The Morning After

Kate M. Serrano

Hangovers. Whether you are headed to happy hour, a friend’s wedding or a party, sipping your spirits can get uncontrollable and haunt you the next morning. No expert has ever recommended overindulging in alcohol. Heavy drinking rocks the central nervous system. This translates to the headache and dizziness that sends you running to the bathroom so often that you become dehydrated.

Unknown to most, women are more likely to feel the effects of a hangover. It’s because men have higher percentage of water in their body that helps dilute the alcohol. So for girls, never ever go crazy over the free drinks on Ladies’ Night. Having a non-alcoholic drink in between each beer can help keep your body hydrated and cut down your overall alcohol intake. Or you can hit the rocks – order drinks that are on-the-rocks. As the ice melts, the drink is diluted. That’s lesser alcohol for you.

Eating pasta before bed is a myth many believe that could prevent hangovers. Wrong. Food has to be in your stomach before Happy Hour. And while food slows down how fast the body absorbs alcohol, fat does a better job at it. So why not go for pizza before your first mojito? And while at it, having a conversation is an easy way to pace your drinking. By putting your mouth to work, the rate of booze hitting the blood stream is lowered down.

More alcohol in the morning is another myth that needs to be busted. It does nothing more than postpone a hangover. If you have a martini at breakfast, the hangover might just come later in the day. Coffee too leads to more dehydration and may just make the hangover worse. It’s best to avoid caffeine after a night of drunkenness; water and sports drinks can counter dehydration. If you can’t function without a wake-up cocktail or five cups of coffee, it may just be time to call your doctor.

Too much of something can always go bad and there is a price for partying hard. With the decision to drink comes the responsibility to stay safe.

Have you been partying responsibly? If so, let’s drink to that! 

New Found Effects of Chernobyl Radiation Damage

By: Jessica Robertson

Most of the world is still profoundly aware of the saddening effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. When the Ukrainian nuclear power plant exploded, clouds of radioactive particles traveled across Europe and the western Soviet Union. At least 31 people were killed in the accident itself, and the cases of cancer and deformities that resulted from the contamination are innumerable. Like the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan, the Chernobyl accident was classified as having the maximum contamination level on the International Nuclear Event Scale; these are the only two events to ever classify so high on the scale.

            Recent studies into the ecosystem surrounding the Chernobyl accident site show that radiation continues to affect the bio system. Trees that had been killed by the initial blast when the accident occurred are still lying intact; the fact that there is hardly any evident decomposition of the trees is extremely unusual. Conducting tests for nine months with plant material and different levels of exposure to radiation, researchers found that the more radiation that plant material was exposed to, the less it decomposed over time.

            The researchers came to the logical conclusion that the radiation hinders – and at higher doses, kills – the bacteria and fungi that are typically responsible for the decomposition of plant material. The radiation also showed a smaller effect on other organisms, like termites, that also contribute to the decomposition process. Indirectly, the radiation slows new plant growth; as the decomposition process slows, fewer nutrients are restored to the soil to feed young plants.

            Researchers are interested to continue tracking life in the ecosystem, including microbes, plant life, and animals that rely on plants for nutrition. The accumulation of dry plant material is concerning due to the fire hazard it creates. After nearly two decades, the Chernobyl catastrophe still must remain in our thoughts to help reduce its devastating impacts and to guide us to how best to address the more recent nuclear disaster in Japan.

Social Circles

By: Kate M. Serrano 

Exercise, a balanced diet, getting enough rest and sleep are the most common secrets of living a good life. But in a recent study a new addition to the “long life” list exists: make more friends. The study reports that 22% of those with a large network of friends are less likely to die early. Friends have a positive impact on stress level and brain health. This translates to a healthier immune system and a happier disposition. 

As we age, making friends is not as easy – there are no adult playgrounds to go to or a sandbox to play in. By adulthood, most of us spend time working or doing more useful matters and we encounter fewer situations that are conducive to friendship formation. The study suggests to meet new people by trying new activities that interest you. You may want to try pilates and sign up for a pilates class or join an explorer’s club trek a nearby river. In these social circles you find acquaintances you can open up to and eventually become friends. The key is to reveal something of yourself for the relationship to get to the next level, just like dating.

However while making new friends, don’t forget the ones who have been there all along. It may be difficult to maintain friendship over the natural transitions of life. People come and go, move to places or find new jobs. It’s important to keep in touch and connect – make a phone call, update through social media like Facebook, Twitter or video call via Skype! And if you’re not connecting, bring it up, because they're probably feeling the same way.

Life can be difficult. It’s important to make room for people who are supportive and caring, they benefit your long-term health.

Save our Planet

By: Felicitas Binan

Every time we hear the term “global warming” we cannot help but  feel alarmed and  disturbed about the carbon footprint of  anything and everything around us. First and foremost concern that came into our mind is the future of our children, grandchildren and the future generation to come. Where will they be if our earth will be devoid of fresh water to drink, pure air to breathe, rivers and oceans and perpetual land to dwell in. There is still hope for a brighter outlook if all the citizens of this world will embrace the preservation of the earth and its species.

Focus ourselves on latest news and current events in what is happening around us, particularly on ecosystem. If you have extra time, take a walk in public parks, animal sanctuaries and nearby national parks. We can help conserve indigenous wealth through science, developed technology and simply by word of mouth. We can achieve this through tasking and environmentally friendly adaptations within our everyday living.

Initiating a green perspective in our own means we can contribute to a healthier future within our own homes by conserving power and water, and unplugging unused appliances. Keep air passages open to let fresh air circulate within your home instead of using your air conditioning. Drive less, waste less, and you will be on your way of reducing your carbon footprint significantly.

Lastly we can connect with different associations within our community that focus on earth and its preservation. Join tree planting drives, groups that focus on picking up litter, carpooling, and a lot more. We need to find all the means to become productive and concerned citizens of this planet, and truly promote and look for best care.

We must focus on the preservation of  the earth.

An Environmental Story of Resiliency and Commitment

By: Jessica Robertson

The U.S. state of California has long been a leader in hydroelectricity production, but in 2013, a major drought dropped the state to its lowest levels of hydroelectricity production in over two decades. But, how did they manage to keep the power flowing without water? The state’s commitment to clean energy and a never-die spirit keep pushing them through with hardly a worry.

            Even though the drought has hit agriculture and water tables hard, the state can lean on its good planning, natural gas, and newly introduced renewable energy sources to keep the lights on. With prior experience in energy crises, California regulations do well to prepare for even the worst-case scenarios; so, spirits are high.

            The boost in renewable energy programs, like solar and wind power and even geothermal energy, has helped ease the burden of the drought. These new initiatives, specifically, have bolstered the energy-generation capacity; the pressure caused by the lack of hydroelectricity in the time of drought has amped up the importance and efficiency of these relatively new projects.  However, sunshine and wind cannot be called upon on a whim; natural gas has stepped in to provide the energy when the renewable resources cannot.

            Recent rain and snowstorms have hinted that the drought may be on its way out. However, the precipitation totals are incredibly lower than average, leaving a long way to go before danger is at bay and before energy costs can remain low. Experts say that even though the recent storms have brought much-needed relief, it may take up to a year to see real recovery. The state is hopeful that despite the drought, if it is here to stay, they can remain committed to clean and renewable energy. 

Feel the Knead

By: Kate Serrano

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you are tired, stressed and you feel like you just got ran over by a herd of elephants? A massage! For many many years, massage therapy is practiced not only to relieve stress but also to improve health conditions. There are over 80 massage therapy styles to chose from, all of which includes pressing and rubbing muscles with hands and fingers.

 Most popular among the massage styles are Swedish, Thai, shiatsu, hot stone massage and reflexology. The health benefits of massage extend far beyond simple relaxation. For example, a study in 2003 revealed that massage worked better than acupuncture for lower back pains. It actually reduced the need for painkillers for about 36%. Headaches also respond better to massage therapy than medication.

Lastly, a massage helps relieve depression and anxiety; this was proven in more than 12 different studies. But what if you can’t get to a massage therapist? It’s pretty simple. Use your own hands. There are simple, self-massage techniques that can boost energy, concentration and help you get a good night’s sleep. If you think you have been staring at the computer for so long or have been pounding the keyboard the entire day, take a good 10 minutes off the screen and treat yourself to relaxation. Close your eyes. Place your thumbs under your eyebrows. Press and gently move the thumbs in tiny circles, work slowly towards the outside of the brows and continuing this movement all around your eyes, ending back at the bridge of your nose. For your tired hands rub each finger from the base to the tip, gently pulling and twisting each finger as you go. You can also squeeze and rub the palm with your fingers or your right thumb and you’re all set. Just remember not to cause yourself pain, a massage is meant to relax and release tension and not hurt in any way. Enjoy!

Up with Good Food, Down with Bad Livestock Practices

By: Jessica Robertson

A team of scholars at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Science has begun to address the challenge of making ruminant livestock a sustainable part of the planet’s food supply. The challenge holds more difficulties than may first come to mind; with a growing worldwide population, a changing climate, and an astounding one in seven people malnourished across the world, the environmental and economic costs of current livestock-keeping practices are far too high. Ruminant livestock are a major contributor to total methane gas production annually, which is a strain on the environment; and, overall, they do not serve as a high quantity food producer, making them a poor choice for feeding a growing population. Honestly, current livestock practices end up taking more from the food supply and environment than they give. The academics offer eight strategies for improving the current practices to a more sustainable level and to boost the quality and quantity of overall food production. 
• Keep human food for humans.
As of today, livestock consume about one-third of global cereal grain while that grain could act as a resource to feed people directly. Ruminant livestock can digest foods like hay that humans cannot digest, suggesting a more resourceful and efficient alternative.
• Raise animals in their appropriate region.
Local breeds of livestock are appropriately adapted to their environment, translating into their optimal yields of milk. Costs and disease increase dramatically in breeds that are relocated, and their productivity declines proportionally.
• Prevent animal disease.
Animal disease is a huge human concern; approximately 2.2 million people die annually from zoonosis (diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans). Assuring healthy animals by improving hygiene and surveillance can help control disease.
• Implement appropriate supplements.
Using supplements to encourage the bacteria in the digestive systems of livestock can increase the animals’ nutrition and decrease their production of methane.
• Keep quality above quantity.
Milk and meat may seem greedy options when considering how to provide food for a world population. However, including these animal products into a balanced diet in undernourished populations is a health benefit.
• Fit practices to culture.
Nearly one-seventh of the world relies on livestock for their daily needs. Supplying not only food, but also wealth, status, dowry payments, livestock cannot always simply be replaced with industrial systems.
• Record costs and benefits.
Even though livestock contribute to greenhouse gas accumulation, they can also contribute to biodiversity, a healthy ecosystem, and improved carbon capture by plants and soil due to their fertilization capabilities when grazing is managed sustainability.
• Study best practice.
Research farms, a global network of them, purpose to evaluate the advantages of certain farming practices for the environment and economy. They are designed to serve as an example of responsible farming practice for both farmers and policymakers.
With these informative and thorough suggestions, hopefully sustainable changes can help make world hunger a thing of the past.

Higher Hopes for Better Water

By: Jessica Robertson

The number of techniques for assuring water quality is surprisingly high. However, without detailed testing within a laboratory, few techniques are capable of testing all the important parameters of what really constitutes quality water, but portable water quality tests give more accurate information on what the current state of the water may be.  Given the limitations of the portable tests, any particular test could pass water as drinkable when, based on incomplete information, certain pollutants could be present. This situation makes water quality a major issue for poorer communities who cannot afford laboratory analysis, or those who utilize a natural resource for their water supply.

             Using an existing technology known as UV-Vis spectrometry, which is often used in water testing, a team of researchers from North Carolina State University has created a set of algorithms that combines several testing parameters to increase the amount of and quality of information in each water test. Since UV-Vis spectrometry works by measuring the wavelength of light absorbed by the water, the technology capitalizes on its ability to collect data often, getting a reading as often as every 15 seconds, and over an extended time period. These are definite advantages over traditional water sampling, where a sample of water must be collected and analyzed in a lab setting. Typically, UV-Vis technology only measures a few key information points about water quality, but with the algorithms the researchers are using, the data is comparable to what could be done within a lab setting.

            Since the technique increases frequency of testing without eliminating accuracy, natural resource managers and those without laboratory access will be more assured that their sources are suitable for use, that treatments are appropriate, and that the population is not put at risk.  

Stresbusters

By: Kate Serrano

Man is adaptive by nature. We can live under any climate, temperature or circumstance and still survive. One of the factors that man is adaptive to is stress. Stress is nothing more than a force of nature that affects an individual. It may be external – getting all stressed out at work, relationships, home, or even a confrontation. It may also be internal – the amount of sleep or rest you get, emotional wellbeing or fitness status. Stress is a normal part of life. It can either help us grow or cause significant problems but for the most part, we view its more negative side. The most common way to manage stress is through exercise. It helps avoid prolonged stress by turning down the production of its hormones and neurochemicals. It’s an antidepressant at the same time. If you’re stuck with long hours at work, it is therefore important to take breaks – take a lunch break and not talk about work! Or take walk instead of a coffee break. You can use the weekends to relax, and not schedule so many activities that will tire you when Monday morning comes. Exercise nowadays may not be limited to the more physical activities. Meditation and other forms of relaxation techniques also have lasting effects on health. This is the reason why more and more people are signed up to yoga, pilates and the likes.       

So what is so bad about stress? Nothing, it’s more on how you manage it. By preparing yourself, you can turn stress into a positive force of growth and change.

Connoisseurs of Comfort

By: Kate Serrano

There is always a good feeling about having pets around. Whether you are a cat or dog person, there are many ways on how pets help improve health. Pets are natural mood enhancers – just by watching a dog play or a fish swim can already make a person feel less stressed. This is the same reason why therapists prescribe a pet as a way of dealing with depression.

 Pets provide unconditional love and will listen to you talk for as long as you want to talk. Pets improve social interaction as they keep you engaged with others. A dog, for example, is a conversation waiting to happen. People stop and talk when they see someone walking a dog. And while socially uplifting, walking the dog also improves physical fitness. A good 30 minute walk or playing fetch will keep one moving, thereby meeting the minimum recommended physical activity for a day. Walking the dog also helps develop strong bones and prevent osteoporosis and painful fractures. It exposes you to sunlight, which is a good source of vitamin D. lastly, having a pet helps manage health conditions; owning a cat for example has long term health benefits.

In a study conducted for almost 20 years now, people who never owned a cat were 40% most likely to die of heart attack and have higher risks of cardiac diseases. And in another study, pet owners had lower blood pressure and heart rate than those without pets. Kids who grow up in homes with cats and dogs are less likely to develop allergies. Higher levels of immune system chemicals build a stronger immune system, keeping them healthy as they grow older.

So whether you consider having a dog, cat or even a hamster, it doesn't really matter. It’s already a good start to maintaining a healthy, happy life.