Diabetes Walking faster linked to ‘significantly lower risk’ of developing type 2 diabetes

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/nov/28/walking-faster-linked-to-significantly-lower-risk-of-developing-type-2-diabetes

Fwd: Covid Special Report

Good and scary info that we should all be aware of.  Get the booster shots asap.  Stay healthy!   👍🏼👍🏼

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: National Geographic <ng@email.nationalgeographic.com>
Date: Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 3:25 PM
Subject: COVID SPECIAL REPORT: How this virus attacks your body

The latest science on how COVID affects your sleep, your heart, and your nervous system  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌    ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  

 

COVID AND YOUR SLEEP VIEW ONLINE

COVID AND YOUR SLEEP

THE LATEST SCIENCE ON HOW COVID HARMS YOUR BODY More than three years after the pandemic began, scientists are still learning how this virus attacks our bodies, from our hearts to our brains—and even how we sleep. Here's the latest on what we know so far, including intriguing new insights into the mysteries of long COVID.

PHOTOGRAPH BY RECEP-BG, GETTY IMAGES COVID-19 can ruin your sleep in many different ways—here's why Nightmares. Days without sleep. Waking in a panic in the middle of the night. Sleeping for 18 hours a day. As COVID-19 swept through the global population, so too did reports of sleep disruptions both during an infection and in the weeks and months beyond. Here's what scientists are learning about the havoc that viruses and bacteria wreak on sleep. HOW COVID ALTERS SLEEP

MICROGRAPH BY STEVE GSCHMEISSNER, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Why does COVID-19 cause brain fog? Scientists may finally have an answer. Nearly 40 percent of long COVID patients suffer from the condition that causes disorientation, memory loss, chronic headache, and numbness. Destroyed connections between brain cells may be to blame. HOW COVID CAN DAMAGE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Now we know how COVID attacks your heart Even patients with mild COVID symptoms could face a higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Here's what researchers have discovered. COVID AND YOUR ARTERIES JAMES CAVALLINI, SCIENCE SOURCE How COVID can interfere with your period There could be temporary disruptions to your cycle after the vaccine—or more significant issues after a severe bout of COVID-19. 'FUNKY EVER SINCE'

PHOTOGRAPH BY ZOWY VOETEN, GETTY IMAGES Why the new COVID shot is a game-changer (and why the term 'booster' is obsolete) The latest vaccine formula is available in local pharmacies now. Here's why it matters—and everything you need to know about it. VACCINE FAQ

Read more:

• Why it's good to feel bad after your COVID shot • Can you use an expired test? How long do you isolate? Here's a COVID refresher.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER COVID?

PHOTOGRAPH BY CAROLYN VAN HOUTEN, THE WASHINGTON POST/GETTY IMAGES Have we solved the mystery of long COVID? New research offers an intriguing clue. Nearly 1 in 5 people who have had COVID-19 in the United States continue to suffer from symptoms of long COVID. But why some people recover completely while others remain sick has been a mystery. Now research has provided some enticing clues. WHAT WE KNOW

How to be prepared while hiking — Dog watches over missing hiker’s body for 2 months in Colorado mountains, rescuers say - Miami Herald

See excerpts further below 👇🏼 for good advice on hiking prep.  

Dog watches over missing hiker's body for 2 months in Colorado mountains, rescuers say - Miami Herald

https://apple.news/A8EsJ46kwSv-zgevW0SyHEQ

How to be prepared while hiking
If you're planning to hike, the National Park Service says there are 10 essentials you should take: 

Navigation: Pack a map, compass and a GPS system. Make sure you study your route beforehand and understand how to use the tools. ​ 

Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat can help protect your skin and eyes from UV rays. ​ 

Insulation: A jacket, hat, gloves, raincoat and thermal underwear can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. ​ 

Illumination: A flashlight, lantern and headlamp can create light if you get stuck in the dark — and don't forget to pack extra batteries.​ 

First-aid supplies: It's a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand while hiking. Check the expiration date on items before you pack them.​ 

Fire: Matches and a lighter can help start fire to act as an emergency signal in times of need. ​ 

Repair kit and tools: Duct tape, a knife, screwdriver and scissors can be helpful if items break during your hike or you need assistance. ​ 

Nutrition: You should pack an extra day's worth of food in case something goes wrong. Park officials recommend having "salty and easy to digest snacks." ​ 

Hydration: You should drink water often and before you feel thirsty if you're hiking in hot weather. Keeping your body hydrated is "of utmost importance," park officials said.​ 

Emergency shelter: Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn.

How to deal with bears

Great advice about how to deal with bears 🐻 — see below.   They can be very dangerous ⚠️ 

Black bear smells take-out food on Florida home's front step — and takes it, video shows - Miami Herald

https://apple.news/Ap_zIU22tRn6x7Pauuhx2bQ

What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack. 

 Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you're a human and nonthreatening. ​ 

Stay calm: Bears usually don't want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear. ​ 

Don't scream: Screaming could trigger an attack. ​ 

Pick up small children: Don't let kids run away from the bear. It could think they're small prey. ​ 

Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people. ​ 

Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don't make any sudden movements. ​ 

Don't drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection. ​ 

Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out. ​ 

Again, don't run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would. ​ 

Don't climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

PATIO DRAINAGE SYSTEMS FOR EXISTING CONCRETE

PATIO DRAINAGE SYSTEMS FOR EXISTING CONCRETE

What are the solutions for existing patios?

If you have an existing concrete patio that does not have a drainage system, it's not too late to install one. Where the water tends to collect, cut out a sloping channel in the concrete to direct the water away, filling it with decorative stone or gravel.

Instead of gravel, you can also have a trench or channel drain made of metal installed. These drains are typically just a few inches wide and allow water to pass through, but keep out debris. They are installed flush with the surrounding patio so they won't be a triping hazard.

A more radical yet effective solution is to reestablish the pitch of the patio slab by installing a cement-based overlay. On this project, the pitch of the patio was corrected by installing an overlay ranging from 4 inches down to under an inch. The overlay was placed in sections separated by integrally colored borders to add decorative interest

https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete-patio/drainage.html

Your eyes are very vulnerable to the sun. Here’s how to protect yourself. - National Geographic

Good advice! 👍🏼   Your eyes are very vulnerable to the sun. Here's how to protect yourself. - National Geographic


https://apple.news/A6bHPeeQ4TQ-ix8-FPNXx1A

Sept 11th: Here’s when the updated COVID vaccine is expected to become available — and who should get it - ABC News

"Many health care providers recommend that people 65 and over get a second dose a few months after the initial shot to boost immunity."

Here's when the updated COVID vaccine is expected to become available — and who should get it - ABC News


https://apple.news/AoMy_2RcoRvW2oDdtyul_nQ

How to survive an encounter with wildlife—from bears to bison - National Geographic

Quite useful tips about how to handle dangerous wildlife encounters! 👍🏼

How to survive an encounter with wildlife—from bears to bison - National Geographic


https://apple.news/A2cWacHMLTTKQGkDk4uGAvA

Using stem cells, doctors restored vision to people with devastating eye injuries - NBC News

Fascinating 🧐!   Using stem cells, doctors restored vision to people with devastating eye injuries - NBC News


https://apple.news/AsxZ_K8KdRS2CJhvm31Y9bg

People with Alzheimer’s disease tend to be deficient in these 5 nutrients that ‘help keep brains in top condition at all ages,’ researchers say - FORTUNE

Great advice about foods to eat to avoid Alzheimer's — more and varied fruit, nuts, fish. 👍🏼 - Lee

People with Alzheimer's disease tend to be deficient in these 5 nutrients that 'help keep brains in top condition at all ages,' researchers say - FORTUNE


https://apple.news/APk0H4YS4SsG_eBYWbH-04w

These bizarre worms are probably coming to a backyard near you - National Geographic

Don't pick up a hammerhead worm with your bare hands. Their slime can stick to you and make them difficult to pick up, and they can wriggle away and split themselves to reproduce, he adds.

You can pour table salt on them, and dispose of them with gloves or scoop them away with a shovel. You can also let them soak in a container of 1:1 mix of bleach and water. Toss them out with household trash, and don't put them in compost, where their eggs could live on.

These bizarre worms are probably coming to a backyard near you - National Geographic


https://apple.news/AbeJmfM3NSOOkujT5cZChww

Forget 10,000 Steps. Here's How Much Science Says You Actually Need to Walk - TIME

Walking just 4,000 steps per day—less than half of the 10,000 steps often recommended for maintaining an active lifestyle—may be enough to help extend your life. 

Researchers found that more movement is better, with each additional 1,000 steps per day associated with a roughly 15% lower risk of premature death. But it joins a growing body of research that suggests workouts don't need to be all that grueling or lengthy to improve your health. Everything from walking to housework to dancing can contribute to well-being, studies have shown.

Forget 10,000 Steps. Here's How Much Science Says You Actually Need to Walk - TIME


https://apple.news/ACyzSrblYSZKrOY5IjIb82g

Leprosy could be endemic in Central Florida, researchers say. Here's what to know. - CBS News

Fuckin Florida 🤢!  Leprosy could be endemic in Central Florida, researchers say. Here's what to know. - CBS News


https://apple.news/AtArTSKheQZC8mUuPsWNlOA

Cardiologists reveal snacks they’d never eat and what to choose instead - TODAY

Late night snacks are especially unhealthy, he says.

"My No. 1 recommendation to every patient who walks in my office is not to eat after dinner," Kraus tells TODAY.com.

"It's just going to get stored. Your body doesn't need it … so it's unnecessary calories going in your body. It also interrupts sleep if you eat too close to going to bed."

Cardiologists reveal snacks they'd never eat and what to choose instead - TODAY


https://apple.news/AiYgGxKtkT4S0B_a8oNLjcw

Wish I knew this stuff for Mom — Does Medicare pay for assisted living? Understand what's covered—and your other options - FORTUNE

Wish I knew this stuff for Mom Angie — but it's helpful to know for the future in case one of us needs this stuff later as we age.  For me, I'm planning to stay in my own home or on a cruise ship 🛳️ (or a karate dojo or nature hike or dance floor) until the very end… lol 😝 

Does Medicare pay for assisted living? Understand what's covered—and your other options - FORTUNE


https://apple.news/A45pyMiTCQrKc78hWn0ZKHw

Cancer? Food and beverage products that mention aspartame on their labels - Reuters

The WHO say's aspartame is a possible carcinogen, but FDA says it's ok in moderation.  Confusing, yes.  But one thing they all agree on:  switching back to sugar is very bad for weight, diabetes, and other major health issues.  

Better to drink unflavored soda water (club soda) - make your own! - and just no sugar in your desserts.  

See below for Food and beverage products that mention aspartame on their labels - Reuters

https://apple.news/A4mtKNFkrTiiH58f_O61_zg

Fwd: Watch out for this voice replication scam!

Hello!  

I just wanted to share about this horrible scam that is going on now where they simulate the voice of a family member in crisis on the phone (as well as their caller id).  It happened to a friend of mine (Tomer from my work), and he shared it with folks on our team (see email below).  

There are two solutions to this:  (1) have a secret question/answer that you use to verify it's really you, and (2) call the person directly to verify (but sometimes you can't reach them).  Check out the video link on youtube below.  Good luck! 

Best,

Lee

 

From: Tomer Ozari

Sent: Thursday, June 8, 2023 12:18 PM
To:  Science team
Subject: Voice replication scam

 

Everyone,

 

This is the voice replication scam that I mentioned during our meeting today.  It is very stressful especially for older people who are targeted, as my family was impacted this week.  The best thing to do is to have a secret question during the initial call with the impersonator and also to independently call the person being impersonated.  These things are difficult to remember given the shocking content of the scam and if the person being replicated is unavailable to answer the phone.

 

https://youtu.be/V6_jCGzR020

 

Tomer

Think About Your Death and Live Better - The Atlantic

This is actually a key to happiness 😊.  A good read with some thought exercises about how to live better, make better choices, and live more in the moment. 

Think About Your Death and Live Better - The Atlantic


https://apple.news/AuX8JO5MdSOOmqYFypTnJXw

A retired FBI agent on how to protect yourself during a mass shooting - NPR

Good advice:  Run Hide Fight

Mass shootings are less than 1% of all firearms injuries in the U.S. annually. More people are killed in their homes and neighborhoods than in public venues. 

A retired FBI agent on how to protect yourself during a mass shooting - NPR


https://apple.news/AA3-Xrus2QSCmcHwD5gi3EQ

Could AI save the Amazon rainforest? - The Guardian

Could AI save the Amazon rainforest? - The Guardian


https://apple.news/AXLatkRDWQTaCUXo6O8b3fw

The Worst Plane Seats You Should Never Pick When Flying - HuffPost

The Worst Plane Seats You Should Never Pick When Flying - HuffPost


https://apple.news/Ahm1Z7TD4T82k1whogUztEg

AR-15: The lethal weapon at heart of US gun debate - BBC News

Hi-  Although I hate AR-15 assault rifles in the hands of civilians and the mass shootings where they have been used -- it is helpful to read this from the BBC to understand the history, statistics, and culture around this gun so we can better fight for common sense gun laws.  

Unfortunately it appears there are millions of these in circulation within the USA. This gun is essentially an improved version of the M16 service rifle used by the military in the Vietnam War.  Apparently, there are increases in buying levels whenever there are shootings because (a) gun companies pump up fear of restrictions, and (b) people think they need it for protection against the criminals. Ugh 😣 - Lee

https://apple.news/AGblSiaKzRgiJq_5TjxBQqg

California population winners and losers: Why some counties boomed and others shrank - Los Angeles Times

Interesting 🤨. Open the interactive version of the map and click on counties to see how they increased or decreased in population. 🧐 Ventura County decreased.  

California population winners and losers: Why some counties boomed and others shrank - Los Angeles Times


https://apple.news/Al6P25uqFT-aW6z0HzbCd2A

Don’t Delay These 5 Primary Care Visits | One Medical

Don't Delay These 5 Primary Care Visits | One Medical


https://www.onemedical.com/blog/healthy-living/dont-delay-these-5-primary-care-visits/

What is the healthiest fruit? This one is high in antioxidants and has cognitive and cardiovascular benefits. - USA TODAY

Excellent article about fruits in general. What is the healthiest fruit?  Wild blueberries are best — get 'em from TJ's freezer section.  It's high in antioxidants and has cognitive and cardiovascular benefits. 

https://apple.news/AS9P5wlvATlW95fCB8HFrzQ

Stretching This Small Muscle Can Make Knee And Back Pain Vanish - Women’s Health

Similar to karate, these 4 hip stretches can really make a difference and reduce back and knee pain from constant sitting.  I'm going to do more of these stretches right away.  - Lee

Stretching This Small Muscle Can Make Knee And Back Pain Vanish - Women's Health

https://apple.news/ALnpwTKnUS5KdfWpb0YM7AA

Psoas Stretch Benefits

Prevent lower back pain. Because of its attachment to the lower back, opening up the psoas through stretches will help reduce pain, Lettenberger says.

Help daily mobility. By stretching the psoas frequently, you'll become more comfortable sitting in your chair to work every day, or standing and moving around.

Reduce hip pain. Stretching the psoas is helpful "if you're having pain in the front of your hip, especially when you're sitting for a long period of time," Lettenberger says.

Increase power. When you stretch your psoas, you'll likely gain more range of motion in the hips, Lettenberger says. You'll be able to jump higher, squat deeper, and possibly sprint faster because you have more of a hip extension, Lettenberger adds. Okay, I'm in!

Weight loss: What it's like to take Ozempic and Wegovy, from severe side effects to 50-pound losses - NBC News

Pros and Cons for this miracle Weight loss medicine — it sounds like it could really help, but some people have side effects:   What it's like to take Ozempic and Wegovy, from severe side effects to 50-pound losses - NBC News

https://apple.news/AKfRYi_LwTZqPXCjFrMWcpg

COVID isn't just infecting you—it could be reactivating viruses that have been dormant in your body for years - FORTUNE

More good reasons to avoid getting Covid! 😷 

COVID isn't just infecting you—it could be reactivating viruses that have been dormant in your body for years - FORTUNE


https://apple.news/A5KC-odROSm6R4latAwnQTA

What is needle spiking, what travelers should know: 'You always think it won’t happen to you' - USA TODAY

Hi,

Watch out!  This is a disturbing trend on the rise.  People are getting pin prick injections of drugs by criminals who target them.  It's not just spiking your drink these days (also dangerous), now they are passing by you and doing quick injections! 

What is needle spiking, what travelers should know: 'You always think it won't happen to you' - USA TODAY

https://apple.news/AfwO4dhQ5SsaTV8AEGsQzPg

For anyone traveling or studying abroad who potentially hasn't encountered the threat before, being aware that needle-spiking is a very real possibility is the most important thing, according to Mackie. 

He added that tourists have been targets of spiking because they're often carrying passports, cash or other valuables. And the holiday season poses a high risk, he said, as people attend frequent parties and travel increases.

But it's not about living in fear, Mackie said. Know the symptoms of spiking: dizziness, confusion or loss of consciousness and unusual behavior such as lack of self-control. 

Travel safety tips

► Make a plan: It's important to make a plan of action before a night out in case an attack happens, including never putting your drink down (make sure you can see your drinks being poured and transported to you), using the buddy system (especially in unfamiliar venues), saving international emergency numbers, and looking up local hospitals just in case. 

Mark Cuban: Don't use credit cards—if you do, 'you don't want to be rich' - CNBC

Great advice! 😃

Mark Cuban: Don't use credit cards—if you do, 'you don't want to be rich' - CNBC


https://apple.news/AO9V6mWaDQJeUHFLg9CRFhw