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13lunarstar · 4 days

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Kala Purusha

Kala Purusha, also known as the "Cosmic Man" is a concept in Vedic astrology that represents the universal form of the human being, correlating the Cosmos with the human body. This symbolic representation is used to understand how the various Zodiac elements influence different parts of the human body and aspects of life.

Kala Purusha is depicted as a giant cosmic being whose body parts correspond to the signs of the zodiac (sansk. Rashi) and a horoscope's twelve houses (sansk. Bhava). This concept is a framework to link the microcosm (an individual human being) with the macrocosm (universe). By examining the houses and the signs in a natal chart, it is possible to predict potential health issues and overall physical constitution. The Kala Purusha concept helps to understand the interconnectedness between celestial movements and bodily functions.

ZODIAC SIGNS AND BODY PARTS

Each zodiac sign, from Aries to Pisces, governs specific parts of the body in the Kala Purusha:

The first house of a horoscope - Aries (sansk. Mesha):

Body Part: Head

Characteristics: Represents the brain, brain activity, forehead, and overall upper head area.

The natural ruler: Mars (Mangal)

Health Concerns: General health, brain disorders, appearance, vitality, and overall physical constitution.

The second house - Taurus (sansk. Vrishabha)

Body Part: Facial middle and bottom parts, right eye, throat, neck

Characteristics: Associated with the throat, vocal cords, and lower face including the mouth and teeth. (Hint: benefic planets in the second house, as well as benefics' aspects, influence voice and appearance, making them appealing. At the same time, the ruler of the 2nd house in so-called dusthanas (6,8,12 houses) can give problems with vision and teeth).

The natural ruler: Venus (Shukra)

Health Concerns: Dental issues, speech problems, vision problems, and eating disorders.

The third house - Gemini (sansk. Mithuna)

Body Part: Shoulders, arms, and hands.

Characteristics: Controls the shoulders, arms, hands, and respiratory system.

The natural ruler: Mercury (Budha)

Health Concerns: Respiratory issues, shoulder pain, arm injuries, and ear problems.

The fourth house - Cancer (sansk. Karka)

Body Part: Chest area, lungs and heart

Characteristics: Governs the chest, including the breasts and upper stomach area (hint: benefics, such as Jupiter and Venus located in the 4th house or aspecting it, can give women big beautiful breasts)

The natural ruler: Moon (Chandra)

Health Concerns: Cardiac conditions, lung issues, breast health, and emotional well-being.

The fifth house - Leo (sansk. Simha)

Body Part: solar plexus, upper abdomen, stomach

Characteristics: Corresponds to stomach, digestive organs, spine, and upper back

The natural ruler: Sun (Surya)

Health Concerns: Digestive disorders, issues related to the stomach and intestines, and emotional stress.

The sixth house - Virgo (sansk. Kanya)

Body Part: Lower abdomen and digestive system

Characteristics: Influences the digestive organs, intestines, and lower abdomen.

The natural ruler: Mercury (Budha)

Health Concerns: Digestive problems, diseases, illnesses, and overall physical fitness.

The seventh house - Libra (sansk. Tula)

Body Part: Kidneys, lower back

Characteristics: Linked to the kidneys, lower abdomen, and lumbar region.

The natural ruler: Venus (Shukra)

Health Concerns: Kidney issues, lower back pain, sexual health

The eighth house - Scorpio (sansk. Vrishchika)

Body Part: Reproductive organs and pelvis.

Characteristics: Controls the reproductive organs, pelvis, and excretory system.

The natural ruler: Mars (Mangal)

Health Concerns: Chronic diseases, inflammations, surgeries, reproductive health issues, and problems related to the excretory system.

The ninth house - Sagittarius (sansk. Dhanu)

Body Part: Hips and thighs.

Characteristics: Governs the hips, thighs, and sciatic nerve.

The natural ruler: Jupiter (Guru)

Health Concerns: Hip problems, thigh injuries, and conditions affecting the sacral area.

The tenth house - Capricorn (sansk. Makara)

Body Part: Knees and skeletal system.

Characteristics: Associated with the knees, bones, and joints.

The natural ruler: Saturn (Shani)

Health Concerns: Bone issues, knee problems, arthritis, and joint disorders.

The eleventh house - Aquarius (sansk. Kumbha)

Body Part: Ankles and circulatory system.

Characteristics: Influences the ankles, calves, and circulatory system.

The natural ruler: Saturn (Shani)

Health Concerns: Circulatory issues, ankle problems, calf muscle issues, and blood disorders.

The twelfth house - Pisces (sansk. Meena)

Body Parts: Feet, toes, left eye.

Characteristics: Corresponds to the feet and toes.

The natural ruler: Jupiter (Guru)

Health Concerns: Foot ailments, eye problems (especially the left eye), and sleep and mental health issues.

#vedic astrology #jyotish #13lunarstar #kalapurusha #cosmicman

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crosstheveil · 10 months

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Health: Adrenal Glands

TCM: Jing, Kidneys

GNM: Off Track (cortex), Unbearable Stress (medulla)

Greek: Sanguine (cortex), Choleric (medulla)

Chakra: Root

Astrology: Mars, Aries-Libra; ex. managing adrenal health can be especially important for natal placements like Mars in Libra/7th, Mars in Pisces/12th, South Node conjunct Mars, etc.

The adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys, play a central role in the body's response to stress, fatigue, immune challenges, and several key physiological and metabolic functions. Issues related to the adrenal glands is very common yet highly under-diagnosed. They consist of two regions:

Adrenal Cortex: Derived from the mesodermal base substance cholesterol, the adrenal cortex produces hormones such as cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and male sex hormones. These hormones play vital roles in physiological functions. Cortisol and corticosterone, known as stress hormones, contribute to the regulation of metabolism, inflammation, and blood sugar, and assist in long-term stress response by enriching the blood with minerals and glucose. Their anabolic effects also aid in healing and regeneration. Aldosterone helps maintain blood pressure by regulating the balance of salt and water in the body. The adrenal cortex's production of male sex hormones can influence the reproductive system. If unresolved, chronic stress may lead to excessive cortisol production, causing problems like weight gain and high blood sugar.

Adrenal Medulla: The endodermal adrenal medulla manages emotional and physical stress by producing the hormones noradrenaline, dopamine, and adrenaline. These hormones are pivotal in activating the "fight, fright, flight" response, a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event or threat. This acute stress response increases heart rate, blood sugar, and mental alertness, along with other physiological changes. Chronic anger or emotional upheaval can strain the adrenal medulla, leading to an energetic drain.

Stress

The adrenal glands are highly sensitive to stress, and chronic stress can lead to various disorders:

Psychiatric Disorders: Neuroses, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder.

Neurological Disorders: Migraines, peripheral neuropathy, dizziness, tremors.

Glandular Disorders: Issues related to other glands including the thyroid which is responsible for cell growth; for instance, uterine cancer, polyps, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism.

Cardiovascular Disorders: Coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, hypertension, arrhythmias.

Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), difficulty in breathing.

Immunological Disorders: Possible tumor promotion, reduced resistance to infection, autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammation.

Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, difficulty in regulating blood sugar.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic indigestion, malabsorption.

Genitourinary Disorders: Impotence, incontinence, menstrual problems, urinary tract infections, kidney dysfunction.

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, joint pain.

Skin Disorders: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin thinning.

Cysts and Cancer

Adrenal Weakness: If the adrenal glands don't produce enough adrenaline, the heart may pump slower, leading to fluid accumulation and cysts in the prostate, ovaries, and breasts. These cysts can harden and potentially lead to cancer.

Blood Flow: Increasing blood flow can help resolve cysts if addressed quickly.

Signs of Imbalance

Frequent sickness, fatigue, low libido, low backache, chronic health issues, dark circles under the eyes, hair loss, early greying, frequent urination at night, cold hands and feet, brain fog, pain and weakness in the lower back, loins, thighs, knees and lower body, urinary weakness and debility, polyuria and nocturia, impotence and male sexual dysfunction, moodiness and irritability, depression, muscle or bone loss, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, hormone imbalance, body aches, unexplained weight loss, lightheadedness, skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation), weakened stress response, insulin resistance, sleep problems, weight gain, sweet and salty food cravings, difficulty getting up in the morning, increased PMS or menopausal symptoms, inability to handle stress, increased allergies, frequent sighing, cravings for salty foods, higher energy levels in the evenings, overuse of stimulants like caffeine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Jing (essence): The statement by the Chinese that the kidneys harbor our Jing refers to the adrenals having the highest concentration of neural crest cell derivatives in the entire body. Strong Jing corresponds to robust characteristics like strong teeth, which are made by neural crest cells, while weak Jing relates to signs of aging like grey hair and deafness, also linked to neural crest cells. Jing's manifestations include the progression from youth to adulthood, reflected in functions controlled by the pituitary (aided by neural crest cells), and can be seen in the structure of the face and jaw. Neural crest cells also create the heart's connective tissue, affecting lifespan. Jing as a concept is not the same as neural crest cells but they represent the body's inherent organizational strength. Weak organizational energy leads to neural crest cells that don't form properly or function well, resulting in genetic disorders affecting facial development. The Chinese recognized these markers as indicators of weak Jing.

Kidneys & Urinary Tract: The adrenal glands are connected to the kidneys not just through the renal fascia, but also by way of the renal artery, draining into the renal vein, and receiving nerve connections from the renal plexus. The kidneys regulates the body's water content and are essential for maintaining healthy bones, as well as producing healthy bone marrow and blood. It determines the level of adrenaline and dopamine in the body, affecting our energy and rest. In addition, it forms a relationship with the heart through various hormones. During puberty, the adrenal cortex starts to produce sex hormones like testosterone and oestrogen, and this production continues throughout adulthood. Caffeine depletes kidney qi, yang, yin, and essence, contributing to liver and adrenal issues, and long-term exhaustion. Regular coffee drinkers, especially those who don’t feel its effects, may be nearing adrenal exhaustion. Adrenal fatigue is often considered a kidney yang deficiency. If left untreated, it can progress to a kidney yin deficiency. These deficiencies are often marked by a light low groaning tone to the voice, a darkish pallor under the eyes, negative attitudes of insufficiency or inadequacy, needing to sit and not being able to stand for long, and worrying about money. Additionally, those who experience traumatic shock or long term stress often have their hair turn gray or fall out.

Kidney Yang (medulla): Linked to the reactive sympathetic nervous system and the hormones adrenaline, dopamine, and norepinephrine, produced in the adrenals. A deficiency in kidney yang can lead to symptoms like cold hands and feet, edema, night urination, and low libido. This deficiency parallels disorders like adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, and sexual dysfunction. This condition is worsened by the use of marijuana, diminishing our natural drive, motivation, and willpower. Adrenaline is used to treat conditions like asthma, anaphylaxis, and slow heart rates. It works on the cell membrane's outside, which is known as the yang aspect of the cell. It never enters the cell but attaches to a receptor on the outside, initiating a cascade of chemicals that open or close gates on the cell's exterior. In the heart and muscles, adrenaline prompts more calcium to enter, which amplifies the force of contraction; in the lungs, it leads to the relaxation of the muscles, permitting more air to flow in; in the brain, it initiates the emotional reactions connected with fear.

Kidney Yin (cortex): Associated with the parasympathetic nervous system and the hormone cortisol, produced in the adrenals. A kidney yin deficiency may manifest as sore back, leg weakness, insomnia, and anxiety. It may parallel disorders like diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperthyroidism. Although necessary for daily function and stress response, excessive cortisol can lead to fluid retention, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, depression, and diabetes. If our bodies stopped producing cortisol, it would result in significant illness. While adrenaline binds to the exterior of the cell (yang), cortisol is absorbed into the very core (yin). Contrary to the effects of adrenaline which are more immediate, the effects of cortisol can take years.

Greek Medicine

Hot Temperament: The adrenals are generally represented as stimulating and energizing various functions to adapt to stress.

Adrenal Cortex: Sanguine, nutritive, and anabolic, enriching the blood and decreasing swelling.

Adrenal Medulla: Choleric, energetic, and catabolic, stimulating acute stress response.

Faculty Support: Adrenal glands produce supplementary amounts of sexual hormones, bridging a connection between vital and generative faculties; supporting heart and lungs (vital), kidneys and pancreas in blood sugar regulation (natural), enhancing mental alertness and stimulating the sympathetic nervous system functioning (psychic), supporting male sexual function and response (generative).

Root Center: The adrenals form the basic energetic support for the entire organism, associated with the Root Chakra.

Kidneys & Urinary Tract: Weak adrenals may adversely affect the vitality and functioning of the kidneys and urinary tract, which are interlinked with the adrenal glands'. When the kidneys are not effectively eliminating fluids, it can lead to the accumulation of phlegm and moisture. Additionally, the kidneys have a connection to the soles of the feet which may be affected by cold conditions. Conditions of melancholy or devitalization of the adrenals, kidneys, and urinary tract often correlate with chronic fatigue.

Adrenal Exhaustion: Chronic stress and irregular habits can lead to fatigue, irritability, pain, and impotence in men usually caused by flare-ups of Choleric anger or any experiences which feel like a roller coaster. Sexual overindulgence also exhaust the adrenals.

Male Sexual Function: The adrenal glands provide energetic support for male sexual function. Issues with adrenal energy may result in sexual dysfunction, including impotence or premature ejaculation.

Blood Sugar Regulation: In instances of dangerously low blood sugar, the adrenal glands jump into action, raising levels through adrenaline. Chronic instability may involve adrenocortical hormones, aggravating factors in type II diabetes.

German New Medicine (GNM)

Adrenal Cortex (Off Track)

Conflict: Feeling like you've made a wrong choice or gone down the wrong path.

Under-Functioning: Waterhouse-Friedrichsen syndrome, adrenal gland insufficiency, Addison's disease. Reduced cortisol production, feeling stressed and tired.

Over-Functioning: Excess cortisol (Cushing's disease) with high blood pressure, round face, obesity, muscle atrophy or aldosterone (Conn's syndrome) with high blood pressure, low potassium, weak muscles, thirst, frequent urination.

Adrenal Medulla (Unbearable Stress)

Conflict: Extreme tension from stress, feeling overwhelmed. Something is beyond reach.

Diagnosis: Pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma. High blood pressure, racing heart, increased blood sugar, sweating.

Astrology

Mars: This planet governs adrenaline, testosterone, male sexual function, playing a role in the catabolic metabolism where fuel is burned. It also oversees the release of toxins, the regulation of red blood cells, iron, and muscle tissue, including tendons and ligaments. It extends to the entire muscular system, embodying vitality and physical strength. The energy of Mars is hot and dry so it's temperament is Choleric. Mars co-rules the adrenals (with Aries/Libra) and the male genitalia (Scorpio).

Aries: Aries is a Choleric sign, and its will to action makes it prone to anger and stress, which deplete and weaken the adrenal glands. The sign is energetic, sharp-eyed, cheerful, and alert, but may become irritable and have a restless tendency to keep going until burnout. This can lead to eyestrain and poor vision as the health of the eyes is dependent on the strength of the adrenals. The preference for stimulants like chili pepper, caffeine, and their attraction to the Sun can overstimulate the adrenal glands, leading them to seek cooling substances like icy drinks, fruits, and seafood.

Libra: Libra, the Sanguine Air sign that rules the kidneys and lower back, is a counterbalance to Aries. The kidneys and genitourinary tract are only as strong and healthy as the adrenal glands, which are their energetic support. Underlying adrenal weakness and exhaustion weakens the kidneys and genitourinary system, leading to urinary debility, urinary tract infections, inflammation or irritation, uremia, and gout. Since male sexual function is also dependent on the strength and health of the adrenal glands, problems may arise in this area.

Aries-Libra Dynamic: Kidneys, adrenals, eyes, head and cranium, low back, lumbar spine, bladder, genitourinary system (especially male), hips and loins. Aries represents personal power, autonomy, honesty, and decisiveness, often leaning towards individualism and assertiveness. Libra, on the other hand, emphasizes cooperation, diplomacy, compromise, and social harmony. While Aries is direct and often acts alone, Libra seeks mutual choice and operates through consensus. This represents a struggle between competition and cooperation, selfhood and partnership, war and peace, doing and being. Finding balance is needed for acid/alkaline balance, as Aries tends to run acidic, and for hormonal balance, where Aries tends toward excess testosterone. The tension between these two forces may cause a lot of frustration and aggravation, particularly in males, manifesting as irritation or inflammation of the genitourinary tract.

Healing and Relief

Diet: Paleo; reduce caffeine, sugars and sweeteners, gluten, starch, white flour, processed foods, and hydrogenated oils.

Nutritional Supplements: Ionic Magnesium, B Vitamins, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin C, Zinc, Probiotics, L-Theanine

Herbal Adaptogens: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, Holy Basil, Licorice Root, Siberian Ginseng, He Shou Wu

Lifestyle Considerations: Address societal pressure to perform, lack of self-care, and the conflict in real life. Regular exercise of varied intensity. Practice meditation, mindfulness, Tai Chi, Qigong. Express creatively and spend time in nature. Align sleep schedule with circadian rhythm to nourish yin. Hydrate more and add salt to water. Avoid various toxins like dioxin or insecticides which contribute to adrenal malfunction. Spend more time in the sun each day. Don't sit for too long. Try wearing a haramaki, stretch cotton (for summer) or stretch wool (for winter).

These are research notes from the work of Daniel Keown, Michel Odoul, Michael Tierra, Lesley Tierra, Johan Boshwinkel, David Osborn, Judith Hill, Eileen Nauman, Björn Eybl, Caroline Markolin, Deb Shapiro, and Jody Smith.

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tarzantips · 7 months

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What Does the Beginning of Monkeypox Look Like?

Recently, there has been concern over monkeypox, an uncommon viral disease. Knowing the initial symptoms is essential for prompt action and management.

Let’s read more into the initial stages and explore what are the first signs of monkeypox.

What Does the Beginning of Monkeypox Look Like?

1. Fever and Headache

The sudden elevation of body temperature is frequently suggestive of the start of monkeypox. A common first sign is a fever, which is frequently followed by a chronic headache. Attention is necessary because these mild symptoms could first be confused for other frequent illnesses.

2. Fatigue and Muscle Aches

As the infection spreads, people may become fatigued and develop widespread muscle aches. It is possible to confuse these symptoms for the flu or other viral diseases. But the confluence of fever, headache, exhaustion, and aches in the muscles ought to cause concern and necessitate more research.

3. Swollen Lymph Nodes

In its early stages, swollen lymph nodes are a hallmark of monkeypox. These tiny, bean-shaped structures are essential to the immunological response of the body. The armpit, groin, and neck areas are where the swelling is most frequently visible.

4. Skin Lesions

The development of skin lesions is one of the unique monkeypox symptoms. Like chickenpox, these lesions usually begin as elevated bumps that develop into blisters. The body's parts may be affected by the lesions, which may be broad.

5. Respiratory Symptoms

In addition to respiratory symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath, it can also cause these. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms as they may indicate how the virus is affecting the respiratory system.

6. Eye Redness and Sensitivity to Light

Some people who have this may get increased light sensitivity and ocular redness. These ocular symptoms may add to the overall clinical picture and might be especially uncomfortable.

7. Gastrointestinal Issues

The early signs of monkeypox can include vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. When paired with other distinctive indicators, these gastrointestinal symptoms add even more complexity to the diagnosis.

Read: The Advantages of Home Remedies over OTC Medications

Monkeypox Prevention and Seeking Medical Attention

The health of the population depends on stopping this from spreading. Maintain proper hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Steer clear of animals that might be viral carriers, particularly in areas where disease is common.

It goes without saying to get medical assistance as soon as possible if you or someone you know has any of the aforementioned symptoms. Make contact with your physician, let them know about your symptoms, and offer any pertinent travel or exposure history.

Early detection lowers the danger of transmission to others by enabling the implementation of suitable isolation measures.

Diagnostic Tests and Monkeypox Treatment

A thorough patient history, laboratory testing, and clinical evaluation are all used in the diagnosis of monkeypox. For confirmation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, virus cultures, and blood tests are frequently used.

Although there are not many particular antiviral drugs for this disease, supportive care is essential. This could involve taking care of symptoms, avoiding bacterial infections that spread, and drinking enough water. Hospitalization may be required in extreme situations.

Public Health Measures

Coordinated public health measures are needed to stop the spread of the virus during monkeypox epidemics. This entails tracking down contacts, isolating afflicted people, and launching vaccination drives in areas where the illness is endemic.

To increase awareness of preventative actions and early symptom recognition, public health education is also important.

Is Monkeypox Curable?

Yes, although monkeypox is a dangerous sickness, it is usually a self-limiting disease, meaning that it often resolves without the need for special treatment. The majority of this disease victim recovers completely in a few weeks. Yet the disease's severity might vary, and in certain situations, medical attention can be required.

Monkeypox cannot be specifically treated with antivirals; nevertheless, supportive care can be given, such as symptom and consequence management.

Early Detection for Timely Treatment

Understanding the initial indications of monkeypox is essential for prompt detection and suitable medical attention. The key is to identify the combination of fever, headache, exhaustion, muscular aches, swollen lymph nodes, skin lesions, respiratory symptoms, eye redness, and gastrointestinal problems, even if these symptoms may match those of other prevalent illnesses.

For an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment, it is imperative that you or someone you know get medical help as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms. Recall that early identification can have a big impact on how cases of monkeypox turn out. Remain educated and watchful.

(more)

#health & fitness #tarzantips #monkeypox

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covidsafehotties · 11 days

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Published April 3, 2024

Summary

Background

Regular, detailed reporting on population health by underlying cause of death is fundamental for public health decision making. Cause-specific estimates of mortality and the subsequent effects on life expectancy worldwide are valuable metrics to gauge progress in reducing mortality rates. These estimates are particularly important following large-scale mortality spikes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. When systematically analysed, mortality rates and life expectancy allow comparisons of the consequences of causes of death globally and over time, providing a nuanced understanding of the effect of these causes on global populations.

Methods

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 cause-of-death analysis estimated mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) from 288 causes of death by age-sex-location-year in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations for each year from 1990 until 2021. The analysis used 56 604 data sources, including data from vital registration and verbal autopsy as well as surveys, censuses, surveillance systems, and cancer registries, among others. As with previous GBD rounds, cause-specific death rates for most causes were estimated using the Cause of Death Ensemble model—a modelling tool developed for GBD to assess the out-of-sample predictive validity of different statistical models and covariate permutations and combine those results to produce cause-specific mortality estimates—with alternative strategies adapted to model causes with insufficient data, substantial changes in reporting over the study period, or unusual epidemiology. YLLs were computed as the product of the number of deaths for each cause-age-sex-location-year and the standard life expectancy at each age. As part of the modelling process, uncertainty intervals (UIs) were generated using the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles from a 1000-draw distribution for each metric. We decomposed life expectancy by cause of death, location, and year to show cause-specific effects on life expectancy from 1990 to 2021. We also used the coefficient of variation and the fraction of population affected by 90% of deaths to highlight concentrations of mortality. Findings are reported in counts and age-standardised rates. Methodological improvements for cause-of-death estimates in GBD 2021 include the expansion of under-5-years age group to include four new age groups, enhanced methods to account for stochastic variation of sparse data, and the inclusion of COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality—which includes excess mortality associated with the pandemic, excluding COVID-19, lower respiratory infections, measles, malaria, and pertussis. For this analysis, 199 new country-years of vital registration cause-of-death data, 5 country-years of surveillance data, 21 country-years of verbal autopsy data, and 94 country-years of other data types were added to those used in previous GBD rounds.

Findings

The leading causes of age-standardised deaths globally were the same in 2019 as they were in 1990; in descending order, these were, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lower respiratory infections. In 2021, however, COVID-19 replaced stroke as the second-leading age-standardised cause of death, with 94·0 deaths (95% UI 89·2–100·0) per 100 000 population. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the rankings of the leading five causes, lowering stroke to the third-leading and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to the fourth-leading position. In 2021, the highest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (271·0 deaths [250·1–290·7] per 100 000 population) and Latin America and the Caribbean (195·4 deaths [182·1–211·4] per 100 000 population). The lowest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 were in the high-income super-region (48·1 deaths [47·4–48·8] per 100 000 population) and southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania (23·2 deaths [16·3–37·2] per 100 000 population). Globally, life expectancy steadily improved between 1990 and 2019 for 18 of the 22 investigated causes. Decomposition of global and regional life expectancy showed the positive effect that reductions in deaths from enteric infections, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and neonatal deaths, among others have contributed to improved survival over the study period. However, a net reduction of 1·6 years occurred in global life expectancy between 2019 and 2021, primarily due to increased death rates from COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality. Life expectancy was highly variable between super-regions over the study period, with southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania gaining 8·3 years (6·7–9·9) overall, while having the smallest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 (0·4 years). The largest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean (3·6 years). Additionally, 53 of the 288 causes of death were highly concentrated in locations with less than 50% of the global population as of 2021, and these causes of death became progressively more concentrated since 1990, when only 44 causes showed this pattern. The concentration phenomenon is discussed heuristically with respect to enteric and lower respiratory infections, malaria, HIV/AIDS, neonatal disorders, tuberculosis, and measles.

Interpretation

Long-standing gains in life expectancy and reductions in many of the leading causes of death have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the adverse effects of which were spread unevenly among populations. Despite the pandemic, there has been continued progress in combatting several notable causes of death, leading to improved global life expectancy over the study period. Each of the seven GBD super-regions showed an overall improvement from 1990 and 2021, obscuring the negative effect in the years of the pandemic. Additionally, our findings regarding regional variation in causes of death driving increases in life expectancy hold clear policy utility. Analyses of shifting mortality trends reveal that several causes, once widespread globally, are now increasingly concentrated geographically. These changes in mortality concentration, alongside further investigation of changing risks, interventions, and relevant policy, present an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of mortality-reduction strategies. Examining patterns in mortality concentration might reveal areas where successful public health interventions have been implemented. Translating these successes to locations where certain causes of death remain entrenched can inform policies that work to improve life expectancy for people everywhere.

#mask up #covid #covid 19 #covid isn't over #life expectancy #pandemic #covid conscious #covid is airborne #wear a mask #coronavirus

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allthecanadianpolitics · 2 years

Note

One of my mutuals just posted saying they saw that assisted suicide is now the 6th leading cause of death in Canada, but saying they weren't sure. This is true. In 2021 there were 10k deaths by assisted suicide and that puts it at #6 in between chronic lower respiratory diseases and diabetes. This is an incredibly dark fact. The government would prefer people die than to actually help them live a comfortable life. We need better support for the disabled, we need easier access to high quality medical care. We do not need to be coerced into letting the state kill us because it's the only option left.

~~~~

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religion-is-a-mental-illness · 7 months

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By: Brandon W. Yan, MD, MPH1,2; Elizabeth Arias, PhD3; Alan C. Geller, MPH, RN2; et al

Published: Nov 13, 2023

As life expectancy at birth in the US decreased for the second consecutive year, from 78.8 years (2019) to 77.0 years (2020) and 76.1 years (2021), the gap between women and men widened to 5.8 years, its largest since 1996 and an increase from a low of 4.8 years in 2010.1,2 For more than a century, US women have outlived US men, attributable to lower cardiovascular and lung cancer death rates related largely to differences in smoking behavior.1,2 This study systematically examines the contributions of COVID-19 and other underlying causes of death to the widened gender life expectancy gap from 2010 to 2021.

Methods

Analyses were performed from March to July 2023 using Stata, version 17.0 (StataCorp LLC) and Office Excel (Microsoft). Using mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics, this cross-sectional study examines the association of changes in cause-specific mortality with changes in the gap in life expectancy at birth between men and women from 2010 to 2021, divided by pre– and post–COVID-19 years. We used a decomposition technique to partition changes in the life expectancy gap between men and women into component additive parts that identify the causes of death having the greatest assocation, positive or negative, with changes in life expectancy.3 Cause of death categories are based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision. For further specificity, we partitioned changes in unintentional injuries into select components (unintentional poisoning [mostly drug overdose], unintentional transport-related injuries, and all other injuries). We estimated the differences between men and women in the age-adjusted death rates for the top causes of death associated with changes in the life expectancy gender gap. This study was exempt from review from the Harvard Longwood Campus institutional review board, and informed consent was not required because this study used deidentified data. This study followed the STROBE reporting guideline.

Results

The gender life expectancy gap increased 0.23 years from 2010 to 2019 and 0.70 years from 2019 to 2021. Prior to COVID-19 in 2020, the largest contributors to worsening life expectancy for men vs women were unintentional injuries (−0.23 years [−0.23246/−0.5116 = 45.4%]), diabetes (−0.05 years [10.1%]), suicide (−0.04 years [7.8%]), homicide (−0.03 years [5.3%]), and heart disease (−0.03 years [4.9%]) (Figure, A). This was offset by differential improvement for men vs women in mortality from cancer (0.12 years [43.1%]), Alzheimer disease (0.06 years [20.5%]), and chronic lower respiratory disease (0.04 years [12.3%]), among others.

From 2019 to 2021, COVID-19 became the leading contributor to the widening gender life expectancy gap (−0.33 years [39.8%]) followed by unintentional injuries (−0.27 years [32.5%]) (Figure, B). The increasing maternal deaths among women and the relative reductions in cancer and perinatal conditions among men partially mitigated the increasing gap (Figure, B). From 2010 to 2021, unintentional poisonings (mostly drug overdoses) and unintentional transport-related injuries contributed 0.44 (86.3%) and 0.06 (11.8%) of the 0.51-year decrease in life expectancy from unintentional injuries. The absolute difference in age-adjusted death rates between men and women increased from 252 to 315 per 100 000 between 2010 and 2021, with a persistent gap for heart disease and widening gaps for COVID-19, unintentional injuries, and several other causes (Table).

Discussion

This analysis finds that COVID-19 and the drug-overdose epidemic were major contributors to the widening gender gap in life expectancy in recent years. Men experienced higher COVID-19 death rates for likely multifactorial reasons, including higher burden of comorbidities and differences in health behaviors and socioeconomic factors, such as labor force participation, incarceration, and homelessness.4,5 Differentially worsening mortality from diabetes, heart disease, homicide, and suicide suggest that chronic metabolic disease and mental illness may also contribute. The increase in overdose deaths, homicide, and suicide underscore twin crises of deaths from despair and firearm violence.6 Limitations include binary gender classification and unexplored heterogeneity within disease classifications and across geographic and demographic subgroups. Future analyses could explore whether these trends changed after 2021, especially as the pandemic recedes, with further detail on specific causes.

Look at that COVID differential. Nobody talked about how the two greatest contributing factors to COVID death where obesity and being male.

Life is the greatest privilege of all.

Followed by the privilege of anyone caring about your wellbeing.

#men's health #life expectancy #suicide #COVID #drug overdose #heart disease #gender gap #female privilege #health #homelessness #homeless men #homeless #science #religion is a mental illness

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thescarlettbitch · 1 year

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Do you know any healing spells? If they exist. My friend is sick and I can’t get to them to help. My sister is a witch and she’s looking for spells that could help

First of all I am so sorry I'm just now seeing and answering.

I did not have any at the ready but I did some research (as is the foundation of the craft) and found some information to aid in the creation of a personalized healing spell for your friend. Making it personalized could help make the spell more effective.

Healing Herbs, Plants, and Spices (and what they heal)

Chickweed - used for blood disorders, bowel and intestinal issues, asthma, lung disease, arthritis, eczema, etc

Aloe Vera - topically used to treat burns and rashes, can be ingested (please make sure you prepare it properly) to sooth sore throats, colds, and as a natural laxative.

Calendula - anti inflammatory, used as an ointment or cream for burns and rashes

Ashwagandha - a natural anti inflammatory

Black Cohosh - helps ease menstrual/menopausal and arthritic pain

Catnip - soothes an upset stomach

Cranberry - helps with intestinal issues and might help with chronic pain

Echinacea - antiviral and immuno support

Elderberry - antiviral, immumo support, good for colds and fevers

Garlic - antimicrobial, regular usage can lower blood pressure, combats colds and fevers

Ginger - antinausea, vomiting, treats cold and flu symptoms

Ginseng - helps with exhaustion and fatigue, can also be used to reduce the frequency and severity of colds (I'd use this for healing burnout)

Hibiscus - good blood pressure, heart and respiratory health,

Thyme - fights bacterial and fungal infections, and an antioxidant

Arnica - pain relief, can be used topically or ingested however be very careful using it internally as it can be toxic if used incorrectly, I recommend topically or in a spell jar

Obviously this is not a completed list, just a list of the first few I found or the ones that I have used. Feel free to do your own research, look for holistic or old remedies for whatever is ailing your friend and go from there.

Healing Crystals (and their properties)

Jasper - helps in times of stress

Obsidian - protection

Amethyst - general healing, headaches, stress

Bloodstone - healing blood related issues

Rose Quartz - provides comfort and peace during stress

Citrine - concentration, optimism

Turquoise - good luck, balanced emotions

Tigers Eye - protects against negativity

Moonstone - encourages growth and strength

Sapphire - attracts happiness and peace

Ruby - restores vitality and energy levels

Opalite - magnify your power

The color green is associated with health and healing.

My thoughts:

Now for things like this, I'd go for a Spell Jar.

Get a jar, any size as long as it will fit all of your materials.

A candle (green or white).

Based on the specifics of how your friend is sick, pick herbs, spices, plants, and crystals that you think would best help.

A piece of paper.

An incantation. (Can be as simple as "powers that be, please help to heal [name] or as complicated as you want)

Your preferred method of cleansing.

Make sure absolutely everything, including your space, has been cleansed and charged with the intent to heal.

Optional: carve or write your friend's name and sigil for good health on the candle

Light the candle.

Use the paper to right your friends name (full or first and last) (optional: draw a health sigil underneath their name), roll it up, stick it in the jar.

Next add a pinch of the gathered herbs and spices, and crystals, to the jar. As you do this, recite the incantation.

Close the jar tight, use the wax from the candle to seal it, let the candle burn through, or you can snuff it to reuse it later (if you plan to reuse it, don't label it).

Place the jar in either sunlight all day or moonlight (preferably full but any stage would work) all night (go off whichever you or your friend feel more connected to) to charge it and really blend the energies. Say the incantation when you place it in the light.

Put the jar in a dark, dry, cleansed place. Say the incantation once more.

Optional: take the jar out daily or nightly and sit it in the sun/moonlight, recite the incantation, put it back. Can be done as often as you feel the need.

You could also do a witch's ladder

Use a green string (green is associated with health and healing), cleanse it, set your intention, do the ladder like normal (you can find instructions in many places) and ta da. This can also be placed in the jar, or on an alter, or in a cool, dry, cleansed space.

Best of luck.

#baby witch #closet witch #cottage witch #crafty witch #eclectic witch #healing spells #pink witch #kitchen witch #teen witch #witchcraft #health spells

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coolcurrybooks · 1 year

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Incorporating Supplements Into Your Routine Will Maximize Your Health Benefits

In order to maximize your health and well-being an appropriate diet, and regular workouts are vital. Even the most nutritious food choices may not be sufficient to provide your body with the nutrients it needs. This is where supplements can be helpful. In this post we'll explore the benefits of incorporating supplements into your daily regimen and ways to aid in maximizing your health.

Food Gaps to Fill

With a nutritious diet, it's hard to absorb all the nutrients your body needs to perform optimally. There are ways to fill in nutrition gaps with supplements. These will make sure that you receive all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals. essential nutrients.

For example, many people struggle to get enough omega-3 fatty acids that are essential to the health of your brain and heart. Supplements with fish oil can be the best way to make sure that you're getting sufficient amounts of these essential nutrients. Vitamin D can also be useful for those who do not receive enough exposure to sunlight. It is crucial to improve bone health and immunity.

Improved Athletic Performance

Supplements can be useful to fitness lovers and athletes who want to improve their endurance and recover. Creatine, as an example, is a popular supplement to increase muscle strength and bulk. BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) can also lessen muscle soreness and aid recovery.

The nitric oxide and caffeine boosters could also help to improve the endurance and performance of exercise. It's essential to note that supplements are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle and routine of exercise. In order to maximize the benefit of supplements, they must be taken in combination with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Supporting Brain Health

The support of brain health and function can be accomplished with supplements. Examples include omega-3 fatty acids and specifically DHA which are vital for healthy brain function and have been found to boost cognition and memory.

In addition, supplements like ginkgo biloba and phosphatidylserine can aid in improving cognitive performance and reduce symptoms of age-related cognitive decline. The supplements boost blood flow to brain cells, and enhance their overall health.

Lowering Irritation

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Inflammation is a normal response in the face of infection or injury however, chronic inflammation may contribute to a variety of diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. Vitamins like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids may help lower inflammation as well as promote general health and well-being.

For example, curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been demonstrated to lower inflammation within the body. Similarly, ginger has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve immune function. Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA are also able to decrease inflammation and improve the health of your brain and heart.

Improving Resistant Objective

Supplements can be very helpful in boosting immunity and decreasing the chance of sickness and infections. Vitamin C, zinc and probiotics are excellent supplements to support immune function.

Supplements such as elderberry extract Echinacea, garlic and elderberry extract may aid in reducing the intensity and duration of colds, respiratory infections and other colds. The supplements boost immune function and help fight off infections.

Incorporating supplements into your daily life can help you achieve the healthiest you can be. Supplements are a great way to fill in nutrition gaps, boost the performance of athletes, boost the health of your brain, decrease inflammation, and enhance the immune system. It's crucial to remember that supplements should not be viewed as substitutes for a nutritious eating plan and workout routine.

#Youtube

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tipsycad147 · 7 months

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Taurus: The Astroherbology Profile

Alexis J. Cunningfolk

It's time to explore the sign of Taurus! I will be exploring all twelve signs from a medical astrology perspective with an emphasis on herbal healing. Learn more about the series and what all the correspondences mean check out the introduction to The Introduction to Astroherbology Zodiac Series. Missed the first sign of the Zodiac? Find out about the astroherbology wisdom of Aries!

Looking for inspiration and plant allies for the season of Taurus? Come this way!

Element: Earth Mode: Fixed Guardian Planet: Venus Direction: East (traditional) Season: Spring (NH), Autumn (SH) House: 2nd House / Succedent Lunar Mansions: 3rd Mansion, 4th Mansion, + 5th Mansion (Learn more about the Lunar Mansions) Solar Gemstone: Amber Tarot: The Hierophant, the Empress, 5 of Pentacles (4/12 - 4/30), 6 of Pentacles (5/1 - 5/10), 7 of Pentacles (5/11 - 5/20), Knight of Pentacles Tissue State: Cold/Depression (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Throat, neck, vocal cords, thyroid, voice, and middle ear. Metabolic system, medulla oblongata, and hearing. Salivary glands, taste buds, and teeth of the lower jaw. Jugular veins, cervical nerves of the blood vessels, and bladder. Procreative desire. Base of the skull. Find out more about the astrological correspondences to our bodies.

Imbalances + Diseases: Including sore throats, tonsillitis, thyroid conditions (especially hypothyroid), and overindulgence. The formation of tumors. Slow digestion, excess weight, and weak metabolism. Hearing loss and ear infections. Excess mucus in the upper respiratory system. Apoplexy, loss of coordination between organ systems, erratic movements, and paralysis. Glandular swelling, goiter, gout, bad blood. Loss of voice and vocal cord conditions. Sore throat, bronchial complaints, dry cough, tonsillitis, ulcerated throat, and diseases or injuries to the larynx and vocal cords. Accumulation of toxins especially in the intestinal tract and congested colon. Overly cold and dried out. Tend towards more persistent and chronic conditions - through their stubbornness they can tend to hold onto disease. Resisting change, ungrounded stubbornness, avoiding conflict, hurtful, brutish, brooding, lack of reflection on their emotions, and melancholic.

Disease Degrees: 1 degree: palate; 2 degrees: pharynx - oral part; 3 degrees: uvula; 4 degrees: Pharyngeal cavity; 5 degrees: larynx; 0 - 6 degrees: drowning; 6 degrees: vocal cords; 7 degrees: cervical nerves; 8 degrees: alcoholism, jugular veins; 9 degrees: cervical veins, neurasthenia; 10 - 13 degrees: cervical and bravial plexi, neurasthenia; 14 degrees: true vocal cords; 15 degrees: epiglottis; 16 degrees: carotid arteries, abscess; 17 degrees: thyroid glands and tonsils; 18 degrees: lymph vessels, hair; 19 degrees: maxillary artery, alcoholism, goiter; 20 degrees: occiput, goiter, alcoholism; 21 degrees: arteries of the nasal cavity, alcoholism; 22 degrees: tongue muscles, rheumatism, alcoholism; 23 degrees: teeth, rheumatism, alcoholism; 24 degrees: upper jaw, fractures, broken bones, alcoholism; 25 degrees: lower jaw, fractures, broken bones, alcoholism, adenoids, suicide; 26 degrees: nasal bone; 27 degrees: atlas, alcoholism; 28 degrees: alcoholism, deltoid muscle and main neck muscles; 29 degrees: deltoid muscle and main neck muscles, eyesight; 30 degrees: Trapezius muscle.

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Taurus: Warming and stimulating activities, with emphasis on detoxifying activities. Eating a whole foods diet is important to all signs, but Taurus folk need to be especially mindful of the quality of their food and eating mindfully.

Gifts of Taurus: Resourcefulness, grounding and centering, body knowledge, long-term planning, and consistent energy.

Rituals of Taurus: Expressing body-positive sensuality, fertility and abundance, successful long-term plans, such as business endeavors or big material investments, stability, and invoking or supporting long-term romantic partnerships. Artistic and musical rituals in which the pleasure of the senses are indulged.

Taurus Guardian Herbs: Sage (Salvia officinalis), Rose (Rosa spp.), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Plantain (Plantago major), Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Taurus Remedy Herbs: Gingko (Gingko biloba), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera), Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Flower + Gem Essences: Aspen (Populus tremula), Gentian (Gentiana amarella), Peacock Ore, Willow (Salix vitellina)

The Sun in Taurus

Taurus is the first earth sign and fixed sign of the zodiac and they embody these energies well. Where Aries is quick-moving, Taurus is slow and steady. The bulls are typically the longest lived of all the signs of the zodiac even with their tendency that when they do get sick for it to be a permanent or chronic condition. Earthly, sensual, and indulgent pleasure (as opposed to the more artistic and balanced pleasure of Libra) can be a focus of Taurus folks. Overindulgence is something to be wary of if you your Sun or Ascendent is in Taurus or if many of your other planets are in the sign of the Bull. Typically, Taurus folks tends towards the materialistic such as the garden growing in their backyard versus a mystical garden of new age enlightenment located halfway between paradise and nirvana.

If you have known someone with a strong Sun in Taurus, you have probably met the legendary stubbornness of the sign. Think about the idea of being “bull-headed” and you’ll begin to understand the Taurean temperament. They very much need to believe that something is their idea before they commit and if they aren’t interested or perceive something to be not useful, they can be hurtful in how they express their opinions. Learning to connect with their emotional world and not just the physical world is a challenge for most Taurus folks but well worth the effort if they want as enduring and fruitful a relationship with others as they have with their garden. All that said, Taurus folks are very loyal in relationships, their endurance for seeing a project through is matched only by their stubbornness, and they can be profoundly inspiring when it comes to helping folks re-member and re-connect to the sacredness of physical embodiment.

As mentioned earlier, Taurus folks are typically the longest lived of all of the signs (again, it could be said that they stubbornly refuse to depart their physical form until they damn well want to). They can tend towards diseases and imbalances of congestion, cold, and impurity - they need to be very aware of what they eat and being sure to engage in regular energizing activities. The gift of Taurus Sun folks is that they are so blessedly grounded. They remind us to take pleasure in the physicality of life and not get so lost in our heads and the abstraction of pleasure or whether we should be desiring it. Be your pleasure, is what Sun in Taurus folks teach us.

Taurus Guardian Herbs

Rose (Rosa spp.)

18th century herbalist, J. Quincy, wrote that Rose “raises the spirits and gives sudden strength and cheerfulness” and categorized Rose as primarily a Cardiac and Cephalic or relating to the head. (1) In addition to strengthening the heart, Roses assist with memory and promotes clarity of mind, heart, and spirit by connecting all three. Rose nourishes the body and is sweet medicine which calms the nervous system. Within Ayurveda, Rose is considered a rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) and medhya (brain tonic + nervine) for all of the doshas. A very Taurean herb, indeed!

As an aphrodisiac, Rose is an opener - it opens the heart and body to sensual experience. Like many aphrodisiacs, Rose has nervine and nourishing qualities which help to relax and soothe the body so that it may become ready and desirous of intimacy. Additionally, Rose has also been shown to increase sperm count if fertility has been compromised because of lackluster sperm.

The benefits of Rose for the skin are manifold (anti-inflammatory, astringent, vitamin and mineral rich) and can be used in oils, scrubs, and baths for skin health and beauty. As a humectant, Rose Water adds and maintains water to the skin. Keep Rose Water in a spray bottle to use as a mild antiseptic for first aid needs.

As an herb of Venus, which is Taurus’ Guardian Planet, Rose and other Venusian herbs typically balance and cool the fiery energies of Mars in a chart.

The latter was a sample from the much longer Rose Plant Profile available to my Lunar Apothecary students. Learn about the Rose Plant Personality, Rose Remedies, and a more in-depth exploration of Rose’s healing qualities as a member of the Lunar Apothecary!

Taurus Remedy Herb

image via wikimedia.org

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

While warming herbs might be needed for Taurus folks who have fallen out of balance (such as Rosemary or Ginger), I generally reach for a tonic herb such as Ginkgo which connects with the underlying of wisdom of Taurus. Ginkgo is the oldest living plant species on earth and has more or less stayed the same for 200 million years. I mean, come on, how much more Taurus can you get? A longevity herb for a sign known for its longevity helps Taurus folks relax into and connect with the healing qualities of Ginkgo.

Ginkgo is an antioxidant-rich, blood-clearing, memory sharpening teacher. Taurus folk can have difficulty connecting the physical reality with their emotional experiences, so Ginkgo can help them learn to interact with their emotional and spiritual landscape. I have also found the plant to help open up pathways to useful communication which Taurus folk can struggle to find when they feel apathetic, depressed, or ignoring and/or confused by their emotions. Ginkgo is clearing, moving out stagnation that may have settled in the body as pain, whether the slow healing of wounds or painful pre-menstrual tension.

As a longevity herb, Ginkgo not only helps us live longer but live longer with vitality. My experiences with the herb is that because it connects the brain and heart (via the blood) so well it helps us to make better choices that will support vitality into our elder years.

Sun in Taurus Flower Essence

Peacock Ore supports the foundational gifts of Taurusfolk – making spirit into matter – and helps keep them from feeling that they are stuck in the mud when life feels burdensome and challenging. The stone itself looks like a healing Taurean aura - dark and rich with rainbow gleams of fertile promise. The stone aligns the energy centers of the body and creates energetic motion which can be very useful for Taurus folks who feel stuck or bogged down. Peacock Ore helps connects us back to hope in times of hopelessness and joy when it is needed most.

Ready to learn more?

Check out the rest of my Astroherbology series including Starry-Hearted + Wild-Rooted: An Introduction to Astroherbology which includes additional study resources.

Need a visual guide? Starmaps: The Astrological Body is for you!

Looking for inspiration for Taurus season? Come this way!

The Lunar Apothecary is a full length course using the tools of moon-centered herbalism and ritual to help you discover who you are as a healer.

Want to create a healing Taurus recipe? Check out my Beautiful Sustenance Chaga Chai!

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gethealthywitharun · 9 months

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Know the Health and Wellness Benefits of Cardio

For maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity is key. One of the most effective and accessible forms of exercise is cardiovascular exercise, often referred to as "cardio." In this blog, we will explore the numerous benefits of cardio and why you should consider incorporating it into your fitness routine.

1. Improved Heart Health

One of the basic benefits of cardio is its positive impact on heart health. Engaging in activities like running, swimming, or cycling helps strengthen the heart muscle, making it more efficient at pumping blood. This, in turn, lowers the risk of heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease and hypertension.

2. Weight Management

Is shedding a few extra pounds is on your agenda? Then cardio workouts can be your best friend. The benefits of cardio exercises include burning calories, helping you create a calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. Regular cardio workouts, combined with a balanced diet, can assist you in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

3. Improved Lung Capacity

One of the important benefits of cardio is, these workouts challenge your respiratory system, leading to increased lung capacity over time. This can result in improved endurance and overall stamina, making everyday activities feel less tiring.

4. Mood Boost

Exercise, including cardio, stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These chemicals can help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed.

5. Better Sleep

Are you someone who is struggling with insomnia? Cardiovascular exercise can help with that too. Regular physical activity can improve the quality of your sleep, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper, more restorative rest. That’s a bonus benefit of cardio for those who have trouble sleeping.

6. Increased Metabolism

Benefits of cardio don't end there. Cardiovascular exercise can increase your metabolism, helping your body burn calories more efficiently even when you're at rest. This can help in weight management and overall energy levels.

7. Lowered Risk of Chronic Diseases

Regular cardio can reduce the risk of various chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. It promotes health and longevity.

8. Increased Brain Health

Cardio has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. It may even reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you age.

9. Social Engagement

Many cardio activities, such as group fitness classes or team sports, provide an excellent opportunity to socialize and build a support system, improving your overall well-being.

10. Stress Reduction

Are you feeling stressed out ? Cardiovascular exercise can serve as an excellent outlet for stress relief. It allows you to clear your mind and focus on the present moment, leaving you feeling new. In short, the benefits of cardio are numerous and yes! Cardio is the solution for all your problems.

In Conclusion

The benefits of cardio are numerous and results not only physical but also mental and emotional well-being. Incorporating regular cardio workouts into your routine can lead to a healthier and happier life. Whether you prefer jogging in the park, dancing in a studio, or hitting the gym, finding a cardio activity that you enjoy is the first step toward reaping these incredible benefits.

So, what's the wait for? Lace up those sneakers, grab your workout gear, and start experiencing the positive changes that cardio can bring to your life. Your heart, body, and mind will thank you for it.

Remember, consistency is key. Aim to engage in cardio activities regularly, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey to a healthier you. Your future self will appreciate the effort you put in today.

#gym motivation #gymlife #gymmotivation #exercise

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hairstyleforteen · 1 year

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What is the best room temperature for COPD?

The ideal air temperature and humidity level for COPD patients are 70 degrees and 40%, respectively.The mixture keeps airways relaxed, which lowers the likelihood of symptoms. Source The lungs and airways are affected by the chronic and progressive respiratory condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A person's everyday life may be greatly impacted by this ailment, which frequently results in breathing problems, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can be difficult for people with COPD to breathe in some environments, especially when the air is excessively hot, cold, dry, or humid.The ideal environmental conditions for COPD patients, according to medical professionals, are those with an air temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of 40%. The airways are kept open and relaxed by the combination of warmth and humidity, which lowers the likelihood of symptoms. The body tends to work harder to regulate its internal temperature when the air is excessively hot or cold, which can narrow the airways and produce COPD symptoms. On the other side, when the air is overly humid, breathing can be challenging since it requires more effort on the part of the lungs to get oxygen out of the air.Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and humidity level can be challenging, especially during extreme weather conditions. However, there are several ways COPD sufferers can create an environment that is conducive to their respiratory health. One way is to use a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate indoor humidity levels. A humidifier can add moisture to dry air, while a dehumidifier can remove excess moisture from humid air. Another way is to install an air conditioning system that can maintain a consistent indoor temperature throughout the year.COPD patients should manage the temperature and humidity indoors and stay away from environmental irritants including smoking, dust, and pollution. These irritants can exacerbate the breathing difficulties caused by COPD. Additionally, it's critical to periodically clean carpets, draperies, and other surfaces that might collect dust and allergens in order to maintain appropriate indoor air quality.In conclusion, providing COPD patients with the ideal atmosphere can greatly enhance their quality of life. COPD sufferers can lessen the likelihood of symptoms and breathe better by maintaining a reasonable interior temperature and humidity level, avoiding environmental allergens, and keeping indoor air clean. Read the full article

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spacetimewithstuartgary · 1 year

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How Dust Affects the World’s Health Doctors and public health experts agree that breathing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be harmful to human health. The airborne particles—thirty times smaller than the width of human hair—can pass easily into the lungs and bloodstream, where they can increase a person’s risk of dying from heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lower respiratory infections. However, current estimates of the total number of premature deaths linked to PM2.5 range widely, from 3 to 9 million people each year. And there has long been uncertainty about the proportion of these deaths that are due to naturally occurring windblown dust versus human-caused (or anthropogenic) pollution, which comes from factories, transportation, power plants, cookstoves, crop fires, and other sources. Research led by a team of atmospheric scientists based at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center indicates that the health burden associated with PM2.5 is somewhat lower than previous estimates suggest—and sheds light on the role of dust. The researchers—including Hongbin Yu and Alexander Yang—calculated the global health effects of PM2.5 by analyzing exposure over an extended period of time using a NASA atmospheric modeling system integrated with medical data from the Univeristy of Washington’s Global Burden of Disease Study. The NASA team’s conclusion: exposure to PM2.5 likely contributed to 2.89 million premature deaths in 2019—1.19 million from heart disease, 1.01 million from stroke, 287,000 from COPD, 230,000 from lower respiratory infection, and 166,000 from lung cancer. According to their estimates, roughly 43 percent of those deaths occurred in China and 23 percent in India—two of the most populous and polluted countries in the world. Other countries with significant exposure to PM2.5 and large numbers of premature deaths included Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria—though none of these countries accounted for more than three percent of the total deaths linked to PM2.5. The analysis linked 22 percent of the premature deaths associated with PM2.5 to dust—much of this in a “dust belt” that spans from West Africa to East Asia. “In both northern China and northern India, you have huge urban populations living downwind of major dust sources,” explained Yu. “You also have this in West Africa and the Middle East to some degree, especially in Nigeria and Egypt.” The top satellite image above shows a wall of dust from the Gobi Desert approaching northeastern China and the Beijing metropolitan area on March 10, 2023. The image below shows dust from the Thar Desert blowing east over the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plain and mixing with smoke and haze from crop fires and urban pollution on April 7, 2021. Both images were acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite. “This study is a reminder that dust—something that is largely natural and something that we can’t easily control with policy—can have an important impact,” said Yu. “In some countries in the dust belt, dust alone can push a population’s PM2.5 exposure well above World Health Organization guidelines.” The team reached their conclusions by first calculating how much background exposure people in different parts of the world had to PM2.5 in 2019 by using a meteorological and atmospheric reanalysis system called the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2). MERRA-2 is a model that uses real-world observations to help simulate how dust and other key aerosol particles move and change in the atmosphere over time. The researchers verified the accuracy of MERRA-2’s results by comparing them to air quality measurements collected from the surface at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. They analyzed PM2.5 exposure in 2019 to ensure that any changes in mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic did not influence the results. There are multiple ways researchers can represent the size and shape of dust particles in MERRA-2 and other atmospheric models, and the research team found that estimates of PM2.5 deaths are more accurate if calculations are based on the aerodynamic size of dust particles rather than the geometric size. “Aerodynamic size incorporates important information about the shape and density of dust particles that is relevant to how readily the particles fall out of the atmosphere and move into the respiratory system,” explained Yu. Though the geometric size for dust—which is larger than the aerodynamic size—is commonly used by atmospheric scientists, doing so in this type of health outcome research would lead to an overestimation in the number of deaths attributable to dust by about 1 million people, according to Yu. Key sources of satellite data that were used to constrain MERRA-2 include the MODIS and Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) sensors on NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites. MERRA-2 covers the modern satellite era (1979 to present) and runs using the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model. In GEOS, airborne particles are simulated using the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model. NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Adam Voiland.

#space #science #earth observatory #nasa #news #china #india

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mcatmemoranda · 2 years

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There are multiple risk factors for the development of osteoporosis. These include but are not limited to advanced age, cigarette smoking, chronic glucocorticoid therapy, low body weight, previous fractures, history of rheumatoid arthritis, and excessive alcohol intake.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are associated with adverse effects on bone health. The AEDs most commonly associated with altered bone metabolism are those that induce the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Specifically, the AED phenytoin has a direct inhibitory effect on intestinal calcium absorption and can stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption.

A score of less than -2.5 on DEXA scanning would indicate osteoporosis, a score of -1.0 to -2.5 would indicate osteopenia, and a score greater than -1.0 indicates normal bone density. Additionally, a fragility fracture (fracture from minor trauma such as a fall from a standing height or less) is diagnostic of osteoporosis without any further workup.

Bottom Line: The risk factors for osteoporosis include advanced age, cigarette smoking, chronic glucocorticoid therapy, physical inactivity, poor intake of calcium and vitamin D, body weight less than 127 lb, previous fractures, anticonvulsant use, hyperthyroidism, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and excessive alcohol intake.

The characteristic need for the child to use his hands to push himself to an upright position when arising from the floor is the Gower sign. It results from weakness in the proximal lower extremity muscles. Physical examination reveals pseudohypertrophy of the calf, lumbar lordosis, a waddling gait, shortening of the Achilles tendons, hypotonia, and hyporeflexia or areflexia. Patients usually use wheelchairs by age 12 or 13. Additional complications include delayed growth, dilated cardiomyopathy, increased fractures, progressive scoliosis with impaired pulmonary function, cognitive impairment, and eventual respiratory insufficiency.

Bottom Line: Elevated laboratory markers in the setting of Duchenne muscular dystrophy include serum creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase.

COMBANK Insight: DMD is a progressive, myopathic disorder inherited in an X-linked, recessive fashion and caused by a defective gene on the X chromosome responsible for dystrophin production. Dystrophin normally serves to stabilize and prevent the breakdown of muscle fibers. Loss of dystrophin thus leads to muscle fiber degeneration, resulting in muscle weakness.

Wilson Disease, also known as hepatolenticular degeneration, is an autosomal recessive defect involving an ATPase, Cu2+ -transporting, β-polypeptide. In this disease state, copper is deposited in tissues of the brain, liver, kidneys, and Descemet membrane of the cornea (known as Kayser-Fleischer rings, which are seen in the exhibit). Parkinsonian-like tremor and dementia may be evident when the nervous system is affected. Renal tubular damage occurs in the kidneys and cirrhosis can develop in the liver. Diagnosis can be made with the observation of decreased serum ceruloplasmin. Treatment includes penicillamine, which creates a soluble complex with the metal that can be excreted through the urine.

Bottom Line: A Kayser-Fleischer ring is a golden brown ring observed in the Descemet layer of the cornea as a result of copper deposition and is seen in Wilson disease. Labs reveal low serum ceruloplasmin and treatment with penicillamine can stop the progression of this degenerative disease state.

The types of cancers that metastasize to the bone most commonly are lung, breast, thyroid, renal, and prostate. Multiple myeloma and lymphoma can both form lytic lesions from their origins within the marrow.

A SPEP and UPEP are sensitive for multiple myeloma and should be obtained along with a measurement of the patient's total protein and globulin levels.

Bottom Line: The initial workup of a new lytic lesion generally involves a CT chest/abdomen/pelvis, SPEP/UPEP, bone scan, basic labs, and mammogram or PSA

#osteoporosis #Duchenne muscular dystrophy #muscular dystrophy #Wilsons disease #multiple myeloma #cancer

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