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KY_EnviroGuy
KY_EnviroGuy's Journal
KY_EnviroGuy's Journal
March 12, 2020
Fire Trump and Pence and put this lady in charge.
Can I have a show of hands (or winks)?..........
Love those Italian grandma cooking videos on the YouTube........
Hell, for two weeks of study, we could all become experts at Italian cuisine!
March 12, 2020
1. Because household humidity is typically lower than desirable in the winter, I like to use the bottles of inexpensive nasal saline spray to moisten my sinuses and nasal cavities. This assists our system to expel dust, germs and viruses by thinning the mucus. Those things saved my butt many times during my days of busy air travel where the air is extremely dry.
2. Periodic use of a netti pot or rubber syringe to irrigate our sinuses and nasal cavities can rid our mucus system of infectious germs and irritants. I use a baby ear syringe and a homemade saline solution recommended by my ENT specialist.
3. Deep breathing during a hot shower can help us clear thickened mucus from our bronchial system and lungs. We also use just a pot of steamy water on the stove, or a Vicks brand personal vaporizer ($30 at drugstores) that works really well.
Note that these are the methods I've used for many years and may or may not work for you. If in doubt, consult an ENT doctor.
(cross-posted to GD)
KY.........
The importance of keeping our airways moisturized and flushed.
Airway moisturizing and cleansing:1. Because household humidity is typically lower than desirable in the winter, I like to use the bottles of inexpensive nasal saline spray to moisten my sinuses and nasal cavities. This assists our system to expel dust, germs and viruses by thinning the mucus. Those things saved my butt many times during my days of busy air travel where the air is extremely dry.
2. Periodic use of a netti pot or rubber syringe to irrigate our sinuses and nasal cavities can rid our mucus system of infectious germs and irritants. I use a baby ear syringe and a homemade saline solution recommended by my ENT specialist.
3. Deep breathing during a hot shower can help us clear thickened mucus from our bronchial system and lungs. We also use just a pot of steamy water on the stove, or a Vicks brand personal vaporizer ($30 at drugstores) that works really well.
Note that these are the methods I've used for many years and may or may not work for you. If in doubt, consult an ENT doctor.
(cross-posted to GD)
KY.........
March 12, 2020
The importance of boosting our immune system to the very best it can be....
with a good balanced diet and herbs and vitamins if needed and desired, and stay hydrated.
I think it's up to each individual to study this subject and make decisions based on your individual dietary environment, special health needs and the medications you take (some rob us of nutrients).
Regarding supplements, perhaps at a minimum if your situation allows (*) would be a quality multivitamin, a Vitamin C booster (or lots of citrus fruit) and a Vitamin D supplement. Your doctor or pharmacist should be willing to help make these decisions.
I also take a lot of herbal products for a number of health issues and for general health maintenance but won't mention any of those here because it can be quite controversial. In addition, those are best chosen by each individual based on his/her research.
There's tons of info on the web, but be sure to use those based at a respected university or hospital, or health research organization that's not trying to sell you something.
There's also thousands of good books available on preventative nutrition - all at your local library or on-line outlets like B&N or Amazon.
(cross-posted from GD)
KY...........
(*) For example, I have a highly sensitive system to some nutritional supplements, many prescription drugs and some OTC medications. I wanted a controlled amount of Vitamin B12 to help my depression, but standard OTC capsules gave me way too much and made me hyper and sleepless. I found that a kid's chewable multivitamin contained the standard RDA for B!2, and each day I break one in half to get just enough.
March 12, 2020
Dermatologists tell us our skin has a protective oily & acidic layer that protects our skin from irritation and infections. When we use lots of soap, alcohols or other harsh chemicals on our skin, we can make things worst in the long run if we don't do proper follow-up care.
From Wikipedia on Sebaceous gland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_gland#Sebum
(snip)
This is a good primer on dry skin from Wikipedia as a starter:
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xeroderma
Excerpt:
(cross-posting from GD)
Note that airway and dietary moisture (water or saline) and skin moisture (sebum, acids and lipids) are two totally different animals.
KY............
The importance of keeping our skin moisturized.
Skin moisturization:Dermatologists tell us our skin has a protective oily & acidic layer that protects our skin from irritation and infections. When we use lots of soap, alcohols or other harsh chemicals on our skin, we can make things worst in the long run if we don't do proper follow-up care.
From Wikipedia on Sebaceous gland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_gland#Sebum
(snip)
Immune function and nutrition
Sebaceous glands are part of the body's integumentary system and serve to protect the body against microorganisms. Sebaceous glands secrete acids that form the acid mantle. This is a thin, slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin that acts as a barrier to microbes that might penetrate the skin. The pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 6.2, an acidity that helps to neutralize the alkaline nature of contaminants. Sebaceous lipids help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and supply vitamin E to the skin.
Sebaceous glands are part of the body's integumentary system and serve to protect the body against microorganisms. Sebaceous glands secrete acids that form the acid mantle. This is a thin, slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin that acts as a barrier to microbes that might penetrate the skin. The pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 6.2, an acidity that helps to neutralize the alkaline nature of contaminants. Sebaceous lipids help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and supply vitamin E to the skin.
This is a good primer on dry skin from Wikipedia as a starter:
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xeroderma
Excerpt:
Xeroderma
Xeroderma, xerosis or xerosis cutis, or simply dry skin, is a skin condition characterized by excessively dry skin. The medical term xeroderma is derived from the Greek words meaning dry skin.
In most cases, dry skin can safely be treated with emollients or moisturizers. Xeroderma occurs most commonly on the scalp, lower legs, arms, hands, the knuckles, the sides of the abdomen, and thighs. Symptoms most associated with xeroderma are scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching, and skin cracking.
Causes
Xeroderma is a very common condition. It happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. This causes the skin to lose moisture and it may crack and peel. Bathing or hand washing too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, can contribute to xeroderma. Xeroderma can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, systemic illness, severe sunburn, or some medication. Xeroderma can be caused by choline inhibitors. Detergents such as washing powder and dishwashing liquid can cause xeroderma.
Prevention
Today, many creams and lotions, commonly based on vegetable oils/butters, petroleum oils/jellies, and even lanolin are widely available. As a preventive measure, such products may be rubbed onto the affected area as needed (often every other day) to prevent dry skin. The skin is then patted dry to prevent removal of natural lipids from the skin.
Treatment
Repeated application (typically over a few days) of emollients or skin lotions/creams to the affected area will likely result in quick alleviation of xeroderma. In particular, application of highly occlusive barriers to moisture, such as petrolatum, vegetable oils/butters, and mineral oil have been shown to provide excellent results. Many individuals find specific commercial skin creams and lotions (often comprising oils, butters, and or waxes emulsified in water) quite effective (although individual preferences and results vary among the wide array of commercially available creams). Lanolin, a natural mixture of lipids derived from sheep's wool, helps replace natural lipids in human skin and has been used since ancient times (and in modern medicine) as among the most powerful treatments for xeroderma. However, lanolin is a common allergen. Also, pure lanolin is a thick waxy substance which, for many individuals, proves difficult and inconvenient for general use on dry skin (especially over large areas of the body). As a result, many formulated lanolin products, having a softer consistency than pure lanolin, are available.
(cross-posting from GD)
Note that airway and dietary moisture (water or saline) and skin moisture (sebum, acids and lipids) are two totally different animals.
KY............
March 12, 2020
Trump is but a symptom. The rot goes back many decades.....
....in my recollection starting with Richard Nixon and it has worsened throughout my adult life.
Many decades ago, Republicans set out to essentially reduce the functionality of governments at all levels to an absolute minimum, while cutting taxes to bare bones and shifting all social functions over to private commerce and industry.
They've done this slowly and methodically and few in the public felt the knife in their back. In fact, they have taught a sizable percentage of Americans to enjoy the pain and participate in the destruction. Now, we're paying the price.
After watching this happen very slowly for most of my life, I never thought I would live to see Republican's mischief backfire big-time, but here we are.
But why aren't millions protesting in our streets because hundreds of small community clinics and hospitals have closed and poor children are going hungry, for example?
Sorry to sound like a sad, bitter old man but that's exactly where I'm at today........
That's what I get for paying attention.......
KY rant done.....
March 11, 2020
Modern wars, disease, climate change and economic inequality have destroyed healthy, functioning ancient cultures around the globe.
KY............
Afghanistan's hangover from U.S./Russian wars and now coronavirus...
(many thanks to DUer Metalbot for posting this link earlier today in another thread)
Coronavirus disrupts festive season in Afghanistan
Fears of COVID-19 spilling over from Iran put Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare system to test
Shadi Khan Saif 09.03.2020
Link to story: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/coronavirus-disrupts-festive-season-in-afghanistan/1759483
(snips)
Afghanistan woke up to face the grim challenge posed by COVID-19 at least three months after the virus was first detected in China in December 2019.
The eminent threat eventually forced Afghan authorities to act when the virus came knocking on the country’s western border with Iran after Tehran announced its first cases in February. Public Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz confirmed the first positive case in Afghanistan on Feb. 24.
++++
Fragile health system put to test
In its latest report, the Doctors Without Borders said over 40 years of conflict and instability have left Afghanistan’s economy and infrastructure in ruins and millions dependent on humanitarian assistance.
According to the report, issued on March 5, Afghans today still struggle to get access to healthcare services due to pervasive violence, widespread poverty and a weak public healthcare system.
With its meager resources, the Afghan government has earmarked some $25 million for measures to battle a potential spillover of the virus from Iran and its spread in the country of some 35 million inhabitants. One 200-bed hospital has been dedicated for it in the capital Kabul, and two more in the provinces of Herat and Nimroz, bordering Iran.
Coinciding with the surge in suspected and positive cases of coronavirus in Iran, the number of Afghans returning from there has also surged phenomenally. According to the country’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, more than 50,000 Afghans returned from Iran in the past two weeks alone.
Still, according to health officials, only a few people are considering the health advisories and taking measures such as wearing masks, frequently washing their hands and parting ways with the deep-rooted tradition of warm greetings -- which usually include a hug and strong handshake among men and kisses on the cheeks followed by a handshake among women.
“The level of awareness is still very low. My people are vulnerably exposed to the virus,” Dr. Nazeer Ahmad, a member of the coronavirus control committee, told Anadolu Agency.
The eminent threat eventually forced Afghan authorities to act when the virus came knocking on the country’s western border with Iran after Tehran announced its first cases in February. Public Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz confirmed the first positive case in Afghanistan on Feb. 24.
++++
Fragile health system put to test
In its latest report, the Doctors Without Borders said over 40 years of conflict and instability have left Afghanistan’s economy and infrastructure in ruins and millions dependent on humanitarian assistance.
According to the report, issued on March 5, Afghans today still struggle to get access to healthcare services due to pervasive violence, widespread poverty and a weak public healthcare system.
With its meager resources, the Afghan government has earmarked some $25 million for measures to battle a potential spillover of the virus from Iran and its spread in the country of some 35 million inhabitants. One 200-bed hospital has been dedicated for it in the capital Kabul, and two more in the provinces of Herat and Nimroz, bordering Iran.
Coinciding with the surge in suspected and positive cases of coronavirus in Iran, the number of Afghans returning from there has also surged phenomenally. According to the country’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, more than 50,000 Afghans returned from Iran in the past two weeks alone.
Still, according to health officials, only a few people are considering the health advisories and taking measures such as wearing masks, frequently washing their hands and parting ways with the deep-rooted tradition of warm greetings -- which usually include a hug and strong handshake among men and kisses on the cheeks followed by a handshake among women.
“The level of awareness is still very low. My people are vulnerably exposed to the virus,” Dr. Nazeer Ahmad, a member of the coronavirus control committee, told Anadolu Agency.
Modern wars, disease, climate change and economic inequality have destroyed healthy, functioning ancient cultures around the globe.
KY............
March 11, 2020
Published: March 11, 2020 at 10:59 a.m. ET
By Tonya Garcia
The retail giant is making shifts to its supply chain to meet increased demand
Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/walmart-may-cut-store-hours-to-combat-coronavirus-and-says-a-kentucky-associate-has-tested-positive-2020-03-11?mod=coronavirus
Excerpts:
(cross-posting to GD)
KY.........
Walmart may cut store hours to combat coronavirus & says a KY associate has tested positive
Walmart may cut store hours to combat coronavirus and says a Kentucky associate has tested positivePublished: March 11, 2020 at 10:59 a.m. ET
By Tonya Garcia
The retail giant is making shifts to its supply chain to meet increased demand
Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/walmart-may-cut-store-hours-to-combat-coronavirus-and-says-a-kentucky-associate-has-tested-positive-2020-03-11?mod=coronavirus
Excerpts:
A Walmart Inc. associate in Kentucky has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, the company said Wednesday while announcing potential store-hour restrictions at 24-hour locations even though traffic is rising.
Walmart (WMT, -3.360%) said its stores are cleaned daily, including sanitizing high-touch areas and assigning one associate who is responsible for key areas throughout the day.
The company is also looking into ways to more easily sanitize shopping carts and exploring the possibility of shutting its 24-hour locations to make time for additional cleaning. The retail giant is also considering store-hour restrictions at 24-hour locations as an additional precaution, even as traffic rises.
++++
The retailer is offering up to two weeks pay to staff who work at stores, offices or distribution centers that may be part of a mandated quarantine.
Associates who are not feeling well are encouraged to stay home. Walmart is waiving its attendance policy for associates through the end of April.
Walmart (WMT, -3.360%) said its stores are cleaned daily, including sanitizing high-touch areas and assigning one associate who is responsible for key areas throughout the day.
The company is also looking into ways to more easily sanitize shopping carts and exploring the possibility of shutting its 24-hour locations to make time for additional cleaning. The retail giant is also considering store-hour restrictions at 24-hour locations as an additional precaution, even as traffic rises.
++++
The retailer is offering up to two weeks pay to staff who work at stores, offices or distribution centers that may be part of a mandated quarantine.
Associates who are not feeling well are encouraged to stay home. Walmart is waiving its attendance policy for associates through the end of April.
(cross-posting to GD)
KY.........
March 11, 2020
Published: March 11, 2020 at 10:59 a.m. ET
By Tonya Garcia
The retail giant is making shifts to its supply chain to meet increased demand
Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/walmart-may-cut-store-hours-to-combat-coronavirus-and-says-a-kentucky-associate-has-tested-positive-2020-03-11?mod=coronavirus
Excerpts:
(cross-posting to Economics)
KY.........
Walmart may cut store hours to combat coronavirus & says a KY associate has tested positive
Walmart may cut store hours to combat coronavirus and says a Kentucky associate has tested positivePublished: March 11, 2020 at 10:59 a.m. ET
By Tonya Garcia
The retail giant is making shifts to its supply chain to meet increased demand
Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/walmart-may-cut-store-hours-to-combat-coronavirus-and-says-a-kentucky-associate-has-tested-positive-2020-03-11?mod=coronavirus
Excerpts:
A Walmart Inc. associate in Kentucky has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, the company said Wednesday while announcing potential store-hour restrictions at 24-hour locations even though traffic is rising.
Walmart (WMT, -3.360%) said its stores are cleaned daily, including sanitizing high-touch areas and assigning one associate who is responsible for key areas throughout the day.
The company is also looking into ways to more easily sanitize shopping carts and exploring the possibility of shutting its 24-hour locations to make time for additional cleaning. The retail giant is also considering store-hour restrictions at 24-hour locations as an additional precaution, even as traffic rises.
++++
The retailer is offering up to two weeks pay to staff who work at stores, offices or distribution centers that may be part of a mandated quarantine.
Associates who are not feeling well are encouraged to stay home. Walmart is waiving its attendance policy for associates through the end of April.
Walmart (WMT, -3.360%) said its stores are cleaned daily, including sanitizing high-touch areas and assigning one associate who is responsible for key areas throughout the day.
The company is also looking into ways to more easily sanitize shopping carts and exploring the possibility of shutting its 24-hour locations to make time for additional cleaning. The retail giant is also considering store-hour restrictions at 24-hour locations as an additional precaution, even as traffic rises.
++++
The retailer is offering up to two weeks pay to staff who work at stores, offices or distribution centers that may be part of a mandated quarantine.
Associates who are not feeling well are encouraged to stay home. Walmart is waiving its attendance policy for associates through the end of April.
(cross-posting to Economics)
KY.........
March 11, 2020
Statement
KY...........
Three TSA Officers at Mineta San Jose International Airport have tested positive.
TSA statement on COVID-19 at SJCStatement
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:20 a.m. ET
“TSA confirms that three Transportation Security Officers who work at Mineta San Jose International Airport have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The officers are receiving medical care and all TSA employees they have come in contact with over the past 14 days are quarantined at home. Screening checkpoints remain open and the agency is working with the CDC, as well as the California Department of Public Health and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to monitor the situation as well as the health and safety of our employees and the traveling public. We will update as more information becomes available.”
KY...........
March 11, 2020
The cold and flu season is already challenging the country's blood supply, and as the number of COVID-19 cases grows in the U.S, the shortage could get worse.
Author: Senait Gebregiorgis (WHAS 11)
Published: 6:38 PM EDT March 10, 2020
Found at (local): https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/red-cross-urging-people-to-give-blood-amid-coronavirus-concerns/417-011c1be6-5b96-442b-84e1-87e3a751aad7
Article:
(cross-posted in Health)
KY.........
Red Cross urging people to give blood amid coronavirus concerns
Red Cross urging people to give blood amid coronavirus concernsThe cold and flu season is already challenging the country's blood supply, and as the number of COVID-19 cases grows in the U.S, the shortage could get worse.
Author: Senait Gebregiorgis (WHAS 11)
Published: 6:38 PM EDT March 10, 2020
Found at (local): https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/red-cross-urging-people-to-give-blood-amid-coronavirus-concerns/417-011c1be6-5b96-442b-84e1-87e3a751aad7
Article:
The American Red Cross is urging anyone who is eligible to give blood in the midst of the growing coronavirus cases in order to prevent shortages. "The only blood that patients in the hospitals receive is through a voluntary donation," account manager and donor recruiter, Pam Greer-Ullrich with River Valley Region's American Red Cross said.
The cold and flu season is already challenging the country's blood supply. "Patients who are in accidents, who have burns, who are ill with cancer and other diseases that require a blood transfusion continue to still need that blood," Greer-Ullrich said.
According to Greer-Ullrich, there's been over 50 blood drives organized by hosts that have been cancelled in the United States. Organizers expect to see that number grow in the midst of the coronavirus scare. "As donors enter a blood drive area we're asking them to use hand sanitizer, but we continue to use our protocols for wiping down donor-touched areas," Greer-Ullrich said.
The Red Cross is closely working with health officials to monitor the outbreak, but nevertheless, the need continues. "When you donate a unit of blood, that unit of blood has the potential to save up to three lives," Greer-Ullrich said.
According to The Red Cross there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by blood transfusion. "Donors should not be afraid to donate blood or receive blood – it is a safe process," Greer-Ullrich said.
The Red Cross said there are no reported cases of transmissions for any respiratory virus including the coronavirus, but out of an abundance of caution, the organization is asking eligible individuals to hold off on donating for 28 days if:
*They traveled to China, and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea.
*They were diagnosed with COVID-19.
*They were in contact with a person diagnosed of COVID-19 or in contact with a person suspected to have it.
"We supply 40 percent of the blood across the country and it's vital that we continue to supply the blood to the hospitals so that patients continue to receive the care they need," Greer-Ullrich said.
The cold and flu season is already challenging the country's blood supply. "Patients who are in accidents, who have burns, who are ill with cancer and other diseases that require a blood transfusion continue to still need that blood," Greer-Ullrich said.
According to Greer-Ullrich, there's been over 50 blood drives organized by hosts that have been cancelled in the United States. Organizers expect to see that number grow in the midst of the coronavirus scare. "As donors enter a blood drive area we're asking them to use hand sanitizer, but we continue to use our protocols for wiping down donor-touched areas," Greer-Ullrich said.
The Red Cross is closely working with health officials to monitor the outbreak, but nevertheless, the need continues. "When you donate a unit of blood, that unit of blood has the potential to save up to three lives," Greer-Ullrich said.
According to The Red Cross there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by blood transfusion. "Donors should not be afraid to donate blood or receive blood – it is a safe process," Greer-Ullrich said.
The Red Cross said there are no reported cases of transmissions for any respiratory virus including the coronavirus, but out of an abundance of caution, the organization is asking eligible individuals to hold off on donating for 28 days if:
*They traveled to China, and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea.
*They were diagnosed with COVID-19.
*They were in contact with a person diagnosed of COVID-19 or in contact with a person suspected to have it.
"We supply 40 percent of the blood across the country and it's vital that we continue to supply the blood to the hospitals so that patients continue to receive the care they need," Greer-Ullrich said.
(cross-posted in Health)
KY.........
Profile Information
Gender: MaleHometown: TN, KY
Home country: USA
Current location: KY
Member since: Thu Jul 6, 2017, 07:43 PM
Number of posts: 14,490
