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Chiropractic had a better outcome in 24% of the patients, therefore saving public and private insurers and the American people $10,843,261,761 in skeletal muscle relaxant costs.
Low back pain is one of the most common maladies among the general population and the incidence of occurrence was reported by Ghaffari, Alipour, Farshad, Yensen, and Vingard (2006) to be between 15% and 45% yearly, with Becker et al. reporting the incidence to be between 15% to 30% yearly. Hoiriis et al. (2004) reported it to be between 75% and 85% over an adult lifetime in the United States. Chou (2010) writes that, "Back pain is also the fifth most common reason for office visits in the US, and the second most common symptomatic reason…" (p. 388). Historically and based upon this authors 3+ decades of treating low back pain with treatment options that range from heating pads, ice packs, over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, surgery, acupuncture and beyond, the most important questions are, "What works? What's proven and what has the best results with the least side effects allowing the patient to regain a normal lifestyle as quickly as possible?"
As mentioned, low back pain is one of the most common conditions encountered in clinical practice and medications are the most commonly used type of treatment, and muscle relaxers are a common drug that has been prescribed by medical doctors for years for nonspecific low back pain, according to Chou (2010). Chou went on to report, "The term 'skeletal muscle relaxants' refers to a diverse collection of pharmacologically unrelated medications, grouped together because they are approved by regulatory agencies for treatment of spasticity or for musculoskeletal conditions such as tension, headache or back pain." They are drugs that have been long studied and the effects and side effects have been well documented. Van Tudlar, Touray, Furlan, Solway, and Bouter (2003) concluded that, "Muscle relaxants are effective in the management of nonspecific low back pain, but the adverse effects require that they be used with caution"(p. 1978).
Chou (2010) also stated that, "Skeletal muscle relaxants are an option for acute nonspecific low back pain, although not recommended as first-line therapy because of a high prevalence of adverse effects" (p. 397). He reported that muscle relaxants had a moderate success rate defined by a 1-2 decrease in pain scales rated out of 10. Simply put, if a patient had a pain scale of 9, one could expect the muscle relaxers prescribed to bring the pain to an 8 or 7 at best and include all of the side effects. According to Drugs.com, side effects of muscle relaxants include:
More common
Blurred or double vision or any change in vision; dizziness or lightheadedness; drowsiness
Less common
Fainting; fast heartbeat; fever; hive-like swellings (large) on face, eyelids, mouth, lips, and/or tongue; mental depression; shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in chest, and/or wheezing; skin rash, hives, itching, or redness; slow heartbeat (methocarbamol injection only); stinging or burning of eyes; stuffy nose and red or bloodshot eyes
Less common or rare
Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain; clumsiness or unsteadiness; confusion; constipation; diarrhea; excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability; flushing or redness of face; headache; heartburn; hiccups; muscle weakness; nausea or vomiting; pain or peeling of skin at place of injection (methocarbamol only); trembling; trouble in sleeping; uncontrolled movements of eyes (methocarbamol injection only)
Blood in urine; bloody or black, tarry stools; convulsions (seizures) (methocarbamol injection only); cough or hoarseness; fast or irregular breathing; lower back or side pain; muscle cramps or pain (not present before treatment or more painful than before treatment); painful or difficult urination; pain, tenderness, heat, redness, or swelling over a blood vessel (vein) in arm or leg (methocarbamol injection only); pinpoint red spots on skin; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth; sore throat and fever with or without chills; swollen and/or painful glands; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; yellow eyes or skin (http://www.drugs.com/cons/skeletal-muscle-relaxants.html)
Becker et al. (2010) reported the incidence of low back pain in the United States at 22.5% of the population. According to the United States Census Bureau on September 11, 2011, the population of the United States is exactly 312,227,241. If you factor in the 22.5% of patients that experience low back pain, that equates to 70,251,129 people yearly having low back pain.
According to the Oklahoma Healthcare Advisory (2009), skeletal muscle relaxants for low back pain are indicated for 90 days at a cost averaging $441 (more or less depending upon the brand utilized). If 35% of primary care physicians, as previously noted, utilize muscle relaxants as the primary drug of choice, that equates to $10,843,261,761 in skeletal muscle relaxant costs.
A study by Legorreta et al. (2004) compared more than 1.7 million insured patients looking for treatment for back pain. The outcomes showed when chiropractic care was pursued, the average cost of treatment per back pain episode was reduced by 28% for patients with chiropractic coverage versus those without chiropractic coverage. Again, for patients with chiropractic coverage versus those without, hospitalizations were reduced by 41%, back surgery was reduced by 32%, and the cost of medical imaging, including x-rays and MRIs, was reduced by 37%!
When comparing chiropractic spinal adjustments to muscle relaxants for low back pain, it first must be clarified that we are not discussing physical therapy or osteopathic manipulation. While different specialists render tremendous benefits to patients specific to various diagnoses, this research review is limited to the chiropractic spinal adjustment.
:dropcap_open:He reported that muscle relaxants had a moderate success rate defined by a 1-2 decrease in pain scales rated out of 10.:quoteleft_close:
Wilkey, Gregory, Byfield, & McCarthy (2008) studied randomized clinical trials comparing chiropractic care to medical care in a pain clinic. "The treatment regimens employed by the pain clinic in this study consisted of standard pharmaceutical therapy (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and gabapentin), facet joint injection, and soft-tissue injection. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines were also employed. These modalities were used in isolation or in combination with any of the other treatments. Chiropractic group subjects followed an equally unrestricted and normal clinical treatment regimens for the treatment of [chronic low back pain] were followed. All techniques that were employed are recognized within the chiropractic profession as methods used for the treatment of [low back pain]. Many of the methods used are common to other manual therapy professions" (p. 466-467).
After 8 weeks of treatment, the 95% confidence intervals based on the raw scores showed improvement was 1.99 for medicine and 9.03 for the chiropractic group. This research indicates that chiropractic is 457% more effective than medicine for chronic low back pain.
Within that group of 457% falls patients cared for by muscle relaxants. Hoiriis et al. (2004) reported in their raw data that the chiropractic groups responded 24% better in reducing pain and concluded that, "Statistically, the chiropractic group responded significantly better than the control group with respect to decrease in pain scores" (p. 396). This was done in "blinded randomized clinical trials, which are considered the gold standard of experimental design" (Hoiriis et al., 2004, p. 396).
While chiropractic was reported by Legorreta (2004) to reduce the cost of treatment by 28%, the total cost of muscle relaxants are unnecessary due to outperforming treatment outcomes in comparative analyses. Therefore, chiropractic could be saving public and private insurers and the American people $10,843,261,761 in skeletal muscle relaxant costs, not including the costs of managing side effects of the drugs, hospitalization, ancillary requirements and absenteeism costs that occur due to poorer outcomes.
- Ghaffari, M., Alipour, A., Farshad, A. A., Yensen, I., & Vingard, E. (2006). Incidence and recurrence of disabling low back pain and neck-shoulder pain. Spine, 31(21), 2500-2506.
- Becker, A., Held, H., Redaelli, M., Strauch, K., Chenot, J. F., Leonhardt, C.,…Donner-Banzhoff, N. (2010). Low back pain in primary care: Costs of care and prediction of future health care utilization. Spine, 35(18), 1714-1720.
- Hoiriis, K. T., Pfleger, B., McDuffie, F. C., Cotsonis, G., Elsangak, O., Hinson, R., & Verzosa, G. T. (2004). A randomized clinical trial comparing chiropractic adjustments to muscle relaxants for subacute low back pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 27(6), 388-398.
- Chou, R. (2010). Pharmacological management of low back pain. Drugs, 70(4), 387-402.
- Drugs.com, (2004). Skeletal muscle relaxants (systemic). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/cons/skeletal-muscle-relaxants.html
- Van Tudlar, M. W., Touray, T., Furlan, A. D., Solway, S., & Bouter, L. M. (2003). Muscle relaxants for nonspecific low back pain: A systematic review within the framework of the cochrane collaboration. Spine, 28(17), 1978-1992.
- Census.gov. (2011, September 11) U.S. & World Population Clocks. U.S. Census Bureau, Retrieved from: http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html
- Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, The Muscle Relaxants (2009) Retrieved from: http://www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/best-buy-drugs/BBD_Muscle_Relaxants_2Pager.pdf
- Legorreta, A.P., Metz, R. D., Nelson, C. F., Ray, S. Chernicoff, H. O., & Dinubile, N. A. (2004). Comparative analysis of individuals with and without chiropractic coverage: Patient characteristics, utilization, costs. Archives of Internal Medicine, 164(18), 1985-1992.
- Wilkey, A., Gregory M., Byfield, D., & McCarthy, P. W. (2008). A comparison between chiropractic management and pain clinic management for chronic low-back pain in a national health service outpatient clinic. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(5), 465-473.


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Barry Hearn has said that snookers elite players 'can go or pass' on the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters which will be held for the first time in October 2020.
The event will take place in the capital, Riyadh, in which the winner will receive £500,000 from a total prize pot of £2.5 million for all competitors, as part of a 10-year deal for the country to host the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters. However, the decision to hold the tournament in Saudi Arabia has drawn criticisms as the country has a poor human rights record and has heavy restrictions on freedom of expression and also for women's rights.
Hearn, who has been chairman of World Snooker since 2009, has defended the decision by saying that it "can only be beneficial" to Saudi Arabian society and can hopefully bring about change and progress. Hearn has pointed at the use of female referees as "a major step forward" as it holds significant relevance as Saudi Arabia only made it legal for women to drive in the country as recently as 2018.
Snooker will not be the first sport to hold a major event in Saudi Arabia or to draw criticism from organisations such as Amnesty International for taking such a decision as last month Anthony Joshua defeated Andy Ruiz in Riyadh, World Wrestling Entertainment have hosted a pay per-view even named 'Crown Jewel'. Meanwhile the Supercopa de Espana, consisting of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Atletico Madrid is currently taking place in Jeddah, however, Saudi Arabia had to first agree that women would be allowed to attend the games before the deal was agreed and the Barcelona boss has stated that the competition is only being held there because of the money on offer.
Many have claimed that Saudi Arabia is attempting to utilise 'sportwashing' which allows the country to utilise large sporting events in order to help improve the image of the country. With the money being offered to hold events in Saudi Arabia then it is more than likely that more sporting organisations will follow suit and make their way to the country.

subset: commoncrawl


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Just one book can provide an individual with clean drinking water for four years.
Around 1 billion people worldwide live without access to clean drinking water. The World Economic Forum announced in January 2015 that the water crisis is the number one global risk based on impact to society as a measure of devastation — topping the spread of infectious diseases and weapons of mass destruction. However, scientists have collaborated with a non-profit organization — pAge Drinking Paper — to design a groundbreaking product that may alleviate the effects of the water crisis on a global scale.
The Drinkable Book is an inexpensive, simple, and easily transported method to purify drinking water. Theresa Dankovich, Ph.D., developed the concept while studying the material properties of paper. The book has staggering capabilities: one page can clean up to 26 gallons (100 liters) of drinking water, and one book can filter an individual's water needs for four years.
SEE ALSO: 3D-Printed Fish Eat Toxins in Polluted Water
The Drinkable Book uses nano-technology to rid water of pollutants. It's been known for centuries that silver and other types of metals have the ability to kill bacteria, but no one thought of embedding the materials into paper. Through her studies at McGill University and the University of Virginia's Center for Global Health, Dankovich found that ingraining silver and cheap copper nanoparticles in thick filter paper eliminated a wide variety of bacteria and some viruses.
The real test came when Dankovich ventured to Africa to test if the filters would work on "real" polluted water, not only water that was purposely contaminated in a lab. She says she and her field team took on an extremely challenging first water sample from a ditch next to an elementary school in Limpopo, South Africa, where raw sewage had been dumped. The water contained millions of bacteria, but they were no match for The Drinkable Book.
"Even with highly contaminated water sources like that one, we can achieve 99.9 percent purity with our silver- and copper-nanoparticle paper, bringing bacteria levels comparable to those of U.S. drinking water," Dankovich says. While minimal amounts of silver and copper can trickle through the filter paper, the amount leeched into the water stays below drinking water limits for metals set by the Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization.
Last year, the pAge Drinking Paper organization teamed up with WATERisLIFE to design the 25-page drinkable book. Each page can be torn out and used for filtration, but the pages are also embossed with informative sanitary advice for local communities.
However, every new invention, particularly those that dictate the health of humans, is met with skepticism. Stuart Kahn, an engineering professor from the University of New South Wales, (who wasn't involved in the research) told Scientific American that any efforts to provide clean drinking water to communities in need should be applauded, but he's concerned about how people can ensure that the water has been decontaminated. "The concept would be substantially improved if someone could find a reliable means of demonstrating when disinfection has been satisfactorily achieved and when it has not," he says.
Before the product becomes commercially available, Dankovich intends to further develop it and smooth out the kinks. Bottom line: the book could provide the leap society needs to achieve a world where everyone can access the clean water they need to survive.


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Wendy Call
County: King County
Website: http://www.wendycall.com
Award Recipient 2006, 2009, 2012
Learn About Award Recipient
Wendy Call is a writer, editor, translator, and teacher of creative writing. She is author of the book No Word for Welcome, winner of the 2011 Grub Street National Book Prize for Nonfiction, and co-editor of the 2007 anthology Telling True Stories. She has served as writer in residence at more than a dozen institutions, including Harborview Medical Center, New College of Florida, Richard Hugo House, Seattle University, and several national parks. In 2013, she also contributed to Midge Raymond's Everyday Marketing: Promotion Ideas to Fit Your Regularly Scheduled Life.
Wendy received 2012 GAP Award funding to take a one-week writing retreat at the University of Washington's Whiteley Center. The week will be spent on completion of cycle of 12works of short nonfiction about grief and death – each work in a different form of literary nonfiction (e.g. memoir, list essay, personal essay, collage essay, lyric essay, abecedarium, etc). This creative act was inspired by her experiences as caregiver to the author's mother after a terminal cancer diagnosis and close friends' challenges and need to share similar losses and discuss their own isolation and pain. Once she has full drafts of all 12essays from Grief's Hidden Gifts, she will complete the residency and begin submitting them to 50 literary journals and magazines for possible publication.
Wendy received 2009 GAP Award funding to cover living expenses in order for her to work full-time on the revisions to No Word for Welcome, a creative nonfiction work. Her book is composed of the stories of a gay Zapotec man, a young Ikoots preschool teacher, and a Huave fisherman and questions what inspires people to organize themselves into movements for social change. Wendy's work is framed by her own experiences, living and working for more than three years in a place, culture, and ecology that were very different from her own.
Wendy received 2006 GAP Award funding to help cover the expense of travel and research for her book entitled No Word for Welcome. Her non-fiction, narrative writing revolves around border crossings and the movement of people and money. This book focuses on the lives of three residents from Native villages in a region of southern Mexico called the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and follows their lives as they grapple with the economic, cultural, and personal impacts of economic globalization.


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A startup is ready to launch the first dedicated 5G IoT satellites this year.
Release 17 of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project's (3GPP's) 5G specification has been completed. Companies are starting to use the non-terrestrial networking (NTN) update to that spec to build the first 5G IoT satellites.
Barcelona, Spain–based startup Sateliot plans to be the first satellite operator to put up a 5G IoT constellation. Elon Musk's SpaceX operation is launching the first Sateliot nanosatellite in February. Sateliot hopes to put another four up in space by the end of this year. The young company expects to have a swarm of 250 units up by the end of 2025.
Sateliot CEO Jaume Sanpera told EE Times that the startup has been working for four years on its IoT nanosatellites. Sateliot has been collaborating with the 3GPP on the NTN 5G specification. "We made more than 17 contributions," Sanpera said.
The company's low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite will use 5G narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) to connect its satellites to IoT devices on the ground. Originally a 4G standard, the NB-IoT specification was recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as part of its IMT-2020 5G standard in July 2020.
The connection between satellites in space and IoT devices on the ground will depend on more than just having 5G-capable satellites in orbit. Chipmakers must also release silicon that will support the latest 5G specification.
"By mid-year, most of the large manufacturers will have Release 17 implemented on their chipsets," Sanpera said. This means that satellite-compliant 5G IoT devices could be on the commercial market by the end of 2023 and will become more commonplace in 2024.
Sateliot is talking to mobile network operators (MNOs) worldwide about running its service. The startup has already signed on with major MNO Telefónica, which runs services in 15 countries around the globe. "We are talking to 54 other mobile operators," Sanpera said.
Dean Bubley, founder of Disruptive Analysis, noted that satellite IoT, largely based on 4G LTE technology, already serves remote oil and gas infrastructure monitoring systems, agricultural sensors and shipping containers, and it tracks high-end assets like construction equipment.
"I think 5G and satellite will be more about backhaul and fronthaul, or direct-to-device for phones and maybe vehicles," Bubley said. He added, however, the possibility of running a 5G NB-IoT connection from a LEO satellite to devices on the ground.
This is exactly what Sateliot is doing. Sanpera notes that there are four or five other startups that are working to deliver similar 5G satellite systems. The CEO did not name these startups.
Sanpera expects to start offering satellite services that allow IoT devices to send out one message a day. The CEO said that he sees one-third of his customers that need that kind of service, another third that want their IoT devices to send a message an hour and a final third that require near-real–time communication.
Sateliot will move from a constellation that can handle devices sending one message a day in early 2023, ramp up to hourly transmissions in 2024 and ultimately move to near-real–time communication in 2025.
The second-generation shuffle
The Sateliot nano units are already set to launch on SpaceX first-generation satellites this year. The Spanish startup will avoid any issues with launch schedules. "Our plan is already booked," Sanpera said.
The Sateliot launch won't be affected by the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) limited approval of 7,500 SpaceX second-generation satellites, which will begin launching this year. SpaceX had originally requested permission to form a new satellite constellation of nearly 30,000 second-generation satellites.
The new SpaceX satellites are "too large for the current rockets," explained Sanpera. He said the heavy-lift Starship will be needed to deploy the next-generation SpaceX satellites. SpaceX is expected to test its Starship prototype in space this December.


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Shigella boydii
Learn about this topic in these articles:
cause of shigellosis
- In dysentery
sonnei, and S. boydii are other Shigella bacilli that cause dysentery. Other types of bacterial infections, including salmonellosis (caused by Salmonella) and campylobacteriosis (caused by Campylobacter), can produce bloody stools and are sometimes also described as forms of bacillary dysentery. The treatment of bacillary dysentery
Read More


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Maricopa County Animal Shelters Host 'Calming The Canines' Event On July 4
For many people, the Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks and festivities, but for dogs it can be a nightmare. Maricopa County animal shelters are seeking volunteers to help keep the canines calm.
For the second year in a row, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control will be hosting the Calming the Canines event on July 4.
Spokesman Jose Santiago said volunteers will help the dogs sleep better and calm their nerves throughout the night of fireworks.
"Dogs in particular can hear noises at a much louder decibel than we do. During any festivities where fireworks are going off the dogs can hear them louder, closer than the average person can and it can make them uncomfortable, it can scare them. They're unfamiliar with what that sound is," Santiago said.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring something comfortable to sit on and show up any time from 8 to 11 p.m.


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As Airbnb hires the star couple to woo travellers with an appetite to try new ways of doing old things, we speak to Varun Raina on its first wide-reach India campaign.
Nine years ago, the accommodation-sharing online company Airbnb was born in a San Francisco room with three guests - one of whom incidentally was a thirty year old Indian man. At one point, its three founders -Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk even sold cereal to keep it afloat. Defining its core audience as 'head-first explorers', today, it's a community of 5 million homes in 191 countries, and an icon of the sharing economy.
Airbnb's global campaign - 'Live There' was introduced in India in April last year urging travelers to not just 'see' a destination but 'live' there. The aim was reimagine travel, so it highlighted experiences made possible through its community, and used celebrities like Shahrukh Khan and Twinkle Khanna as influencers to start the buzz.
Now, for the campaign's first wide-reach messaging in India, it is actor couple Kareena and Saif Ali Khan (both, incidentally, don't have any official social media presence) helping them widen the base. Them being perceived as as home-sharers may be a bit of a stretch. Or not.
Varun Raina, Airbnb India's marketing manager, says celebrities and influencers help them highlight the fact that even seasoned travellers are seeking newer ways to experience travel.
"Saif and Kareena are an apt choice as endorsers for us as they represent contemporary attitudes, and are one of the most intellectual couples in Bollywood," he asserts.
He adds, "They are also widely respected for their work on screen by their peers as well as the Indian public at large, and are known to be articulate about their preferences and bold choices despite media/public attention. Through the association we also wanted to give travellers a sneak peak into their lives and how they travel."
Backpacking, middle-income millennials are surely an important part of the company's TG- will Saif-Kareena resonate? "With the huge millennial population in mind, our focus is to get more Indians to become acquainted with the value that Airbnb can add,"says Raina, claiming that in the recent past, a number of Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities and artists have chosen Airbnb when they travel.
Last year Wieden & Kennedy was picked as Airbnb's global (creative) agency of record -its India arm has made these three films. The team shares, "It was an interesting brief where the primary focus was to drive comprehension in the India market. We felt that with Saif and Kareena, we have a couple with a strong inclination for travel - and their holidays are always a talking point."
The team wanted to show the couple in a new light, and bring out the essence of 'taking some time off from the usual, and show the excitement of planning a holiday.' "We kept it natural and candid, with them planning their trip by themselves, and how Airbnb makes it all the more simpler. What you see are some good moments showcasing situations everyone can relate to, when thinking of a trip."
The videos have crossed 10 million plus views and counting. Does that reach enable a connect with the relevant audience? Communications consultant Karthik Srinivasan feels the use of celebrities who can afford any/every kind of place anywhere in the world perhaps alienates most target users of Airbnb. "But I do understand their point of view," he says. He adds, "They want to be seen by most Indians, and one shortcut of getting that is-celebrities. Unfortunately, it comes across as disingenuous, with them merely acting out their part."
Srinivasan believes the reason why TripAdvisor and the likes are number one destinations for Airbnb's target audience for travel and stay decisions - is because people trust 'people like them'. "Even if these people-like-us happen to be strangers online," he believes.
"Airbnb is built on peer-to-peer word of mouth, and this idea, oddly, seems to take peers out, replacing them with celebrities. In line with Uber's Virat Kohli-featuring campaign, this continues to demonstrate a lack of imagination from the agencies," says Srinivasan.
Ishrath Nawaz, ECD, Publicis India, feels the execution is nice and natural. "I like the idea of these real interactions - especially with celebrities involved. When pulled off well, they look great. Saif and Kareena playing themselves is good, their chemistry is beautiful.
"However, I would have liked a little more quirk in the banter. Something memorable, something sticky. In trying to be too real, one shouldn't forget the fact that people will still see these as ads. So better crafted dialogues would've helped. The execution does grab attention, but everything else around is too straightforward," Nawaz feels.
He thinks it could work, but barely. "It's refreshing, and to some degree, clutter-breaking, and does the job of telling people about the little things that make AirBnB different. However, I won't score it high on memorability and recall," says Nawaz.
Pooja Jauhari, CEO at The Glitch says, "At the outset the obvious chemistry between Saif and Kareena lifts the very simple creative, making it an easy watch. So from a marketing strategy standpoint, using the couple works for me. People are talking about it, and it does the job on awareness."
"On the other hand however, the focus is on luxury residences, and in my view this alienates backpackers, young and budget travellers- which is a very large pool of options available on Airbnb", feels Jauhari.
Airbnb and the industry:
The 'accommodation industry' has a unique full-circle story. In the 1930s, in the west, luxury hotels were only frequented by the wealthy, while everyone else stayed in boarding houses. In the 1950s, the first disruption in the hospitality industry was in fact by mainstream hotels like Holiday Inn, as travellers wanted predictable, ubiquitous experience. Now in 2018- hotels have been classified officially on the site while 'Airbnb Plus' has been launched as a hotel-like tier, offering a 'standard set of amenities'. With that bit of perspective, we take a deeper look at the India market with Varun Raina.
Edited Excerpts:
'Living like a local' is the brand's 'fertile proposition' and globally, messages say "You can have your own home. Make your bed. Cook. Do the stuff you normally do." Does this really appeal to the template Indian traveller?
The concept of home sharing is fast gaining acceptance and popularity in India. This is evident in the fact that over a million Indians have travelled using Airbnb. This in itself a testimony to the new age travellers willingness to experience the world in new ways.
Can you share some insights on the Indian market vis a vis consumer behaviour/habits?
Travel and hospitality are evolving, dynamic industries. Nowadays travellers are open to experimentation, as choices reach an all-time high. A new era of travel and hospitality has emerged, with consumers who are more confident about their choices and preferences.
• Across the globe, Indians are amongst the highest spenders when it comes to outbound travel and some of the most preferred destinations include New York, London, Paris, Milan, Dubai and Bangkok
• Not only this, Indians have moved beyond the idea of annual vacations and now instead plan multiple shorter trips through the year (including domestic and international vacations)
• Another trend is - customised amenities and facilities in accommodation which also determines destination choice. For example, last year we conducted a survey across the APAC region which revealed "basis which we curated the 'Kitchens of Asia' initiative by partnering with renowned chefs in four Asia Pacific markets.
Airbnb India has reportedly witnessed a 200 per cent growth last fiscal here. What's your current push? Are there enough people taking up hosting.
Over the next year, we intend to sustain this momentum and partner with local business and communities, regulatory bodies, state governments and influencers to take Airbnb deeper into markets and build stronger connect with travellers. The success of Airbnb in India so far, is reflected by the growth seen in the host and guest community alike.
At 30,000 listings in India, it's a 115% growth in the past year. Goa- our top domestic destination in India - has over 5,000 listings, with a growth of 259% in listings since 2015 and a surge of 515% in domestic and international bookings. Furthermore, we have witnessed almost 2x growth in the number of nights booked on Airbnb in India since 2016.
In terms of hosts, Airbnb is fast enabling micro-entrepreneurship for home owners across the country, as citizens, businesses and policy-makers are opening up to the sharing economy phenomenon. For several hosts, it's among the primary sources of income.
How will you characterise millennial behaviour here-what drives their travel?
Millennials are on the frontline of cultural changes and they are constantly scouting for bespoke travel experiences. Below are some of the key drivers that we have noticed fuel travel for millenials in India:
• Experiential travel: They now want to build their itineraries, and immerse themselves in the local culture, cuisine, and more
• Personalised travel experiences: Each person's interpretation of hospitality varies, and the common element across categories is the ability to personalise/customise
• International travel and long weekends: Technology has made international travel more accessible and easier to plan, and travelers no longer see planning these vacations as a daunting task.
Over the years many of Airbnb's competitors have consolidated in global markets. Now with online travel aggregator portals and hotels too focusing on experiences, in India, who do you see as competition?
We believe that Airbnb has something for everyone, and that as travel habits and consumer demands evolve, businesses are constantly innovating to deliver to them. This space has immense potential for diversity and it is encouraging to see a shift in the domain, as people increasingly know what they want from their travel experiences.


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Born at Omagh in 1866, into a WM family of political unionists. She was fascinated by theIrish language and developed a romantic attachment to Irish folklore and traditions. Her parents were tolerant of her involvement in these, though it estranged some of her siblings.
She threw herself energetically into the work of the Gaelic League, travelling the country to organise branches. She wrote poetry, some of it highly praised by such well-known poets as A.E. and Tom s MacDonagh; also plays, one of which was produced in the Abbey Theatre. With a friend she jointly edited a paper called The Shan Van Vocht (Anglicised spelling of an Irish phrase meaning 'the poor old woman', a nickname for the country). Most of the articles in this came from her own pen. The Civil War which followed the establishment of the Free State deeply hurt her: it was not for this that she had hoped or worked. Nevertheless, she remained on friendly terms with leaders on both sides
Towards the end of her life, as an unmarried daughter, she was left to care for ageing and ailing parents, and then for some of her siblings. Their deaths left her destitute; it was strangers who took pity on her and gave her shelter. She died in 1953. By a strange irony the funeral of this feisty little advocate of Ireland and all things Irish was conducted by the then Methodist minister at Omagh, Robert L. England. In recent years her grave has been desecrated more than once.


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Issue |
Volume 489, Number 2, October II 2008
Page(s) | 627 - 631 | |
Section | Interstellar and circumstellar matter | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20079117 | |
Published online | 01 August 2008 |
Sub-milliarcsecond precision spectro-astrometry of Be stars
School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK
Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead CH41 1 LD, UK
Context. The origin of the disks around Be stars is still not known. Further progress requires a proper parametrization of their structure, both spatially and kinematically. This is challenging as the disks are very small.
Aims. Here we assess whether a novel method is capable of providing these data.
Methods. We obtained spectro-astrometry around the Paβ line of two bright Be stars, α Col and ζ Tau, to search for disk signatures. The data, with a pixel-to-pixel precision of the centroid position of 0.3..0.4 milliarcsecond is the most accurate such data to date. Artefacts at the 0.85 mas level are present in the data, but these are readily identified as they were non-repeatable in our redundant datasets. This does illustrate the need of taking multiple data to avoid spurious detections.
Results. The data are compared with model simulations of the spectro-astrometric signatures due to rotating disks around Be stars. The upper limits we find for the disk radii correspond to disk sizes of a few dozen stellar radii if they rotate Keplerian. This is very close to observationally measured and theoretically expected disk sizes, and this paper therefore demonstrates that spectro-astrometry, of which we present the first such attempt, has the potential to resolve the disks around Be stars.
Key words: techniques: high angular resolution / techniques: spectroscopic / stars: individual: α Col, ζ Tau / stars: emission-line, Be
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With the supply of 5,000 cubic metres of oxygen to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital by the Delhi government, a crisis has been averted.
The hospital confirmed to IANS on Wednesday that the supply has been received. The hospital on Tuesday had red flagged possible crisis after acute shortage.
"5,000 cubic metres of oxygen supply from a private vendor Kapil Enterprises reached sometime back after our maintenance team through the night struggled and arranged the necessary nozzle. This supply should last till today afternoon," Sir Ganga Ram hospital said in a statement on Wednesday morning.
Late on Tuesday, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Chairman D.S. Rana had reiterated the urgent need of oxygen for Covid-19 patients admitted in his hospital's ICU, warning they could be in jeopardy if fresh supplies were not provided urgently.
He had warned of the crisis as during the day time (on Tuesday), the hospital faced tough times due to shortage of oxygen.
According to Rana, around 120 patients in the ICU were heavily dependent on oxygen and he had warned that if the hospital does not get oxygen supply on time, then the situation may be critical. The hospital has 485 Covid-19 beds and 475 of them are currently occupied.


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On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, killing an estimated 220,000 people, injuring 300,000 and displacing 1.5 million people from their homes. The quake destroyed infrastructure, caused a deep economic recession, and led to the country's first cholera outbreak, which grew into an epidemic.
"Haiti was the poorest country in the northern hemisphere before the earthquake hit, and its people already faced glaring unmet needs," says Cédric Piriou, Action Against Hunger's Country Director in Haiti. "This catastrophe exposed long-standing weaknesses in the country's governance, infrastructure, and basic systems."
Within hours of the earthquake, Action Against Hunger, which has worked in Haiti since 1985, mobilized our emergency teams to save lives and meet urgent humanitarian needs. In the first days and weeks of our response, we provided emergency food and water and installed latrines, hand-washing stations, and water treatment points. We established specialized health and nutrition centres to help mothers and young children. We also launched cash-for-work programs, allowing people to earn an income.
Fedia, a young woman, was among the millions who lost their homes. Her parents' house collapsed during the earthquake, forcing her family of seven to sleep on the streets and the ruins of their house. As they struggled to survive, the family faced another crisis: Fedia's sister died while giving birth to her son, Deverly, and Fedia lacked sufficient resources to care for her newborn nephew.
At the time, baby formula in Haiti was very expensive, a three-day supply cost a full day's income. Eventually, Fedia found Action Against Hunger's baby tents for orphans, where she could take her nephew and pick up formula, meet other families in similar situations, and learn about childhood development, healthy nutrition, and good hygiene practices.
In the months following the earthquake, Fedia believed her family had been relatively lucky and she was happy to see Deverly growing up strong. Though her household had access to some basic supplies, Fedia knew that recovery would be a difficult road ahead:
"It will take a long time until things get better. My brother and I would like to work and help provide for the family, but we need more than emergency assistance: we need schools, health centres, and economic development. By earning an income, we'll be able to take life into our own hands and provide a better future for our children."
A decade later, the rubble is long gone. But, sadly, Fedia's words are still the reality for too many Haitians.
Why did Haiti struggle with recovery in the aftermath of the earthquake? The earthquake exposed deep weaknesses within Haiti – but it also revealed major flaws and failures within the global humanitarian and international aid systems. While generous, in the rush to provide lifesaving assistance, many international donors and organizations did not sufficiently include local people or institutions in their program planning or implementation, losing out on crucial local knowledge and expertise. The island is a complex and difficult place to operate, and smaller disasters, including drought and hurricanes, further set back progress.
Today, 3.67 million people in Haiti are experiencing a serious hunger crisis due to political volatility, economic struggles, and recurrent natural and man-made disasters – a figure that is only expected to grow in the coming months as access to basic services is hampered by unrest.
"Haiti's fragile economy has prevented vulnerable households from recovering their livelihoods since the earthquake, despite the financial contributions made by international donors and the Haitian diaspora," says Piriou. "Haiti must reinvent its economic model, but instability, lack of basic infrastructure, and massive structural challenges limit opportunities for its people."
That's why, after the initial years of emergency response to the earthquake, Action Against Hunger and many organizations in Haiti shifted to a long-term approach to recovery and development, tackling structural issues and strengthening the resiliency and economic capacity of Haitian communities. We launched programs in the Artibonite and North-West regions to provide social protection and structural support to families. We promote local agriculture, provide fresh food vouchers, constructed a drinking water network, and partnered with local institutions to reduce food insecurity and prevent child malnutrition. Our staff – 98% of whom are Haitian – also continue to prepare for and respond to emergencies, such as the cholera epidemic and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
Our work to fight cholera in Haiti is an excellent example of the impact Canadians have around the world – CIDA, now Global Affairs Canada, provided initial project funding that would eventually lead to the eradication of cholera in the country.
"What gives me hope is the people of Haiti – our staff, the communities we partner with," says Piriou. "At every level, we empower local actors and reinforce locally-led change. It's why we strive for the highest ethical and programmatic standards, so that everyone who works here and everyone we work with is proud of what we do and how we do it. That is how we play a role in building a brighter future for Haiti."
janvier 13, 2020
Action Against Hunger Canada
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(Photo: austinevan on Flickr)
We reported yesterday on a BBC article predicting the demise of Paris's Vélib bicycle sharing program due to theft, vandalism, and increased costs.
Streetsblog has done some research of their own and discovered that the threat may not be so great as the BBC article makes it seem.
Ben Fried writes:
So is Vélib destined to burn brightly only to flare out after a short time? Hardly. Vélib is here to stay, according to officials and transportation experts familiar with the details of its operations. The BBC's portrayal of a mortal threat, they say, is best understood as a negotiating ploy on the part of JCDecaux. (Note that the JCDecaux representative is the only source quoted in that story.)
Fried interviews Eric Britton, a Paris-based transportation advocate and blogger who has closely followed the development of Vélib. Britton says that the program is still hugely popular, far from losing public support, and that the amount of loss sustained through theft and vandalism is "like skinning your knee."


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This paper develops the theoretical foundations for the ability of a control field to cooperate with noise in the manipulation of quantum dynamics. The noise enters as run-to-run variations in the control amplitudes, phases, and frequencies with the observation being an ensemble average over many runs as is commonly done in the laboratory. Weak field perturbation theory is developed to show that noise in the amplitude and frequency components of the control field can enhance the process of population transfer in a multilevel ladder system. The analytical results in this paper support the point that under suitable conditions an optimal field can cooperate with noise to improve the control outcome.
Original language | English (US) |
Article number | 021103 |
Journal | Physical Review E - Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics |
Volume | 75 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 6 2007 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
- Statistics and Probability


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Skinny 7/8 Ankle Regular Jeans
Super stylish and crazy comfortable, these mid-rise skinny jeans sit a little below the waist for a sleek, balanced and shaped fit.
Featuring an extra stretchy fabric (that won't lose its shape)—they flatter you (and move with you) all day long.
Pair with a semi-fitted top, sneakers or boots for a great sporty-to-trendy look.Skinny leg.


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National Review has published my latest piece, which reports on a series of important speeches delivered by officials within the Trump Administration at the 2017 Federalist Society convention. Here is the introduction:
Our Constitution carefully separates the legislative, executive, and judicial powers into three separate branches of government: Congress enacts laws, which the president enforces and the courts review. However, when all of these powers are accumulated "in the same hands," James Madison warned in Federalist No. 47, the government "may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny." The rise of the administrative state over the last century has pushed us closer and closer to the brink. Today, Congress enacts vague laws, the executive branch aggrandizes unbounded discretion, and the courts defer to those dictates. For decades, presidents of both parties have celebrated this ongoing distortion of our constitutional order because it promotes their agenda. The Trump administration, however, is poised to disrupt this status quo.
In a series of significant speeches at the Federalist Society's national convention, the president's lawyers have begun to articulate a framework for restoring the separation of powers: First, Congress should cease delegating its legislative power to the executive branch; second, the executive branch will stop using informal "guidance documents" that deprive people of the due process of law without fair notice; and third, courts should stop rubber-stamping diktats that lack the force of law.
Executive power is often described as a one-way ratchet: Each president, Democrat or Republican, augments the authority his predecessor aggrandized. These three planks of the Trumpian Constitution — delegation, due process, and deference — are remarkable, because they do the exact opposite by ratcheting down the president's authority. If Congress passes more precise statues, the president has less discretion. If federal agencies comply with the cumbersome regulatory process, the president has less latitude. If judges become more engaged and scrutinize federal regulations, the president receives less deference. Each of these actions would weaken the White House but strengthen the rule of law. To the extent that President Trump follows through with this platform, he can accomplish what few (myself included) thought possible: The inexorable creep of the administrative leviathan can be slowed down, if not forced into retreat.
Read more at: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/453896/donald-trump-separation-powers-solid-job


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For learner drivers in Western Australia who are at least 16 years and six months of age and have been holding a learner's permit for at least six months, the next step would be to sit for their Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
The HPT is a computer test that you need to pass your closest Department of Transport to get your provisional licence (P Plates). Passing the hazard perception test is not only a key requirement toward getting your licence, but it's also about checking if you have the skills needed to identify road hazards and make safe decisions in response to real traffic situations.
If you plan to pass the HPT in Western Australia soon and are keen to know more about what the hazard perception test is, this guide should help familiarise you with it and prepare you for the actual test.
Hazard Perception Test – The Basics
The Hazard Perception Test is a computer-generated test that exposes a learner driver to different moving traffic situations. The practical driving situations are designed to gauge how quickly you can identify road risks or hazards and take appropriate action.
Even if you feel you don't have enough computer skills to take the Hazard Perception Test, there's no need to worry. The test is pretty straightforward, and there are Department of Transport staff available to explain what is expected of you before you start.
During the Hazard Perception Test, you will see some dashboard information (e.g., speed and indicator usage) on the screen. You'll be given a rough idea of what's expected of the driver (you) in each of the video clips during the test and are expected to respond to real traffic situations with safe driving decisions.
Since the Hazard Perception Test is primarily designed to measure the speed and precision of your perception and decision-making skills, there's no need to stress over how you should actively control all aspects of your 'vehicle' during the test.
The only thing you need to look out for is the time pressure, as you have to be alert and act quickly the moment you identify the hazard in each driving challenge. After each scenario, you'll be given an explanation of the right action to take given that situation.
Once you're done with the HPT, you won't know how well you did in specific areas of the test. Instead, you'll get tips on what aspects of your driving need improvement for you to be able to pass the HPT.
Preparing for the Hazard Perception Test
Like any other type of test or examination, preparation is key if you wish to pass the HPT.
Adequate preparation will help you to pass the HPT, keeping your stress levels low. It'll also give you a much-needed confidence boost so you don't doubt yourself whilst making on-the-spot decisions during the Hazard Perception Test.
So, to ensure you get your best shot at passing or even acing the Hazard Perception Test, follow these tips:
1. Take Driving Lessons Prior to the Test
While your parents, older siblings or cousins can teach you how to drive in your neighbourhood or even during a weekend road trip, nothing beats taking formal driving lessons as part of your hazard perception test practice.
Learning from a driving instructor can make you a more safety-conscious, professional and efficient driver. It will also help you to make safe driving decisions and feel confident when driving in different traffic situations. Driving instructors know it's their job to train you to become a skilful driver, so they will be honest and educational when highlighting any incorrect driving habits.
Most learner drivers agree that the training they receive from their driving instructors has a long-term influence on their performance on the road, exceeding just what's required to pass the Hazard Perception Test.
To encourage learner drivers to take instructed driving lessons, the Australian Government initiated the Keys2drive program. In this program, learners get a free 60-minute lesson from a Keys2drive accredited driving instructor.
2. Practice With the Hazard Perception Test Simulator
Want to learn some practical driving tips before sitting the Hazard Perception Test?
The West Australian Department of Transport has an online Hazard Perception Test simulator available to all learner drivers in WA. The practise test includes a series of video clips and multiple-choice questions which will guide you through similar questions you'll find in the HPT.
Before you take the test, keep practising with this HPT simulator until you get all or the vast majority of questions correct. This will help you to take the test and pass on your first attempt.
3. Focus on Learning to Identify Road Hazards Quickly
Although the Hazard Perception Test will expose you to a variety of real traffic situations, you'll encounter many more types of road hazards in real life.
Road hazards include other drivers, pedestrians, wild animals, malfunctioning traffic signals, incorrect use of signal lights, road obstructions, puddles, potholes, wet weather road conditions and more. Of course, you also need to check yourself, including your driving speed and proper use of hand signals and lights.
While still learning to drive, you can also learn from other drivers, such as older siblings or your parents. Observe how they react to certain scenarios on the road and imagine what you would do if you were in the driver's seat.
4. Know How to Prioritise Hazards
The Hazard Perception Test is designed to expose you to one specific road hazard at a time. However, real-life driving may require you to deal with two or more hazards at the same time, such as how to respond to a car crash or accident.
What matters here is how you prioritise each hazard, especially your ability to quickly perceive whether avoiding one could lead to a bigger problem.
For example, you would probably respond differently if, say, you see a bird on the road as opposed to a large animal like a kangaroo or a human being while you're driving at the maximum speed limit.
The bird could probably fly to safety even as you drive at speed, while you may need to make a quick-second decision if what you see ahead is a large animal or person. You also need to calculate whether avoiding what you see ahead of you will endanger drivers behind you.
5. Keep Calm and Stay in Control
As a learner driver on the road, it's natural to feel jittery during the Hazard Perception Test, especially when you're trying to remember and apply all the lessons you've learned when learning to drive.
During the Hazard Perception Test, the most important thing is to keep calm. Don't panic, but stay alert for upcoming road hazards. When you see one, make what you think is the right decision based on what you have learned.
Be ready for anything as you're likely to encounter all sorts of hazards during the Hazard Perception Test. Most of all, avoid reacting too late as you'll get penalised.
6. Rest Well and Attend the HPT Fresh and Confident
There's probably no need to tell you, but please make sure you go to the Hazard Perception Test well-rested and fresh so you feel confident about taking it.
Make sure you don't drink or take any substances that can put you on edge or cause you to have delayed reaction times. This includes medication that can make you nauseous or drowsy.
Time to Take the Hazard Perception Test
The thought of taking a test like the Hazard Perception Test will likely give you some test day nerves. However, with adequate preparation, you can take it with confidence and pass it with flying colours.
Better yet, share your concerns with us at Eclipse Driving School. We're ready to help you ace your Hazard Perception Test and help you to pass your driving assessment first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The way to pass the hazard perception test first time is to practice as much as you can. You want your brain and eyes to be wired up for it before you even start watching the clips because when we watch them our very first instinct is usually "get out of the way".
It's all about taking a few minutes to sit back and watch the video clips before you start.
If you pay attention, you'll soon notice that many clips have more than one incident in them, so with careful observation, it should be easy to spot when these occur. You might find it helpful to keep an eye out for scenes that involve different types of cars stopping at lights or driving away from the curb, or pedestrians heading across the road.


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Marie-Cécile is produced exclusively from semillon grapes. The wine is vinified and matured in used barrels, by dynamisation in line with certain lunar cycles. This sulphur-free dry white is the archetype of a natural white wine.
With a robe which can vary from sparkling gold to amber according to the year, a very fruity nose and aromas of pear and exotic flowers, Marie-Cécile offers a full-bodied palate which begins with a supple attack and a tight texture. It has a long, delicately mineral finish.
Marie-Cécile vintages are best drunk young, mainly with seafood, fish, or blue cheeses, tommes and other strong-flavoured cheeses.
Our food pairing suggestions for Marie-Cécile :
. Sashimi
. Chicken Tajine
. Turbot with beetroot sauce


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We all inhabit interior landscapes & these are mediated to us through language. It might be said that we are the thoughts we are thinking. What engages the writer/ poet is the individual's response to the "situation"—what she or he makes of it. That is the essence of the human drama, & why imaginative literature is so much deeper, more intense, & more memorable than objective history with its impersonal perspective. —Joyce Carol Oates, as quoted at this site which interviews people about their creative process.
Joyce Carol Oates: 'We are the thoughts we are thinking'


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Her case has baffled authorities in Grundy County for over four decades.
In the fall of 1976, the body of a young African American woman was found on the shoulder of a rural highway near downstate Seneca. She was wearing a colorful red sweater, with a bottle of wine in the pocket. It was believed she may have been in her twenties, but she had no ID.
She had been shot once in the head. Authorities buried her with the name "Jane Seneca Doe," and a young county official has made it is mission to find her true identity.
"I think everybody deserves closure, justice and absolutely deserves their name," deputy coroner Brandon Johnson told NBC 5. "To be buried somewhere without any of that is just very sad---that could take place and you could be forgotten about for almost 44 years."
Johnson had the woman's body exhumed in December of 2018 and obtained a full DNA profile. Armed with that information, he sent her case to the California-based DNA Doe project, which scours genealogical databases in an effort to match unknown victims from the past with living family members.
"We've solved cases based on third cousins, or even more distant," DNA Doe co-founder Colleen Fitzpatrick told NBC 5 last fall. "It's a whole network of relatives that you try to piece together, and find how they connect, and then, how they connect to your John and Jane Doe."
Now, the Grundy County case may be making headway. After months with no progress, Johnson said his DNA Doe partners notified him of a possible breakthrough. A genetic match had been made with an Alabama woman, which gave them clues to Jane Seneca Doe's family.
"They believe that Jane Seneca Doe's parents may have come from Selma, Alabama," Johnson said. "And at least one set of grandparents were from Selma."
The report further stated that one of their mystery woman's grandparents was likely named Calhoun, and a great-grandparent may have been named Harris. At least one branch of the family had moved to Ohio. And it is likely she may have had siblings who were unaware of her existence.
"It's sad that she could vanish without anybody missing her, or knowing about her," Johnson said. "But in this case it makes a little bit more sense now with a large family tree, and you know, everybody's family dynamics differ. There's a good chance that a lot of her family members never knew about her."
Johnson said the woman whose DNA provided at least a partial match to his murder victim had purchased an Ancestry.com DNA kit, and uploaded her profile to an online database. That's where the DNA Doe project made the match. And that woman is now assisting authorities in trying to learn anything she can about a long-lost relative who may have disappeared.
Johnson sent media in Selma information about his case, in hopes someone there might remember something. He also sent the details to more than a dozen Selma-area churches.
"Who better to reach than big congregations," he said. "An elderly person may recall someone who went missing in the community."
It started out as more than a needle-in-a-haystack search---more like a needle in the entire United States. But Johnson says he is hopeful that search is zeroing in on a possible answer.
"I have a good feeling now, based on tips that have been pouring in since Alabama broke the news out there, or shared our image and the release of last names," Johnson said. "It's a very strong possibility that her last name is in fact Calhoun."
There is, of course, one lingering detail. Even after "Jane Seneca Doe's" true identity is revealed, authorities face the remaining question of who killed her. Johnson agrees he would like to see justice in the case, but concedes that now, 44 years later, the killer might be deceased as well.
For now he is hoping to give her the dignity he feels she deserves.
"I would just be happy to give her name back," he said. "I'd like to see the person responsible to be charged with her murder, but at the very least, I'd like to give her name back."


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Righteous Rulers: Leaders and governors that are God-fearing and subscribe to Biblical values. They are in right standing with God and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. They are servant leaders.
Relevant Scriptures include: Matt 6:33; Prov 29:2; Isaiah 28:17; Ps 97:11-12; Ex 18:21-22; and 1 Tim 3. Also see our Criteria and Qualities of a Leader and our Code of Ethics and Conduct. To be clear: "Rulers" in this context are ethical servant leaders and does not mean to dominate people (lording over people), but to rather serve them. Depending on the place/area of representation, to be a ruler is Biblically sound (representative can also be used, i.e. Righteous Representative).
Godly governance: Governance according to godly principles, as given by the Word of God (the Bible). Governance in line with the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5 and Isaiah 22:33). God-fearing governance that honours God.
Guardian Councils: Overseers of Independent Candidates performing the role of 'Apostolic oversight'. These councils are based in communities and comprise of well-respected spiritual leaders (affiliated with RRR), including church leaders. They perform the evaluation (screening) of candidates, and recommend them to RRR for endorsement. As trusted leaders, they provide an important filtering function as well as accountability function in collaboration with Community Forums. They can also nominate independent candidates to be screened by themselves, preferably collaborating with Community Forums. There is no limitation to numbers but the number of members to Guardian Councils should be kept relatively small. However, at least 3 Christian spiritual leaders should serve here per city/town/village (a rotational basis is allowed to reduce the workload). In some cases, they can also be called 'Elders Councils'.
Community Forums: These comprise of selected members of community that are a fair representation of a specific community elected by the citizens (either geographic (e.g. ward/neighbourhood) or grouping (e.g. any network of people). It is a diverse group, but they all share the same values and principles (i.e. Bill of Values). They would nominate independent candidates from their communities and hold them accountable on behalf of their communities. As Kingdom leaders in their own right, they collaborate with and may even appoint the Guardian Councils. No limitation to numbers.
Leaders of best practices in government: Independent Candidates leading morally, ethically and with integrity; doing what is right without compromising. (Key words here: truthful, committed, accountable, excellence, networking and influence)
Ecclesia: "Called-out ones"; a separated assembly; a prestigious assembly of distinguished citizens who determine laws, debate public policy, formulate new policy, argue and rule in judicial matters, elect chief magistrates, and decide on whether someone should be removed from office; a body of believers who have been called forth, selected and assembled to be God's representatives in every town, city, state or nation; a governmental assembly of Kingdom citizens; a body called to make decisions that affect the status of a region/place. Ecclesia's Biblical mandate is primarily found in Gen 1:26-28 and Matt 28:16-20.
Dominion: to be given dominion means to establish a sovereign, kingly ruler, governor, responsible for reigning over a designated territory, with the inherent authority to represent and embody as a symbol, the territory, resources and all that constitute that region/territory. Servant leadership is very important here – not control, manipulation or lording over people.
Devoted Citizen: Is someone that fully takes up his/her responsibility to build his/her nation based on ethical principles and constantly contributes to the lives of fellow citizens, empowering next generations.


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Cardiac Arrhythmia Resources
Clinics Our team Procedures Resources Research Fellowship
Patient resources
Living with Atrial Fibrillation
The following videos have been created by Dr. Paul Dorian. They are a series of videos with key information for patients living with atrial fibrillation. They are designed to help you understand this condition and support you in living a normal life. These videos describe:
- what happens to the heartbeat during atrial fibrillation
- the types of treatments that are available, including medications and in-hospital procedures.
- the need to assess and minimize your risk of stroke
Please watch these videos in order. The content builds on the knowledge from the previous video.
We hope that this program is helpful to you in understanding and living with atrial fibrillation.
- What happens to the heart when in atrial fibrillation?
Dr. Paul Dorian discusses what happens to the heart when in atrial fibrillation. - The symptoms of atrial fibrillation
Dr. Paul Dorian discusses common symptoms of atrial fibrillation. - Preventing stroke with anticoagulants in AF patients
Dr. Paul Dorian discusses atrial fibrillation and the important role that anticoagulants play in preventing stroke. - Atrial fibrillation and your risk of stroke
Dr. Paul Dorian discusses atrial fibrillation and the risk of stroke. - Atrial fibrillation treatment options
Dr. Paul Dorian discusses atrial fibrillation treatment options. - Helpful tips on lifestyle factors and atrial fibrillation
Dr. Paul Dorian talks about what lifestyle factors can impact the burden of atrial fibrillation.
- Arrhythmias – What is an arrhythmia and how is it treated?
- Catheter ablation
- Electrical system of the heart
- General anesthesia
- General healthy eating
- Heart disease risk factors
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure – What is it?
- How the heart works
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
- Living with heart disease and stroke
- Physical activity guidelines: getting started
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack
- What is a pacemaker and how does it work?
- What is sleep apnea?
Printed materials
- A patient's guide to living with atrial fibrillation
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial fibrillation – How to decrease your risk of stroke
- Atrial fibrillation treatment options
- Atrial fibrillation – What you need to know about cardioversion
- Atrial fibrillation – What do I do if I think I'm having an AFib episode?
- Introduction to atrial fibrillation
- Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
- Cardiac pacemakers from the patient's perspective
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy – a patient's guide
- Coping with my partner's ICD and cardiac disease
- How to respond to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator Recall
- How to respond to an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
- Living with your pacemaker
- Pacemaker for heart failure (cardiac resynchronization therapy)
Useful websites
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
- Heart Rhythm Society – Patient information
- Hypertension Canada – What is hypertension?
- Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes – SADS
- Sudden Cardiac Death Foundation
Professional resources
Back to St. Michael's Cardiac Arrhythmia Service page
Last updated April 25, 2022


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Viniculture Luxemburg
Viniculture in numbers
In Luxembourg, wine cultivation has a long tradition. It still plays an important economic role. The Upper Moselle region is characterised by a high variety of white vine cultivars (1).
On the east- to south-faced vineyards along the Moselle River grapevines have been cultivated since the Roman times. The total area of the Luxembourgish grape growing regions now covers 1303 ha between Schengen and Rosport over approximately 42 km along the Moselle River. Varieties in 2017 included Müller-Thurgau (23.3% of the total acreage), Pinot gris (15.2%), Auxerrois (14.8%), Pinot blanc (12.6%), Riesling (12.5%), Pinot noir (9.7%) and Elbling (6.1%) (6).
Benefits of climate change
Amongst others the vegetative period lengthens when temperatures, especially spring temperatures are increasing. Clear changes in the dates of phenological vine stages are observable in Europe (2). In Alsace, budburst and flowering events occurred about two weeks earlier in 2003 compared to 1965. The period between flowering and change of colour of the berries (véraison) shrunk by 8 days and the véraison date occurred almost 23 days earlier (3). In Murg (Switzerland), the flowering event advanced to earlier dates by 22.1 days in 47 years (4).
Previous studies predict a large potential increase in value of the vineyards at the Moselle river (5). Analyses of climate and phenological observations of white vine cultivars in the Upper Moselle region (Luxembourg and Germany) over the period 1951–2005 showed that vine phenology events, such as budburst and flowering, receed by about 2 days/decade. Budburst date and flowering events now occur earlier by about two weeks with respect to 1951 (1).
The significant increase of the ripening period air temperatures potentially threatens the wine typicity of the traditional grape growing regions In Luxembourg and therefore calls for specific adaptation strategies (6).
The references below are cited in full in a separate map 'References'. Please click here if you are looking for the full references for Luxemburg.
- Urhausen et al. (2011)
- e.g. Bois (2007); Jones and Davis (2000); Jones et al. (2005b); Menzel (2005), all in: Urhausen et al. (2011)
- Duchêne and Schneider (2005), in: Urhausen et al. (2011)
- Defila (2003), in: Urhausen et al. (2011)
- Ashenfelter and Storchmann (2010); Storchmann (2005), both in: Urhausen et al. (2011)
- Molitor and Junk (2019)


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Look, we get it. You appreciate hampr's convenient, high-quality laundry service so much that you want to stuff everything you own into your hamprs so it comes back washed, folded and returned by your favorite washr. Trust us, we've all been there.
The way we see it, if you would put it in your washer or dryer, it's likely that it can go in your hampr—with a few exceptions depending on your personal laundering style. Want to get your first order just right? We got you! Check out the following list of unaccepted items before you place your order and you'll be living in laundry-free luxury in no time!
Overstuffed hamprs
We believe in quality over quantity. Though it may feel like you're getting more bang for your buck stuffing your hampr, it isn't doing you or your washr any favors. The contents of each hampr goes straight into the wash, which means an overstuffed hampr equals an overstuffed washing machine. In addition to your clothes not being washed properly, an overstuffed hampr results in multiple loads for our washrs instead of the one load designated by our pricing structure. This means an overstuffed hampr costs our washrs time and money. We value the high-quality work of our washrs too much to allow that to happen.
If a washr arrives to pick up your hampr order and determines that it is overstuffed, they reserve the right to refuse pick-up. Your order will then be canceled, and your account will be charged a $2.99 service fee.
To avoid overstuffing, we recommend that you give your clothes some breathing room near the top of your hampr and all of your clothes are returned completely cleaned and neatly folded.
Unaccepted Items
Although the machines our washrs use are up to hampr standards and size requirements, we still cannot accept the following items due to size, material and other factors:
- Pillows
- Comforters
- Curtains
- Commercial linens – including event tablecloths
- Sofa covers
- Area rugs
- Sleeping bags
- Dog beds
- Grow clothes (hemp-based)
- Restaurant linens
- Specialty care clothing items
- Wedding dresses
- Costumes
- Hats/Headwear
- Shoes
Contaminated Items
We prefer our members pre-treat any existing stains before placing them in a hampr bag, so we cannot accept any items that have been contaminated with:
- Bodily fluids from a human or a pet (urine, feces, blood vomit, etc.)
- Excessive pet hair
- Cigarette, cigar, or marijuana smoke or odor
- Moisture from a damp or wet item
- Bedbugs, lice or any other insects
- Poison ivy or poison oak oils
- Cooking grease or motor grease
- Hazardous chemical residue
- Excessively soiled items with caked-on mud or dirt
Additional Services
If you would like your clothes returned on hangers, please make note of this in the special instructions and provide your own hangers. This will soon be an official service offering.
Stay tuned for the upcoming addition of a new feature: Same Day Delivery!
Once you get the hang of how it works, you'll be less worried about what can and can't go in your hampr and more worried about what to do with all this free time you just gave yourself. We suggest a good baking show binge or a self-care session, you do you—we'll do the laundry!


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Enter to Win
BookTok has exploded, and we're here for all the bookish fun. Are you a TikTok Book Junkie, too? We see you!
Find your next favorite author to follow on TikTok with our #BookTok Binge Giveaway! Not only do you have over a dozen authors to check out, but you can enter to win some fabulous prizes as well! Every time you follow an author below via the giveaway links, you'll receive another entry to win.
These participating authors have the books you want. After you're done one-clicking follow for these fab creators of words, make sure to check out our other current giveaways. We work hard to keep bringing you fantastic book recs and fun giveaways each week that will keep you entertained throughout the year. Bookmark the giveaways page and check back weekly. Don't forget to invite your friends!
This giveaway is only open for a limited time, so start claiming your chances to win now! Good luck and happy reading!
Due to shipping costs international winners may receive a gift card in lieu of physical prizes.


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Bun's A-Cookin'!
By this point, Ian and I have managed to tell many people our news, but if this is the first you've seen or heard of it, we apologize:
We're expecting a baby in February of 2007! My pregnancy is proceeding well and I'm feeling pretty good now. We're at 15 weeks tomorrow, which is out of the first trimester and into the second. I'm happy about this because it's during the first trimester that things are most likely going to go awry, if they're going to go awry at all. I feel a little relief to be past the "danger zone." So far, everything is going great.
I'm apparently well-made for pregnancy because I didn't get sick with Lucas and I didn't get sick this time either. I was extra sleepy and tired earlier this summer, but never really nauseous, and I never barfed. (Some women are sick for 9 months straight.) I had to eat on a pretty regular basis in order to avoid getting that wobbly, I'd-better-sit-down-for-a-while, low blood-sugar feeling. But that was pretty much it. A worse complexion than usual is my only real complaint … Oh, and forgetfulness.
Last week, for example, I was supposed to have my second OB appointment, but I forgot about it and worked right through the appointment time. I'm to go in this Tuesday, so somebody remind me, please.
In July we had our first appointment and heard our baby's heartbeat for the first time. It took a while for my midwife, Ruth, to find the heartbeat with her doppler thingy. I guess baby was hiding–where, I don't know. Anyway, that fast, little whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh was a lovely sound and it made me really excited.
About 95% of the time I'm really happy that we're having another baby. About 5% of the time I'm freaked out and scared about how this might send my life into a tailspin again. Although Lucas's daily antics are sometimes trying, things are generally a million times easier than they were when he was small. One voice in my head is insistently asking me, "What in the hell are you thinking?!?"
Nevertheless, we're well advanced down the path. There's no turning back and I don't really want to. I'm not usually one to run away when life gets scary. So, I tell myself everyday how I have loads more skills and knowledge now than I did when Lucas was an infant, I have an established business now (not a fledgling one), and I have tons of family and community support now just like last time. And then there's my darling husband, who is the best daddy in the world! I'm sure things will be plenty challenging, but so what? (See, today, I'm optimistic.) And the money worries that currently plague me will all work themselves out, right?
We have been asked over and over if we plan to find out the gender of this baby. (With Lucas, we didn't know he was a boy until he was born.) I think perhaps this time we will find out. It's too early to know right now. Perhaps sometime in September. Anyway, I have a literal MOUNTAIN of boy clothes in my garage. It would be nice to know if I can give them to someone else's deserving child, or if I should be washing them in January to make them ready to wear again.
As to the second pregnancy being more laid-back and relaxed than the first? Well, so far that's pretty true. I'm not reading my pregnancy books every day. In fact, I'm hardly consulting them at all. Frankly, I'm too busy to obsess about it. The time is passing.
If you've read this far, the only other thing you should know is that we have not yet told Lucas about this baby. We hope to keep it from him for another month, until after Burning Man and after he starts Kindergarten. The events of the end of this month and beginning of next are going to be plenty stressful (living in the desert, a weekend without mom & dad, and starting a new school) without potentially experiencing feelings of jealousy or worry to boot. Plus 40 weeks is a hell of a long time to wait–even more so if you're only 4-years-old. If we can tell him next month at 19 weeks, he'll have only half the pregnancy to wait for his baby brother or sister to come along. As soon as he knows, I expect he'll ask me if it's time yet every day.
Or maybe he already knows. Lucas has been kissing my belly a lot lately.
So, that's the news. We'd like to send a big thank you to all of you who have already expressed congratulations and joy for us. Thank you for doing so in a quiet way so as not to alert Lucas prematurely. Thank you for the good wishes and prayers. We are grateful to have such a loving community of friends.
Here we go again …


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Whether you prefer the simplicity of a small, two-person sleeper or something a bit more grand like a family tent, choosing the perfect tent for your camping adventures can be a difficult task. Even if you prefer car camping, it would not be a bad idea to have a spare tent on hand to use if the need or desire arose.
With this useful tent buying guide, you can learn all you need to know about the different types of tents, their specifications, and their accessories. Just as with clothing, there are many things to consider when looking at tents, and each will provide a unique camping experience. So grab some cookies or your favourite snack, settle in, and get ready. Here's an easy-to-share buying guide on what you should know about the different style tents available on the market.
Types of Tents
There is quite a wide range of tents to choose from, no matter your camping experience level. They vary in dimension, material, and base shape, among other qualities. You will find a few of the most common and popular tent designs in this tent buying guide.
The Classic Ridge
Also referred to as a frame tent, a ridge tent is one of the "classic" tent shapes. They often resemble a typical suburban "house" shape, with a pole at each end and a "ridge," or a cross pole, to make a solid roof over the tent.
The ridge style makes for a highly stable type of tent. A lot of ridge tents are perfect for family adventures.
Dome Tents
The dome tent is another popular shape. Most dome tents are best for short camping trips or users who are new to camping. It's better for low-level excursions rather than more endurance-based designs.
As the name implies, they are dome-shaped with rounded tops. The rounded shape comes from the flexible poles that make up the frame, which cross to create more stability. A good dome tent is quick to pitch and easy to use.
Tunnel Tent
Tunnel tents are perfect for groups and families. They tend to be much larger than many of their other tent counterparts, with a spacious living area.
These structures are also easy to pitch. It is one of the designs better suited to fit more people and typically has extra space.
Pop-Up Tent
Pop-up tents are also what some call quick pitch tents. These are suitable for shorter excursions in less harsh conditions, such as weekend trips and outdoor festivals.
The pop-ups usually only have enough space for a small number of people or may even be a one-man tent.
Geodesic and Semi-Geodesic
There are geodesic and semi-geodesic tents, which have a unique shape that allows for better distribution of stress on the tent poles. They are highly stable and work best for small groups or a small family.
The geodesic styles have a streamlined shape, designed to provide protection against strong winds. A semi-geodesic tent uses the same concept but with fewer steel poles, so they do not withstand the same high winds as a full geodesic shape.
Bell Tent
A bell or tipi/tepee tent uses single poles to create a decent family-size tent. They are an excellent option for family camping holidays.
Note that bell tents do not usually have an inner tent, so they are better in warmer weather. They are also great for "glamping" purposes.
Inflatable Tent (for Novices or Car Camping)
Inflatable tents, also referred to as air tents, are swiftly gaining popularity in the world of camping. Rather than aluminium poles for support, they feature some inflation beams for structure.
They are perfect for car camping trips and make any family campsite a wonderful experience. Being inflatable, they are quick to pitch, so they work even for amateur campers. You have probably seen a number of these on an Instagram blog.
Parts of a Tent
While all tents have slightly different functions and shapes, most tents feature similar components. Here are some pieces you should make sure to examine when buying a tent.
The "berth" indicates how many people can fit in the said tent. When looking at berth, tent sizes will vary. This value does not account for bags, so you may want to size up to ensure proper space if you have some luggage.
The flysheet is the "outer" part. It protects you and your family from the elements on your camping trip, particularly the wind and rain.
The most important aspect of the flysheet is that it be waterproof and durable. When looking into information about the flysheet, make sure to look for the hydrostatic head section. It will tell you the waterproofness of the flysheet.
A hydrostatic head of 1,500 mm is the most basic level of waterproof fabric, which is also true for clothing. If there is a logo, check the stroke miterlimit since some people prefer smaller or more inconspicuous logos on their tents.
The groundsheet is the bottom "layer" of sorts, which protects you from the dirt and mud. In some tents, the groundsheet attaches to the flysheet, which provides adequate safety from bugs and moisture. It protects you, your clothing, your blankets, and everything else safe from the ground.
All tents will have a groundsheet for the sleeping areas, and family tents will often have them in the outer porch areas for extra comfort. Smaller tents, like backpacking tents, will have detachable groundsheets for the porch to make them easier to carry.
Inner or Bedroom
The inner tent is where you and your family or friends will sleep; hence why it is also called the "bedroom." The area in the "inner" section typically has breathable fabrics, mesh, or both. The inner tent could also include a living area.
They separate inner and outer sections promote airflow, so the living space inside does not become moist or stagnant. It also provides privacy and a place to store and change clothing.
The porch is on the outer part, as opposed to the bedroom, but some tents may enclose the porch area as well. In these cases, the porch can be extra living space or somewhere to store gear.
Consider your pack size when picking a tent because a tent with a larger porch will be better for storage while camping. A more lightweight backpacking tent, for instance, will only have enough space for some clothing. Larger tents will give you more porch space, perfect for family camping.
Guy Lines
Guy lines have nothing to do with men. Guy lines, or guy ropes, are an integral part of keeping your tent supported and stable.
Guy ropes need adjusting according to the camping conditions and help to distribute strain evenly through the poles. It is especially critical in windy weather. When buying a tent, double-check that the guy lines are still in the box.
Tent Poles
The tent poles create the shape and structure, particularly in how the poles cross. Poles are made from many different materials, with different weights and specifications.
Most often, you will find aluminium poles, steel poles, fibreglass, or air tubes in inflatable tents.
- Fibreglass is the most common and is easy to repair.
- Steel provides the most safety, but they are much heavier.
- Alloy poles are strong and lighter than steel but have a much higher price range.
- Air tubes are a newer option, and these tents may work great in a family tent for a bit of extra safety for children.
Not all tents will have power connections, but most larger tents will have zippered points to thread cables through.
Some people prefer camping with no electricity, but for those who enjoy a bit of technology, these pockets are a lifesaver.
Most tents will not have integrated lighting, but they will most likely have a lantern hanging point.
This way, you can hang a lighting source for any night time excursions. A few brands also have a "cable tidy" to hide extra wires.
Like any other space, while camping, tents can get stifling.
Ventilation points help to minimise that feeling.
A middle ground between high and low ventilation is the best option for comfort.
No matter the trip's size, you will want plenty of space for storage and belongings, like clothing.
Some tents have pockets for convenient storage of smaller items, like cookies and snacks and bags.
Doors and Windows
You will only find windows on larger family tents, but they allow you to enjoy the sights from the safety of your tent.
If you want to ensure extra privacy, some brands make Velcro curtains, and others have tinted windows.
Often, a tent will only have a single door, usually zippered or double-zippered. It makes the tent a bit lighter.
A large family tent may have multiple doors for ease of access in groups.
Tent doors will also typically feature a mesh covering to keep out bugs and help ventilate the space.
Tent Accessories
Camping does not have to be "rough" or dirty.
With the right tent and the right accessories, you can make your experience one to remember for all the right reasons.
If you buy a tent that falls short of the size you need, you can buy extensions rather than an entirely new tent. They are usually useful for spare rooms, such as a kitchen or extra storage.
Most brands design extensions to fit specific types of tents, with minimal stroke width for the logos. They can also be an excellent shelter from the elements without going too far into the tent.
While all tents have groundsheets, you can make it even more comfortable.
Many brands make carpets for their tents as a separate accessory.
There are all sorts of patterns, designs, and fabric types for your comfort.
For extra protection, you can purchase a windbreak to place around your tent.
They can also create added privacy, and they come in many sizes.
You can occasionally find them as a matching set with certain types of tents from specific brands.
A footprint goes underneath the tent, including the groundsheet, to protect it from the dirt and mud.
Most camping brands will have footprints designed for their specific tents' shapes and sizes, but sometimes there are generic versions available.
"Supplies" doesn't necessarily mean food and clothing, although those are undoubtedly important.
However, like any other living situation, even if temporary, you need items to help with maintenance.
For keeping the inner tent clean, a dustpan and brush would go a long way.
Whether you need it for crumbs from cookies or just dirt on the floor, it helps.
A stiff brush or broom can even help clean mud off the groundsheet as needed or before packing up your campsite.
You will also want to make sure you pack spare parts for repairs.
Bring extra pegs and guylines and pole and cord replacements in the event of a breakage.
Many brands also sell tent repair kits for general maintenance.
Choose a Tent That Works for You
Choosing a good tent for your camping trip can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be impossible.
Before you search on a local camping store finder, take a look at the tent options available, and consider what you will need.
How many people are in your group?
How much luggage and storage space will you need?
What is the weather like in the area you will visit?
These, among other things, are essential questions to answer when searching.
With this useful buyer's guide and a plan for your journey, you can find the perfect tent to suit your needs.
Whether you need a small bell tent for you and a friend or a massive inflatable tent for a fun family getaway, there is a tent out there for you.
Find your perfect shelter, make a plan, and set off on a new adventure!
Hi, I am Amy I have two loves in my life camping and writing. When I am not writing for The Expert Camper, I am usually camping. Lake District is one of my favourite spots, but really anywhere in the UK under canvas I am happy.


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Most people don't understand the importance of nutrients. This lack of knowledge has forced our world to consume junk food and they will keep on doing that unless we point the benefits of adding healthy nutrients to your diet. So there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. In this article, we will discuss the importance of nutrients in our life and how you can add them to your diet.
There are some things that you should know before we head towards that discussion. We are living in a time where unhealthy foods are everywhere and you have to somehow save yourself from consuming them. Nutrient-rich foods like beef bone broth, salmon fish, nuts, and leafy vegetables are all rich in healthy nutrients that help in improving your health.
Now coming to our main point that why nutrients are important for your health. Your organs need nutrients to work properly and if you don't consume enough of them then it might lead to some health issues. Adding nutrient-rich foods to your diet will help in improving your overall health. This is why nutrients are important for us Here are some health benefits that you can get by consuming nutrient-rich foods.
Salmon and nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help in improving your heart health. Similarly consuming foods that are rich in iron will also help to improve your heart health as its responsible for providing oxygen to the blood cells. Protein-rich foods help in boosting your metabolism which also helps in improving the absorption of nutrients that you consume.
Vegetables are rich in fibers that build a gel-like layer in your digestive tract that helps in improving your bowel movement. Fiber and amino acids help in reducing the stomach inflammation which all leads to better digestion and you can prevent health disorders like GERD and heartburn.
Collagen is a very important nutrient for your bone health and by adding that to your diet, you can get rid of joint pain. Collagen helps in making your bones flexible. There are various foods that are rich in collagen. Bone broth, salmon, and any source of meat is a good source of collagen. You can also add collagen peptides to your diet. They are pure powder form of collagen that can be mixed with any fluid.
Omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats help in improving your mental health by improving the structure of your neurons. Mental disorders are at times caused by a lack of nutritional things in your diet. This can damage you cognitive thinking as well. So by consuming healthy foods, you can improve your mental health.
So now when you are aware of the benefits that you can have by adding nutrient-rich foods in your diet. It's time to discuss what foods should be a part of your diet. There are certain foods that are not good for your health. Foods that contain added sugar, oil, and processed meat should be avoided. Here are some foods that you should consume.
Low in carbs and high in nutrition value. This is what perfectly describes seafood. Salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, and sardines are among the most consumed fishes in the world.
Milk, cottage cheese, and cheese are some of the dairy foods that should be in your diet as they are rich in calcium and protein.
Chicken, beef, turkey, fish, goose, and duck are some of the meat sources that you can consume. They are rich in protein and many other nutrients.
Vegetables and fruits are good for digestion and skin. They contain soluble fibers and natural sugars that help in reducing the inflammation of our body.
These are some of the benefits that you can have by consuming nutrient-dense foods. So by now, you should understand how important nutrients are for our health. Avoiding them and consuming junk food because they look good is not a good deal for you and your health. So start adding these healthy foods to your diet and improve your health.