Date of Award:
Master of Science (MS)
Ellis W. Lamborn
Meat is important in the American diet. Money spent for meat ranks as the largest single item in the family food dollar. Various studies indicate that the proportion of the food dollar spent for meat ranges from 25 to 30 percent. Such foods as dairy products and fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables calculated as separate groups account for a smaller single percentage than meat. Dairy products, the one of next importance to meat, account for approximately 18 percent of the consumer's food dollar.
Evans, William Duane, "Factors Influencing Meat Consumption in the Home, Cache and Box Elder Counties, Utah, 1965-1966" (1967). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 2972.
Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .


Did you know that when a muscle is inactive, the blood goes around it instead of through it? Just another reason to get moving!
Some of these same good bacterial species are used to ferment milk, and it’s these cultures that give yogurt its texture and tart flavor. They also process much of the milk sugar, called lactose, during fermentation, which is why yogurt usually doesn’t bother people with lactose intolerance.
Eating yogurt helps maintain the microflora in the gut, optimizing digestion and keeping harmful bacteria in check. Ever noticed how a course of antibiotics is often followed by a bout of diarrhea? This is because antibiotics kill off all the bacteria in the gut–the bad stuff and the good–leaving the gastrointestinal tract compromised. Fortunately, yogurt can help counteract this imbalance.
Furthermore, this food is a good source of nutrients, including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Whole milk yogurt also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an essential fatty acid with cancer fighting properties, especially beneficial in preventing breast and colon cancers. And CLA has been shown to increase fat metabolism, helping the body convert fat to lean muscle.


"Let justice roll down like waters , and righteousness as an everflowing stream." Amos 5:24
This Bible verse was used by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the days immediately before his death as he was marching in the streets with the sanitation workers of Memphis, TN. He was making the connection between systemic injustices that resulted in physical harm and undue burden on the sanitation workers. As Dr. King said,
“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
It’s striking the similar cord struck by John Muir when he stated,
“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.”
At its foundation, protecting our environment is a moral quest seeking justice not only for the natural world, but also ourselves and future generations due to our intricate ties to each other and the natural world. Often, it is the most vulnerable and politically disadvantaged communities that bear the brunt of negative environmental impacts from pollution. This environmental injustice and environmental racism is unfair and immoral. It typically manifests in three primary forms:
- Environmental burdens are greater in a specific geographical area that is comprised primarily of people of a specific race or income level.
- Specific groups of people are intentionally left out of decision-making regarding environmental issues in their own communities.
- Lack of enforcement or proper oversight in specific areas renders meaningless the regulations meant to protect members of the community.
Beyond the environmental injustices we witness borne by the impoverished and communities of color, poor stewardship of the environment also represents an immense injustice to the most voiceless of populations: the unborn generations that will follow in our footsteps here on Earth.
A task force of community and environmental advocates seeks to raise awareness among state policy-makers about cases of environmental injustice and environmental racism in Maryland in hopes of addressing these issues through legislative action. Read more about this task force here. The task force developed two fact sheets to provide more information about environmental injustice in Maryland:
Communities of faith bring a moral voice that upholds life in all its forms, and demands that a healthy environment, safe water, clean air, and properly enforced regulations are equally ensured for all, regardless of race, income level, educational level, etc. Pope Francis also touched on this in his encyclical, Laudato Si':
"We are not faced with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the underprivileged, and at the same time protecting nature." (139)
The following 2017 bills are considered to be Environmental Justice bills because they address an issue that disproportionately impact a particular group of people who are more susceptible or more vulnerable to the degradation.
- Stay tuned! We will update this section as the state legislative sessions takes shape.


Arctic sea ice reached its annual maximum extent on March 18, after reaching an initial peak early in the month and declining briefly. Ice extent for the month as a whole was higher than in recent years, but still below average.
As the melt season begins, researchers look at a variety of factors that may contribute to summer ice melt. While the maximum extent occurred slightly later than average, the new ice growth is very thin and likely to melt quickly. Ice age data indicate that despite the higher extent compared to recent years, the winter sea ice continues to be dominated by younger and thinner sea ice.
Figure 1. Arctic sea ice extent for March 2012 was 15. 21 million square kilometers (5.87 million square miles). The magenta line shows the 1979 to 2000 median extent for that month. The black cross indicates the geographic North Pole. Sea Ice Index data. About the data
Credit: National Snow and Ice Data Center
Overview of Conditions
Arctic sea ice extent in March 2012 averaged 15.21 million square kilometers (5.87 million square miles). Ice extent this March ranked ninth lowest out of the 34 years of satellite data for the month, but it was the highest March average ice extent since 2008 and one of the higher March extents in the past decade. Ice extent was 530,000 kilometers (205,000 square miles) below the 1979 to 2000 average extent, and 780,000 square kilometers (301,000 square miles) above the record low for the month, which happened in 2006.
Ice cover remained extensive in the Bering Sea, where it has been above average all winter. Ice extent was also higher than average in Baffin Bay, between Greenland and Canada, and the Sea of Okhotsk, east of Russia. These conditions stemmed from a combination of wind patterns and low temperatures. Air temperatures were 6 to 8 degrees Celsius (11 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit) below average over the Bering Sea, Baffin Bay, and parts of the Sea of Okhotsk, at the 925 millibar level (about 3,000 feet above sea level). View a map of Arctic regions.
In the Kara Sea, where ice extent had been below average during January and February, ice extent rebounded to near-average levels in March. Winds that had been pushing the ice cover back shifted, allowing areas of open water in the Kara Sea to freeze over and the ice to spread out. Ice extent in the Barents Sea remained well below normal. In both the Barents and Kara seas, temperatures remained above normal by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius (7 to 11 degrees Fahrenheit).
Figure 2. The graph above shows daily Arctic sea ice extent as of April 2, 2012, along with the ice extents for the previous four years. The current year is shown in light blue, 2010-11 is in pink, 2009-10 in dark blue, 2008-09 is in purple, and 2006-2007, the year with the record low minimum, is dashed green. The gray area around the average line shows the two standard deviation range of the data.Sea Ice Index data.
Credit: National Snow and Ice Data Center
Conditions in context
Overall, the Arctic gained 140,000 square kilometers (54,000 square miles) of ice during March. Typically, March has been a month of net ice loss (an average of 260,000 square kilometers [100,000 square miles] for 1979 to 2000), but the last three Marches have had net ice growth. At its maximum extent on March 18, Arctic sea ice extent was within two standard deviations of the average, a measure that scientists look at as an estimate of the natural range of variability for the data.
Over the past thirty years of satellite data, the day of the maximum has varied by over six weeks, occurring as early as mid-February and as late as the end of March. However, even with so much variability, there is a small trend towards later maximum ice extents. This year’s maximum ice extent continued that trend, occurring 12 days later than average.
It is not clear why the maximum ice extent would happen later, given that in general, ice extent is decreasing. One possibility is that the lower winter ice extents might make it easier for ice to continue growing later in the season. With lower winter extents, a late cold snap or northerly wind could spread ice southward over ocean that would normally be ice-covered at that point. Researchers do not expect the late maximum ice extent to strongly influence summer melt. The ice that grew late this winter is quite thin, and will melt rapidly as the sun rises higher in the sky and the air and water get warmer.
Figure 3. Monthly March ice extent for 1979 to 2012 shows a decline of 2.6% per decade.
Credit: National Snow and Ice Data Center
March 2012 compared to past years
Arctic sea ice extent for March 2012 was the 9th lowest in the satellite record, but the highest since 2008 and one of the highest March extents in the past decade. Including the year 2012, the linear rate of decline for March ice extent over the satellite record is 2.6% per decade.
Figure 4. This image, from the NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), shows extensive sea ice cover in the Bering Sea on March 18, 2012. For more details and a full-resolution image, visit the NASA Earth Observatory Web site.
Credit:NASA image by Rob Simmon based on data from Jeff Schmaltz, NASA GSFC.
High ice extent in the Bering Sea
In the Bering Sea, off Alaska, ice extent reached a record high for the month of March. Persistent winds pushed the sea ice southward and froze more seawater into ice.
As winds from the north pushed Arctic ice southward through the Bering Strait, the ice locked together and formed a structurally continuous band known as an ice arch, which acts a bit like a keystone arch in a building. The ice arch temporarily held back the ice behind it, but as the winds continued, the arch failed along its southern edge, and ice cascaded south through the strait into the Bering Sea. Sea ice also piled up on the northern coast of St. Lawrence Island, streaming southward on either side of it.
Figure 5. Ice age data show that first-year ice made up 75% of the Arctic sea ice cover this March. Thicker multiyear ice used to make up around a quarter of the Arctic sea ice cover. Now it constitutes only 2%.
Credit: NSIDC courtesy J. Maslanik and M. Tschudi, University of Colorado
Ice age data shows thin ice cover
One key predictor for summer ice melt is the amount of old, thick ice in the Arctic at the end of the winter. Some ice thickness data are available from satellites, but these records are short and discontinuous. Data from the NASA ICESat satellite covers only 2003 to 2009, and the new European Space Agency CryoSat satellite began collecting data in 2011. So researchers look at ice age data as one indicator of Arctic sea ice thickness. Older ice that has survived multiple melt seasons tends to be thicker than newly formed ice.
Ice age data this year show that the ice cover remains much thinner than it was in the past, with a high proportion of first-year ice, which is thin and vulnerable to summer melt. After the record low minimum of 2007 the Arctic lost a significant amount of older, thicker ice, both from melting and from movement of ice out of the Arctic the following winter. In the last few years, the melt and export of old ice was less extreme than in 2007 and 2008, and multiyear ice started to regrow, with second and third-year ice increasing over the last three years.
After the near-record melt last summer, second-year ice declined again, but some of the ice that had survived the previous few summers made it through another year, increasing the proportion of third- and fourth-year ice. However the oldest, thickest ice, more than four years old, continued to decline. Ice older than four years used to make up about a quarter of the winter sea ice cover, but now constitutes only 2%. First-year ice (0 to 1 years old) this year makes up 75% of the total ice cover, the third highest at this time of year in the satellite record. In 2008 the proportion of first-year ice was 79%, and in 2009 it was 76%.
Figure 6. The top image shows a decline in upper-atmosphere winds (solid line) over the last 30 years that mirrors the decline in sea ice over the same time period (dashed line). The bottom image shows the expected change in trajectory of the jet stream (dotted line) compared to the current jet stream trajectory (solid line).
Credit: Jennifer Francis, Rutgers University
Rapid Arctic warming and mid-latitude weather
The Arctic has warmed about twice as fast as the rest of the Northern Hemisphere in recent decades. Summer Arctic sea ice has declined by 40%, and snow is melting earlier in spring on the surrounding land. This dramatic change in the climate system is expected to affect weather patterns well beyond the confines of the Arctic—but researchers are working to understand exactly how those changes are affecting other regions.
New research by Jennifer Francis of Rutgers University and Steve Vavrus of the University of Wisconsin suggests that warming in the Arctic is causing weather patterns in mid-latitudes to become more persistent. This persistence can lead to conditions like heat waves, cold spells, drought, flooding, and heavy snows. The researchers found that as temperatures in the Arctic warm and become closer to temperatures in lower latitudes, the waves of the jet stream tend to spread out, and west-to-east winds slow down in the upper level of the atmosphere (where storm tracks form). Both of these effects tend to slow the progression of weather patterns, which means that a weather pattern, whether hot or cold, is more likely to stick around.
Francis, J.A. and S.J. Vavrus. 2012. Evidence linking Arctic amplification to extreme weather in mid-latitudes. Geophysical Research Letters, 39, L06801, doi:10.1029/2012GL051000.
Francis, J.A. 2012. Linking weird weather to rapid warming of the Arctic. Yale Environment 360, http://e360.yale.edu/feature/linking_weird_weather_to_rapid_warming_of_the_arctic/2501/
Kwok, R., T. Pederson, P. Gudmandsen, S. Pang. 2010. Large sea ice outflow in the Nares Strait in 2007. Geophysical Research Letters, 37, L03502, doi:10.1029/2009GL041872.
Sodhi, D. S. 1977. Ice arching and the drift of pack ice through restricted channels, Rep. 77‐18, Cold Reg. Res. and Eng. Lab., Hanover, N. H.


Websites We Like!
Here are some websites that we find helpful.
Learning and Attention:
Learning Disabilities Association of America ldaamerica.org
The International Dyslexia Association https://dyslexiaida.org/
National Center for Learning Disabilities http://www.ncld.org/
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder http://www.chadd.org/
Literate Nation http://literatenation.org/
The Reading League http://www.thereadingleague.com/
Children of the Code http://www.childrenofthecode.org/
Eye to Eye http://eyetoeyenational.org
Autism and ASD:
CDC Links: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/links.html
Autism Spectrum Disorders/Asperger Syndrome:
Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism: HTTPS://WWW.IIDC.INDIANA.EDU/?PAGEID=601


This is a classical survey on the growth of the Christian Church and propagation of Christianity in Asia Africa, Europe, Americas & Australasia; from A.D. 1 to A.D. 1878, encapsulated in 4 volumes. Although the survey is comparatively brief vis-a-vis the then existing Manuals on the subject, yet it provides the unique and in-depth exhibition of the basic foundation of ecclesiastical studies. This all-time classic is a product of Author’s broad & impartial investigation, extensive learning, immense & painstaking research; so as to dig out reliable information to cover each and every aspect of History of this genre. This exceptionally crafted work incorporates Religious Movements, Sects, Theological Science, Spiritual Life & Propagation, Beliefs, Charitable Societies; Political, Civilizational, Social & Cultural Events; Poetry, Scriptures, Art & Archaeology; Regional Studies; Biographies of Remarkable Men, etc., to provide a better view of this intriguing and panoramic History of the Church. The Author provides a handy tool for readers’ better understanding by giving quotations, references, footnotes, chronological tables, ecclesiastico-geographical maps, and a comprehensive list of the sources of information.
As a translation of the original German work, the translators have taken special care to remove any ambiguity by frequently departing from the exact terminology of the original language and giving importance to Author’s ideas and intentions. While doing the same no passages of the original have been either altered or omitted, rather with additions, corrections, and amplifications the translators have put in every effort to make it an easy-to-read guide with intellectual substance.
This companion to the Church History exhibits Scientific & Historical Introductions to Christianity; explores influence of the Catholic and Protestant Missions that were carried out in various parts of the world aimed to convert the inhabitants to Christianity, and civilizing them. It also spells out the relationship between Catholics and Protestants. Lastly, it briefly gives an account of the events occurring from the Peace of Westphalia down to the then Modern Times.
This peerless presentation also includes General Index, Additions & Corrections, and Folded Maps (Coloured). The work is addressed as a textbook for Seminaries & Theological Colleges/Universities and for the departments of Theological/Religious Studies at the Universities, worldwide, for teachers and students alike; also a must read for Historians, Jurists, Statesmen, Artists, Philosophers, Christian Laity, Church Clergies, and Researchers.


What vaccines do dogs need?
Why do dogs need vaccinations?
Just like humans, regular vaccinations against common diseases are important to help your dog build their immune systems and keep them healthy.
Dog vaccinations work by giving your pet a small sample of the disease, encouraging them to create antibodies. Once your dog has the antibodies, they’ll be better prepared to fight off the disease if they come across it again.
Do dogs need annual vaccinations?
A puppy’s initial set of vaccinations comes in three stages: the first at eight weeks, the second at 12 weeks and a third at 16 weeks. Make sure you keep all the details of your pup’s vaccination history.
After their initial set of vaccinations, dogs will need annual booster injections to ‘top up’ their immunity and protect them against harmful diseases.
Common dog vaccinations include:
- Canine parvovirus (parvo)
- Canine infectious hepatitis
- Kennel cough (parainfluenza)
- Rabies (if you plan to take your dog abroad)
How much do annual dog vaccinations cost?
Dog vaccinations are not usually covered by pet insurance. This means you’ll have to pay for annual dog injections yourself. The cost of dog vaccinations and dog booster injections can vary from vet to vet, however the cost is usually far less than the cost of treatments for the diseases they prevent.
You could also ask your vet to recommend pet health club plans and subscriptions that cover the cost of annual vaccinations and other treatments not covered by your insurance, instead of paying as you go.
Some pet insurance policies will require your dog to have certain vaccinations to be covered fully. Make sure to check the terms of your pet insurance policy carefully so you know what injections your pet needs.
Does my dog need vaccinations before being neutered?
Most veterinary clinics will ask that your dog is fully vaccinated against all common diseases at least three-four weeks before they get neutered. This is to help protect them against infections after surgery.
Be sure to ask your vet about which dog vaccinations they recommend before booking your pup in to be neutered.
Are there any side effects to dog vaccinations?
Just as you might get a few side effects from a human vaccination jab, your dog may feel a little under the weather for a few days after their own vaccine or booster injection. This isn’t usually anything to worry about, however if symptoms persist beyond a few days, or they are showing signs of an allergic reaction, take your dog back to the vet for a check-up.
Some common side effects to dog vaccinations include:
- Low energy (sleeping more)
- Lack of appetite
- Sneezing and cold-like symptoms
- Fever (high temperature)
- Slight swelling where they had the injection
Less common dog vaccination side effects might include:
- Itchy or inflamed skin
Rare side effects of dog vaccinations include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Cold extremities (ears, legs and feet)
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat
If you think your pet might be having an allergic reaction, take them to the vet immediately.
Dog and puppy insurance can help you give your dog the best possible care. Find out more about pet cover options and get a free quote today.
When you select ‘get a free quote’ you will be directed to the website of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (RSA). We only promote M&S Pet Insurance exclusively from Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (RSA). We will introduce you to RSA who arrange, administer, and underwrite M&S Pet Insurance.
Vaccinations are not covered by M&S Pet Insurance. To learn more about what is and is not covered by M&S Pet Insurance read the policy wording for full details.
Published February 2023


A Listeria outreak in apples has killed seven people and hospitalized 31, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has trace the outbreak to Bidart Bros. apple-packing plant in California.
While apples are the second most popular fruit in America, according the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, outbreaks linked to apples are rare, due to the natural hard surface of the fruit, which, prevents bacteria from entering the fruit, says Doug Powell, PhD, a former professor of food safety in the U.S. and Canada who publishes barfblog.com.
In a Yahoo! Health article, Amy Rushlow quotes Prof. Powell: “Fresh fruits and vegetables are probably the biggest source of foodborne illness today in North America, and that’s because they’re fresh — we don’t cook them — so anything that comes into contact has the potential to contaminate.” Powell especially sounds caution about the following five fruits and vegetables, which have been linked to a significant number of foodborne illness outbreaks over the past years:
1. Sprouts: A 2011 outbreak in Germany killed more than 50 people and sickened more than 4,000. In late 2014, more than 100 Americans became ill after eating sprouts tainted with E. coli. Sprouts are particularly prone to bacteria because they germinate in a high-temperature, high-moisture environment — the same environment where germs thrive. The CDC recommends that pregnant women, children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems avoid eating raw sprouts. Cooking sprouts destroys harmful bacteria.
2. Cantaloupe: Cantaloupes’ porous rinds allow bacteria to enter the fruit. In addition, the fields where cantaloupes are grown are often flooded, resulting in the fruits sitting in water that may have come downstream from a livestock operation.”
3. Leafy greens: Bacteria becomes trapped on the inner leaves as the head is forming, and leafy greens are difficult to wash effectively. Over the past several years in the U.S., bags of romaine lettuce, prepackaged salad mix, spinach, and spring mix have all been linked to E. coli outbreaks.
4. Tomatoes: There are several ways for germs to enter the fruit of the tomato, including via groundwater or through the water tomatoes are plunged into to give them a little shine.
5. Garnishes, such as green onions, cilantro, and parsley: Green onions and other herbs and vegetables used as garnishes are at high risk for outbreaks because we typically don’t cook them.
However, Powell advises that while there is no one measure that will keep you completely safe, a few small steps can add up such as rinsing fresh produce, and cooking then when you can.
Source: Yahoo! Health


See more: An illustrated version of this article will be published within the next two weeks on our CultureLab books and arts blog
In Mathematical Excursions to the World’s Great Buildings, Alexander J. Hahn puts historical landmarks to the test of algebra
IN THE 14th century, every decent European city needed a Gothic cathedral, and Milan was no exception. Several years after construction began, however, the masons noticed that the foundations of the church were unsound. They called in a German master builder who reviewed their plans and told them what the problem was – that the proportions of their Duomo were based on the triangle rather than the square, as convention dictated. He was correct, but not for the reasons he thought.
As Alexander J. Hahn explains in Mathematical Excursions to the World’s Great Buildings, “the Gothic concept of structure relied on geometric and numerical relationships and not on the considerations of loads, thrusts, and stresses”. Theologians thought of God as a geometer, and artists showed Him designing the cosmos with a compass. All that was necessary to engineer a sound building, architects believed, was the proper application of divine proportions.
Theologians thought of God as a geometer; artists showed Him designing the cosmos with a compass
Modern architects rely on algebra and calculus. Hahn turns these tools on historical structures from the Parthenon to the Hagia Sophia to St Paul’s Cathedral, revealing how they hold up and explaining the causes of visible contortions and cracks. Sometimes these insights shed light on aesthetic qualities, such as the unique arrangement of the Hagia Sophia’s domes. More engrossingly ...


One of the most useful pieces of information that I am able to share with clients is Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory. Explained simply, it is a really powerful way for us to understand and regulate how we feel, moment by moment. This is the fourth in a series of blogs about how our nervous system drives our emotions, our thoughts and our behaviour.
What IS the vagus nerve?
Vagus, meaning “wanderer,” is aptly named. From the brain stem at the base of the skull, the vagus travels in two directions: downward through the lungs, heart, diaphragm, and stomach and upward to connect with nerves in the neck, throat, eyes, and ears. It’s a key part of our nervous system.
Just to put things in context, the autonomic nervous system is made up of two main branches, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic, and responds to signals and sensations via three pathways, each with a characteristic pattern of response.
- The sympathetic branch is found in the middle part of the spinal cord and represents the pathway that prepares us for action. It responds to cues of danger and triggers the release of adrenaline, which fuels the fight-or-flight response.
- In the parasympathetic branch, the remaining two pathways are found in the vagus nerve. The vagus is divided into two parts: The ventral vagal pathway and the dorsal vagal pathway.
- The ventral vagal pathway responds to cues of safety and supports feelings of being safely engaged and socially connected.
- In contrast, the dorsal vagal pathway responds to cues of extreme danger. It takes us out of connection, out of awareness, and into a protective state of collapse. When we feel frozen, numb, or “not here,” the dorsal vagus has taken control.
3 stages of evolution
Stephen Porges identified a hierarchy of response built into our autonomic nervous system , a key part of the evolutionary development of our species.
- The dorsal vagal is the oldest pathway, it reflects back to our ancient vertebrate or reptilian ancestors.
- The sympathetic branch was next to develop and controls the fight or flight reactions including an accelerated heart rate and inhibited digestion. These functions help prepare an organism’s body for the physical strain required to escape a potentially dangerous situation or to fend off a predator.
- The most recent addition, the ventral vagal pathway, brings patterns of social engagement that are unique to mammals. When we are firmly grounded in our ventral vagal pathway, we feel safe and connected, calm and social.
Below the level of awareness
Stephen Porges came up with the word neuroception to describe how our neural circuits distinguish whether situations or people are safe, dangerous, or life threatening. Neuroception explains why a baby coos at a caregiver but cries at a stranger, or why a toddler enjoys a parent’s embrace but views a hug from a stranger as an assault.
When we feel calm and safe and connected to other people, we experience the ventral vagal state. However even a small “neuroception” of danger can trigger us out of this state and backwards on the evolutionary timeline into the sympathetic branch. Here we are mobilised to respond and take action. Taking action can help us return to the safe and social state. It is when we feel as though we are trapped and can’t escape the danger that the dorsal vagal path- way pulls us all the way back to our evolutionary beginnings. In this state we are immobilised. We shut down to survive. From here, it is a long way back to feeling safe and social.
Importantly, these cues for safety and danger operate beneath our awareness. The three elements of our autonomic nervous system—ventral, sympathetic, and dorsal—act as our largely subconscious surveillance system, working in the background to read subtle signals of safety or threat.
An example from everyday life
For example, if you enter a loud, crowded bar and see strangers huddled together, laughing, you may unconsciously pick up cues of rejection which don’t really exist – they are laughing at me! In a millisecond, your sympathetic nervous system leaps into action, signaling you to turn round and leave the bar immediately feeling miserable and rejected.
Just as you head for the exit, you notice a girl who was at the bar breaking away from the crowd and walking toward you. She smiles warmly, extends her hand and introduces herself and invites you to come and meet everyone. Almost instantly, your breathing slows, your heart rate goes down, and your body relaxes into the experience of Ah, I’m safe now, I’m one of the crowd after all. Your nervous system has just guided you from a sympathetic state to a ventral vagal one, permitting what Porges calls your social engagement system to come fully online. You’re now calm, ready to connect—and maybe to get involved in a new conversation and make new friends.
My next blog looks at the polyvagal theory and trauma.
Need some advice and support?
If you are struggling with any of the issues raised in this article, or indeed any other emotional issues or life challenges and would like to talk things over in complete confidentiality, call Alison Winfield, Mindfully Well Counselling Cork on 087 9934541.
Book a counselling session today!


Rome’s lasting position as the birthplace of modern civilization has earned it the title of ‘the eternal city.’ Central to the brilliance of the Italian Renaissance, Rome has occupied an esteemed position for over two millennia.
Responsible for many of the greatest human innovations, Rome was the seat of global power for centuries, a feat that has since never been repeated.
Our Handpicked Choices
The Seat of Global Power for centuries & The Seat of the Italian Renaissance
Very few cities, if any, can claim to have had an impact on world history in the same way that Rome has.
Responsible for many of the greatest human innovations, Rome was the seat of global power for centuries, a feat that has since never been repeated. The founding of Rome has been set in legend. Ancient Roman historians attributed the founding of the great city to Romulus and Remus, suckled by a she-wolf as children; these brothers founded a settlement on the banks of the Tiber. Famously only Romulus would survive the early years of the towns founding and resultantly had it named after himself, Rome.
A line of seven Kings of Rome ended when the republic began and the Senate became the most powerful political body responsible for ruling the growing City State. During this storied period Rome accumulated vast wealth and power becoming the foremost Italian city on the peninsula. An act of defiance by the fabled Julius Caesar ended the rule of the republic and turned Rome into an empire ruled by one man. At the peak of the Roman Empire this glorious city was renowned for its awe-inspiring feats of human achievement. The Colosseum and Circus Maximus presided over a truly imperial city littered with buildings that even today evoke wonderment inside those in their presence. The Italian Renaissance that has provided us today with such timeless art masterpieces began in Florence but shifted to Rome with the patronage of Pope Alexander VI.
Rome’s art and cultural scene flourished during this period and Rome is now the proud home of eternally renowned pieces of art such as the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo and Raphael’s the School of Athens. When in Rome you will unquestionably be instilled with a sense of all that Rome has achieved as a city and the impact that it has had on the rest of human history.
With such a long and illustrious history Rome deserves its reputation as one of the most culturally enlightened cities in the world. A trip to Rome is not complete without visiting The Vatican, the independent State and head of the Roman Catholic Church. Although resplendent architecture has made the buildings a destination in themselves, the real beauty is found within the secretive walls of the Vatican City. Beginning in the 16th century the Roman Catholic Church began accumulating and sponsoring great works of art. This collection has unsurprisingly over the centuries become one the most comprehensive and spectacular in the world and the weight of their setting lends a unique air to the Vatican Museums. This is also where the Sistine Chapel is found, famous for its frescoes painted by Michelangelo, as well as the Swiss Guard, the famous protectors of the Pope and The Vatican.
Two of Rome’s most impressive cultural pursuits can be found in one location. The Villa Borghese, a stunning example of Classical Italian architecture, is worth a trip on its own, but this sublime villa also houses the Galleria Borghese, one of Rome’s most extensive collections of art. Here you will be able to admire works by Carvaggio and Titian in the beautiful setting of Villa Borghese.
The Pantheon is considered one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome and is one of the most impressive and imposing structures in a city filled with architectural beauty. Built by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE The Pantheon was converted into a church in the 7th century and remains a church to this day, housing the tombs of master painter Raphael and the United Italy’s first king Vittorio Emanuelle II. The Monumento Nazionale e Vittorio Emanuelle, although hard to miss due to its elevated position, is an example of a more contemporary but no less magnificent architectural masterpiece built to honor the first King of Italy.
A Nightlife of Fashion Executives
Rome’s nightlife is dominated by fashion executives, therefore it is no surprise the nightlife venues reflect their chic guests. Jackie O is a Rome institution that has been inhabited by celebrities and the international jet set community for decades. The whole venue has been designed to evoke emotion, this is no more evident than in the evening when you enter the discoteca.
La Maison is Rome’s most exclusive nightclub. Rome’s aristocracy are joined by the biggest names in the fashion industry at this ultra chic nightlife venue that unashamedly provides the most exciting party in town. A sultry interior is a reflection of the beautiful people that inhabit the venue at night.
The Simplicity of Fresh Ingredients
Italian cuisine is known globally for its fresh ingredients and simplicity, a combination that has made it adored by many. In Rome you will find some of the best examples of this delicious dining tradition. Agata E Romeo is a highly acclaimed restaurant run by married couple Agata Parisella and Romeo Caraccio. Although the emphasis is on the gourmet cuisine, the interior is elegantly refined and creates an overpowering sense of intimacy in this Roman staple. An endless selection of fine wines serves to complete your experience at this exceptional fine dining restaurant.
Il Pagliaccio’s cuisine is refined, unique and unmistakable. The menu shows creativity and the experience of a lifetime. It takes the world into the fusion of different tastes and flavours made by Anthony Genovese, with Francesco Di Lorenzo, for years at his side. With only 11 tables this conceptual restaurant has been designed for an elegant and intimate dining experience, an ambience that has unquestionably been achieved. Il Pagliaccio has become a powerhouse of the ultra competitive fine dining scene in Rome.
One of the best restaurants in Rome, if not in Italy, La Pergola is much more than just a famous menu. A wine cellar with over 53,000 bottles, a water menu with 29 choices, olive oils and vintage balsamic vinegars from the best producers in Italy, and the finest ingredients to be sourced in the Mediterranean -- all attest to the pursuit of culinary excellence. But nothing influences the character of an evening at La Pergola so much as Rome itself. Beyond the panoramic windows the Eternal City is spread beneath you. On summer evenings, on the candlelit terrace, the city shimmers; the Dome of St Peter's seems close enough to touch. In such a setting, with such a menu, La Pergola is one of the world's greatest dining experiences.
As Grand as Ancient Rome
Luxury hotels in Rome are as grand as some of the ancient buildings that they border. In these classic examples of luxury accommodation you will be pampered by with famous Italian service. The St. Regis Grand Hotel in Rome is a beautiful example of classic luxury applied to the modern world. Housed in an imposing medieval building you will find a stunning example of Louis XV interiors alongside every modern luxury you could possibly require. Dripping with ornate detail this hotel has the feel of a grand Roman Villa reserved for royalty. The tireless, first class service will do nothing to diminish this sense of grandeur and importance.
For over a century The Hassler, at the top of the Spanish Steps, has been recognized as one of Europe’s legendary independently-owned luxury hotels, synonymous with the highest quality of service, attention to detail and discretion. With beautiful terraces overlooking the mesmerizing landscape of the city of Rome and world class spa, The Hassler is one of Europe's top luxury hotels and the preferred destination for society's elite and world travellers.
Since 1906, The Westin Excelsior Rome has hosted celebrities, statesmen and artists visiting the Eternal City. The hotel enjoys a prime location in the celebrated Via Veneto district, and is known for outstanding service in an exceptional setting. The Hotel is one of the cities most imposing palaces, rich in history and located on one of the most celebrated and talked about streets of Rome: the legendary Via Veneto, nestled between the Spanish steps and the Borghese Gardens & Gallery.


Scroll down to the audio file at the bottom of the page and click on it to listen online or download for later. Enjoy the show!
“The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the panel and guests on the show. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Macmillan Publishers Limited.”
News and views
- Are learning styles a myth?
Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence by Harold Pashler, Mark McDaniel, Doug Rohrer, and Robert Bjork
- Is it rude to finish a text message with a full stop?
Exercise of the month
This exercise works well as a basic warmer or a vocabulary exercise and can be presented on an interactive whiteboard or an overhead projector or simply by cutting up sections of a large picture.
- Find a picture which tells a story or shows some kind of narrative progression.
- Divide the picture into several sections.
- Reveal each section of the picture one at a time. At each stage ask the students what they can see and what they think might be in the rest of the picture.
- The last section should reveal the end of the story.
- When you have completed revealing the picture, discuss any emergent language.
This activity practises modal verbs of speculation and other language related to speculation, e.g. perhaps, possibly, maybe. It works best if you can also revise other language you have studied in recent lessons (the picture used in the podcast can be used to describe people’s appearance).
Picture used in the podcast: The Child Hater by Ronald Searle (Punch 1954)
Word of the month
Inductive and deductive learning: Two distinct and opposing instructional approaches. In deductive learning, teachers introduce and explain concepts to students. In inductive learning, students are presented with examples of the concept and required to notice it for themselves.
Nicola Prentis talks about gender imbalance in ELT, the cult of ‘big name authors’ and how to prep for a conversation class.
A student approaches you at the end of class and explains they are applying for a job and would you mind having a quick look at their CV and cover email? You glance down and realize this is going to be more than a ‘quick check’. Both documents are going to need a complete overhaul. Your student needs to send it all off by the end of the week but you’re not sure you’ll have time to get the job done properly – and actually, this does feel a bit ‘beyond the call of duty’! You want to help, of course, but this is a BIG JOB.
What do you do?
- Is it appropriate to teach pronunciation topics like elision, intrusion and linking at lower levels?
- Do you ever use graded readers in class?
- Is there an alternative to the horseshoe?
DownloadsClick link to download and view these files
- Other, Size 47.98 mb


|Sarcophagus of Paul|
Sarcophagus of St Paul discoveredTuesday, December 19th, 2006
2006 has been a year of discoveries for Rome. New frescos, new archaeological finds and statues returned after years of foreign residence have made this year a hit parade of novelties.
But, as briefly reported here a week ago, this week the Holy See topped the charts as it announced the unearthing of the tomb (a sarcophagus) of St. Paul. Vatican archaeologist Giorgio Filippi actually found the tomb three years ago, but further research established that there is no doubt, the sarcophagus found under the pavement of the Basilica of St. Paul's is really that of the Apostle, as Filippi announced in a press conference last week (Monday).
Unlike St. Peter, whose traditional presence in Rome was supported by a paucity of factual evidence until the excavations under St. Peter's Basilica from 1939 to 1950, St. Paul's sojourn in Rome is well documented in the Acts of the Apostles. St. Paul was probably sent to Rome as a prisoner somewhere around A.D. 58 to 60 and spent several years among the early Christian community of Rome.
Eusebius of Caesarea tells us, Paul was beheaded by him [Nero], while tradition elaborates that the saint was martyred outside the city at a site now known as Tre Fontane, or the Three Fountains. This picturesque name is derived from the legend that when Paul was beheaded, his head bounced three times on the ground -- miraculously creating three fountains. A church has graced the spot since the fifth century and today it is a monastery.
St. Paul's body was taken a little closer to the city, along the Via Ostiense, or the main road toward the sea, and buried alongside this major thoroughfare. Eusebius also cites the third-century ecclesiastic Gaius who claimed that he can show you the trophies of the Apostles. If you will go to the Vatican or along the Via Ostiensis you will find the trophies of the founders of this church.
These trophies were simple, makeshift affairs meant to remain hidden from the eyes of Imperial persecutors. Only under Constantine were the apostles given due architectural homage. Great basilicas were erected over the simple tombs and the early graves were enclosed in the foundations of these churches.
The sarcophagus found by Giorgio Filippi was made slightly later, during the reign of Emperor Theodosius, the man who outlawed all other religious cults in 395, leaving Christianity the sole religion of the empire. The large marble sarcophagus was covered by a plaque bearing the inscription 'Apostle Paul Martyr'.
Thanks to the work of Filippi and the engineers of the church, the sarcophagus, hidden behind the plaque under several feet of cement, was brought to light and can now be seen by pilgrims to the basilica.
This discovery restores to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls its central purpose as the place where the faithful go to pray at the resting place of the great apostle.
Dante, Michelangelo, St. Philip Neri and millions of others never questioned the authenticity of the location until a fire in 1823 devastated the basilica. The dramatic rebuilding and the subsequent enclosing of the sarcophagus in a block of cement made the historical reality of Paul's martyrdom at Tre Fontane and his burial along the Via Ostiense seem dim and doubtful.
The excavations began in 2002 and today the sarcophagus found is on view for the faithful through a glass window laid into the floor. The remaining question is whether, as with the tomb of St. Peter, the remains of the Apostle Paul are still present. Catholics the world over had to wait 35 years from Pope Pius XII's announcement of the discovery of Peter's grave to the declaration that the bones had also been recovered.


In the 1990s cycling saw a number of unexplained deaths from heart attacks. It was surmised that many athletes were using/abusing EPO, the blood-boosting drug developed by Amgen in 1989. In 2007, the FDA just figured this out and is now issuing a warning about the abuse/overuse if EPO.
Are they paying attention?
The Food and Drug Administration issued strict new warnings yesterday about overuse of widely prescribed anemia drugs after a flurry of recent studies suggested they might cause heart problems or hasten the death of cancer patients.
The agency said that a “black box” warning — the strongest kind — had been added to the labels of the drugs and that doctors should use the lowest possible dose needed to help patients avoid blood transfusions.
It also said it was re-evaluating the validity of claims in the labels and in advertisements that the drugs can raise energy levels or otherwise improve a patient’s quality of life.
Almost one million Americans take one of the drugs, which are mostly used to treat anemia caused by kidney failure or chemotherapy. The drugs are darbepoetin alfa, sold as Aranesp by Amgen, and epoetin alfa, sold as Epogen by Amgen and as Procrit by Johnson & Johnson.
Both drugs are genetically engineered forms of erythropoietin or Epo, a substance made by the human kidney that increases the production of red blood cells, which ferry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Sales of the drugs worldwide totaled about $10 billion last year, making Epo the most lucrative product ever produced by the biotechnology industry. It is also the largest drug expense for Medicare, which spent $2 billion in 2005 just for the use of Epogen in kidney dialysis patients.


It seems that global warming causes everything. It is said to be simultaneously responsible for below average sea ice extent in the Arctic and record high sea ice extent in the Antarctic. Whether temperatures are warmer or colder, alarmists blame it on global warming. Such was the case last winter. When the circumpolar vortex dipped south to cause ‘usually” cold weather in North America, it was blamed on global warming. But was that cold spell really unusual?
Some researchers decided to find out by studying January temperatures for the period 1948-2013. The paper is:
Ballinger, T.J., Allen, M.J. and Rohli, R.V. 2014. Spatiotemporal analysis of the January Northern Hemisphere circumpolar vortex over the contiguous United States. Geophysical Research Letters 41: 3602-3608.
The paper was reviewed at CO2Science.com here.
The four U.S. researchers report that “the spatial features of the January 2014 USPV [United States Polar Vortex] were not extreme relative to certain 1948-2013 Januaries,” as they note that the USPV of January 2014 only ranked as having “the sixth most southerly latitude, tenth most westerly longitude, and seventh largest area.” Nor were the temperatures of the polar air the USPV brought with it ultra-extreme, as they say that the mean surface air temperatures of January 2014 were merely among “the coldest 10% of Januaries on record,” as recorded within the 120-year history of the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC, 2014) archive for several Midwestern and Southern states.
So, in spite of all the media hype, last winter’s cold spell was not unusual, not unprecedented, nor unnatural. And, it had nothing to do with global warming. It has to do with multi-decadal oscillations in atmospheric and oceanic circulation regimes, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation that can amplify or diminish longer term atmospheric warming or cooling. See The Stadium Wave Hypothesis.
There is also the minor detail that there has been no net global warming since 1998.


You’ve definitely heard your mom tell you to eat your fruits and vegetables to make sure you get your vitamins, but do you really know what vitamins are and how they work? This short video will tell you the different types of vitamins that our bodies use and will tell you where they are found, how they work, and what might happen if you get too much or too few of them. The main idea is that vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies can’t produce, but are found mainly in fruits and vegetables. Without these vitamins our bodies can’t perform the basic functions related to keeping our internal systems working. For example, scurvy was a common ailment of sailors because they didn’t have access to vitamin C, which is found in fruits. After long periods of not having this vitamin the sailors became sick but after eating a few oranges they quickly got better and were ready to work again. Just like not having vitamins can be bad for you, having too much can be bad too. There are different types of vitamins that our body processes differently, with some being stored in our fat and others digesting throughout systems quickly. After watching this video you should have a good idea of what vitamins do and you may be able to make sure that you get the right amount of the right kinds of vitamins in your diet.


The Plessy & Ferguson Foundation joins with McKenna Museums and Le Musée de f.p.c. on the 120 th Anniversary of the Plessy Decision, June 7, 2016, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
(Le Musee de f.p.c., 2336 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA)
On June 7, 1892, Homer Adolph Plessy was arrested for sitting in the “white” only car on the East Louisiana railroad, defying a local segregation ordinance. He later became the plaintiff in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court where the Justices decided against him in the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson case of 1896. May 18th marked the 120th Anniversary of the decision which legalized forced separation of the races.
Historians, legal scholars, and civil rights activists will discuss New Orleans at the forefront in the fight for civil rights. A relative of Homer Plessy, Keith Plessy will discuss his efforts to secure the Presidential Medal of Freedom for Homer A. Plessy. There will also be a special presentation by the American Judicial Alliance and entertainment by Carl Leblanc. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP http://www.facebook.com/plessyandfergusonfoundation


Recent interviews with security experts believe that the next major terror attack won’t be a bomb or a man wielding a gun. Instead, it’s likely that the next attack on the western world could be cyber. Imagine the damage crashing the stock market network would cause. Or perhaps, simply a DNS attack on key websites. A widespread DNS attack actually hit the net last year, taking out a number of key websites. Many businesses were left unable to perform on the market due to losing their space on the web index.
Technology has definitely brought to life a number of dangers that previously never existed. But, as well as being the disease tech could be the cure too and here’s why.
On The Cloud
One of the biggest threats to security is data theft. Once you have someone’s personal data you can target them in new, dangerous ways. For instance, you might find that you have enough information to bleed their accounts dry. Or perhaps access key information to steal from a company that they might own. Luckily, the cloud is more secure than your typical hard drive. As such, it is possible to keep information safe and out of the hands of criminals.
There are now whole teams put together to understand and dissect data. Using this data, it might be possible to recognise patterns and understand when a new terrorist attack might take place or even where. It is also possible to pinpoint the vulnerabilities of a location and places that might be targeted. This is based on the study geospatial intelligence. You can find more about this in the infographic below.
Credit to University of Southern California Online


Following the July 2022 release of the first James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) images — a haunting deep field of galaxies, its stunning picture of the Carina Nebula, the captivating beauty of Stephan’s Quintet and the Southern Ring Nebula — a flurry of other space images started widely circulating across social media platforms. That was when French Scientist Étienne Klein shared a picture of the closest star to the Sun, Proxima Centauri, on Twitter.
The trusted researcher said the shot was taken by the JWST and praised its level of detail; the image was shared thousands of times across social media. But not all about the picture was as it appeared to be. This wasn’t Proxima Centauri at all. It was, in fact, a rather mundane (albeit tasty, I’m sure) slice of chorizo sausage against a black background.
When this was exposed, and in the face of considerable backlash, Klein apologized for the incident, which was dubbed “Chorizogate.” The scientist pointed out that his intention for sharing the image was as a response to the wide dissemination of JWST images and to “urge caution regarding images that seem to speak for themselves.”
“Along the lines of the Chorizogate, I remember the infamous ‘cheese frier’ — or buñuelo in Spanish — image presented as an image of our Sun,” Luz Ángela García, a cosmology postdoctoral researcher at Universidad ECCI in Bogotá, Colombia, tells Astronomy. “Although I think it was pretty funny, and the resemblance is uncanny, such hoaxes could generate a skeptical and cynical view toward professional astronomy.”
García adds: “There is nothing wrong with noting that a high-resolution image of an astronomical object has similar patterns as a piece of chorizo. What is not correct is to present the latter as an authentic astronomical image.”
As Chorizogate perfectly exemplifies, the growth of the internet and the increasing dependency on social media for news has made the propagation of both genuine science and sham images very easy.
However, it would be wrong to believe that hoaxes in and around astronomy are limited to the era of the internet. Such falsehoods have been around much longer than that, perpetuated by even the most reliable sources.
The Great Moon Hoax
Beginning in August 1835, the New York Sun ran a series of six articles that would become the foundation of one of the greatest astronomy hoaxes of the modern age. The articles documented the supposed findings of legitimate astronomer Sir John Herschel — who, in 1834, traveled to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa to document the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. But the serialized story claimed that the English astronomer had also seen something else entirely.
The Sun described Herschel using a telescope lens 24 feet (7.3 meters) in diameter — at least six times larger than the biggest instrument available at the time — to spot vegetation, white sand beaches, bisonlike animals, and even a chain of pyramids on the Moon. A subsequent article added tiny reindeer and zebras, and even two-legged beavers to the lunar menagerie.
It was the fourth article that really took the cake: This is when the newspaper claimed that Herschel had spotted winged humans, dubbed “Vespertilio-homo” or man-bats, on the Moon. The “news” was widely re-reported across the globe.
“The Great Moon Hoax of 1835 is a terrific illustration of what happens when the media don’t exercise their journalistic responsibility to check stories for factual accuracy, or even engage in a hoax on purpose,” says astronomy professor Andrew Fraknoi of the The Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning at the University of San Francisco.
English journalist and editor Richard Adams Locke eventually confessed to authoring the series, saying he’d intended it as satire. He claimed that in the process of creating what were essentially science-fiction stories and tall tales, he had severely underestimated the gullibility of the public.
The War that wasn’t
In October 1938, a radio dramatization of War of the Worlds told the story of an alien invasion in the form of news broadcasts. Although not intentionally a hoax, it may have caused some people to panic.
The broadcast was part of Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre on the Air, which had been airing on CBS for 17 weeks. The story, based on the 1898 H.G. Wells novel of the same name, aired the week of Halloween with an introduction that clearly declared it a work of fiction.
Although these factors should have been dead giveaways, War of the Worlds supposedly caused at least some listeners to log calls with their local police departments, newspaper offices, and radio stations. How many is unknown; regardless of the true magnitude of the reaction, journalists began to report that the play had caused “nationwide hysteria.”
The reaction from the print media may have been overblown. Several newspapers used the incident to chastise radio producers and warn against the medium as a whole, which was growing in popularity as a news provider. The newspaper industry’s trade journal, Editor and Publisher, perhaps best echoed this sentiment when it wrote of the broadcast: “The nation as a whole continues to face the danger of incomplete, misunderstood news over a medium which has yet to prove … that it is competent to perform the news job.”
Welles purportedly faced questions for the rest of his life regarding his complicity in an attempt to perpetrate a space invasion hoax. His answers, according to Smithsonian Magazine, ultimately morphed from claims of innocents to tongue-in-cheek suggestions that he was well aware of the effect the broadcast could have on the public.
Doomsday 2012 and the planet Nibiru
By the early 2000s, the internet had began to sprout widespread claims that in December 2012, all life on our planet would be wiped out when Nibiru (sometimes called Planet X), a planet some four times the size of Earth, would slam into it.
The arrival of this supposed planet was linked to other end-of-the-world rhetoric, including the prognostications of Nostradamus and the supposed ending of the Mayan calendar in 2012.
The Mayan calendar categorically doesn’t end with December 2012. Instead, 2012 marks the end of one so-called “long count” and the beginning of another. And as for the planet, the fated collision of course never came to pass.
The truth is, it was never even a slight concern for astronomers.
“The Nibiru story began with claims that Nibiru, a planet purported to have been discovered by Sumerians as documented in ancient Sumerian texts, was headed toward Earth in 2012,” says Jeff Mangum, a scientist at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Charlottesville, Virginia. “Nibiru does not exist. The Nibiru myth is one of many hoaxes that use incorrect or misinterpreted astronomical information to propagate misinformation.”
Likewise, there is no evidence that Nibiru, purported by author Zecharia Sitchin in several books to orbit the Sun once every 3,600 years, even exists. In 2009, NASA Astrobiology Institute Senior Scientist David Morrison wrote in Astronomy Beat that the Sumerians left very little in the way of astronomical records and that they were, as culture, unaware of Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto. The Sumerians also likely did not even understand that the planets orbited the Sun.
“I think that astronomers have reached the point where we can offer extremely strong arguments that Nibiru does not exist,” Morrison wrote. “A large planet (or a brown dwarf) in our solar system would have been known to astronomers for many years, both indirectly from its gravitational perturbations on other objects and by direct detection in the infrared.”
Beware suspicious space stories
While many of these hoaxes and incidents are amusing, García warns there is a danger that they could be misleading and confusing for people unfamiliar with astronomy and she believes this could potentially pose a risk to astronomy as a field of science.
“It harms the credibility of science communicators and scientists alike. Chorizogate and some other fakes leave a stink in people’s minds that their taxes are not well spent, and the budget assigned to science/technology is not being used to fulfill a great purpose,” she says.
García acknowledges that social media is a strong and efficient tool to spread information quickly and reach a broad audience, but she suggests its power means we must be more on our guard for hoaxes than ever before.
“If social media managers and science communicators do not verify their sources or present fake facts in a deliberate way, they harm the ongoing outreach efforts of science journalists and scientists themselves around the world,” García concludes. “With great power comes enormous responsibility.”


Providing immediate and effective first aid to workers or others who have been injured or become ill at the workplace may reduce the severity of the injury or illness. In some cases it could mean the difference between life and death.
Laws surrounding first aid
The model WHS laws impose health and safety duties in relation to first aid. You can find details of those duties in the model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace.
The Code also has practical information about working out your first aid requirements, equipment, facilities and training needs.
First aid risk assessment
First aid requirements vary from one workplace to another, so you must consider all relevant factors at your workplace when deciding what first aid arrangements you need to have in place, including:
- the type of work being carried out
- the hazards at the workplace
- the size and location of the workplace (for example, the distance between work areas and response times for emergency services) and
- the number and composition of people at the workplace (for example, workers, contractors, subcontractors, volunteers and visitors).
A thorough first aid risk assessment that considers all of these factors will help you to decide what first aid arrangements to provide. Through this process it should become clear what first aid facilities, equipment and training are needed. Review your first aid risk assessment regularly in consultation with your workers to ensure your arrangements stay adequate and effective.
Equipment and personnel
You must give your workers access to:
- first aid equipment and facilities
- trained first aiders.
Keep first aid kits close to areas where there is a higher risk of injury or illness, as well as inside work vehicles if workers are expected to travel as part of their job.
The contents of first aid kits should be based on your first aid risk assessment. At a minimum, they should include equipment for providing basic first aid, but extra equipment may be needed depending on the nature of the work and workplace (for example, in remote areas or where there is a risk of certain serious injuries like burns).
A first aid risk assessment will also help you to decide if a first aid room is needed at your workplace. You should set up a first aid room if it would be difficult to provide first aid at your workplace without one. We recommend in low-risk workplaces a first aid room is provided when there are 200 or more workers, and in high-risk workplaces when there are 100 or more workers.
A trained first aider should hold a nationally recognised statement of attainment from a registered training organisation. Some workplaces may require more specific or advanced first aid training depending on the nature of the work or the workplace. First aiders should attend training regularly so their knowledge and skills are up-to-date.
As a rule of thumb there should be one first aider for every:
- 50 workers in low-risk workplaces (for example, an office)
- 25 workers in high-risk workplaces (for example, a construction site)
- 10 workers in remote high-risk workplaces (for example, a mine).
SWA is not a regulator and cannot advise you about first aid in the workplace. If you need help, please contact your state or territory work health and safety authority.


Acne is the most common disease of the skin and may be an important clue of an underlying types endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Cushing syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) or an androgen-secreting tumor (see Fig 1).
As board certified dermatologists, we should be able to distinguish which patients presenting with types of acne may need further evaluation for a possible underlying endocrinopathy. In this two-part series, we will be focusing on hormonal acne specifically related to PCOS, including the exam, work up, diagnosis, treatment and long-term implications of this syndrome.
PCOS is a complex disorder affecting 5-10% of reproductive-age women and is characterized by a state of hyperandrogenism and often hyperinsulinemia. It is the most common endocrine disorder in women and is a major cause of infertility due to lack of ovulation. Patients can present with a wide range of symptoms, which may make the precise diagnosis difficult.
Acne is a common skin manifestation but other potential findings may include hirsutism (increased terminal hairs in a male-pattern distribution, see Fig 2), scalp alopecia (see Fig 3), acanthosis nigricans and less frequently seborrheic dermatitis. Non-dermatologic symptoms and signs may include irregular menses (oligomenorrhea), hormone fluctuations, insulin resistance, polycystic ovaries and infertility.
Women with PCOS have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and other metabolic complications. Furthermore, during childbearing years women have an increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Thus, early diagnosis is important since there are many long-term consequences associated with this syndrome.
The underlying etiology of PCOS is not completely understood but it is likely multifactorial and due to a combination of genetic, endocrine and environmental factors. Growing data suggests a key component in the pathogenesis is a defect in the insulin pathway resulting in insulin resistance. The compensatory hyperinsulinemia is thought to promote a state of hyperandrogenism that is characteristically seen in this syndrome. Although PCOS was often considered a disease of obesity in the past, it is now known that patients with a normal or low body mass index (BMI) can also have this syndrome.
The diagnosis of PCOS is currently based on criteria from the 2003 European Society for Human Reproduction and American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ESRHE/ASRM) Rotterdam consensus meeting, which expanded the previous classification. At least two out of the following three criteria are required for diagnosis:
- Hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical)
- Polycystic ovaries by ultrasound (checking number of antral follicles and ovarian volume, [see Fig 4])
The first criterion of oligo-anovulation describes irregular menses with lack of proper ovulation. It is not abnormal for women of childbearing age to have some variation in menstruation (21-35 days), but if the patient regularly goes beyond 35 days without menstruating, it is considered oligomenorrhea. Amenhorrhea (complete absence of menstrual periods) may also be seen. Hyperandrogenism, the second diagnostic feature, can be seen clinically (acne or hirsutism on exam) or biochemically (laboratory studies showing elevated testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], see Fig 5). The third criterion is related to the chronic state of anovulation often seen in PCOS patients. Since no egg matures or is released due to the abnormal hormonal milieu, ovulation does not occur and the follicles accumulate in the ovaries. The increased number of small cysts have a polycystic appearance with a characteristic ‘string of pearls’ appearance on ultrasound of the ovaries.
Since a dermatologist may be the first or only physician a young female patient with hormonal acne sees, it is imperative for us to be aware of the clinical clues that suggest hyperandrogenism. First, it is important to inquire if the patient’s menstrual cycles are regular to screen for oligomenorrhea and potential anovulation. Be mindful if the patient is on an oral contraceptive pill, as this can mask underlying oligomenorrhea since the external hormones are essentially regulating the menstrual cycle. In addition to discussing the menstrual history, it is important to inquire about potential hirsutism by asking if the patient has noticed increased hair growth to the face (sideburn area, chin, upper cutaneous lip), chest, abdomen and/or inner thighs. Many patients do not realize that increased hair growth may be related to acne and often feel embarrassed to bring it up on their own. A third important feature to be aware of is hair loss to the scalp. It is not uncommon for patients to say they have noticed thinning of their hair or increased shedding, especially to the front of their scalp.
When examining the patient, the distribution of hormonal acne is important as it often involves the lower half of the face, especially along the jawline. Other suggestive features include the presence of terminal hairs with a male pattern distribution (see Fig 6), scalp hair loss with retention of the frontal hairline and excess weight. The pattern of hair loss is consistent with androgenetic alopecia (also known as female pattern hair loss) and there is often decreased hair volume with a noticeable widening of the midline part of the scalp (see Fig 7). Often, a significant variation in hair shaft diameter is seen on dermoscopic exam with this type of hair loss. Lastly, if the patient is overweight, it is not uncommon to see the presence of velvety hyperpigmentation on the lateral neck and axillae consistent with acanthosis nigricans (see Fig 8) due to a state of hyperinsulinemia.
If the evaluation points toward hyperandrogenism, laboratory evaluation and ultrasound imaging may be helpful to confirm the diagnosis. The second part of this series will focus on the remaining work up for PCOS and the different treatment options for hormonal acne.
Figures 1, 3, 5-8 Courtesy of Sima Jain, MD
Figure 2 Courtesy of Derm In-Review
Figure 4 Courtesy of NIH
Did you enjoy this post? Find more on Medical Derm topics here.


- The American Heart Association defined ideal cardiovascular health based on 7 risk factors.
- Ideal cardiovascular health is the presence of 7 factors and behaviors that increase the chance of living free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
- To get serious about cardiac health we must all get serious about nutrition since 5 of the 7 parts of ideal cardiovascular health are nutrition based. This observation provides a foundation for the AHA’s population-wide approach that encourages a healthy nutrition pattern.
The goal we all share is to stay healthy and not develop the all to common chronic life-style diseases that affects so many of us such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases -such as heart attacks and strokes. Unfortunately only about 3% of the US population can say they meet all components of ideal heart health. The percentage of the population reporting ideal cardiovascular health — defined as having optimal levels of all seven factors — was lowest in Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Mississippi and highest in Washington, D.C., Vermont and Virgininia.
Of great concern is that among “baby boomers” who were 65 or older reported the lowest percentage of ideal heart health while the 35-54 age group reported the highest percentage of ideal heart health.
The American Heart Association goal is, by the year 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent. The majority of the healthy heart components are directly related to a healthy nutrition pattern and clearly more work needs to be done in the promotion of healthier behaviors. Hippocrates, a Greek physician of the Age of Pericles, and Father of Western medicine said it best -more than 2,000 years ago: “let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food.” Sometimes the new is indeed the “old” relearned. The following are the components of optimal cardiovascular health (The Healthy 7):
- Never smoked or quit more than one year ago
- Maintain a body mass index under 25 kg/m2
- Stay physically active for at least 150 minutes at moderate intensity or 75 minutes at vigorous intensity each week
- Eat a healthy diet, matching at least four to five of the key dietary components recommended by AHA guidelines, such as low sodium, low sugar-sweetened beverage, high fiber, and fruit and vegetable intake.
- Keep total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL
- Maintain blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg
- Keep fasting blood glucose less than 100 mg/dL
Heart health is ultimately based on healthy nutrition
Most of the ideal cardiovascular health is ultimately based on healthy nutrition. A healthy nutrition pattern is a nutrient dense diet unique from the standard American or “Western” diet. A direct consequence of a typical American diet and over consumption of so-called: empty calories from refined carbohydrates, excess sodium, and hidden sugars are the twin epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Considered life-style diseases both obesity and diabetes are associated with an increased risk for the development of “hardening of the arteries” and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease –the number one killer of the adult population of Western societies.
Results of randomized controlled studies and large population studies now recognize that an overall healthy nutrition “pattern” as opposed to a focus on single foods or any individual nutrient as fundamental to a good health and optimal cardiovascular health. The Harvard School of Public Health Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), one of the most respected and long-term population studies on the relation of lifestyle and nutrition to major health outcomes like cardiovascular mortality and cancer clearly demonstrated the power of a healthy lifestyle.
- The 24 year follow-up in the NHS estimated that 55% of all deaths, 44% of cancer, and 72% of cardiovascular mortality could have been avoided by adherence to healthy lifestyle.
A more contemporary large lifestyle study from Sweden repeats the same message: a healthy diet, moderate alcohol use, no smoking, and low waist circumference and more exercise can improve health with a lower risk of heart attack. In sum, together with regular physical activity, the combination of all 5 healthier lifestyle factors was associated with nearly a 80% lower risk of heart attacks.
- Nearly 80% of those who did suffer heart attacks during the study were attributed to the absence of these simple healthier lifestyle factors.
The components of a healthy lifestyle and ideal cardiovascular health are incorporated in the AHA 2020 Impact Goals and healthy dietary pattern with more fruits and vegetables ≥4.5 cups/day, at least 2 servings per week of preferably oily fish (3.5-oz servings); restricted sodium ≤1500 mg/day and restricted sweets/sugar-sweetened beverages ≤450 kcal (36 oz) per week and increased whole grains: >3 1 oz-equivalent servings/day with avoidance of trans fat (partially hydrogenated fat) and saturated fat; avoidance of processed meats or other highly processed foods (unsalted nuts, seeds, legumes, and vegetable sources of protein and unsaturated fats are preferred substitutes).
The evidence supports a shift in viewing a healthy lifestyle to prevent disease to a new focus on promoting healthy behaviors and all metrics of optimal cardiovascular health. According to Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH of Tufts University “it is time to prioritize these most basic and fundamental behaviors.” A healthy lifestyle needs to be considered as a primary target for health. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle and nutrition pattern is our goal and our hope is that the MedChefs mobile portfolio of healthy meal planning will provide a helping hand.


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Brownfield site- means any real property, the redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a contaminant.
Contaminant - or “contamination” means the presence of a contaminant in any environmental media, including soil, surface water, sediment, groundwater, soil vapor, ambient air or indoor air.
CAMU - or Corrective Action Management Unit consists of a designated area within a facility for the management of wastes generated in the course of cleanup or remediation of releases at the facility. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and delegated states are authorized under federal regulations to designate CAMUs, subject to controls and conditions, to implement faster and more aggressive cleanup and to remove some of the disincentives that the application of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements can sometimes impose.
CMS or Corrective Measures Study - Part of the RCRA process. This study uses information from soil and water testing to determine if remediation is needed and the way it would be done.
CMI — Corrective Measures Implementation - Part of the RCRA Process. The CMI phase involves the design and implementation of a chosen remedy.
Document Repository - means a repository of site remedial program documents approved by the Agencies or released for public comment established in a publicly accessible building near the location of such site.
Ecological Resources - means all flora and fauna and the habitats that support them, excluding such biota as pets, livestock, agricultural and horticultural crops.
Engineering Control - means any physical barrier or method employed to actively or passively contain, stabilize, or monitor contamination, restrict the movement of contamination to ensure the long-term effectiveness of a remedial program, or eliminate potential exposure pathways to contamination. Engineering controls include, but are not limited to, pavement, caps, covers, subsurface barriers, vapor barriers, slurry walls, building ventilation systems, fences, access controls, provision of alternative water supplies via connection to an existing public water supply, adding treatment technologies to such water supplies, and installing filtration devices on private water supplies.
Environment - means any water including surface or groundwater, sediment, water vapor, any land including land surface or subsurface, air including soil vapor, fish, wildlife, other biota, all other natural resources and humans.
Environmental Easement - means an interest in real property, created under and subject to the provisions of ECL article 71, title 36 which contains a use restriction and/or a prohibition on the use of land in a manner inconsistent with engineering controls; provided that no such easement shall be acquired or held by the state which is subject to the provisions of article fourteen of the constitution of the State of New York.
Financial Assurance - means financial mechanisms, which include but are not limited to surety bonds, trust funds, letters of credit, insurance or a multiple of financial mechanisms, as determined to be adequate by the Department, to ensure the long term implementation, maintenance, monitoring and enforcement of the engineering and institutional controls at a remedial site.
Groundwater - means water below the land surface in a saturated zone of soil or rock. This includes perched water separated from the main body of groundwater by an unsaturated zone.
Hazardous Waste - means a waste which appears on the list or satisfies the characteristics promulgated by the Commissioner and any substance which appears on the list, however, that the term "hazardous waste" does not include Natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, synthetic gas usable for fuel, or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas; nor the residue of emissions from the engine exhaust of a motor vehicle, rolling stock, aircraft, vessel, or pipeline pumping station engine; nor Source, byproduct, or special nuclear material from a nuclear incident, as those terms are defined in the atomic energy act of 1954, and Petroleum.
Historic fill material - means non-indigenous or non-native material, historically deposited or disposed in the general area of, or on, a site to create useable land by filling water bodies, wetlands or topographic depressions, which is in no way connected with the subsequent operations at the location of the emplacement, and which was contaminated prior to emplacement. Historic fill may be solid waste including, but not limited to, coal ash, wood ash, municipal solid waste incinerator ash, construction and demolition debris, dredged sediments, railroad ballast, refuse and land clearing debris, which was used prior to October 10, 1962. Any soil or soil-like wastes from any area which was operated by a municipality or other person as a landfill is not considered historic fill. For purposes of a remedial program, historic fill does not include any material which is chemical production waste or waste produced on the site from processing of metal or mineral ores, residues, slag or tailings.
Inactive hazardous waste disposal site - means any area or structure used for the long term storage or final placement of hazardous waste including, but not limited to, dumps, landfills, lagoons and artificial treatment ponds.
Inactive hazardous waste disposal site remedial program - means a remedial program, as defined in subdivision of this section, at an inactive hazardous waste disposal site.
Institutional control - means any non-physical means of enforcing a restriction on the use of real property that limits human or environmental exposure, restricts the use of groundwater, provides notice to potential owners, operators, or members of the public, or prevents actions that would interfere with the effectiveness of a remedial program or with the effectiveness and/or integrity of operation, maintenance, or monitoring activities at or pertaining to a remedial site.
IRM or Interim Remedial Measure - means activities to address both emergency and non-emergency site conditions, which can be undertaken without extensive investigation and evaluation, to prevent, mitigate or remedy environmental damage or the consequences of environmental damage attributable to a site, including, but not limited to, the following activities: construction of diversion ditches; collection systems; drum removal; leachate collection systems; construction of fences or other barriers; installation of water filters; provision of alternative water systems; the removal of source areas; or plume control.
Off-site contamination - means any contamination which has emanated from a remedial site beyond the real property boundaries of such site, via movement through air, indoor air, soil, surface water or groundwater.
On-site contamination - means any contamination located within the real property boundaries of a remedial site.
Operable Unit - means a portion of the remedial program for a site that for technical or administrative reasons can be addressed separately to investigate, eliminate or mitigate a release, threat of release or exposure pathway resulting from the site contamination. Operable units may address geographical portions of a site, media specific action, specific site problems, or an initial phase of an action, or may consist of any set of actions performed over time or any actions that are concurrent but located in different parts of a site. An operable unit may be proposed by the Department or a remedial party; however, only the Department can approve the use of operable units.
Presumptive Remedy - means technologies or approaches appropriate for the remediation of specific types of contamination which, based on historical patterns of remedy selection and the Department’s scientificscientific and engineering evaluation of performance data, can be used to accelerate the remedy selection process.
Remedial Investigation - at a site or operable unit of a site. The remedial investigation emphasizes data collection and site characterization, and generally is performed in support of the selection of a remedy.
Remedial Program - means all activities undertaken to investigate, design, eliminate, remove, abate, control, or monitor existing health hazards, existing environmental hazards, potential health hazards, potential environmental hazards in connection with a site, and all activities including, but not limited to, the following undertaken to manage waste and contamination from a site.
Site characterization and remedial investigation activities needed to develop and evaluate remedial alternatives; Interim remedial measures; Design activities; Remedial actions, including, but not limited to, construction related activities and the implementation of remedial treatment technologies, including without limitation grading, contouring, trenching, grouting, capping, excavation, transporting, incineration and other thermal treatment, chemical treatment, biological treatment, or construction of groundwater and/or leachate collection and treatment facilities; Post-remedial site management including, but not limited to, the operation, maintenance, monitoring of remedial treatment technologies, and the certification of institutional and engineering controls.
Remedial Site - means any real property consisting of a parcel, adjacent properties or parcels, or portions of properties or parcels, identified as: An inactive hazardous waste disposal site; A brownfield site; or An environmental restoration project, as defined by the State assistance contract.
RCRA — Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. A federal law enacted in 1976 to protect human health and the environment with respect to the management and disposal of solid wastes and to support the recovery and reuse of materials.
RFA - RCRA Facility Assessment means a study that is performed at a facility to determine the existence of any continuous or non-continuous releases of wastes. During the RFA, regulators gather information on solid waste management units and other areas of concern at RCRA facilities, evaluate this information to determine whether there are releases that warrant further investigation and action, and determine the need to proceed to a RCRA Facility Investigation.
RFI — RCRA Facility Investigation. Soil and water are tested to see if past activities have affected the environment. The tests characterize the nature, extent and rate of releases.
Risk Assessment - The process of identifying and documenting actual and perceived risks to human health or the environment, to allow further evaluation and appropriate responses.
Risk-based Corrective Action - Risk-Based Corrective Action is a streamlined approach in which exposure and risk assessment practices are integrated with traditional components of the corrective action process to ensure that appropriate and cost-effective remedies are selected, and that limited resources are properly allocated.
Runoff - any natural or manmade occurrence of water or liquid above ground in excess of the amount that can be absorbed by the ground, causing the ground to be over-saturated (rain, snow melt). Runoff should not be confused with groundwater.
Sediment - means unconsolidated particulate material found at the bottom of lakes, rivers, streams and other water bodies at bed elevations equal to or lower than the mean high water level.
Site Management - means the activities undertaken as the last phase of the remedial program at a site which continue after a certificate of completion is issued. Site management is conducted in accordance with a site management plan, which identifies and implements the institutional and engineering controls required for a site, as well as any necessary monitoring and/or operation and maintenance of the remedy.
Water Table - the level below ground which soil and rock are saturated with water and form a geological formation able to store and yield water
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Wild horses are descendants of Spanish horses brought to the New World in the 1500’s by the Conquistadors. In the 1800’s, the Spanish stock began to mix with European horses — favored by the settlers, trappers and miners — that had escaped or been turned out by their owners. The wild horses were in demand until tractors and other mechanical means replaced them. Then, they were pushed back into the most arid, hostile public lands that are left. Yet they still survive!


Helping Students Discover How They Learn
Helping children to understand how they learn is as important, if not more important, than the content they are learning. In this webinar, we will explore ways to incorporate “learning about learning” into lessons we are already teaching and also discuss developing lessons designed specifically to help children understand their own learning. How do we decide on what parts of learning to focus on? What are the essential components of these lessons? What kinds of questions can we pose to help children reflect on their own learning practices? We will explore these issues and more in an effort to incorporate metacognition into our daily lives with students.


A recent report has warned that many seniors are living with undiagnosed dementia. It may serve as a call to arms for better screening procedures and for individuals to recognize potential signs of the condition.
The report was authored by researchers at the University of Michigan and published on June 29 in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
A nationwide survey of nearly six million Americans aged 65 and older provided the data. It found that 91-percent of people with cognitive impairment consistent with dementia had no formal diagnosis.
The study also revealed that diagnosis varied by race, gender, and education. The data showed that Black seniors (93 percent) were more likely to be diagnosed than other racial groups. Men and people with lower education were also at higher risk compared to their female and educated counterparts.
These results suggest better access to care is required and doctors need to improve screening procedures. It also means people need to do a better job of recognizing the signs.
Cognitive decline and impairment can present themselves in several ways. They include:
- Memory loss (often noticed by others)
- Difficulty communicating/finding words
- Difficulty with visual or spatial abilities
- Trouble problem-solving
- Trouble with complex tasks
- Difficulty planning and organizing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Trouble with coordination or motor functions
There may also be some psychological changes like:
- Personality changes
- Inappropriate behavior
If you notice these changes or someone close to you points them out, getting to a doctor for screening is highly recommended.
You can also try to reduce your risk for dementia and cognitive impairment through lifestyle measures. Some lifestyle measures that might work to prevent cognitive decline include regular exercise, a nutritious diet (like the Mediterranean) that is low in processed and refined foods, and maintaining social connections.


What Really Keeps People Happy, According To A Harvard Study3 min read
Are earning a lot of money and attaining success the most important factors in living a good life? How does one maintain happiness and a well-rounded life on top of all the things that need to be taken care of on a daily basis?
Yes, it’s easy to get carried away with the tides of cut-throat competition and instant gratification and lose the real meaning of happiness for each of us. But as findings from the longest and most extensive research of human life conducted by The Harvard Study of Adult Development has recently concluded, true happiness lies where you least expect it.
The study, started in 1938, was focused on two groups. The Grant Study was made up of a group of all-male 268 Harvard College sophomores, and the Glueck Study was composed of a group of 456 inner-city Boston school boys. For over 75 years, these men have submitted to interviews, medical exams, brain scans, psychological tests, and questionnaires every two years, all in an effort to study their individual development.
The current director of the study, psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, shared the biggest lesson they learned from this research on his TED Talk–how relationships affect an individual’s life. He discussed it in three main points:
1. Social connections are good for us, and loneliness really kills.
The men who built close relationships with their family, friends, or community reported to have lived happier, healthier, and longer than the less socially active men in the study. These individuals maintained an active social life and close ties with friends and family even after retirement.
On the other hand, people who spent a lot of their time alone ended up being less happy, with some of them ended up being alcoholics. It was the greatest contributor in the decline of their health and brain function earlier in life, and resulted in early death.
This conclusion is backed by a 2005 to 2010 study conducted by Gallup World Poll, the first-ever global survey covering 60,865 people from 123 countries in search for support on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. After meeting the most basic human needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, an individual’s satisfaction and sense of security comes from well-rounded interpersonal relationships. The love and respect from these types of relationships makes one more capable in facing the troubles and challenges of life.
2. It’s the quality of close relationships that matters.
Quality over quantity is important in maintaining close relationships. According to the study, stagnant marriage devoid of any affection is worse for one’s health than getting divorced. Prolonging toxic relationships and living in the midst of conflict is deterrent to one’s health.
Parental relationship also proved to be a huge factor in their development. Men who had a close relationship with their mothers earned an average income of $87,000 more a year than those who did not have strong family ties. Those who had poor relationships with their parents from childhood were more likely to develop anxiety and dementia when they got older.
3. Good relationships don’t just protect our bodies; they protect our brains.
Having someone to rely on in times of need improved the subjects’ memories. Their memories became sharper far longer and reduced the risk of mental impairment, including dementia. Subjects who feel that they really can’t count on someone experienced earlier memory decline.
While having securely attached relationships is far from perfect and takes a lot of hard work, constant companions in times of need gives a positive effect to a person’s health. Having someone around makes it easier to deal with life’s struggles.
The most happily partnered men in their eighties reported that on the days they were suffering from physical pain, they were still just as happy. On the other hand, the people who were in unhappy relationships experienced a magnified emotional pain on top of their physical pain.
At the end of the study, the people who built strong foundations in their relationships with family, friends, and community lived longer and fared the best.
Waldinger went on to discuss that the subjects also had the same thoughts as millennials when they started the research. That success, fame, high achievement, and wealth were what they needed to achieve in order to live a good and happy life, but it was proven wrong throughout the research. “Over and over, over these 75 years, our study has shown that the people who fared the best were the people who leaned in to relationships, with family, with friends, with community.”
The good life is built on good relationships. Spread the word.