We can no longer stand on the sidelines and watch the world wither away. We owe it to our children and our children’s children to have a life surrounded by the beauty of nature. A suggestion that I always give is to live a life of being eco-friendly.
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With the world slowly dying from pollution, climate change, over-harvesting, carbon footprint emissions, deforestation, etc., we must take on the role of helping the environment and its ecosystem regain its natural beauty and vigor.
Spending time with my family is one of the things that I love the most. Bonding with my immediate or extended families is really fun times and I just can’t exchange it with any other moments. But this rarely happens especially if everyone is already occupied. Choosing a schedule for some bonding time is not that easy especially for extended families to come together. But whenever the time comes, it is usually a happy day. Moments like this make us forget some problems that we encounter along the way and just be thankful for everything that has been given to us.
The coronavirus outbreak has been the center of everyone’s attention for months on end, and for a good reason. It has devastated the lives of almost every single person in the world; some have even been taken as well. A lot of businesses have had to shut down in fear of someone bringing the virus into their establishments and spreading it to everyone. But what people may have forgotten is that air pollution problems still exist despite the pandemic.
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We can start by looking at the transparency of the air at different places. As we can see, the sky might seem dark, but it is not going to be very transparent. You can also feel that it is difficult to breathe with this air. Sometimes, I feel a little suffocated in the afternoon or even at night. Imagine, I am merely in the United States, and I experience this sensation. I cannot fathom how the individuals from the countries with the worst air qualities can survive while breathing through their nose.
Some people are very concerned about it, but others are not concerned at all. My concern is 8 out of 10 because I have a kid. It pains me to think that my son will need to wear a mask for the rest of his life even after the scientists come out with a vaccine for COVID-19. It does provide extra protection, but you will still feel uncomfortable with it. No one is stepping up to help reduce or end the air pollution problem, after all.
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The Worrisome Air Quality
The primary problem with air pollution is that it weakens our immune system. It may not have an immediate effect on our house, but it is gradually causing the functionality of our lungs to get worse than the functionality of the lungs of those living in a clean place.
Sometimes, environmental security within the country might be a problem, too. People get killed by it, which is why fewer babies are being born to the world. Even if they come to the world safely, they end up with respiratory issues that may affect their lives.
Furthermore, when the air quality is terrible, some of the air particles carry viruses and bacteria on them. That is probably why some countries have recorded a higher number of coronavirus cases than others. Instead of dying while it is still airborne, the virus manages to thrive, no thanks to air pollution.
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I recommend that your kid should not stay outside if there are high pollution indexes.
Pollution Index And Children
If the pollution index is up to 100, it means that it is at a medium level. If it is up to 200, it will be better not to take your kid outside because that is too high to safe for anyone. There may be harmful viruses in the air, and children have a weaker immune system. It might be okay when they are old enough, but the virus can cause diseases rather quickly for children.
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Final Thoughts
In the olden days, if you see someone wearing a mask in the subway, you would think that he’s probably very ill, or worse, contagious. You want to sit as far away from them as possible and cover your nose and mouth, hoping not to inhale the same air that they are breathing.
Well, at this point, it may be smart to be extra cautious when it comes to the air you inhale. As mentioned above, the air particles can quickly transport viruses into your lungs. If you are too chill and not even bother to wear a mask outside, you may catch the coronavirus and have more significant problems than air pollution.
This planet will die soon, if we do not take care of it. That is what my mother instilled in me since I was three, and that is also what I have been telling my kids. Earth is alive, and like all live beings, it will wither and perish. It is essential for everyone living on this planet to do their part in saving Gaia. (Gaia is Mother Earth, as I call her.) If we fail to do this, we will suffer all of the consequences.
The oceans around the world are not only beautiful, but they offer so many things for us, and yet we continue to neglect them. We should remember that 70% of the earth is surrounded by oceans. How much time can we give to protect and clean them? Can we even commit to doing what we can in our ways to contribute to saving the ocean and its inhabitants?
The truth is that the ocean is a vital part of our planet, as it plays a major role in keeping the whole ecosystem balanced and healthy. This article aims to focus on why it is important to appreciate the ocean and what the ocean offers to the future generation and us.
What Are They For?
Livelihood. A lot of industries then and now have relied on the oceans as a source of income and recreation. Fishermen, passenger and cargo ships, and tourism have earned substantial amounts of money from transporting products and services because of these oceans, and it is only right that we give back by keeping them clean.
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They Have Residents. They’re not there only for sightseeing. Yes, they are more than a hundred trillion cubic miles of water, but different kinds of species reside in the oceans as well. Fish, crab, shrimp, corals, and other plants and animals inhabit the oceans, all of which are significantly beneficial to the lives of humans. So if they are compromised, then we will be too. “Everywhere there is interdependence,” says Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D.
Food. All of us eat protein, and the ocean is the biggest source of protein in the world. We love our grilled fish, tuna flakes, and juicy prawns, and they are present in most people’s meals across the world. These protein sources must have a clean, safe, and healthy habitat.
Modern Medicine. Sea plants and other inhabitants are continually utilized for clinical trials that are expected to answer thousands of medical queries. Algae, seaweeds, and other aquatic species are also being experimented and used to cure specific diseases and to further improve the technology in medicine. There are many, many more undiscovered knowledge in the oceans that are worth unraveling. Let’s not let them die.
Oxygen Is Not Optional. Have you tried taking a deep breath in while you’re facing the beach? That’s the much-needed oxygen coming in, and the carbon dioxide going out when we exhale. If you still didn’t know, half of that oxygen you’re breathing in is produced in the oceans. Subsequently, it also plays a major role in absorbing carbon dioxide. “The current increase in global temperature has been accompanied by increased algal blooms in the ocean, which could increase cloud cover and sequester excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, exerting a restraining force on further temperature rises,” says Eric Haseltine, Ph.D. So let’s change the mindset that only trees should be praised for their oxygen-producing capacity.
Earth’s Protector. Practically everything either starts or ends with the ocean. Much of the sun’s heat and valor are stored in the oceans, and consequently, it is distributed throughout the world. Part of the type of weather we have daily is because of the ocean. Heated water from the ocean evaporates into the sky to form rains and clouds. The islands and reefs protect the coastlines from calamities. The ocean holds us together.
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Takeaway
So what are the oceans for? These and many, many more reasons that are enough for not only to be aware subconsciously but we must consciously take action and do what we can to help prevent further abuse, pollution, and damage in our oceans. “A multidisciplinary approach is necessary including consideration of engineering, political action, and public awareness ,” says Michelle Maidenberg, Ph.D. We must start today because if we don’t, we’re giving up all these wonderful essential benefits that all humankind is taking advantage of.
It has been proven time and time again that human beings can live without food for three weeks, but they cannot live four days without water. Even though an individual continues breathing, he will eventually go into shock. This only goes to show that water is life, and without it, living would almost be impossible. Yet it is a painful truth that there are millions of people across the globe who have no means of accessing clean drinking water.
Proof Of Clean Water Deficiency
While the developing regions and countries have everything from state-of-the-art technology to fresh air and clean water, sadly, that is not what the rest of the world is experiencing. There continues to be insufficiency or lack of clean water sources in many, many countries. Here are some devastating facts about it.
For the past four years, over 63 million residents in India have been getting water from unclean sources.
In New York alone, there are more than 8 million people exposed to various toxins in the water that they drink. These toxins include viruses and bacteria.
In some areas of South Africa, water can be inaccessible for two straight days. This, unfortunately, occurs 60% of the time.
These facts now lead us to present a list of reasons why we deserve access and why we just can’t survive without clean drinking water.
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It Nourishes. Again, water is life. The government and other individuals who are in power need to understand that so that a law must be implemented soon for water to be accessible for everyone. A human being is composed of 60% water, which in itself is solid proof of how important water is to us. All human beings require proper hydration to function physiologically fully. Water enables blood to maintain its consistency so that it can flow smoothly and transport oxygen throughout all parts of the body.
“Water is critical to the balance of all the body’s systems, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and muscles. Proper hydration is the bedrock for maintaining healthy blood flow, kidney function, salt/electrolyte balance and digestive functions,” says William W. Dexter, MD, FACSM, Director of the Sports Medicine Program at the Maine Medical Center Family Practice.
It Cleans. Sanitized and safe water helps clean the body from different toxins, such as those from bodily reactions, organ abnormalities, or the consumption of poisonous water. According to Xiaoying Ying G. Hensel, M.D., “By drinking enough water, you keep your digestive track moving smoothly. It also helps reduce the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products.”
It Aids In Food Production. Clean water is required to start and finish the process of food production. If the water used to nourish the crops is contaminated, then they will harbor bacteria and other bad substances that will eventually cause disease to those who will consume the produce. Thus, no clean food is produced without a clean and safe water source.
It Prevents Illness. Naturally, if we consume contaminated water from the crops that we take in or the water that we drink, we would develop various illnesses. Some of these illnesses are life-threatening, such as typhoid, hepatitis, and cholera, all of which are mainly due to consumption of contaminated water. There have been real-life stories that we have seen and heard about people living near factories and businesses that have contaminated their drinking water, and most of these have shown how much dirty water has affected the lives of its residents, including unborn babies. “If you’re well hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard,” said John Batson, M.D, a sports medicine physician. He also said that “it’s healthier to drink water while you’re exercising, and then when you’re done, eat a healthy snack like orange slices, bananas or a small handful of unsalted nuts.”
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Better Sanitation Equipment. If the water used to wash the dishes and utensils is toxic, then undoubtedly this will result in various diseases. We must then have access to clean water for cooking, cleaning our homes, and other responsibilities that we regularly do. Clean water produces overall good health.
When an individual who’s always troubled by the clutter at home asks for help from psychologists, they tend to advise the former to go outdoors and breathe in the fresh air. If the same person talks to an environmentalist about his or her issues, the latter may suggest going green and getting rid of objects at home that are not eco-friendly since those things may increase their stress level.
The truth is that both experts are not in the wrong. For one, being in nature can soothe your body and mind, even if you merely sit on the grass or watch the leaves rustle in the wind. Once you opt for nature-friendly items and start cleaning your house as well, you reduce the risk of getting exposed to harmful substances and distract you from the things that increase your blood pressure or affect your mental health adversely.
Nonetheless, what these pros may never talk about is the benefits of using stainless steel hoses if your goal is to have a nature-friendly home.
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What Are The Benefits Of Using A Stainless Steel Hose?
In case you have a reasonably small amount of knowledge regarding plumbing tools, understand that plumbers no longer or very rarely tell their clients to get metallic or rubber hoses, especially since the introduction of stainless steel tubing in the market. Similar to the different objects crafted from the same metal scattered all over the house, the latter offers more benefits – four, to be precise – that the others cannot provide.
1. The Material Does Not Corrode
Corrosion is the ultimate problem that regular metallic pipes face for the reason that the oxygen from the air or water chemically reacts with the iron to form rust. However, it is never a problem with the new kind of hose because it contains little to zero quantity of the metal.
The people whose residences are near the sea or ocean may find this information valuable as they are the ones who have their tubing system corroded the most by the salt water that runs through it daily. Once you invest in or change the old tubes with the stainless steel variety, you will not need to call a plumber to repair the hoses anytime soon.
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2. It Can Withstand Extreme Temperature And Pressure
The homes situated on top of the mountains have some of the most battered pipelines as well since they need to use higher pressure to push the water up, as well more heat to make bathing, dishwashing, and various activities that require the usage of water more bearable. If you try to install a metal or rubber tubing alone with such a condition in mind, there is a good chance that it will get blown up fast, and you will have to spend more money to fix the damage.
It is an issue that you may never see with the brand-new line because stainless steel hose manufacturers ascertain that all the products they put out have gone through enough experimentation. And based on their studies, this specific tubing does not become negatively affected by either high pressure or temperature.
3. It Cannot Get Pierced Or Crooked
Leaking water tubes are quite common in the houses that do not have stainless steel hoses. Due to that, kitchen knives, thumbtacks, or nails can easily pierce through the rubberized lines. Likewise, the traditional metal ones bend fast when more massive objects knock into them. However, when the homeowner opts for the stainless kind, the manufacturers can guarantee that the material will not burst or become deformed since it is typically harder than natural substances.
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4. The Tube Does Not Require Replacement For Years
The time and budget of the family suffer even if only a single pipe erupts because they have to stop the water system entirely until the technician – whose services they need to pay for – can remedy the problem. If a minor patching up cannot work due to the oldness of the lines, they may also have to get another set of hoses. Luckily, the stainless steel tubing, as mentioned above, prevents corrosion, leaking, and bursting; that’s why the homeowners can save a few bucks in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The next time you deal with house-related issues, and someone tells you to go for eco-friendly things, we hope that you will not merely consider items made out of wood, porcelain, etc. Stainless steel is suitable for that category as well, in the sense that manufacturers do not have to produce them as much as rubber or plastic materials.
A clean home is a must to protect our health as it is through greasy, dusty, and grimy environments that bacteria thrive. They expose us to diseases such as influenza, strep throat, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infection. There are those who are very particular with tidiness, especially mothers who have little ones.
Natural calamities bring emotional damage to millions of people every year, leaving them to survive. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, fires, tornadoes, floods, and human-caused tragedies are only some of the calamities that destroy our homes and lives. Even with preparations made for natural calamities, there is nothing we can do to stop the destruction completely.
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Coping With Natural Disasters
Statistics say that these disasters lead to millions of lives lost and economic devastation. However, what is not accounted for is the psychological effect of dealing with disaster. Some people who are left in the turmoil of these difficult times of disasters have lost their homes, families, friends, and even their entire way of life.
These disasters often impact an individual’s mental health. According to the Mental Health Services Administration, one of the most common psychological effects brought about by this is post-traumatic stress disorder.
Disaster Coping Guide
Dealing with a disaster or traumatic event is not easy. Anyone who has been exposed to a terrifying or life-threatening event, such as a disaster, can develop mental health concerns related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder can manifest immediately once the disaster has happened but in some cases, it can develop much later. For months or even years, individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder will still be haunted by these traumatic events, to the point that their daily routine becomes significantly impeded. “People who have PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and strong overwhelming feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic disaster has ended,” explains Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H. “They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.”
Victims Can Develop PTSD
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Surviving Natural Calamities
According to the Anxiety and Depressions Association of America, listed below are some of the apparent reasons and common signs and symptoms of PTSD while dealing with natural disasters:
Physical health symptoms of anxiety such as inability to think clearly, sweating, and a racing heartbeat
Changes in an individual’s routines and eating patterns
It leads to people avoiding interactions with others
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping or getting enough rest due to strange dreams or constant nightmares
Having angry outbursts on a regular basis
Being aggressive or violent
Lack of concentration leads to difficulty in completing a tremendous amount of tasks
Inability to retain or remember information
Every person experiences different disaster symptoms with limited exposure to other involved substance abuse and mental health concerns. The phase for PTSD usually lasts for six months, but others face this disorder for years. It’s important that they deal with it among their family members.
Natural Therapy Treatment Strategies For Individuals Dealing With PTSD Symptoms
Talking about disaster coping strategies, most crisis counseling treatments and other resources for PTSD have a conventional support approach. These treatments include the use of prescription medications and drugs, which are believed to help PTSD patients deal with their extreme emotions and feelings such as social isolation, sadness, anger, anxiety, and lack of motivation. However, some people do not like this kind of mechanism. They opt to establish and engage in natural treatments since they don’t want to experience disastrous effects from using medications.
Guided Imagery Treatment For PTSD
This strategy helps PTSD patients to focus on mental images to bring out the feeling of relaxation. This approach is based on the concept of the mind-body connection that improves both physical and emotional health. Ilene A. Serlin Ph.D. wrote, “Trauma is the “speechless terror” characterized, by frozen effect, memory, and speech. Coping methods that re-awaken numb bodies in a compassionate environment are nonverbal and symbolic and include meditation, imagery, music and movement therapies, EMDR, psychodrama, and existential therapy.”
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Yoga And Meditation Technique
These exercises have been proven to “change the brain” by increasing the happy neurotransmitters. This chemical helps improve their coping mechanisms for affected negative emotions, reduces the impacts of stress, and more. Some of the techniques on which patients can directly tap into the relaxation common normal reactions of their body include: chanting mantras with a group, engaging with different styles of coping in meditation, normal breathing control, and stretching. “It’s believed that yoga combats psychological and emotional distress by bringing a person’s fight-or-flight response back into balance,” says Bret A. Moore Psy.D., ABPP. “That response is the delicate system in the body that prepares you to either fight or run when faced with a threat, which can become disrupted in those having PTSD.”
Cognitive Restructuring
This strategy encourages patients to understand their traumas better by discussing them. Cognitive restructuring helps them make sense of these crazy disasters and lets them relieve stress and manage the shame, guilt, and regret that are usually felt after a traumatic disaster.
Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into an individual’s skin to balance their energy. This coping mechanism boosts a person’s well-being and cures some disorders.
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Final Thoughts
Many people prefer these natural strategies administered by a mental health professional as compared to the intake of medications and drugs to help them recover from disorders and cope with disasters in life. However, it is better if each finds the perfect risk factors for a disaster recovery approach and disease control and prevention since disaster affects everyone differently. Always remember that mental health is an essential and vital part of a person’s overall health. Hence, if you can’t cope with disasters, do not hesitate to talk with someone seek professional help and ask for professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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