergeant, who will keep giving everyone a spray or a pump when needed.

Try this: Touchland Power Mist Aloe Vera ($12; touchland.com)

Touchland Power Mist Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer Mist

Particularly for travel and for kids a hand sanitizer spray is an easy way to keep up with the clean hands habit. We love the subtle scent of this version that protects and hydrates.

No matter if youre traveling with toddlers, kiddos or full-grown adults, no one is a happy camper when theyre hangry. Especially now, its tricky to predict restaurant hours and availability, so having snacks handy can avoid headaches, according to Haynes.

You may encounter restaurants that are not abiding by social distancing guidelines, and you do not feel safe, she says. Having to go back to the drawing board with travelers may take some time, so snacks will help to satisfy the appetites until you find a new dining option.

Try this: Snack in the Box ($9.99; amazon.com)

Dr. Charles Park Richardson, president of TransWorld Med, says when youre coming up with snack ideas, make sure to include nibbles that are packed with antioxidants to fight free radicals. These include berries, pecans and dark chocolate. You can store a bit of everything in these dual-compartment, 6-ounce snack boxes. You can see our roundup of nutritionist-approved healthy snacks here.

Power Up Trail Mix ($4.98; amazon.com)

This snack mix includes nuts, dried mango, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and more. Theres even an antioxidant-loaded mix.

Even if you arent camping, Haynes says its smart to bring your own linens and towels just to be on the safe side.

Several hotels are not offering housekeeping services to keep their guests safe, she says. Some hotels may readily have additional linens to offer to their guests, but others may not. The same is true with Airbnb hosts, who have to come up with their safety precautions.

Try these: White Classic Luxury Bath Towel Set (starting at $34.85; amazon.com)

White Classic Luxury Bath Towel Set

Reviewers praise this towel set which comes with two bath towels, two hand towels and four washcloths for its softness and absorbency.

AmazonBasics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care Microfiber Bed Sheet (starting at $13.99; amazon.com)

AmazonBasics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care Microfiber Bed Sheet

Inexpensive yet comfortable, these soft sheets are ideal for travel. As soon as you return home, throw them into the wash and start planning your next vacay.

You may not consider sun exposure while sitting in the car, but the rays can seep through open windows and cause you to burn and UVA rays, which cause signs of premature aging, can go right throw window glass. And while theres nothing that screams summer as much as roasting marshmallows or catching fireflies, mosquitoes are also drawn when were outdoors at night.

Thats why Bahar Schmidt, the founder of Eluxit travel agency, recommends going the extra mile to protect our skin with sunscreen and bug repellent alike.

Try these: Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion (starting at $15.99; amazon.com)

Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Pack a few bottles of this trusted sunscreen so the whole car can lather up throughout the trip. As a bonus, this waterproof formula will last you through dips in the lake or sea, too.

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (starting at $7.15; amazon.com)

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

To protect everyone from bug bites from bloodthirsty critters, buy this spray with DEET-free repellent that smells rather pleasantly of lemon.

Note: The prices above reflect the retailers listed prices at the time of publication.

Continued here:
Everything you need to go on the safest road trip possible - CNN

Whether warm temperatures outdoors or high humidity levels in your home any ol' time are to blame, you may be inviting mold in. Chances are, you probably dont even realize that mold sneaked its way into your house, whether it's in your bathroom, basement, or near windows. You have to wonder, how bad is mold exposure, really...and do you need to worry about "detoxing" from mold from time to time?

Wellness forums and blogs might lead you to freak out about the presence of a single spore of mold inside your home, and may even convince you that youre going to develop mold toxicity if you dont remove it right away. Many also often recommend alternative treatment options for detoxing the body from mold such as activated charcoal supplements or dietary cleanses.

But many Western medicine experts arent convinced that these practices are actually effective. (FWIW, integrative medicine researchers arent even sure mold exposure is definitely causing chronic illnesses.) Some people who are sensitive to mold to begin with may develop allergy-like symptoms or even a more severe mold infection, but others might not develop any symptoms at all, explains Purvi Parikh, MD, a board-certified allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network.

Heres what you need to know about the mold that could be lurking in your homeand the degree of harm it can potentially cause.

So, no mold is really good or pleasant to have aroundbut, it may not be as dangerous as you think to have it in your home. Theres not enough scientific proof that mold is toxic for the average person, and you may not even know its in your house, says Dr. Parikh.

Household mold, which may make its home in an old house with water damage, for example, is more problematic for people who have mold allergies, asthma (both of which can be triggered or worsened by mold exposure), or are severely immune-compromised.

Theres no reason at all to live in constant fear of mold if you're an average healthy adult, Dr. Parikh says.

The most common types of fungus that will cause these allergy or asthma attacks or respiratory infections if the immune system has a severe enough reaction are Aspergillus, Alternaria, Penicillium, and Cladosporium, says Dr. Parikh. When people refer to black mold as especially dangerous, its actually a misnomer, because all of the above molds are blackish or dark in color, and one isnt necessarily worse to have in your home than another.

Its possible to develop a mold allergy over time from frequent exposure to mold in your home, Dr. Parikh says, especially if youre predisposed to environmental allergies. In the case of immune-compromised people (who are more susceptible to certain conditions in general), the body can develop an infection if the mold enters the lungs or bloodstream.

So its important to pay attention to whats potentially growing in your home, and monitor any symptoms, but theres no reason at all to live in constant fear of mold, Dr. Parikh says.

Mold toxicitythe idea that mold can produce harmful substances called mycotoxins that can contribute to autoimmune conditions and other chronic diseaseis a bit controversial. Thats because there isnt any kind of test for it or scientific evidence that any kind of disease exists solely because of mold exposure. Keep in mind that theres a lot of misinformation out there, both about the toxicity of mold and the treatment options.

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Theres clear, validated proof that breathing in enough mold in your home over a period of time can cause or exacerbate both allergies and asthma, Dr. Parikh says. It can even cause an invasive respiratory infection, she adds, but any chronic health condition resulting from mold hasnt yet been proven to exist.

If youre experiencing allergy symptoms in your home, similar to a dust or pollen allergylike itchy, watery eyes, coughing, a stuffy, runny nose, or even a rash or eczemamold might be playing a role, Dr. Parikh says. The same goes for more severe asthma symptoms than usual, like frequent asthma attacks, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Your symptoms would be different if you have a mold-related infection; youll likely have a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and you may experience low blood pressure, dizziness, and even shortness of breath. But, Mold infections are actually pretty rare unless you have a very weak immune system, says Dr. Parikh. If youre immune-compromised, youll need to take any infection more seriously anyway, she adds.

Treatment for mold-related allergies and infection varies from person to person. If you think there might be mold in your house, and you develop allergy or asthma symptoms, its best to visit an allergist or pulmonologist to have testing done. An allergist might prescribe eye drops, nasal spray, or antihistamines, depending on your case (but dont self-medicate, Dr. Parikh sayslet your doc make the call!).

Allergy shots have also proven to be effective in treating mold allergies by halting the immune systems reactions in some cases, studies show. For more severe respiratory symptoms related to asthma, a doctor might prescribe you an inhaler, or additional medications such as steroids.

If you have evidence of complications from a mold infection, specifically a high fever, severe chest pain, or dizziness, you may need to visit the emergency room. Mold infections can typically be treated with an antifungal medication, which is customized to the type of fungus thats causing the infection, says Dr. Parikh.

There are various treatment methods out there for mold exposure, like sweating it out and even gut health cleanses that claim to detox the moldbut none of them have been proven by studies to treat anything (just like so-called mold toxicity cant necessarily be proven as a medical condition).

For example, activated charcoal is often used in emergency rooms to prevent treat substance abuse overdosebut it wont necessarily do anything to treat or detox mold exposure, says Dr. Parikh (despite what health blogs say). Probioticswhich are in and of themselves beneficial for your overall gut healthhave also been thrown around as a treatment for mold-related illness. But they cant treat an active bacterial infection in any way, Dr. Parikh notes.

Many touted mold treatment options also arent FDA-approved and may not be covered by health insurance, Dr. Parikh points out, so you should approach what you read about mold with a critical eye.

RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

$16.99

Theres no need to panic about small amounts of mold. Of course, if you recently had a flood or water damage, its worth contacting a mold inspector. Or, if youre in a high-risk immune category or have allergy and asthma symptoms that might be related to mold, you should definitely address it, Dr. Parikh says. Regular home inspections should be able to detect mold, though.

To prevent mold growth in your house to begin with, the ideal scenario is to use central air conditioning with a certified allergy and asthma-friendly filter, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

If you dont have access to A/C, try to use a dehumidifier, especially when its hazy and humid outside. When youre showering, turn on an exhaust fan or crack a window so mold doesnt appear over time. Cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room regularly with an anti-mildew cleaner is your best bet to zap mold in its tracks.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

This commenting section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information on their web site.

See the article here:
Do You Need To Detox Mold From Your Body? Mold Toxicity, Explained - Women's Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way physicians are seeing healthy patients these days. New Canaan Library is pleased to present a live webinar by Dr. Larry Leibowitz, joined by Michael Turpin, Executive Vice President at USI Insurance Services, who will explore the topic and seek to answer the question of whether telehealth is here to stay. The webinar is presented on Tuesday, July 14th at 6:30pm EST.

Dr. Leibowitz will craft his presentation around attendees questions; he encourages the submission of questions prior to the event through the listing on the Librarys calendar, https://newcanaanlibrary.org/calendar/month/2020-07/. Zoom sign in information is provided upon registration.

Through the power of technology, most routine medical appointments can be carried out without setting foot in a medical office. And, when an in-person visit is required, medical offices are taking new, necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. Dr. Leibowitz will discuss how he structures telehealth visits and the effectiveness of telehealth in comparison to in-person visits.

Practicing since 1999, Larry Leibowitz, MD is board-certified in family medicine and serves as the Director of Health for the town of Redding. He launched his concierge practice, Matrix

Personalized Medicine, in 2017. He has been recognized as a2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 Castle Connolly Top Doc in Fairfield County. Prior to launching Matrix, he was the Medical Site Director of Stamford Health Medical Group in New Canaan. He continues to serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College, a position he has held since 2009. In 2015, he completed an Integrative Medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona, acknowledged as theleading integrative medicaleducation program in the world.

Michael Turpin, Executive Vice President, USI Insurance Services, brings over 35 years of experience in benefits and business insurance brokerage and consulting. Mike started his career with the brokerage firm Marsh & McLennan and served in various management national roles. In 2005, he joined United Healthcare (UHC )as President of Key Accounts for the U.S. and was promoted to CEO of the Northeast region, UHCs largest retail business with over $8B in medical spend.

In 2008, Mike came to USI as a corporate EVP responsible for the U.S. benefits strategy, operating structure, people and processes. He is a published author of three novels, contributing columnist for national industry and healthcare blogs and periodicals, frequent speaker to employer and investor groups and a pundit opining on issues relating to health care market reform, employee benefits, and business insurance issues.

See more here:
New Canaan Library Webinar with Dr. Larry Leibowitz: Is Telehealth Here to Stay? - HamletHub

Replacing a gas-powered ride-hailing vehicle with an electric vehicle can deliver three times the carbon benefits of a personally owned electric vehicle, according to a University of California, Davis, study of Uber and Lyft data published in the journal Nature Energy.

That's because ride-hailing vehicles travel more miles than personal vehicles, making them more efficient. Also, they typically charge during the day, when a greater quantity of solar energy is powering the grid.

"Electric vehicles are beneficial, and that benefit is larger if you're traveling more miles and charging from renewable sources during the day," said lead author Alan Jenn, a professional researcher at the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis.

Both Uber and Lyft are converting more of their fleet to electric, and Lyft recently committed to becoming 100 percent electric by 2030.

The study drew from Uber and Lyft data on travel behavior and public charging use in California between early 2017 through late 2018, a time of rapid growth for ride-hailing services.

There have been some concerns about the ability of ride-hailing electric vehicles to provide the same level of service as gas-powered vehicles, due to more limited range and the time needed to charge. The study's analysis showed those concerns are overstated, noting it found no statistical difference between the two technologies for ride-hailing companies.

Jenn was also surprised to find that, while ride-hailing services are a tiny fraction of traffic, they used more than 30 percent of the energy provided by public charging stations about 60 times more public energy than that used by privately owned vehicles.

That finding points to the challenge of planning and developing the public infrastructure and charging capacity needed to accommodate both private and ride-hailing fleets. That issue is an active area of research.

"With COVID-19, it's hard to make predictions about how services like Uber and Lyft continue," Jenn said. "That said, California passed legislation in 2018 that compels transportation networking companies to become cleaner, and part of that involves electrification. So there is currently regulatory pressure for these companies to use cleaner vehicles regardless of the pandemic situation."

While the data was collected in pre-pandemic times, the results also can hold implications for delivery drivers and the gig economy, where drivers make multiple trips throughout the day. Such vehicles, if electrified, offer great emissions savings over vehicles driven less often and charged mostly at night.

The study was funded by the National Center for Sustainable Transportation, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the University Transportation Centers program.

This press release was produced by the University of California, Davis. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Read more:
UC Davis: Ride-Hailing Electric Vehicles Offer Triple The Emissions Benefits - Patch.com

NEW YORK, July 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --A new textbook, Medical Marijuana: A Clinical Handbook (Wolters Kluwer, September 2020), provides an objective look at the history and science of the plant and strips away the cultural and political baggage that often clouds any meaningful examination of cannabis's therapeutic value.

The authors, Drs. Samoon Ahmad and Kevin P. Hill, wrote the book to provide clinicians with the most accurate information available on cannabis and empower them to give their patients the best advice on treatment. Cannabis continues to be the single most misunderstood plant on Earth. It has been cultivated and used for thousands of years yet remains not just enigmatic but deeply polarizing.

"Both sides of the argument often fail to see through the fog of the culture war, and both sides are at times guilty of being more intent on winning a political argument than approaching the issue with a clear head and an agenda couched solely in the tradition of empiricism and science," Drs. Ahmad and Hill write in Medical Marijuana. "This book hopes to change that."

Both authors have extensive clinical experience and impressive resumes. Dr. Hill is an addiction specialist and currently Director of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard University, and author of Marijuana: The Unbiased Truth About the World's Most Popular Weed. Dr. Ahmad is a practicing physician in New York City, Founder of the Integrative Center for Wellness, and a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He has also written extensively about PTSD and coauthored multiple books, including recent editions of Kaplan & Sadock's Pocket Handbook of Clinical Psychiatry and Kaplan & Sadock's Pocket Handbook of Psychiatric Drug Treatment.

The authors focus on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the intoxicating substance in cannabis and typically the focal point of medical marijuana programs. They also examine the relevant science on many other cannabinoids found in the plant, especially cannabidiol (CBD). Included in the book is detailed analysis of local and federal laws governing the use of cannabis and a state-by-state guide for clinicians and patients. They have also created a companion website, cannabistextbook.com, that will monitor changes to local, state, and federal regulations as they occur, and share recently published cannabis-related research.

"This timely medical marijuana clinical handbook is the most comprehensive and best book on the topic in my opinion," said Stephen Ross, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Addictive Disorders and Experimental Therapeutics Research Laboratory at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "Excellently written, the book provides an enormous amount of concise and clinically relevant information on everything related to medical cannabis including historical and regulatory aspects, the dizzying diversity of the many cannabis constituent components, review of the endocannabinoid system, relevant pharmacology, therapeutic preparations and the existing and potential clinical applications of medical cannabis throughout medicine, psychiatry and neurology."

The book enables clinicians to easily find information that is pertinent to specific body systems and disciplines. It also provides a wealth of information about the plant itself. The book begins by examining its classification, morphology, history and constituents. It then moves on to a cultural history of cannabis in the United States to provide a context for the regulations and laws currently governing its use. The book then describes the body's endocannabinoid system and the pharmacological profile of CBD and THC before moving on to specific applications for cannabis in specialty practices such as:

Finally, the authors describe the dangers of excessive cannabis use and potential adverse effects.

"It is our hope that we can eliminate unwarranted stigmas that continue to hound this quirky plant and to dispel any notions that cannabis is either a miracle drug or the devil's weed," the authors write. "If nothing else, we hope to provide our peers in the medical community with some degree of clarity so that they can make decisions based on the best available evidence and pass on accurate information to [their] patients."

About the Authors

Samoon Ahmad, M.D.is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and serves as Unit Chief of Bellevue Medical Center's Inpatient Unit. A practicing physician for over twenty-five years, Dr. Ahmadhas dedicated his professional life to helping individuals find balance in their mental and physical well-being.He founded the Integrative Center for Wellness to execute his innovative vision of incorporating psychiatric treatments with holistic therapiesincluding nutritional therapy, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and plant-based medicinesto emphasize wellness of both the body and the mind.He specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, stuttering, and weight management issues.

Kevin P. Hill, M.D., M.H.S.is an addiction psychiatrist and Director of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hill has conducted clinical research and written on a wide variety of topics including medical cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), and addiction to alcohol, cannabis, and opioids. As a leading cannabis expert, he has spoken nationally and appeared often on radio and television on the topics of cannabis policy and treatment, offering a balanced, evidence-based stance on these issues.

Reviews

"Drs. Ahmad and Hill are to be congratulated on producing a book that is a complete and thorough guide to cannabis, is most timely and highly informative, and will appeal to a large audience."

-Benjamin Sadock, MD, Menas S.Gregory Professor of Psychiatryat the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health

"This timely medical marijuana clinical handbook is the most comprehensive and best book on the topic."

-Stephen Ross, MD, Director of the Addictive Disorders andExperimental Therapeutics Research Laboratory and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine

"The authors have written an extremely comprehensive book that will give readers a more nuanced appreciation of cannabis. This includes its potential therapeutic value, its effects on the endocannabinoid system, and the parts it has played in cultures throughout the world."

-Joyce Cenali, Founding Partner & COO of Big Rock Partners, a strategic advisory firm

"Though written primarily for healthcare practitioners and clinicians, anyone hoping to gain a greater understanding about cannabis and its therapeutic applications will find this work extremely informative and helpful."

-Marion Mariathasan, CEO of Simplifya, the leading regulatory and compliance software platform serving the cannabis industry

Medical Marijuana: A Clinical Handbook By Samoon Ahmad, M.D., and Kevin P. Hill, M.D., M.H.S.

Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Publication Date: September 2020 Price: $69.99 ISBN: 9781975141899

Contacts: Kimberly Macleod [emailprotected] 917-587-0069

Joe Flattery [emailprotected] 917-474-2689

SOURCE Integrative Center for Wellness

Read more from the original source:
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: A CLINICAL HANDBOOK Provides Readers the Most Up-to-Date Insights on the Science of Cannabis and Its Medicinal Use - PRNewswire

DAVIS, CA The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is a beautiful place, as shown in these lovely photos shared by Ph.D. candidate Jessica Ortiz-Rodriguez.

"Taken during morning walk 7am UC Davis arboretum," Jessica wrote in an email to Patch.

Thank you so much, Jessica, for taking the time to share these with other Patch readers!

Have you got the next incredible photo? If you have an awesome photo of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to catch, we'd love to feature it on Patch. We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty that is Northern California, and that show off your unique talents.

So, bring 'em on. No selfies. Not here.

Send your photos to autumn.johnson@patch.com and we'll post the feature on an occasional basis. Or post it to the Neighbor Posts section of your local Patch and we'll feature it up top. Be sure to also include when and where the shot was taken and any other details about what was going on.

Read more:
Morning Walk Through UC Davis Arboretum: Photos Of The Day - Davis, CA Patch

NCIS' latest season came to an early end this year as the CBS drama was unable to film its final few episodes. The series will return for an 18th series and these storylines will be picked up at the beginning of the new season. Fellow NCIS series NCIS LA and NCIS New Orleans were also given the green light for another series each.

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from NCIS.

Fans of NCIS were always longing for Agent Tony Dinozzo (played by Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) to get together.

Their chemistry on-screen was undeniable so when Ziva head off to Paris to be reunited with Tony and their daughter Tali in season 17, viewers were thrilled they got their happy ending, despite it not being featured on the show.

In real life though, actors Weatherly and de Pablo are just friends and have not been romantically linked.

However, Weatherly has had relationships with other famous actresses.

READ MORE:NCIS New Orleans plot hole: LaSalle huge CPO blunder

Weatherly was first married to The Young and the Restless actress Amelia Heinle.

They were married for two years from 1995 until 1997 but then split up.

In 2000, Weatherly starred in Fox's Dark Angel alongside actress Jessica Alba.

The pair started dating after they met on the show and while he did propose, unfortunately, their relationship didn't work out and they ended things in 2003.

But Weatherly is now happily married with another woman some may recognise.

The former NCIS actor is now married to 37-year-old Serbian Bojana Jankovic.

Jankovic is a writer and assistant director known for TVWWW and Do Not Leave Me with Strangers.

Her family moved to Canada when she was 13 and after graduating from medical school, she moved to the US.

As well as a writer, she is an award-winning physician who is double board-certified in internal and integrative medicine.

Jankovic also founded the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York.

DON'T MISS...NCIS Los Angeles: Barrett Foa reveals finale is unfinished[CAST]NCIS net worth: How much is NCIS star Mark Harmon worth?[NET WORTH]NCIS: Ellie Bishop star thought Zivas comeback wouldnt happen[CAST]

Weatherly and Jankovic met in 2007 at a bar in Vancouver when he was happily living the single life.

Talking to People magazine about when they met, Weatherly said: My friend Colleen was saying, Michael, arent you lonely?

"I said: 'Not really. Im pretty happy. Works for Clooney!"

Weatherly continued: I kept looking out of the corner of my eye and seeing this ravishing, gorgeous beauty.

Jankovic then added: "We made eye contact and that was it.

The pair got married in 2009 and now have two children together called Olivia and Liam.

Weatherly also has a third child August from his first marriage with Heinle.

Talking about life as a married man and father with People, Weatherly said: Im a single-track-mind person, so at work I do my work, but at home Im devoted to my kids. Im lucky.

"I have a wonderful wife and am well on my way to a very happy retirement.

"I just gotta educate these kids first!

NCIS is available to watch on CBS.

Original post:
NCIS real-life romance: Who is NCIS actor Michael Weatherly married to? - Express

What we eat, and how we grow it, is critical to maintaining our health as we seek to recover from a global pandemic.

The world is slowly reopeningbut the COVID-19 crisis isnt over, and everyone still has concerns. While in many areas, the number of cases is decreasing, our health will remain in danger until we make a major change and paradigm shift.

That change is closer than you might think. Its in your kitchen, your backyard garden, and at the farmers market you visit every weekend.

The solution is our soil and in our food. What we eat is critical to protecting our health, and our broken food system needs an overhaul.

The coronavirus pandemic has focused the spotlight on the importance of health, immunity, and disease prevention. We watched as our medical systems became inundated with patients, while feeling helpless to support our own health in the face of an invisible threat.

As we return to a new normal, it is imperative that we stay vigilant about maintaining our health. Sales of organic food rose 22 percent in March, 18 percent in April, and 16 percent in May as consumers looked for ways to boost their immune systems. We cannot return to our industrial, chemical food system as the crisis recedesa food system that is harming both people and the planetand expect positive impacts on our personal health. We need resilient agriculture for the future.

What we eat is directly related to how we feel and how we protect our health. So why have we allowed an agricultural system that sprays our food with chemicals, disproportionately harms vulnerable communities, and poisons our environment be the main source of food for our families? Why is our medical system so out of touch with the role that food plays in our physical health, prescribing pharmaceuticals for lifestyle diseases that create even more side effects and problems?

For too long, farmers and doctors have been siloed while pursuing the same goal: keeping people healthy. Remember the grade school adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Its far past time that we bring these individuals, and professions, back together.

The path towards change can be found in Regenerative Healthcare. Regenerative organic food is free of the threat of chemicals like glyphosate, a probable carcinogen. At Rodale Institute, our research has shown not only that organic can feed the world, but that it can feed the worlds families more nutrient dense food, full of natural antioxidants and phytonutrients that can prevent, suspend, and even reverse the most wide-spread of lifestyle diseases.

And yet, the Standard American Diet comprises only 11 percent of its calories from whole plant foods, and more than 50 percent from highly processed products. Today, over 70 percent of global deaths are due to lifestyle-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic immune disorders.

When facing a threat as strong as COVID-19, we need to avail ourselves of every support system we have. Our diet is one of the simplest ways to improve our health and take control over our lives. And yet, nutrition is roundly downplayed in the medical community. In fact, many medical students receive less than 25 hours of training in nutrition during their entire education.

We need to deploy a health care system in which farmers and physicians work together to inform a prevention-based approach to human and environmental health. Regenerative Healthcare is the only path forward.

We must combine what we know about the power of food with our knowledge of nutrition and our bodies, working to prevent disease through an organic, whole-foods, plant-forward diet that begins on farms that work in harmony with nature.

For over 70 years, Rodale Institute has been researching the benefits of regenerative organic agriculture. From the beginning, our mission has been to support healthy soil that grows healthy food, feeding healthy people.

Results from Rodale Institutes Farming Systems Trial, a 40-year side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional grain cropping systems, has shown conclusively that organic systems are not only comparable to conventional systems in terms of yields, but can yield up to 40 percent higher in years of inclement weather like drought. Organic systems also use 45 percent less energy, reducing carbon emissions.

We started this research in 1981, long before a world-wide pandemic upended our society. The wholesale benefits of a regenerative organic food system were true then and are even truer now. Consumers clearly understand that organic food is healthier, as organic grocery sales and CSA memberships have skyrocketed since the pandemic took hold.

Adapting the holistic, regenerative model to our nations healthcare systems is a crucial step in improving human health. A shift in our medical system away from pharmaceutical-based disease management towards an integrative system founded on lifestyle medicinesupported by organic, nutrient-dense whole foodscould dramatically alter the trajectory of chronic disease and create a healthier future.

Let us agreewe cannot forget the critical role our food plays in protecting our health. Though the everyday threat of COVID-19 will eventually be a memory, the decisions we make about our food will always affect us. Take the first steps to protect your health now. You wont regret it.

Interested in more solutions? Rodale Institute, with our partners at The Plantrician Project, have released a new scientifically documented white paper that brings together, for the first time, doctors, scientists, and farmers to analyze the ways our food system has failed us, and, more importantly, solutions for a new path. The Power of the Plate: The Case for Regenerative Organic Agriculture in Improving Human Health is available for download at RodaleInstitute.org/poweroftheplate.

Jeff Moyer is the Chief Executive Officer of Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He has worked in regenerative organic farming for over 40 years and is the author of Organic No-Till Farming: Advancing No-Till Agriculture.

https://RodaleInstitute.org

Originally posted here:
As the world reopens, a threat to our health still looms - bctv.org

Give a natural boost to your immunity with this powder made from turmeric, ginger, cumin, fennel and other simple kitchen ingredients.

Spices like turmeric, ginger and cinnamon are known to be immunity boosters

If you catch a cold too easily, are prone to allergies, cough and sneeze to often and easily catch an infection, then your immunity needs to be worked on. In this pandemic, the importance of taking care of your immunity and building a strong one has been more than ever. A healthy immune system not only helps in keeping viral diseases and infections away, it also helps in protecting the body proactively in case you catch an infection or fall ill.

The immune system protects by creating a barrier which stops invaders and antigens from entering the body. If some of these manage to slip away and infect us, then the immune system produces white blood cells and other chemicals that attack and destroy these foreign substances.

Following a healthy lifestyle, being physically active and eating certain foods or natural immunity boosters can help in giving the much-needed boost to immunity.

Also read:Monsoon Diet: This Monsoon, Keep Your Immunity In Check With These Tips From Nutritionist

So here's an immunity boosting powder that you can make at home. Shared by lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho in one of his Instagram stories (that are now saved in highlights), this immunity boosting powder can be made with the help of some simple and basic ingredients like turmeric, ginger and cinnamon.

Turmeric is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting propertiesPhoto Credit: iStock

To prepare this immunity boosting powder, you need organic turmeric powder (7 tbsp), cumin seeds (4 tbsp), coriander seeds (4 tbsp), fennel seeds (7 tbsp), dry ginger powder or saunth (2 tbsp), whole black pepper (2 tbsp), cinnamon powder (1/2 tbsp) and cardamom (3 tbsp).

Keep turmeric powder and dry ginger powder in a separate bowl. Do not roast them.

Lightly roast all the remaining ingredients on low flame. Be careful as the spices should not burn. Roast them till you get a nice aroma. Once roasted, allow them to cool. Now transfer them to a grinder and grind them to get powdery consistency.

Also read:Not Just Immunity, Vitamin C Can Boost Heart Health Too: Here's How

Add turmeric and dried ginger to this powder. Store it in a steel or glass jar.

According to Coutinho, you can have 1/2 tsp of the powder with water, or add it as a seasoning to your food. It can be an alternative to garam masala.

Another way of including this powder in your diet is by adding 1/2 tsp of it to 1 tbsp of heated ghee. Mix it to form a paste and have it every morning.

If you are on medication or have an underlying health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, do check with your doctor before having this powder.

Promoted

(Luke Coutinho, Holistic Lifestyle Coach - Integrative Medicine)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Visit link:
Make This Powder With Turmeric, Dry Ginger, Fennel And Other Kitchen Ingredients To Naturally Boost Your Immunity - NDTV Doctor

Henry Ford Health System is providing even more services to Dearborn area patients, with an expanded emergency room and the creation of its new Center for Integrative Medicine.

We are really proud of our ER expansion, said Mary Finn, Group Practice Director for the Henry Ford Medical Group. It has been modified, so all of our bays are private treatment rooms, which was never the case before.

Click here and then look to the right side for the sign up to the morning newsletter for The News Herald, and you can get the top headlines de

She said the only part of the ER that still has curtain separators is the fast track area, for quick turnover patients, such as someone who might need simple stitches or a straightforward need for medicine.

Henry Ford Health System Fairlane has an expanded emergency room, and has a Center for Integrative Medicine, and well as pain management and anxiety care facilities.

The idea is to try to keep the ER from being as congested, so thats a nice feature, Finn said. So, we have the fast track, we have a new trauma area and we have more patient care spaces and treatment bays, so more than double when we are all done.

She said another effort of the expanded ER is to get people out of the waiting room and into a treatment bay as quickly as possible.

Our goal, with our new strategy with more rooms now, and with more treatment bays, we are trying to get everybody back without waiting in the waiting room, Finn said. It has been rare that I have seen anybody in the waiting room for the last couple months.

She said that even with ER volumes being down across the country because of the pandemic, the Fairlane ERs volume is beginning to approach what it was pre-pandemic, and they are still focusing on not having the waiting room fill up with patients.

Finn said many of the doctor offices have moved to the nearby Henry Ford Medical Center on Ford Road in Dearborn.

She said all three of the Internal Medicine offices are now on the third floor of the Ford Road Center.

Its been a great change, because it allowed everybody to be one, as opposed to three separate spaces, Finn said.

She said Behavioral Services have also moved from nearby office space to the third floor of the Ford Road Center as well.

Finn said the second floor of the Ford Road Center has been utilized to expand the Pain Management Program, which is run through the Department of Anesthesia.

They do a very comprehensive evaluation of the cause of pain and the underlying issues, and if they are able to do treatments for the patient, it could be involving any kinds of procedures or blocks or other measures that can be done, she said. They also have a relationship with the acupuncturist, and they have a pain psychologist.

Finn said the Center for Integrative Medicine is also on the second floor of the Ford Road Center, which houses the acupuncturist, chiropractors, functional medicine (which focuses on holistic or alternative medicine), yoga and massage.

With these moves, the relationship between the Pain Management Program and the Center for Integrative Medicine is growing, she said, especially with respect to acupuncture, adding that HFHS is on the leading edge of the changes that are taking place in health care across the country, including integrated medical records, which can keep a patient safer.

We all have important history, allergy information and things that have happened, that a doctor would want to know about, Finn said. And so, the more a doctor and a medical team can easily access that information, the better off you are.

She said tests dont have to be repeated, and there can be a better focus on a patients medical problems, as well as their history, and what has already been tried.

Some of this is very hard for people to be really good historians on, Finn said. No matter how well educated you are, if you arent a member of the medical field, it can really be very challenging to navigate.

She said she is proud of what the HFHS team is accomplishing, especially in the midst of a pandemic.

Youre seeing a greater push to include more Integrative Medicine and more alternative treatments to augment traditional treatments, Finn said. So thats where there is synergy between the Pain Program, the Center for Integrative Medicine and even Internal Medicine. We have a dietician in the program, as well, and they are recognizing that everyone has something to offer.

Alice Cooper, Peter Frampton, George Thorogood, Don Felder and members of Slipknot, Stone Sour, Bush, Halestorm, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry and more will take part in Rock For Relief, a virtual benefit for Feeding America at 8 and 11 p.m. Friday, July 3 via rockforrelief.net. Cooper and Joe Satriani will also be conducting interviews with other artists during the event, a collaboration between United Stations Media Networks and Storic Media Podcast Network.

Crunch Fitness, 5601 Mercury Drive, in Dearborn, was cited for being open to patrons June 28, in violation of the governors pandemic closure

A press conference is scheduled for Friday in Dearborn to update an ongoing dispute between the American Moslem Society (AMS) and its neighbor

The Confidence Connection, a recently launched podcast, hosted by Dearborn native Suzanne Sena, provides people with ways to build belief an

Visit link:
HFHS Fairlane expands ER, creates Center for Integrative Medicine; Pain management to be at the forefront - Dearborn Press and Guide

COVID-19 Isolation Impacts on Couples and Families:Recognizing, Addressing and Resolving Relationship Challenges During Confinement

Human beings are social creatures, and the isolation caused by sheltering in place can impact our mental health. To address these issues and offer some coping tools and resources,OLLI-UA(Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) and the University of Arizona Department of Psychiatry are hosting twoZoom webinars this month. Both are free and will feature a question and answer session. Register using the link below.

The July 24 presentation at 2 p.m. features Banner-University Medicine psychiatry faculty:

Alison R. Coelho, assistant professor: Dr. Coelho's areas of professional interest include trauma-focused psychotherapy, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, neuropsychology and couples' therapy with an emphasis on interracial marriage.

Noshene Ranjbar, assistant professor and director, Integrative Psychiatry Clinic: Dr. Ranjbar's interests include integrative psychiatry, health disparities with a focus on Native American and immigrant mental health, and mind-body medicine.

View post:
Virtual COVID-19 Impacts on Mental Health Part 2: Couples and Families - UANews

The world is slowly reopeningbut the COVID-19 crisis isnt over, and everyone still has concerns. While in many areas, the number of cases is decreasing, our health will remain in danger until we make a major change and paradigm shift.

That change is closer than you might think. Its in your kitchen, your backyard garden, and at the farmers market you visit every weekend.

The solution is our soil and in our food. What we eat is critical to protecting our health, and our broken food system needs an overhaul.

...

The coronavirus pandemic has focused the spotlight on the importance of health, immunity, and disease prevention. We watched as our medical systems became inundated with patients, while feeling helpless to support our own health in the face of an invisible threat.

As we return to a new normal, it is imperative that we stay vigilant about maintaining our health. Sales of organic food rose 22% in March, 18% in April, and 16% in May as consumers looked for ways to boost their immune systems. We cannot return to our industrial, chemical food system as the crisis recedes a food system that is harming both people and the planet and expect positive impacts on our personal health. We need resilient agriculture for the future.

What we eat is directly related to how we feel and how we protect our health. So why have we allowed an agricultural system that sprays our food with chemicals, disproportionately harms vulnerable communities, and poisons our environment be the main source of food for our families? Why is our medical system so out of touch with the role that food plays in our physical health, prescribing pharmaceuticals for lifestyle diseases that create even more side effects and problems?

...

For too long, farmers and doctors have been siloed while pursuing the same goal: keeping people healthy. Remember the grade school adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Its far past time that we bring these individuals, and professions, back together.

The path towards change can be found in Regenerative Healthcare. Regenerative organic food is free of the threat of chemicals like glyphosate, a probable carcinogen. At Rodale Institute, our research has shown not only that organic can feed the world, but that it can feed the worlds families more nutrient dense food, full of natural antioxidants and phytonutrients that can prevent, suspend, and even reverse the most wide-spread of lifestyle diseases.

And yet, the Standard American Diet comprises only 11% of its calories from whole plant foods, and more than 50% from highly processed products. Today, over 70% of global deaths are due to lifestyle-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic immune disorders.

When facing a threat as strong as COVID-19, we need to avail ourselves of every support system we have. Our diet is one of the simplest ways to improve our health and take control over our lives. And yet, nutrition is roundly downplayed in the medical community. In fact, many medical students receive less than 25 hours of training in nutrition during their entire education.

We need to deploy a health care system in which farmers and physicians work together to inform a prevention-based approach to human and environmental health. Regenerative Healthcare is the only path forward.

We must combine what we know about the power of food with our knowledge of nutrition and our bodies, working to prevent disease through an organic, whole-foods, plant-forward diet that begins on farms that work in harmony with nature.

...

For over 70 years, Rodale Institute has been researching the benefits of regenerative organic agriculture. From the beginning, our mission has been to support healthy soil that grows healthy food, feeding healthy people.

Results from Rodale Institutes Farming Systems Trial, a 40-year side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional grain cropping systems, has shown conclusively that organic systems are not only comparable to conventional systems in terms of yields, but can yield up to 40% higher in years of inclement weather like drought. Organic systems also use 45% less energy, reducing carbon emissions.

We started this research in 1981, long before a world-wide pandemic upended our society. The wholesale benefits of a regenerative organic food system were true then and are even truer now. Consumers clearly understand that organic food is healthier, as organic grocery sales and CSA memberships have skyrocketed since the pandemic took hold.

...

Adapting the holistic, regenerative model to our nations healthcare systems is a crucial step in improving human health. A shift in our medical system away from pharmaceutical-based disease management towards an integrative system founded on lifestyle medicine supported by organic, nutrient-dense whole foods could dramatically alter the trajectory of chronic disease and create a healthier future.

Let us agree we cannot forget the critical role our food plays in protecting our health. Though the everyday threat of COVID-19 will eventually be a memory, the decisions we make about our food will always affect us. Take the first steps to protect your health now. You wont regret it.

Interested in more solutions? Rodale Institute, with our partners at The Plantrician Project, have released a new scientifically documented white paper that brings together, for the first time, doctors, scientists, and farmers to analyze the ways our food system has failed us, and, more importantly, solutions for a new path. The Power of the Plate: The Case for Regenerative Organic Agriculture in Improving Human Health is available for download at RodaleInstitute.org/poweroftheplate.

See the original post here:
Commentary: As the world reopens, a threat to our health still looms - Capital Press

Club Industry was not involved in the creation of this content.

If you are currently leading an organization of any size, you face three major challenges:

These are uncertain times. They demand the best that leaders can give. In this free interactive webinar, Dr Mark Tager provides a time-tested, proven system that promotes personal and team resilience in time of uncertainty. Youll discover ideas, skills, and practices that magnify your influence as a leader even in the face of danger and uncertainty.

Youll come away with five critical skills for bringing out the best in yourself and others. Youll learn:

If you are running a small health or aesthetic practice, guiding a team, having responsibility for restructuring your organizationor, if youre just trying to be a better communicator for those you love and care about, this webinar is for you.

Details: Wednesday, July 22, 12 pm Pacific

Register: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/9/v9v1yal

Webinar Promotion Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u5wony6k33l4pzi/LTSC2%20w%20logo%20open%20copy.mp4?dl=0

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Mark J. Tager, MDPhysician Entrepreneur

As a physician entrepreneur Markhas built companies, led high performance teams, and guided people through challenging times. Out of those experiences, Markcreated a system that hes taught to thousands of leaders in businesses large and small. He brings a laser-like focus to his training programs: no fluff, no pontification, just usable skills that are needed now more than ever.

Mark J Tager, MD is Chief Enhancement Officer (CEO) of ChangeWell, Inc., (changewell.com) a San Diego organization that trains and coaches professionals to enhance their presence in person, on camera and online. A veteran of more than 1,000 presentations, Mark shares his skills and passion to empower those who attend his trainings.

As a physician, he is well grounded in lifestyle, regenerative, integrative and aesthetic medicine. Mark began his human resource work in the early 1980s as Director of Health Promotion for Kaiser Permanente NW Region. He founded several companies in the publishing, medical device, and training industries which went on to successful exits.

Among the ten books he has authored or co-authored, three describe learning systems for dealing with stress and change. These include:Leadership in Times of Stress and Change(with Dr. Harry Woodward),Transforming Stress into Power, andWorking Well(with Dr. Marjorie Blanchard). Dr. Tager obtained his medical degree from Duke University and trained in Family Practice at the University of Oregon Health Science Center.

Original post:
Leadership In Times Of Stress And Change: 5 Critical Skills To Bring Out The Best In Yourself And Others - Club Industry

Is working from home a literal pain the neck? Many of us have spent long hours hunched over impromptu workstations on beds, coffee tables and kitchen islands since the onset of the pandemic. With elevated stress levels, fewer opportunities for movement and upended routines, working from home can be a recipe for back and neck pain.

Chiropractors specialize in correcting misalignments of the neck, back and head through careful manipulations of the spine. But since many of us dont have access to a chiropractor in person, here are some tips to help you reduce back and neck pain while working at home.

How can you maintain good posture while working from the kitchen table? Andrew Bang, D.C., lead chiropractor at the Center for Integrative Medicine at The Cleveland Clinic, recommends this checklist to properly position your head, arms and back.

Bang and Barbara Rosinsky, a chiropractor in Wantagh, New York. recommended these seven simple tips to keep you free of back or neck pain between visits.

Belly snoozing is the worst position to sleep in, said Rosinsky. You have to turn your head to the left or right, and that creates neck strain, she says. Instead, either sleep on your back with pillows under your knees or on your side with pillows between your knees. Both positions help maintain the spines natural curvature. In both positions, sleep with a small pillow under your head and pull the pillow down so its also supporting your neck, Rosinsky explained.

Trending stories,celebrity news and all the best of TODAY.

Strong abdominals are key to reducing pain in your back, but if you have back pain, traditional crunches and sit-ups actually make the pain worse, Bang explained. Instead, hold yourself in a yoga plank pose lie on your stomach and then lift your body so youre balancing on your hands and your toes, like a push up. Hold the position as long as you can, increasing the time with each attempt.

Side planks will also firm up your core. From the plank position, rotate your body to the left so you are balancing on your outstretched left arm and on your left foot (either stack your right foot on top of your left or place your right foot down if it's necessary for balance). Reach your right arm upward. Hold it as long as you can and then switch sides.

I have more low back pain patients who sit at desk all day than are manual laborers, said Bang. Our hamstrings get locked up from spending so many hours sitting in a chair, Bang explained. So when we try to stand up from sitting, our hamstrings pull on our pelvis, causing misalignments in the spine and all kinds of pain."

But a few simple stretches can counter this effect. While lying on your back, wrap a yoga belt around your foot and pull your leg up, keeping it straight. Feel the stretch along the back of your leg. Then try to stretch your leg across the groin over the left leg to right and vice versa and then out and away from your body towards your hips and. Work yourself up to holding the stretches for 90 seconds.

Take a look at your phone. Notice what you just did? In all likelihood your chin went to your chest and your neck curved into a C-shape. Thats really bad for your neck, said Bang. Theres 12-15 pounds of weight in the human head. The further the head is away from our shoulders looking down at our smartphones, [the more it] strains the muscles. The bones and the discs start to mash together and you get pain. This goes for all handheld electronics, like iPads. To save your neck, prop up your arms so youre looking at your phone straight on. If youre using an e-reader in bed, hold it up on your bent knees instead of down on your lap.

This is going to be a hard one. If you sit at a desk all day, make sure your feet are parallel and planted firmly on the ground, says Rosinsky. If your feet dont reach the ground, use a box or foot rest to prop them up. This will reduce pressure on your lower back. Also remember to raise your computer screen so its at eye level to limit neck strain.

When your grandmother scolded you about slouching, she was doing more than trying to make you look better. She was likely saving you from a backache. Sit up on your sit bones, not back on the sacrum, says Rosinsky, referring to the fleshier part of your tush. Think about the curve in your lower back and try to preserve it as you sit. And whatever youre working on, your keyboard and your computer screen should be square with your body. So dont put your laptop on your lap and hunch over it. Youre much better off putting it on a table.

Too much time spent in any one position sitting or standing can trigger back pain. The more active you are, the more you stretch out your muscles and get your body accustomed to physical activity so you're the less likely to suffer pain, Bang explained. You need to eat well, drink well and move well, he says. If you get too sedentary you will have more pain.

All of these strategies can help you stave off pain, but chiropractors also recommend regular adjustments that can help keep the spine aligned, the nervous system functioning properly and reduce the risk of recurring pain. When the situation allows, seeing your chiropractor on a regular basis, whether youre in pain or not, will help you maintain your balance and your range of motion, Bang said.

A version of this story originally appeared on iVillage.

Read more from the original source:
How to avoid back and neck pain while working from home - TODAY

Remember when we could be gather? Now its time to get creative with our health + well being. Photo via The Pizitz Instagram

Were half way through the year and boy has it been a doozy. Between a global pandemic and important social movements its important to take some time for yourselfespecially your mental health. With the advice of local wellness advocacy groups and nonprofits in Birmingham, here are some tips to help improve your mental health.

Disclaimer: This article does not serve as professional medical advice. Seek advice of a qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health whether it be physical or mental.

As a 20-something gal taking life day by day, theres only so much advice I can give you, so I reached out to the following groups and non-profits for advice. Heres a look at who they are and how they serve the Birmingham community.

Yes, I Have a Therapist is a wellness advocacy group for women of color that promotes healthy wellness practices by providing local and national resources. Their mission is to dismantle harmful mental health stigmas by hosting conversations and creating a safe space for women of color.

Integrative Health Services takes a holistic approach to healing the mind, body and spirit. They assist couples, families, teens and individuals who struggle with mental health. The integrative approach means they can work with your primary physician, psychiatrist or other health professionals.

A Friend of Mind is a nonprofit organization that helps youth accept and manage their mental illnesses and eliminate mental health stigmas. They offer creative solutions to challenges by using culturally-tailored and targeted outreach programs, training and advocacy.

In celebration of Minority Mental Health Month, A Friend of Mind will be hosting free yoga classes at Veterans Park. The class is for people of color only and will be socially distant. Here are the deets:

You may recognize Emilie as one of the collaborators for The Fearless Om. As a nutritional wellness coach and yogi, her mission is to help you create a more balanced life. By following a refined approach to everyday lifethrough food, movement, mindfulness and living in accordance with the seasonswe can claim the grounded, rich lives we crave.

For many of us, our social media channels are our source of news. It can be a blessing and a curse. For me personally, its a battle between staying informed and taking some time to step away. Im sure many of yall can relate.

If you find your social media channels giving you more stress rather than serving as a productive outlet, put your phone down! Turn off your notifications, set phone-free zones in your living space and set aside days where you dont even get on social media. Its okay to disconnect every once in a while.

When youre in a funk, pause and honestly ask yourself what do I need right now? Answers may look like, I need to connect with a good friend or I need to move my body or I need a little quiet time. Asking this question pulls you into the present moment and stops the mental loop that happens when were in a funk.

This one seems like a no-brainer, but theres a strong connection between spending time in nature and reducing stress or anxiety.

If you cant make it outside, bring nature indoors. This may seem weird, but I often find myself listening to rain sounds on loop. Why? Its soothing and sometimes songs with lyrics can be distracting.

Birmingham has so many great spots to help you recharge. My favorites are a great hike at Ruffner Mountain, a healing yoga class at Villager Yoga, or a long bike ride through Highland Park!

If youre looking for new spots to enjoy some time in nature, check out this article on 19 hidden trails in Birmingham and how exploring them can boost your mental health.

It always helps to have someone to talk to. Were social creatures, after all. While many of us never thought wed be stuck in social isolation, here we are in 2020 and its actually encouraged to remove ourselves from crowds.

Now its time to get creative when cultivating our sense of community. Find online groups that interest you and make you feel welcome. Join them and dive head-first into the conversation. Its beneficial to have a place where you can share, listen and learn.

For example, by writing this article, I found Yes, I Have a Therapist. As a woman of color, this group covers topics relevant to my well-being. Heres what they had to say:

We believe heavily in persons having a support team, people who you feel are on your side. It does not mean that they will call or text every day, but they will do things to check on you.

No surprise here. Exercise equals endorphins, and those feel-good endorphins send a happy hit to the brain to enhance your sense of well-being.

According to the Mayo Clinic, doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week improves depression and anxiety symptoms.

Getting started is the hard part. At the beginning of quarantine, I found a workout I enjoyed and stuck with it. Set reasonable goals and dont be hard on yourself. Its okay to have a lazy day.

Remember to acknowledge any uncomfortable feelings you may be having. Its okay to struggle. By accepting uncomfortable emotions youre allowing yourself permission to work through them.

Having a hobby is a great way to unwind and serves as an outlet for stress. It always helps having something to look forward to after a days work.

Do something that you love to do. Some people like to go on a drive when theyre in a funk. Some people like to cook, dance, bake. Whatever it is that gives you pleasure when youre not in a funk, do that.

For example, Ive been dabbling in gardening and learning Italian for when its time to pack my bags and move to a vineyard in Italy. I dont know when that time will come, but Ill be ready!

We look at [meditation] as a way of controlling our emotions, feelings and thoughts by simply controlling our breaths. Its a good way to decompress and try to let go of that day.

Not sure where to start? Emilie Maynor suggests writing or thinking of three things youre grateful for and take three deep breaths before starting the day. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer short, guided meditations accessible to anyone.

Heres one of Maynors videos that is great for beginners wanting to learn meditation and/or breathing exercises.

Laughing really is the best medicine. Its free and doesnt require a prescription. While its not a cure-all for anxiety or stress, you cant beat a good ole belly laugh. Amidst a pandemic and advocating for racial equality, we could all benefit from some humor in our lives.

We find things daily to laugh aboutmemes, Tik Tok videos, our favorite comedians. Laughter makes us feel light and joy.

If youre looking for a laugh in Birmingham, check out this article highlighting seven locals and events who will brighten your day.

Related

Link:
Ways to improve your mental health during a pandemic + social movements with the help of Birmingham experts - Bham Now

Dr Shyam Bhat is a pioneer of integrative medicine and holistic psychiatry in India. He is also a published writer and a trustee of the Live Love Laugh Foundation set up by the leading Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone. He spoke to Scroll.in on the psychological aspects of reading in the context of a protracted crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic. Excerpts from the interview:

What kind of impact can a prolonged global health crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic have on peoples minds?The human brain is engineered for survival. In this respect, we are like every mammalian species, our brain always subconsciously scanning the environment for signs of threat. Consider that you are walking down the road, perfectly relaxed, when suddenly a raging dog attacks you. Without a moments hesitation, without even thinking about it, you react. Threat-signalling in the brain creates a state of hypervigilance, a state of acute alertness and sensitivity to other possible threats.

Just above your kidneys are the adrenal glands, which release stress hormones in response to a threat, including adrenaline. Your brain and body are now in survival mode, in what is popularly called the fight or flight response. Your heart beats faster, your muscles tighten, your joints are poised, your pupils dilate, your sweat glands are hyperactive, while inside your body, your organs are responding equally vigorously to the impending attack. Your liver releases glucose and protein into the bloodstream to allow your blood to clot more easily in case you sustain injury. Human beings dominate the planet because of our unique neurology our brain has the ability to think about the future, to predict, forecast, prepare and plan. But this great power is also our greatest burden for not only can we sense imminent threat, we also suffer pain due to a future threat.

This tendency to think of negative outcomes is worsened in times of uncertainty and ambiguity. Without enough information to guide its predictive mechanisms, your brain signals threat, and this is experienced as anxiety and stress. Research shows that the brain actually signals less threat in situations where there is certainty of pain, compared to a situation where there is uncertainty about the outcome. In other words, we are less troubled by the certainty of a bad outcome, compared to not being sure.

Our brains right now cannot see a certain future: what will happen, when will the pandemic end, what does it mean for our lives?

When the threat is continuous, slow-burning and subtle, as it is with this pandemic, these ancient neural systems no longer serve a purpose. Fight and flight are compounded by the freeze response something that an animal resorts to when there is no escape from the threat. This chronic state of alarm is what people call stress, a word so commonly thrown around that it has lost its potency to remind us that it is a debilitating life-sapping condition.

Over time, a person may begin to experience several symptoms of stress, but often remain oblivious to them. Persons who are under stress commonly feel impatient, irritable, prone to anger, body aches and pains, fatigue, insomnia, worrying and overthinking, inability to focus and concentrate and on edge. Internally, the condition affects metabolic functioning, increases blood sugars and the risk for diabetes, elevates blood pressure and the risk for heart disease and weakens the immune system, making us more vulnerable to viral infections. Unchecked, stress can lead to clinical depression and anxiety disorders, amongst other mental illnesses.

Is there an established link between reading and mental illness? Does a regular reading habit help lessen mental health issues like anxiety and depression?Reading is one of those everyday activities that we take for granted, but if you pause to consider what is happening when you read words on a page, you will realise that this simple act is actually very complex, even magical. When you read, you look at shapes on a page, variations of a small number of letters, and it evokes in your mind visions and thoughts, transporting you to a different world. Unlike visual entertainment like TV, reading requires engagement and work by the consumers brain. It is a complex act, with several brain regions working together to create a world inside the head that can be as, if not more, rich in emotional texture than lived experiences.

With the visual cortex receiving the images, the temporal lobes translating them into verbal information, the frontal cortex interpreting and predicting the unfolding narrative, the memory centres of the brain evoking autobiographical memory, the autonomic nervous system altering itself in response to the emotions being evoked, reading is a virtual reality experience that no technology has yet replicated.

Reading is a workout for the brain. And just as physical exercise decreases the risk of diabetes and heart disease, regular reading decreases the risk of conditions such as dementia, and improves memory, concentration, and mood. This is especially relevant in these times of Covid.

In one research study, people who read long fiction (not short fiction) had better tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty, and an improved ability to think creatively. In an uncertain time like this, reading can help cope with the stress and also help think of creative solutions to life challenges. Reading also helps deal with isolation, by making the reader feel connected with other worlds.

The practice of prescribing books for mental health is probably as old as books themselves. In many ancient wisdom traditions, stories were used to impart deep insights about the world. Zen stories, Sufi Stories, the Panchatantra tales, fables from all over the world were powerful vehicles for the dissemination of morals, life lessons, and wisdom, and, centuries later, books continue to be relevant.

Although books by themselves cannot treat clinical depression, they help as catalysts in therapy, improving the insights one can derive from the therapeutic process.

Has reading ever been formally incorporated in your therapy? If so, how?In what is called bibliotherapy, a therapist prescribes books selected for a number of reasons: narratives of people who have suffered similarly, novels that help a person understand the subtle contexts of their problem, and self-help books that might explore topics that have come up in therapy and so on.

The prescription is highly individual and variable, more an art than a science. The therapist has to have read widely and must understand the clients inner world in order to recommend the right book. Following the reading, the therapist will gauge the clients reactions to the book which will help reveal the themes of their underlying psychological conflict. Some questions I would ask include: What was your reaction to the theme of the novel? What did you like or not like about the protagonist? Which characters did you identify with and why?

Do you think the pandemic has made people start reading again? That is, has it become a choice that has often won over say Netflix or Amazon Prime?It depends on the emotional state and temperament of the person. Those struggling with anxiety and stress will find it difficult to read, because anxiety interferes with the brains ability to focus and concentrate. The desire to distract themselves from stress will impel such people to consume media passively, by watching a show or scrolling absently through social media.

Just like sugar is easier to digest than whole grains, although it is unhealthier, visual and social media is easier to digest for the brain than most books. Unfortunately, this sugar candy for the brain makes it even harder to focus, creating a vicious cycle that results in people turning away from books and spending more time with a screen.

What kinds of books do you see people turning to during and after the pandemic and why?Pop science, books on catastrophes, and fiction of various kinds.

Long-form work full of complex ideas will be avoided by many people during the pandemic. However, there will be significant exceptions to this: for instance, a work of nonfiction that offers relevant information about an issue that people are facing today will find resonance, such as accounts of previous pandemics, narratives of challenging times such as wars and economic uncertainty. Popular science books exploring virology, the immune system or infections, and books about dealing with the emotional reactions to uncertainty and stress would also appeal to readers.

Readers may also turn to fiction for respite from the incessant stress of Covid, or to process the fears and anxieties evoked by the pandemic. Themes that resonate particularly with the reader during this time include dealing with isolation and loneliness, global catastrophes, and fantasy fiction with a completely different, self-contained universe into which the reader can escape.

Others may seek a thrilling or fearful narrative to help them process their own fears. From a psychological perspective, movies and books that are scary or thrilling offer a safe space which people can work through and let go of fears, sort of like a ride on a roller-coaster which is scary but at the same time exhilarating.

A subgenre that will likely appeal to readers is post-apocalyptic fiction: stories set in worlds affected by major global catastrophe. These stories recreate, in a heightened fashion, the atmosphere of our times: the feeling that the world has changed irrevocably and that something surreal is happening, but they also serve as a reminder of the ability of humans to rebound, adapt and thrive in difficult situations.

What role does the visual appeal of a book, be it cover design or colour schemes, play in times like these? Do you think readers are likely to pay greater attention to it? People tend to judge a book by its cover, and not just in these times. Research shows that the more emotional we are, the more impulsive we become. Covid-induced stress will result in people wanting to make quicker decisions, and therefore the impact of the cover and title may be more relevant than in other times.

How is the impact of reading different from that of the screen experience?The theorist Marshall McLuhan famously said, The medium is the message. What he meant was, whenever a new medium is devised, it is not the content that shapes the mind, but the medium itself. To consume something on a screen through images and sound is not the same as consuming it through the written word.

Watching a show on a screen is a much more passive experience compared with reading, which requires personal engagement. While reading, the brain transforms the words on the paper into imagery, which engage senses like vision, touch, and sound, cognitive abilities like logical thinking, memory, and interpretation, as well as what we call the theory of mind, which is the ability to understand other peoples thoughts and feelings

The visual medium does this without the brain having to do any of the heavy lifting, so the experience is far more passive.

Do you feel that more people are taking to writing rather than reading in order to overcome their anxieties?Writing can improve ones mental health, particularly a form of writing called expressive writing where one writes whatever is on ones mind without inhibiting or censoring oneself, so that ones true feelings and emotions are put out there rather than suppressed within. Research shows that this form of writing reduces stress and even improves some markers of physical health, such as blood pressure and the immune system.

The pandemic with its consequent lockdowns and social isolation is creating a situation that might make people feel very lonely, but its also an opportunity for them to introspect and embark on creative projects. During the 1665 plague, Isaac Newton famously retreated to his family home for a year and emerged with his world-changing insights on gravity.

So there is historical precedent we can use all our alone time for creative endeavours such as writing. Of course, the amount of time that a person can get depends on their life situation. It is a privilege that many will be denied due to economic hardship and stress.

Has there been a shift in your own reading habits owing to the pandemic? What have you been reading during the lockdown?My reading habits havent changed significantly. I continue to read both fiction and non-fiction. However, one book I read, clearly influenced by the pandemic, was a historical account of the world during the Spanish Flu, Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World.

Can books on mental health and wellness have the same efficacy as consulting a mental health professional? For many life issues, a well-written and insightful book can have a powerful impact. The right words at the right time can create epiphanies that have the capacity to transform a person. Books can help people better understand themselves and others, and develop insights on how to handle difficult feelings and relationships. However, for people suffering from clinical issues, a book cannot replace a mental health professional.

What is your honest opinion of books on mental health and well-being written, edited and published locally? Do you have any suggestions for editors acquiring in this genre?I am happy to see the number and quality of the books in this space in India. I would recommend that editors seek narratives of people who have personally experienced mental turmoil, along with writing that blends insights from western therapy and psychology/psychiatry with ancient Indian writing, including literature from yoga psychology and Vedanta.

This series of articles on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on publishing is curated by Kanishka Gupta.

The rest is here:
Reading helps cope with stress and provides creative solutions in the uncertain times of Covid-19 - Scroll.in

AUSTIN, Texas, July 6, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --OnlineMedEd, a digital healthcare learning platform, today announced a $5M financing round, raised from more than 20 physicians, founders, and partners of some of the largest physician-owned firms in the United States. The funds will be used to support the expansion of their platform beyond medical school to provide high-quality educational content for the over 60 million healthcare professionals across the globe in specialties ranging from nursing to physician assistants to MD's and DO's.

Today, OnlineMedEd is the clinical learning platform of choice for a broad spectrum of healthcare learners. Over 86% of medical students in the United States are currently using OnlineMedEd to gain the knowledge needed not just to excel in Board exams, but also in clinical practice. In addition to being used by individual med students, OnlineMedEd's suite of products are institutionally used by over 50 universities nationally, and many more around the world.

"Our purpose is to change how medical education is delivered to bring up the quality and performance of the entire healthcare industry," said Jamie Fitch, CEO of OnlineMedEd. "This investment round, raised from highly qualified physicians, further validates the broad demand for OnlineMedEd in the healthcare profession. We're excited to leverage our investors' clinical expertise, professional networks, and business resources as we grow into new markets beyond medical school."

The funding comes at a time when OnlineMedEd is leveraging its education, technology and clinical expertise to support health care professionals beyond medical school in the fight against COVID-19. The company recently launched a Crash Course in Medicine, a suite of 48 free online video lessons aimed at helping redeployed medical professionals get up-to-speed on the medical knowledge they need to confidently provide care in today's environment.

OnlineMedEd has seen an acceleration of adoption since this launch. Prior to the pandemic, they had over 200,000 monthly active users; today, they have over 350,000 monthly active users. In April 2020, the company recorded 27 million minutes of watched video, a more than 100% increase over their healthy baseline of 13 million minutes / month.

"The innovation and reach of OnlineMedEd's comprehensive medical curriculum is exceeded only by the goodwill of their educational mission," says Glenn C. Robinson, M.D., past President of Austin Gastroenterology, P.A. and one of the investors in OnlineMedEd. "The ease and accessibility of its integrative learning tools will be embraced by students and educators alike as a welcomed and timely addition to the traditional learning experience. As an investor, I envision OnlineMedEd's complete solution as merely the DNA base pairs to replicate for the future of all professional education."

In addition to Crash Course, OnlineMedEd provides key learning modules including:

OnlineMedEd was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Austin, TX. The digital learning platform is currently used in 191 countries.

To learn more about OnlineMedEd, please visit: https://onlinemeded.org.

About OnlineMedEd

OnlineMedEd is a digital healthcare learning platform whose mission is to change how medical education is approached, delivered and learned by healthcare students and institutions alike.

Used in 191 countries and by more than 86% of clinical medical students domestically, the OnlineMedEd learning platform combines technology, education, and data-driven insights to create a comprehensive and personalized experience for its learners, making learning faster, easier, and more reliable. All material is peer-reviewed and developed by physician educators with one goal in mind - making students into better providers.

For more information, visit http://www.onlinemeded.org.

SOURCE OnlineMedEd

Read more:
OnlineMedEd Raises $5M From Physician Networks Across the Nation - Benzinga

As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to shine a light on the Black experience in America, one Wesleyan student is doing his part to foster better understanding for students of color in STEM fields.

On July 2, Fitzroy Pablo Wickham 21 participated in a panel discussion on Black Lives Matter and Neuroscience: Why This Moment Matters. The event, hosted by the Society for Neuroscience and moderated by Trinity College President Joanne Berger-Sweeney, provided a forum to discuss hurdles faced by Black students and faculty in STEM and ways to enhance recruitment, mentoring, and retention in STEM fields.

Wickham, a neuroscience and theater double major, is the Class of 2021 president and a College of Integrative Sciences summer research student. A native of Jamaica, Wickham prefaced his comments by acknowledging that as a West Indian Black his experience does not necessarily reflect the full breadth of experiences had by African American students in science. But for his part, Wickham hopes that in sharing his perspective as a neuroscience undergraduate, he can help move the conversation forward in terms of how we can make the field more inclusive and equitable and in particular to voice some of the challenges Black students encounter when navigating STEM.

Although the panel was convened to discuss issues faced by Black students and faculty in the field of neuroscience, the topics addressed stretched beyond scientific disciplines, touching on issues that affect people of color in all aspects of academia, including lack of representation, the misperception that rewards are dispensed based on race rather than merit, and questions of tokenism. Over the course of the hourlong panel, participants talked about their own experiences, the obstacles they themselves had faced in their varied career paths, and the individuals who had helped to mentor them and advocate for them along the way.

Nii Addy, associate professor of psychiatry at Yales School of Medicine, encouraged participants to look outside their individual departments for mentorship and support when there are few available options in their own field and said that he, himself, makes mentoring others and connecting individuals with potential mentors a priority.

Marguerite Matthews, a health program specialist in the Office of Programs to Enhance Neuroscience Workforce Diversity at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), works on diversity initiatives and programs that provide research training and career development opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. She emphasized the need for academia to work in tandem with government programs to make sure underrepresented students and faculty are getting the necessary support to create an equitable situation with their peers, citing the importance of seeing diversity as something that is not an add-on. It is not an extra, not a bonus, not something special that you are doing. It is something that should be considered through every single process.

Fitzroy Pablo Wickham 21 is a neuroscience and theater double major, president of the Class of 2021, and a College of Integrative Sciences summer intern.

When asked about signs of progress and change, Wickham noted Wesleyans public support of the Black Lives Matter movement and encouraged the University to continue moving forward by supporting Black businesses and by setting a new standard for action among peer institutions.

Although the panel didnt necessarily have solutions for every issue brought up during the discussion and Q&A, Wickham did find the overall discussion itself to be a powerful first step.

This conversation is so important to so many people. I was overwhelmed by the number of registrants for the webinarboth in America and internationally, he said. The BLM movement has the undivided attention of the world right now and people are listening. These discussions are needed! The many questions posed by the attendees were very thought-provoking and show that we need more opportunities like this to hash out the matter and figure out how we will move forward, because one hour is not enough.

Here is the original post:
Wickham '21 Speaks on the Black Student Experience in STEM - Wesleyan Connection