Why a group of U.S. states smokes more than a less-developed country (truth initiative.org)

The massive decline in the overall U.S. smoking rate during the last two decades — when youth smoking dropped from 23% in 2000 to under 5% today — is a national achievement. It also disguises a persistent problem: tobacco is not an equal opportunity killer, and many communities have not experienced the same reduction in tobacco use.

Certain areas of the country continue to use tobacco at disproportionately higher rates compared with the rest of the country. In 2017, Truth Initiative^® highlighted a collection of U.S. states in the South and Midwest with smoking rates that exceed not only the national average but that of many countries with the highest smoking rates in the world. We termed this region “Tobacco Nation.”

When we originally examined states with the highest adult smoking prevalence in 2017, using the most recent data available, we singled out 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia. These states share not only higher tobacco use, but poorer health outcomes and a similar set of challenges — lack of income, infrastructure and health care resources — compounded by a lack of tobacco control policies.

When we reexamined states’ tobacco use in 2018, we looked beyond the most current annual estimates to examine trends in smoking over time. We found that 13 states had consistently ranked in the top 25% of U.S. adult smoking since 2011.

In addition to the 12 states that comprised the 2017 report, South Carolina joined the ranks of Tobacco Nation when we considered states within the top quarter of adult smoking across several years. These are key characteristics of Tobacco Nation:

• Smoking: 21% of Tobacco Nation’s adults smoke, compared with just 15% of adults in the rest of the U.S.
• Finances: Tobacco Nation residents are less well-off financially than those in the rest of the U.S., and consequently spend a higher percentage of their disposable income on tobacco. Individuals living in Tobacco Nation earn nearly 25% less per year than the typical resident within the rest of the U.S.
• Health: Health outcomes in Tobacco Nation are also relatively poor and access to care is more limited than in other parts of the country. Tobacco Nation residents report more than 20% more “poor” physical and mental health days than the average American.
• Policies: Further compounding the problems faced by Tobacco Nation are the relative lack of smoke-free laws and other tobacco control policies designed to protect the public and encourage cessation. Only two states in Tobacco Nation have laws forbidding smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars, compared to more than half of the states in the rest of the country.

Unfortunately, we discovered very few positive changes in Tobacco Nation between 2017 and 2018.

• Tobacco Nation remains a nation within our nation: The disproportionate share of adult smoking continues to occur in Tobacco Nation. Under our reexamination, it grew even larger. Smoking rates in South Carolina, which had consistently been among the top 25% of tobacco using states, joined Tobacco Nation when we considered trends since 2011. Just as noteworthy as South Carolina’s addition is that no state within Tobacco Nation reduced its tobacco consumption significantly enough to warrant removing its classification.
• Little to no change is bad news: Unfortunately, most of the smoking, demographic and health characteristics remained largely unchanged. Tobacco control policies have also not seen much progress in these states, with the exception of Arkansas and some counties enacting Tobacco 21 policies to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco. With nearly two years elapsing between the initial collection of data in 2017 (using the most recent information available at the time) and the 2018 update, we had hoped to see some marginal progress within and among states.

Our research into Tobacco Nation illuminates the health, policy and extensive tobacco use disparities within the country. Nearly two years after our initial analysis, far too many differences remain between Tobacco Nation and the rest of the U.S. A significant portion of the U.S. appears to have troubling similarities to less well-developed countries, which lack the income, infrastructure and health care resources to provide aid and support to their residents. Simply put, Tobacco Nation is a country within a country, and it is in trouble. The U.S. is already well below its high income peers when it comes to life expectancy, ranking just 43rd among countries around the world, according to the World Health Organization. Reducing these disparities will require a serious effort that starts with reducing tobacco use.

Read our original Tobacco Nation report

A visual look at Tobacco Nation

Along with the updated Tobacco Nation report, researchers at Truth Initiative developed an innovative, web-based mapping tool which presents a geographic look at the region, along with detailed, county-level smoking, demographic and policy data.

• Dynamic story map: “Tobacco Nation: A Geographic Perspective” is a dynamic story map which allows users to explore specific states and/or counties of interest.
• State and county-level information: This tool also allows users to explore cigarette smoking rates, demographic data and tobacco control policies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as the ability to research population characteristics such as race, ethnicity, income, poverty, health factors and education, in addition to tobacco control policies, at the county level.
• Variations within Tobacco Nation: The addition of county-level data allows users to compare variations within Tobacco Nation states themselves as well as across Tobacco Nation states.
  • Smoking rates within states: Even within Tobacco Nation, researchers found variation within states. Central Appalachia, including parts of Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, had the highest levels of adult smoking overall.
  • More smoke-free laws: When we examined variations in smoke-free policies at the local level, for example, we discovered significant variation within and across states. Some states, such as Mississippi, have no statewide laws protecting workplaces, restaurants or bars, but counties or localities within the state have opted to pass smoke-free policies.
• Additional comparisons between the U.S. and Tobacco Nation: The inclusion of smoking, tobacco control policies and population characteristics for all 50 states allows for comparisons between individual states inside and outside of Tobacco Nation.

Location and demographics

Tobacco Nation now comprises 13 states — Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia — with smoking rates among the highest in the country. With more than 71 million residents, these states include roughly 22% of the U.S. population, but represent more than 28% of all adult current smokers in the country. As in other parts of the U.S., these states have slightly more females (51%) than males (49%) and more than 20% of its residents are young people aged 10 to 24.

Tobacco Nation is less diverse than the rest of the nation overall. Whites encompass 75% of the region’s population (compared with 58% of the country’s population), African Americans comprise 15% (compared with 11%), Hispanics comprise 5% (compared with 20%) and 5% of the region is described as “other” (compared with 6%).

Tobacco Nation is also not as well-off financially. Individuals living in Tobacco Nation earn nearly 25% less per year (median household income: $48,708) than the typical resident within the rest of the U.S. ($60,990). In addition, 17% of its population lives below the poverty line of $24,600 per year for a family of four, compared with 14% of the rest of the U.S. population. Tobacco Nation provides evidence that the tobacco epidemic disproportionately burdens those least financially able to afford it.

The population of this region is also less educated than the rest of the U.S. Only 24% of residents hold a college degree or higher, compared with 30% of the population in the other 37 states. 

Residents of Tobacco Nation are slightly less likely to be engaged in the labor force (61% versus 64% of the rest of the U.S.) and are more likely to work in industries like manufacturing (14% versus 9%). They are also less likely to work in a professional, scientific or management position (9%) than people who live outside of Tobacco Nation (12%).

Smoking prevalence

Adults 18 and over in Tobacco Nation are more likely to smoke than the average U.S. adult. Twenty-one percent of Tobacco Nation’s adults smoke, compared with 15% of adults in the rest of the U.S. The region’s youth also smoke at higher rates compared with the average U.S. youth aged 12 to 17 residing in one of the other 37 states (10% versus 6%).

Not only does Tobacco Nation’s youth and adults smoke at higher rates, its residents also smoke many more cigarettes per capita annually (59.2 packs) than those in the rest of the U.S. (32.1 packs). In practice, this could mean that over a given year, a smoker living in Tobacco Nation could be inhaling over 500 more cigarettes than the average smoker in the rest of the U.S. — an addiction with serious consequences.

Mortality and disease

Health incidence and life expectancy

We know that residents of Tobacco Nation smoke far more cigarettes than their neighbors, so what does that mean for their health? The numbers show us that where tobacco use is high, tobacco-related health conditions and diseases are high too. Given the number and frequency of cigarettes smoked, it is both dismaying and unsurprising that lung and other cancers, heart disease and chronic lower respiratory disease mortality are higher across Tobacco Nation than in the rest of the U.S.

This is your body on cigarette smoke – Search Videos (bing.com)

Life expectancy rates across geographic areas are highly correlated with preventable health behaviors such as smoking. In cities with highly educated populations, high incomes and high levels of government spending, the poor live longer and have healthier behaviors. In New York City, for example, where government support is relatively high and public policies encourage better health for all, its poorest residents fare better than similar residents living in other parts of the country. Conversely, in areas with high rates of smoking and low levels of government spending, the poor have the shortest life expectancy. In these areas, the deck is stacked against them. This adds up to a stark reality for residents of Tobacco Nation who are in areas of the greatest smoking prevalence and typically have low levels of government spending. On average, Tobacco Nation residents live shorter lives and face a higher risk of dying than other Americans. Average life expectancy in Tobacco Nation is 76.3 years, compared with 79.3 years in the rest of the U.S. Tobacco Nation residents are more likely to die from cancer than those in the rest of the U.S. Not only does smoking raise the risk of lung and bronchus cancer, it also raises the risk of developing heart disease. 

Here again, Tobacco Nation exceeds the national average. Nine of America’s least heart-healthy states are part of Tobacco Nation. In fact, when Tobacco Nation is removed from the U.S. average, the comparison is even more stark: Tobacco Nation residents’ heart disease mortality is 22% higher than that of the remaining 37 states.

Co-occurrences and co-morbidities

In addition to the poor tobacco-related health outcomes are the co-occurrences and comorbidities that often accompany tobacco use. Among the total population of Tobacco Nation, 17% of its residents report excessive drinking, compared with 27% of smokers in the region — a whopping 10% jump when alcohol consumption co-occurs with smoking. Tobacco Nation’s smokers are also more likely to report frequent mental distress (26%) than the average Tobacco Nation resident (15%). Similarly, smokers in Tobacco Nation report much higher rates of frequent physical distress (22.4%) than the general population of Tobacco Nation (15%). It is also important to note that Tobacco Nation as a whole fares poorly in mental and physical markers of well-being, compared with the rest of the nation. As a whole, Tobacco Nation residents suffer more mental and physical distress than the average U.S. resident.

These factors, along with an overall higher rate of physical inactivity in Tobacco Nation compared with the rest of the U.S., affect not just its residents’ health, but potentially their livelihood. It is even worse when comparing the rates of physical inactivity among Tobacco Nation’s entire population (30%) to Tobacco Nation’s smoking population (39%). In Tobacco Nation, where almost a quarter (22%) of its working residents are in physically demanding industries, like manufacturing, construction and agriculture, physical and mental health are especially critical to gain and maintain employment. 

Yet, Tobacco Nation residents report more than 20% more “poor” physical and mental health days than the average American. Tobacco Nation smokers also report 29% more poor physical days and 40% more poor mental days than their average nonsmoking neighbor. Crucially, the loss of a job could also mean the loss of health insurance. In Tobacco Nation, health care is already limited.

Health care access

The U.S. has notably fallen short in providing timely and accessible health care when compared with other high-income countries. 

Tobacco Nation is in an even more dire situation. Compared with the rest of the nation, Tobacco Nation residents have access to fewer primary care physicians. There are 5% fewer primary care doctors in Tobacco Nation, with just 146 doctors per 100,000 people, compared with 153 per 100,000 in the rest of the U.S. Unsurprisingly, Tobacco Nation residents are far more likely to rely on hospital care, with 32% more preventable hospitalizations for ambulatory, care-sensitive conditions among Medicare enrollees in the region than the average number of residents in the rest of the U.S. Access to quitting services can also be a challenge in Tobacco Nation. Research shows people living in rural communities are less likely to have access to smoking cessation programs and services. 

In addition to the health issues raised by smoking, Tobacco Nation faces overlapping challenges: poorer physical and mental health conditions, combined with fewer doctors and less tobacco control. Poor access to primary care is associated with delayed diagnoses, inadequate prevention and management of chronic diseases, noncompliance with treatment, inefficient use of drugs and technologies and problems with safety. Moreover, research has shown that these types of health disparities are interrelated and tend to negatively influence other aspects of life.

Tobacco control policies

When it comes to reducing tobacco use and improving health, tobacco control policies, like regulations and taxes, make a big difference. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “because tobacco control policies take a population-based approach to improving health, policies have the potential to reach groups most affected by tobacco and reduce disparities,” but these policies are largely enacted and enforced at the state and local level, where there is significant variation. Once again, the states within Tobacco Nation operate differently than the average U.S. state — and not for the better.

Taxes

Overall, states within Tobacco Nation have less restrictive tobacco control policies than much of the nation. Cigarette packs, on average, are 19% cheaper in Tobacco Nation ($5.69) than in the rest of the U.S. ($7.05). The average excise tax (i.e., targeted tax levied on certain goods like cigarettes) is significantly lower in Tobacco Nation ($1.07) than in the rest of the U.S. ($2.03). Additionally, bills that would have increased tobacco taxes in two Tobacco Nation states — Indiana and Mississippi — failed in the past year. The tax increase bills failed in Mississippi despite a survey commissioned by the Invest in a Healthier Future coalition showing that 73% of Mississippians support a cigarette tax increase of $1.50 per pack. 

Evidence indicates that increasing the price of tobacco products can reduce the tobacco related disparities that exist among different population subgroups. With these cheaper prices and lower taxes, it is little wonder that Tobacco Nation residents continue to smoke at higher rates and tobacco-related disparities persist. Tobacco control policies are some of the most effective methods of reducing tobacco use. Research has shown that increasing taxes on cigarettes can result in significantly fewer cigarettes smoked. A 2017 analysis found that tax hikes of 71 cents, to $4.63 per pack, could yield an 8% to 46% reduction in cigarette consumption. This is, in part, because price increases, including tax increases, reduce initiation of tobacco use among young people and could make smoking more prohibitive for low-income smokers.

Age restriction

Restricting the age at which consumers can buy cigarettes is another powerful tool for reducing smoking.

Since the vast majority of smokers begin smoking before the age of 21, Tobacco 21 laws are able to reduce smoking and other tobacco use among young people and have been shown effective, publicly supported and to have minimal, short-term economic impact.27 A 2015 report by the National Academy of Medicine estimated that if a nationwide Tobacco 21 rule was implemented, it would result in 249,000 fewer premature deaths, 45,000 fewer deaths from lung cancer and 4.2 million fewer lost life-years among Americans born between 2010 and 2019. In New York City alone, after only one year of a Tobacco 21 policy being implemented, past 30-day smoking rates among high school students fell from 8.2% in 2013 to 5.8% in 2015, a reduction of nearly 30%. Unfortunately, with the exception of Arkansas, which passed a statewide Tobacco 21 policy in 2019, and localities in Ohio, Missouri, Michigan and Mississippi, no state within Tobacco Nation has opted to take this measure to reduce youth smoking. The Arkansas Tobacco 21 law is problematic in that it exempts members of the military and individuals who reach age 19 by Dec. 31, 2019, and preempts local governments from enacting stricter ordinances than the state regarding the manufacture, sale, storage or distribution of tobacco products. 

Smoke-free laws

Smoke-free laws also make a dramatic difference. One national estimate showed that indoor smoking bans, in workplaces alone, would result in 725,000 smokers quitting. The CDC reported that comprehensive smoke-free laws can benefit “people from all socioeconomic, educational and racial/ethnic backgrounds equally by increasing places where people are protected from tobacco smoke.” According to the CDC, secondhand smoke kills roughly 900 infants and 41,000 nonsmoking adults each year. States like New York, Massachusetts and Illinois, which all have smoke-free bans in workplaces, restaurants, bars and gambling facilities, further illustrate the impact of comprehensive smoke-free laws. In 2002, one year before New York enacted a smoke-free policy, 22% of adults were regular smokers. Just two years later, in 2004, adult smoking rates fell to 20%. By 2014, the rate had fallen to just 14%, a whopping 35% reduction. Massachusetts tells a similar story, with adult smoking rates falling by nearly a quarter from a high of 19% in 2004, the year before the law was enacted, to 14% in 2010.35 Next door to Tobacco Nation, in Illinois, lawmakers enacted a smoke-free policy in 2008 and saw a 10% reduction from 2007, when smoking prevalence was 20%, to 18% in 2013. 

Unfortunately, only two states in Tobacco Nation (Michigan and Ohio) have laws forbidding smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars. More than half of the states (24) in the rest of the country have comprehensive smoke-free bans in place, which cover 65% of their population.

Challenges to policy change

Given what we know about their positive impacts, why aren’t smoke-free and other tobacco control policies more widely enacted in Tobacco Nation? It is not because the people who live in this region are uninterested. In fact, in a 2018 study of support for tobacco control policies, residents of Tobacco Nation supported policies at almost exactly the same level as their counterparts in states outside Tobacco Nation. States within and outside of Tobacco Nation reported overwhelming support (73%) for a ban on smoking in restaurants, as well as a ban on the sale of tobacco near schools (61%). Support for some policies, including requiring tobacco products to be kept out of view in stores where youth shop and requiring stores that sell tobacco to purchase licenses from state or local government, was actually higher in Tobacco Nation than in the remaining states.

A few case examples provide insight into the challenge of changing policies. In Kentucky, for example, no broad restrictions exist to prevent smoking in public places and workplaces. The state finally passed a law prohibiting the use of tobacco products on school property and in school vehicles, but the law allows school districts to opt out during the first three years after it takes effect on July 1, 2020. In Missouri, the circumstances are even more bleak; the state has the lowest cigarette excise tax per pack in the nation (17 cents) and the rate hasn’t changed in 25 years.

Several localities have recently attempted to pass smoke-free laws or introduce smoke-free policies through ballot initiatives, only to see them watered down by legislators or judges. Others have had smoke-free policies amended by local boards of health to exempt casinos. 

One factor clearly suppressing the adoption of tobacco control policies in Tobacco Nation is opposition by Big Tobacco. In 2018, the Kentucky legislature passed a budget bill that included a 50-cent cigarette pack tax increase after Altria spent $379,760 lobbying during the first four months of the legislative session, more than twice as much as any of the 720 corporations and associations that were registered to lobby the legislature. The tax increase was seen as a win for Altria because it was not as high as the dollar hike that tobacco control advocates had been seeking. 

Industry influence is hardly limited to Tobacco Nation. Tobacco giants Philip Morris International and Altria have opposed policies across the country that are proven to decrease cigarette demand and have undermined efforts to enact these types of regulations, such as higher taxes, flavor bans, graphic warning labels and clean indoor air laws. For example, the tobacco industry spent $11.6 million on an unsuccessful effort to repeal an ordinance in San Francisco to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. Outside Tobacco Nation in Marion, Massachusetts, the local board of health considered prohibiting the sale of menthol tobacco products anywhere outside of adult-only cigar bars or smoking bars. The jurisdiction then received correspondence from a law firm for the tobacco industry, threatening lawsuits if they moved forward with the ban.

The tobacco industry has also attempted to spread fear nationwide that menthol bans unfairly target African Americans and would lead to further criminalization of the community. R.J. Reynolds, the maker of the leading menthol cigarette brand, Newport, recruited prominent black leaders, including civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, to host town halls across the country on the subject, including in Minneapolis, Oakland and Los Angeles.

Industry money has also targeted proposed cigarette tax hikes across the country. A 2016 California ballot initiative to increase the cigarette tax by $2 passed despite opponents of the measure, backed by Philip Morris USA and R.J. Reynolds, which spent $71.26 million to try to defeat it — about double the $35.23 million supporters raised. Industry efforts in Colorado, meanwhile, succeeded when a measure that would have increased the cigarette tax by $1.75 per pack failed to pass after opponents of the measure outraised supporters 7-to-1, with Altria donating $17.41 million to the opponents, compared with $2.38 million from supporters. In Montana, a $17.5 million contribution from the tobacco industry, the most money raised against a ballot initiative in state history, helped defeat a bill that would have raised tobacco taxes. Efforts in Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota targeting taxes also failed to pass or become enacted policy.

Tobacco 21 policies, which have strong potential to save lives, have gained momentum in the past year. As more states passed Tobacco 21 policies, the tobacco industry began lending their support, and even started advocating for a federal policy. Although these industry moves may seem to be a positive development, hidden dangers and self-serving agendas remain. The industry has pushed for Tobacco 21 policies containing provisions that weaken their impact. For example, the Arkansas policy passed in 2019 included a provision prohibiting local government from regulating sales of tobacco products. These laws can also serve as a vehicle to weaken or distract support for other measures that are proven to reduce tobacco use, such as higher taxes or sales restrictions on flavored tobacco.

Some recent signs of tobacco control policy success in Tobacco Nation are encouraging. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, smoking was prohibited in bars and casinos beginning June 2018. In Kentucky, tobacco control funding increased by $1 million for each of the next two years.

It is especially important that states do everything they can to push forward policies that protect their citizens. It is clear that Tobacco Nation is not doing enough. Despite the huge sums of money that states take in as payment from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between the major U.S. cigarette companies and the states, states are not spending nearly enough of their tobacco settlement revenues to prevent and reduce tobacco use.

For instance, from 1998 to 2017, Tobacco Nation has received roughly $32.8 billion in payments (compared with the roughly $110.9 billion the rest of the U.S. has received), providing the unique financial opportunity to fund tobacco prevention and control efforts. Yet, there are hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths attributed to tobacco use every year. With Tobacco Nation not spending enough money on establishing proven policies, regulations and programs that can reduce use and boost public health, the gulf between Tobacco Nation and the rest of the U.S. will continue to widen, and the health and economic disparities will continue to deepen.

Cancer Rates by State 2024 (worldpopulationreview.com)

Global comparison

Tobacco Nation’s low cigarette taxes and lax regulations make it appear notably similar to less-developed countries around the world, and like many developing countries, tobacco use is extremely high.

According to the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use, which focuses on 10 low- and middle-income countries with the greatest number of smokers (China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Brazil, Ukraine, Mexico, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India), nearly 80% of tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries. Yet the tobacco prevalence of Tobacco Nation, which resides within a high-income country, makes it more similar to the low- and middle-income nations listed above.

While direct comparisons to other countries are difficult, due to differences in how prevalence rates are measured and reported, it is illustrative to examine Tobacco Nation in light of the highest tobacco-burdened countries worldwide. When compared to Bloomberg Initiative’s 10 countries with the highest rates of youth tobacco use, Tobacco Nation fits squarely in the middle of countries with the highest smoking rates, ranking fifth highest at 10%, behind only Indonesia (20%), Ukraine (17%), Mexico (15%) and the Philippines (12%). Brazil, Pakistan, China, India, Vietnam and Bangladesh all had lower youth cigarette smoking rates. Our previous analysis in 2017 — when we identified the 12 states with the highest adult smoking prevalence — put Tobacco Nation at number four in the list.

Adult smoking prevalence rates are not much better. Tobacco Nation ranks sixth (21%) behind Indonesia (35%), China (28%), Ukraine (23%), the Philippines (23%) and Vietnam (23%). When comparing the U.S. to other countries around the world, it is clear that Tobacco Nation is driving the U.S. smoking rate.

Unlike the 10 countries of focus in the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use, Tobacco Nation enjoys a relatively high income level. Median household income for Tobacco Nation is $48,708, nearly four times as high as Mexico ($11,680), the country included in the Initiative with the second-highest median income. Similarly, per capita gross domestic product for Tobacco Nation ($49,588) far outstrips Mexico ($8,903), Brazil ($9,821) and China ($8,827). 

While the retail price per pack of cigarettes is highest in Tobacco Nation at $5.69 per pack, the percentage of an average person’s income spent per pack is quite low, when compared with these 10 low- and middle-income countries. Framing it in this context, cigarette prices in Tobacco Nation are relatively cheap, and Tobacco Nation residents are more financially able to purchase a pack of cigarettes than residents in countries such as India, Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico. The profit margin for cigarettes means that the tobacco industry can afford to sell fewer packs in the U.S. and still come out ahead. British American Tobacco, home of Reynolds American Inc., “only needs to sell two packs of cigarettes (in the U.S.) to make the same profit as it would selling six in other markets.” 

And when it comes to cigarette consumption, price matters. If cigarettes are more affordable for the average Tobacco Nation resident, tobacco use will continue to be high and cancer and mortality rates will continue to affect many. Tobacco Nation is facing an epidemic of health consequences associated with the effects of smoking despite the region’s location in a high-income country.

While the following comparisons are inexact, due to differences in population estimates, they nonetheless paint a discouraging picture. 

The cancer incidence rate in Tobacco Nation (451 per 100,000) is 75% higher than in Ukraine (258 per 100,000), the country with the highest incidence rate of cancer among Bloomberg’s countries of focus.

Deaths from cancer are similarly dire in Tobacco Nation, with 174 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with the 168 per 100,000 in Ukraine, which has the highest cancer mortality rate of Bloomberg’s 10 countries of focus. These differences, in rates only, further emphasize the placement of Tobacco Nation in the tobacco epidemic, compared with these other countries. Tobacco Nation should be a cautionary example of how devastating tobacco’s effects can be on health, and lessons should be learned.

The fact that a region within the U.S. can have such similarities is shocking. In spite of its economic advantages, and despite spending far more money on health care than any country in the world, the U.S. still fails to protect its citizens from so many preventable deaths — a challenge successfully met by numerous other countries.

Call to action

Despite the success of decades of progress in lowering the smoking rate in the U.S., it is clear that much work remains in the fight against tobacco. We cannot move forward as a country when so many of our states lag far behind. Tobacco Nation’s high smoking rates, along with its relatively poor health outcomes and lack of access to care, make it a disadvantaged country within a country. Were Tobacco Nation its own nation, its profile might place it alongside the most tobacco affected developing countries in the world.

Ending the fight against tobacco can start with a series of fundamental tobacco control policies and interventions. Here is what we know works:

• Higher taxes: We know that taxes work to discourage tobacco use among lower socioeconomic groups and younger individuals. They can also help to address the price disparity, where current cigarette prices constitute a relatively minor percentage of disposable income compared with cigarette prices around the world.
• Smoke-free policies: Everyone deserves clean air, but just over 50% of the entire population of the U.S. is covered by comprehensive smoke-free air laws. The fact that only two out of the 13 states in Tobacco Nation can guarantee an individual the right to clean air on the job, in a restaurant and at a bar, is woefully behind the times.
• Public education: Research has consistently demonstrated that tobacco-related public education campaigns save lives, promote quit attempts, reduce youth smoking initiation, lower health costs and blunt the impact of tobacco industry marketing. Effective public education campaigns are adequately funded, guided by scientific research and use multiple media channels to communicate messages that shift knowledge and attitudes to support policy initiatives designed to reduce tobacco use among a target audience.
• Funding priorities: The recent significant decline in smoking prevalence in the U.S. has erroneously led many in the general public, as well as those in public and private leadership, to believe tobacco is largely “solved,” or at least “addressed,” in our nation. As a result, both government (local, state and federal) and private funding of tobacco control efforts have languished or been redirected elsewhere. Among private funders, there is a perception that the public sector is adequately dealing with the issue and that the need and opportunity for impact is greater outside the U.S. We must correct this assumption and adequately invest our dollars into programs that work. Investment in tobacco control remains one of the most efficient public health interventions for saving and improving lives, with a large return on investment. This is even more true for Tobacco Nation, given its disproportionate share of the smoking population.
• Quitting services: Access to quit smoking services can dramatically increase the success of quit attempts. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that treating tobacco use should become part of routine health care for all smokers. States should include the full range of tobacco treatments in their Medicaid policies and provide robust quitting resources for their residents.
• Tobacco 21: Raising the tobacco purchasing age to 21 is one of several useful strategies for Tobacco Nation to address the significantly higher levels of youth smoking. As the movement toward Tobacco 21 laws continues, we strongly urge policymakers to avoid provisions that weaken its impact. These provisions include language that exempts certain tobacco products, retail environments or types of consumers, such as military members, and preemptions that prohibit localities from implementing other tobacco control measures.
• Point-of-sale policies: Tobacco companies continue to use the retail environment as a way to encourage smoking behavior through product displays and placement, exterior and interior advertisements and promotional and price incentives to consumers. Youth are particularly affected by this type of marketing. State and local governments within Tobacco Nation should enact point-of-sale policies, such as keeping tobacco products behind the counter and tobacco promotional materials above the eye level of children to restrict accessibility of tobacco for children and teens, and prohibiting tobacco sales in pharmacies. For examples of other successful state and local efforts to limit tobacco exposure to youth in the retail environment, see our Point-of-Sale Fact Sheet and Policy Resource.
• Flavor policies: Flavors play a significant role in drawing youth and young adults to tobacco products. Tobacco product manufacturers aggressively market flavored products in several ways, including by emphasizing flavors in advertisements, paying to place them on store countertops, using colorful images on packaging and introducing new and limited-edition flavors. While several localities in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Rhode Island have restricted the sale of flavored tobacco products in some way, no localities in Tobacco Nation have done so. State and local governments within Tobacco Nation should enact policies that restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol, mint and wintergreen flavors. For examples of successful state and local efforts to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, see our flavors fact sheet.

In locations where these types of tobacco control policies have been effectively implemented, tobacco use rates among both the rich and the poor have lowered. However, these policies have not been consistently nor fully adopted and implemented across the country. While further research is needed to ensure that policies reach the most vulnerable among us and lessen the disparities we’ve seen in places like Tobacco Nation, we must try to implement the tools that can make a difference. Unfortunately, residents of Tobacco Nation remain unprotected by fundamental tobacco control measures. It is little wonder, then, that tobacco companies see dollar signs among the stars and stripes.

The consequences are real. Tobacco Nation’s risk of death and disease exacts too great a cost. Tobacco use kills more than half a million people in the U.S. and, according to the CDC, costs the U.S. more than $300 billion per year. We, as a nation, must protect the most vulnerable among us from these harms by reducing smoking rates everywhere, but particularly among the hardest-hit region of Tobacco Nation. No longer can we accept the country within a country phenomenon. We cannot rest until all residents of Tobacco Nation have the same opportunities to live healthy, productive lives.

Smoking prevalence is nearly 50% higher in a group of Midwestern and Southern states compared to the rest of the country, according to Truth Initiative’s latest analysis of U.S. states with the highest smoking prevalence. In 12 states – a region we call “Tobacco Nation” that spans Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia – both adults (19.2% vs. 13%) and young adults (11.2% vs. 7.6%) have 50% higher smoking prevalence and smoke many more cigarettes per capita annually than people living in other states (on average, 53 vs. 29 packs). That means a smoker living in Tobacco Nation could smoke nearly 500 more cigarettes per year than the average smoker in the rest of the U.S.

In 12 states – a region we call “Tobacco Nation” that spans Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia – both adults and young adults have 50% higher smoking prevalence and smoke many more cigarettes per capita annually than people living in other states.

This persistently high prevalence of cigarette use – still the country’s leading cause of preventable death and disease – has serious consequences, especially at a time when life expectancy has declined for Americans due to a variety of factors including COVID-19 and opioid overdoses. Tobacco Nation residents live shorter lives and face a higher risk of dying than other Americans, with an average life expectancy of 76 years compared to 79 years in the rest of the country. Tobacco Nation’s greater rates of smoking-attributable death and disease compared to the rest of the U.S. likely contribute to this lower life expectancy. 

Yet it is possible to create a future where these geographic disparities do not exist anymore. According to a separate analysis by Truth Initiative^® and HealthPartners Institute, more tobacco policy spending paired with higher cigarette taxes targeted to areas with the highest smoking prevalence can reduce disparities in tobacco use that have existed for decades, bringing adult smoking in Tobacco Nation down to the national average and resulting in considerable health and economic benefits. Specifically, the analysis predicts that implementation of key tobacco policy changes could lead to roughly 100,000 fewer cancer cases, 730,000 fewer hospitalizations, and 170,000 fewer deaths attributed to smoking in the first two decades following policy change as well as saving over $24 billion in smoking-attributable medical costs and increasing productivity by over $100 billion.

Researchers and policymakers have created a road map to end unequal smoking prevalence across the country. Why, then, has it been such a challenge to implement these policies? Disparities in tobacco prevention and cessation measures in Tobacco Nation are not the fault of the region’s residents. Residents of Tobacco Nation have historically supported policies at levels equal to their counterparts in states outside Tobacco Nation. Instead, strong tobacco policies have not gained traction due to a combination of factors, including lack of political will, powerful tobacco industry interference in legislation, and prevention of local jurisdictions from adopting strong tobacco prevention and cessation measures. These obstacles have become evident in recent years as strong local laws restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and youth-appealing flavored e-cigarettes, have continued to gain momentum across the country, but very few have been implemented in Tobacco Nation. For example, only three out of nearly 400 flavored tobacco policies in the U.S. have been enacted in Tobacco Nation.

The research points to a clear need for action: without interventions, adult smoking prevalence in Tobacco Nation states is forecasted to be over 40% higher on average over the next 20 years compared to other U.S. states. Steps taken at the federal level – including the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed rules to remove menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars from the market – will likely have large impacts in Tobacco Nation states, but need time to take effect. In the meantime, local and state level protections – including prioritizing tobacco program spending in existing budgets, higher tobacco excise taxes on tobacco products, stronger local tobacco policies supporting smoke-free environments, and restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products – are needed to address long-existing inequities in smoking rates and health outcomes in our country.

More tobacco policy spending paired with higher cigarette taxes targeted to areas with the highest smoking prevalence can reduce disparities in tobacco use that have existed for decades, bringing adult smoking in Tobacco Nation down to the national average and resulting in considerable health and economic benefits.

AN UPDATE ON TOBACCO NATION TODAY

Tobacco use has significantly declined in the United States, with high school student smoking prevalence dropping from 28% in 2000 to 2% in 2022. Much of this decline is attributed to tobacco policy efforts, including price increases, smoke-free air laws, and youth access restrictions, as well as mass media public education and prevention campaigns. However, reductions in tobacco use have not occurred equally across U.S. populations and there are substantial geographic and sociodemographic disparities in tobacco use and associated health outcomes. New issues with uneven implementation of local flavored tobacco policies threaten to exacerbate the situation further.

Smoking prevalence in Tobacco Nation remains higher than the rest of the nation

Tobacco use is disproportionately high in several U.S. states – particularly in the South and Midwest. In our 2017 report, “Tobacco Nation: The deadly state of smoking disparity in the U.S.,” we highlighted a group of 12 states in this region, all of which had higher smoking prevalence than the national average: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia. We called these states with very high smoking prevalence “Tobacco Nation.” These states not only have a high prevalence of tobacco use, they also tend to have worse indicators of health, socioeconomic status, and coverage by tobacco policies. Our 2019 follow-up report “Tobacco Nation: An ongoing crisis” found that most smoking, demographic, and health characteristics remained largely unchanged and looked beyond the most current annual estimates to examine trends in smoking over time. It identified the same 12 states as the first report, plus South Carolina, as states that had consistently ranked in the top 25% of U.S. adult smoking since 2011.

This year, we once again identified areas of the U.S. where smoking prevalence among adults was consistently high between 2011 and 2020. Today, Tobacco Nation is comprised of the same 12 states we identified in 2017— Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia — with smoking prevalence within the top quarter of adult smoking prevalence in the country. We flagged three additional states to monitor – Alaska, South Dakota, and Wyoming – that may be on the verge of joining Tobacco Nation. While South Carolina, which was included in our last report, still has higher smoking prevalence than the national average, it did not consistently rate in the top 25% of smoking prevalence for states in the period we examined. 

Although smoking prevalence has declined across the U.S. since our 2019 report, residents of all ages in Tobacco Nation are still more likely to smoke than residents living in the rest of the U.S. Smoking prevalence is about 50% higher in Tobacco Nation compared to the rest of the U.S. among both adults (19% vs. 13%) as well as young adults (11% vs. 8%). Youth in the region have a higher prevalence of cigarette smoking compared to the rest of the U.S. as well (6% vs. 4% in 2019). Not only is there a higher smoking prevalence among Tobacco Nation’s residents of all ages,  they also smoke nearly twice as many cigarettes per capita annually (53 packs vs. 29 packs) than those in the rest of the U.S., amounting to nearly 500 more cigarettes a year.

With more than 67 million residents, these states include roughly 21% of the U.S. population but represent more than 28% of all adult current smokers in the country. When compared to the rest of the U.S., residents of Tobacco Nation states are less educated, not as financially well-off, and less likely to be employed, especially in white-collar jobs — trends we noted in our first Tobacco Nation report that remain true today.

What we know about e-cigarette use in Tobacco Nation

Since our first report in 2017, e-cigarettes have grown in popularity among youth and today are used by 14.1% of U.S. high school students. E-cigarettes, which come in a variety of youth-appealing flavors, are widely popular across sociodemographic groups, with alarming prevalence of youth use across all parts of the country. However, geographic patterns of adult e-cigarette use are more clear: according to the CDC, nine Tobacco Nation states report adult e-cigarette use prevalence that falls within the top 25% of all U.S. states.

It is not yet clear how youth vaping will contribute to tobacco-related disparities we see in Tobacco Nation states. We do know that the impact of new nicotine products is especially concerning in areas where tobacco use is normalized with high prevalence of adult e-cigarette and cigarette use, and where local or state policy protections are scarce. For example, while hundreds of communities recently enacted flavored tobacco product sales restrictions which include flavored e-cigarettes, only three of these policies have been passed in Tobacco Nation. E-cigarette use in Tobacco Nation presents cause for concern and calls for additional monitoring in the future, especially given strong evidence that young people who use e-cigarettes have much higher odds of later becoming smokers compared to those who have never vaped.

Higher smoking prevalence translates to poorer health

We know that smoking is much more prevalent in Tobacco Nation than other states, so what does that mean for the health of its residents? The numbers show us that where tobacco use is high, tobacco-related health conditions and diseases are high, too. Not only does smoking raise the risk of lung and bronchus cancer, it also raises the risk of developing heart disease. Since our last report, we saw nationwide declines in life expectancy and increases in mortality from conditions like heart disease and cancer. However, given the number and frequency of cigarettes smoked in Tobacco Nation, it is both dismaying and unsurprising Tobacco Nation residents are more likely to die from cancer, heart disease, and chronic lower respiratory disease than those living in the rest of the U.S.

Where tobacco use is high, tobacco-related health conditions and diseases are high, too. Not only does smoking raise the risk of lung and bronchus cancer, it also raises the risk of developing heart disease.

More smokers in Tobacco Nation also suffer from other health conditions that accompany tobacco use compared to the general adult smoking population. For example, 26% of smokers in Tobacco Nation report excessive drinking compared to 17% of its total adult population. Smokers in Tobacco Nation also report much higher rates of frequent physical distress, diabetes, poor physical health days, physical inactivity, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to the total adult population.

Life expectancy across geographic areas is highly correlated with preventable health behaviors such as smoking. In cities with highly educated populations, high incomes and high levels of government spending, individuals with low incomes live longer, report greater physical and mental health, and have healthier behaviors. In places where government support is relatively high and public policies encourage better health for all, its poorest residents fare better than similar residents living in other parts of the country. Conversely, in areas with a high prevalence of smoking and low levels of government spending, low-income individuals have the shortest life expectancy. In these areas, the deck is stacked against them. This adds up to a stark reality for residents of Tobacco Nation who are in areas of greatest smoking prevalence and with typically lower levels of government spending. This reality has become even more apparent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Tobacco Nation residents live shorter lives than other Americans, with an average life expectancy of 76 years compared to 79 years in the rest of the country.

Tobacco Nation fares worse in mental health declines

In addition to life expectancy, mental health has declined across the country (in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic) but indicators remain worse in Tobacco Nation than other U.S. states. Adults in Tobacco Nation more often report poor physical and mental health days and report more frequent mental and physical distress compared to the rest of the U.S. Tobacco Nation’s smokers are also more likely to report frequent mental distress (26.9%) than the average Tobacco Nation resident (16.1%). The story is similar for poor mental health days.

This disparity is concerning given the relationship between mental health and nicotine. Individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to report smoking and smoking in greater amounts. In turn, evidence suggests that nicotine can intensify symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

The connection between COVID-19, mental health, and smoking  

Since our last report, COVID-19 has affected the health of individuals across the globe. From 2019 to 2021, life expectancy in the United States declined by 2.7 years – the largest two-year drop since the 1920s – with much of this decline attributed to COVID-19 deaths. In addition, mental health has also declined in the U.S. which seems to have been heightened by COVID-19. This has been particularly true among youth, with 37% of U.S. high school students reporting poor mental health most of the time or always during the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop of worsening health indicators, disparities persist between Tobacco Nation and other states. 

Because the virus that causes COVID-19 attacks the lungs, the pandemic intensified concerns about the impact of smoking on health. Similarly, declines in mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic raise concerns about the relationship between mental health, tobacco use, and difficulties with quitting tobacco. This is especially true in Tobacco Nation, which has some of the highest smoking prevalence in the country. According to CDC data, nine of the 12 Tobacco Nation states fall within the top 25% of state-level COVID-19 death rates. Individuals in Tobacco Nation also report poorer mental health, on average, than residents of other states.

We know that smoking can harm mental health, increases the risk of infectious diseases and respiratory infections, and is a major cause of chronic health conditions and cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that people who smoke may be at increased risk of infection and worse outcomes including progressing to critical condition or death from COVID-19. The combination of higher smoking prevalence, poor baseline physical and mental health, and limited access to health care created the perfect storm for COVID-19 to hit – harder than the rest of the nation – a community already beleaguered with health issues. See “COVID-19: the connection to smoking and vaping, and resources for quitting,” “Tobacco Nation in the age of COVID-19,” and “Colliding Crises: Youth Mental Health and Nicotine Use” for additional information.  

Lyme Disease Is on the Rise: How One Woman Cured Herself With Biomagnetic Therapy

After eight years of fatigue and brain fog, Rebecca Powers Tibball finally found relief!

By Diane Herbst  Updated: April 14, 2024

What is Lyme disease? 

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged or deer ticks. It’s typically treated with antibiotics as the standard course of therapy.

Despite the growing threat, “less than half of people even know they had a tick bite,” says Dr. Schweig. Symptoms to look out for include a rash, headache and stiff neck. Up to 20% of patients develop chronic Lyme, with symptoms like fatigue and brain fog. “Once it’s longer-term, it’s very difficult to cure,” says Dr. Schweig. 

If you suspect Lyme, find a doctor versed in treating it. Experts advise getting the ELISA antibody test and the Western Blot. But the tests aren’t perfect, says Dr. Schweig. If you have a rash and think you were bitten by a tick, he advises taking antibiotics for two to three weeks, even if you test negative. “You want to be very aggressive to eradicate that bug.”

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease

How to treat Lyme disease with biomagnetic therapy

They’ve been used for decades to help ease pain, but experts who treat chronic Lyme disease use a different type of magnetic energy to help their patients. Biomagnetic therapy uses two magnets with opposite magnetic fields placed on body parts where some type of imbalance has been found, says Heather Tallman Ruhm, MD, of the New Hampshire Health & Wellness Center in Nashua, New Hampshire. The technique hasn’t been well-studied, but she says, “The magnets seem to balance and restore optimal pH levels, which supports the body’s innate capacity to heal from pathogens, emotional imbalances and other conditions.”

Lyme disease success story: How Rebecca found relief

For eight years, Rebecca Powers Tibball, 49, fought fatigue, fog and pain caused by Lyme disease. Then she found an unusual remedy that helped her heal.

“Another day, another thing stripped away from me,” Powers Tibball recalls of the day she quit the job she’d loved for 14 years as an elementary school teacher due to the debilitating effects of chronic Lyme disease.

“Soon after spinal surgery in January of 2015, I developed constant dizziness and migraines, joint pain, neuropathy, nausea and light sensitivity. I also started losing weight and feeling depressed and tired all the time.

Rebecca’s Lyme disease diagnosis

“I saw 14 doctors in 10 months, including a neurology specialist at Yale-New Haven, an ear, nose and throat doctor and a thyroid doctor. I developed anxiety because I felt like I was losing my mind. No one could tell me anything. They were very nice, but very dismissive. No one had any idea what was causing this. 

“At one visit, a chiropractor said, ‘Everything you’re saying sounds like Lyme disease.’

I was thrilled to hear this: Could I finally have an answer? And when I looked it up to investigate further, the list of symptoms was everything I had. 

Searching for answers

“It took me four months to get an appointment with a physician specializing in the disease. He did extensive blood work that was analyzed at Stony Brook University’s Lyme Disease Laboratory. The results showed Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, including babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. I felt so validated that I wasn’t crazy. 

“The doctor started me on antibiotics, but they made me so sick. I had dizziness, I couldn’t eat, the slightest sound overwhelmed me and my eyes and face swelled. I became bedridden. I felt worse than ever. I’d been on antibiotics for two months when my husband said, ‘Enough, no more antibiotics.’ 

Natural Remedies can help

“Lyme disease is an epidemic that is well recognized on the East Coast and less recognized across the rest of the country,” says Sunjya Schweig, MD, a Lyme expert in California and an advisory board member of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. Indeed, infections have been found in every state, with cases doubling from 1990 to 2020. 

So how to treat Lyme disease? 

Antibiotics are the standard course of therapy, but for some, they don’t provide relief. That’s why many with chronic Lyme disease are turning to bio magnetic therapy. It worked for Rebecca Powers Tibball after eight years of suffering. Read on to learn more about the therapy and how it helped Rebecca heal.

Dr, Schweig’s research in Frontier’s Medicine done with John Hopkins School of Health, found that the botanical   medicines Skullcap, This medicinal plant references two herbs: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), with each being used to improve different conditions.

The common name for skullcap used in America was “mad dog” during the 19th century because of its ability to heal animals and humans from rabies. Other popular names include skullcap, hoodwort, quaker bonnet, helmet flower, blue pimpernel, hooded willow herb and mad weed.

In addition to its reputation as an effective remedy against rabies, skullcap was used by Native Americans to promote menstruation. A root extraction was often taken after childbirth to help heal the reproductive system.

The Iroquois used it to keep the throat clear and healthy, and it was used to induce visions as a ceremonial plant to be smoked by some Native Americans.

Chinese physicians are known to have used the root, called huang qin, for antibacterial purposes, as a diuretic, an antispasmodic and to help with bile flow.

And in Nepal, the plant is used as a folk remedy for the common cold, cuts and insect stings. Additionally, some homeopaths have indicated it as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and even epilepsy.

Benefits

1. May Help Fight Cancer Cells

Research shows that Chinese skullcap extract is toxic to cancer cells, such as brain tumor cells, prostate cancer cells, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Studies indicate that aqueous extracts suppressed the growth of lymphoma and myeloma cells.

It’s believed that certain flavones, which are antioxidants within the plant, are responsible for these anticancer effects, ultimately inhibiting the growth. This may happen due to the free radical scavenging characteristics it contains, which prevents viral infections.

One of these flavones is known as baicalein. In a study published in the Beijing Science Bulletin, it appeared as though the baicalein did not cause any mutations, which is a serious problem of many conventional anticancer drugs available today.

Another study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine investigated the effects of the extract from skullcap on fibrosarcoma (a highly metastatic cancer of the connective tissue) and showed possible anticancer characteristics.

The rate at which cancer cells grew was significantly suppressed by treatment through apoptosis, and the volume and weight of tumors were greatly reduced as well. It appears as though the plant helped prevent further inhibition and migration of cancer cells, indicating its potential as a natural cancer treatment.

2. Calms Anxiety as a Nerve Tonic

For more than two centuries, the American skullcap has been used by both Americans and Europeans as a nerve tonic to help treat anxiety. Research has shown that the plant contains “anxiolytic activity” in animals and humans.

Oxidative stress affects some brain-related diseases, such as anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and Parkinson’s disease, yet research indicates that bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants, such as skullcap, may neutralize and even eliminate toxic free radicals.

When this occurs, oxidative stress is greatly reduced. Skullcap for anxiety may work because of its ability to provide significant antioxidant effects, which could make it a great option for reducing anxiety.

“Then I tried natural strategies, from the homeopathic remedies a naturopath recommended to bee venom and Rife therapy  or healing with sound frequency.

It sounds kooky, but I slowly started to feel a little better.

I was able to return to teaching in September of 2018.

I still felt sick, but I had to go back. 

Related: “Bee Venom Therapy Helped Me Beat Lyme Disease!”

Discovering biomagnetic therapy

“One day, a friend told me about a friend of hers with Lyme disease who went to a magnetic therapy practitioner in New Hampshire. She said, ‘He’s all better. He’s exercising, he’s working.’ I was like, ‘Oh my God, I need to go.’ I thought it sounded wacky, but when you’re as sick as I was, you’ll do anything. 

“There was a two-year wait for an appointment, but in a stroke of luck, the practitioner, Janelle Salzman, got me in within four months, and in June of 2022 I had my first visit. 

“Janelle uses the “Lyme Magnetic Protocol Therapy, which means putting magnets on different parts of the body. It’s believed the magnets rebalance the body’s pH levels, which helps the immune system fight the disease.

The Lyme Magnetic Protocol Therapy is a specialized form of biomagnetic pair therapy that’s focused on helping individuals clear Lyme Disease and its co-infections, as well as toxins, to create balance in the body1. It involves using pairs of magnets with positive and negative polarities placed on specific anatomical points on the body. The magnets are believed to encourage the body to eliminate pathogens that cause the symptoms of Lyme disease by making them visible to the immune system, which can then target and release them through the body’s natural detoxification processes1.

While this therapy has been used by some to address chronic Lyme disease symptoms.

It’s important to note that it hasn’t been extensively studied in clinical trials, and its effectiveness is not widely recognized in the medical community2.

If someone is considering this therapy, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about Lyme disease and its treatments. Additionally, it’s crucial to continue with any prescribed treatments and follow the advice of a medical professional.

Lyme disease relief at last

“I walked into her office with my mom and I broke down crying. Janelle was welcoming and warm and said, ‘You’re going to get better.’ I immediately stopped all of the other treatments and went to Janelle twice a month. The $200 treatments were an eligible expense for my insurance’s flexible spending account, and they were worth every penny.

“I would go in with brain fog and over the next week or two, notice that my thinking was clear. My appetite came back, my energy was restored. When you live with vague symptoms like I had, you feel crazy. Many practitioners make you feel like you’re nuts — that it’s all in your head. 

“After six months, I was healed.

Today, my blood work shows zero tick-borne diseases. I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through, so I became certified to perform this therapy on others. Now I see patients with Lyme disease and other ailments at my healing center in Berlin, Connecticut. I love helping others. I feel so blessed.”

THIS LINK MAY HELP YOU FIND A LLMD.  HTTPS://RYDOCS.COM/…/TAG/AREASOFEXPERTISE/LYME-DISEASE

 Red light pemf mat …and bioresonance (with rife and other healing modalities included in it)

Spooky2 Rife for Life. It’s one of the more affordable ones.  

 Spooky 2 XM – Search Videos (bing.com)

 The language of the Marshall Islands comes to a landlocked Ohio town. 

Kendall Crawford is a reporter for The Ohio Newsroom. 

The Ohio Newsroom | By Kendall Crawford

Published January 19, 2024 at 5:00 AM EST

Marshallese youth in Celina are attending language classes, like this one in November, to preserve their Pacific Island culture. Michael Capelle has spent much of his life listening to the stories of older relatives reminiscing about life in the Marshall Islands. Capelle has never visited, but his parents have passed down its traditions and history.

The Marshall Islands, officially the Republic of the Marshall Islands, is an island country west of the International Date Line and north of the equator in the Micronesia region in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The territory consists of 29 coral atolls and five islands, divided across two island chains: Ratak in the east and Ralik in the west. 97.87% of its territory is water, the largest proportion of water to land of any sovereign state.

 The country shares maritime boundaries with Wake Island to the north,

Kiribati to the southeast, Nauru to the south, and the Federated States of Micronesia to the west. The capital and largest city is Majuro, home to approximately half of the country’s population. “We sail around the seas, and we don’t need navigational tools. That’s what sets us apart,” he said. “We’re the people of the sea.”

Landlocked Ohio looks a lot different. Still, a small community of islanders made the long trek from the Marshall Islands – a country of 42,000 people that sits a couple thousand miles northeast of Papua New Guinea – to Celina, a small city in western Ohio, where Capelle lives. Despite the massive distance, Capelle is working to ensure the islands’ culture is passed onto the next generation growing up in Ohio.

Passing on the language

Around 30,000 people have emigrated from the Marshall Islands to the U.S. There’s no official count on their numbers in Celina, but city officials estimate around 1,500 Marshallese people live in the community. Capelle thinks it’s double that. The younger generation here is growing, he said, but their knowledge of Marshallese culture is fading.

“We can’t get to the point where our kids, all of them, don’t know how to speak Marshallese, they don’t know our stories, and they don’t know our values,” Capelle said. Michael Cappelle hands a green composition notebook to a teenager, while other students write at a table. He’s helping the student translate a sentence into Marshallese at a language class in November.

Michael Cappelle helps a student translate a sentence into Marshallese

at a language class in November.

So, in October, Capelle founded the Ohio Marshallese Youth Center.

On a Saturday night in November, nine teenagers are huddled around a table, scribbling notes and sipping Kool-Aid. Their attention is turned to a Zoom screen where Romaldo Kon Kabua, an instructor from Pacific Island Linguistic Services, is teaching them ways to greet each other in Marshallese: How to say hello, how are you, where they’re from.

But he’s not just offering translations. He’s teaching them about the islands’ matriarchal clans, the values of their ancestors, the traditions behind the text.

“Our greeting was very powerful, intentional, filled with love, filled with beauty,” Kon Kabua said, explaining the meaning behind “lakwe,” a greeting that literally translates to “you are a rainbow.”

Protecting a culture

Preserving this culture is difficult but important, said Capelle, especially because many Marshallese people didn’t choose to come to the U.S. Decades ago, they were displaced.

In the 1940s and 50s, the U.S. used part of the islands to test nuclear weapons. In Operation Crossroads, the United States relocated the tiny population of islanders from Bikini Atoll, a remote corner of the country, and detonated more than 200 million tons of TNT.

A dense cloud of smoke erupts from an atomic detonation at Bikini Atoll within the Marshall Islands. United States Department of Defense.

The detonation of atomic weapons in the Marshall Islands in “Operation Crossroads”

has left a devastating legacy on the small nation in the Pacific.

Those detonations have done lasting harm to the islands. Atomic radiation has damaged its population’s health, the islands’ environment and the Marshallese people as a whole. It contributed to emigration from their native land and subsequent erosion of the language skills that Capelle is seeking to preserve. The class is just one way that Capelle hopes to help reverse the gradual erasure of their culture.

“We’re thinking about getting to the high schools, getting to the government levels and showcasing our culture because we’ve had that question like, ‘Can you guys come and show us who you guys are?’” Capelle said.

A place for pride

Many of the students in the class said they speak Marshallese at home with their families, but beyond that it’s hard to find spaces to connect with their culture. That’s true for Emiko Ysawa, a 17-year-old who moved to Ohio seven years ago.

She joined the new language class so she could understand her “manit.” That’s the Marshallese word for “culture,” but it means more than that. One Marshallese essayist describes it as “the core of our being, the spirit in our walk.”

“As kids in this generation, we don’t really follow that expectation, and we just ignore it,” Ysawa said. “So for us to spread it out, we need to learn more about it.” Two teenagers write down notes in a composition book at a Marshallese language class in Celina.

Teenagers in Celina use this class as a way to not only practice their language skills,

but learn about the cultural stories and values of their homeland.

Her classmate Kayla Edejer agreed. The 14-year-old said leaving her home country was difficult. She’s grateful for the opportunity to keep in touch with its culture and ensure she has the language skills to talk with her family that remains there.

“I love how they reassure us, and they make sure that we feel comfortable in our own space and in this room,” Edejer said.

Capelle founded the Ohio Marshallese Youth organization so his young students can learn to find joy from their heritage, he said. He wants to continue to build places where pride in their home country is not just possible, but applauded.

“The Marshall Islands could sink, but I feel like it would always be with me,” Capelle said. “The Marshall Islands is not a land, it’s almost just a people.”

By Breaking News Staff January 05, 2018, at 2:07 pm EST

NEW DETAILS: Coldwater murder victim stabbed multiple times, police say – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio

Far from home: Marshall Islands community in Ohio.

The Marshall Islands, a chain of atolls and volcanic rocks in the Pacific Ocean, are far from the city of Celina, Ohio. Forced to migrate, more than a thousand Marshallese now make their home in the landlocked state. The Ohio Newsroom’s Kendall Crawford reports on how the community is keeping their heritage alive.

The Marshall Islands community in Ohio, particularly in the city of Celina, has been making significant efforts to preserve their culture and language. Despite being thousands of miles away from their Pacific homeland, the Marshallese in Celina are attending language classes to keep their traditions alive1.

Michael Capelle, a local resident, has been instrumental in these efforts. He founded the Ohio Marshallese Youth Center to teach the younger generation about their heritage, including the Marshallese language and the values of their ancestors1. This initiative is crucial as many Marshallese were displaced to the U.S. due to nuclear testing on their islands by the U.S. in the 1940s and 50s1.

The community in Celina is estimated to be around 1,500, but Capelle believes it could be double that number. The focus is on ensuring that the children growing up in Ohio do not lose touch with their Marshallese roots1. It’s a story of resilience and cultural preservation far from home.

Learn more: 1ideastream.org 2theworld.org 3wvxu.org

Are there any cultural events or festivals organized by the Marshall Islands community in Celina?

Yes, the Marshall Islands community in Celina, Ohio, organizes cultural events and activities to share their heritage. One such initiative is the Marshallese Culture Club, which meets weekly1. The club focuses on teaching the language, customs, and traditions of the Marshallese people. This includes learning about the islands’ matriarchal clans, the values of their ancestors, and the traditions behind their greetings and interactions2.

Additionally, the Ohio Marshallese Youth Center was founded to help pass on the language and culture to the younger generation growing up in Ohio2. They organize language classes and cultural lessons to ensure that the children do not lose touch with their roots2.

These efforts are part of a broader movement to protect and preserve Marshallese culture far from its Pacific Island origins, especially considering the historical displacement of many Marshallese due to nuclear testing on their islands2. The community’s dedication to maintaining their cultural identity is evident in these regular gatherings and educational programs.

Learn more: 1apnews.com 2ideastream.org 3theworld.org 4dailystandard.com

The Marshall Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean, consist of more than 1,200 islands and islets in two parallel chains of coral atolls: the Ratak (Sunrise) to the east and the Ralik (Sunset) to the west. These low-lying coral atolls and islands are composed of coral caps set on the rims of submerged volcanoes that rise from the ocean floor1. Here are some interesting facts about the Marshall Islands and their volcanic features:

I couldn’t find any recent records of a volcanic eruption in the Marshall Islands. However, the most recent significant volcanic activity in the region was the eruption at the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge on the Spanish island of La Palma, which occurred between 19 September and 13 December 20211. This was the first eruption on the island since 1971 and is noted as the longest and most damaging eruption on La Palma since records began1. If you’re looking for information on a different event or location, please let me know, and I’ll do my best to assist you.

Overall, 48 volcanoes were in continuing eruption status as of 19 April 2024. An eruption marked as “continuing” does not always mean persistent daily activity, but indicates at least intermittent eruptive events without a break of 3 months or more. There are typically 40-50 continuing eruptions, and out of those generally around 20 will be actively erupting on any particular day (though we do not keep detailed statistics on daily activity). Additional annual eruption data is available for recent years.

The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report (WVAR) for the week ending on 21 May 2024 includes the 27 volcanoes shown below marked “Yes” in the WVAR column (rollover for report). The most recently started eruption is at the top, continuing as of the Last Known Activity date. An eruption listed here might have

Learn more 1en.wikipedia.org 2volcano.si.edu 3usgs.gov 4bbc.co.uk 5bbc.com

Geography and Formation:

None of the 29 low-lying coral atolls and the five coral islands in the Marshall group rise to more than 20 feet (six meters) above high tide.

The islands are coral caps formed on the rims of submerged volcanoes that rise from the ocean floor.

The largest atoll in the group is Kwajalein, which surrounds a 655-square-mile lagoon and has a land area of only six square miles.

The Marshall Islands’ nearest neighbors include Wake Island (north), Kiribati and Nauru (south), and the Federated States of Micronesia (west).

The climate is tropical, with a mean annual temperature of 82°F (28°C) and varying annual precipitation1.

Seamounts and Volcanoes:

The Marshall Islands are the site of several seamounts (underwater volcanic mountains).

These seamounts form part of a larger province extending from the South Pacific to the Mariana Trench, characterized by unusually shallow ocean ground.

Some seamounts in the Marshall Islands do not follow simple hotspot-like age progressions; their volcanic activity episodes can be complex.

The largest seamount is Kwajalein, which has a land area of only six square miles but surrounds a 655-square-mile lagoon.

Other notable seamounts include Aean̄-Kaņ, Neen-Koiaak, Wōd-Eņ Rok, and Wōd-Eņ Iōn̄2.

Specific Seamounts:

Aean̄-Kaņ: Located at 14°52.98′N, 160°27.38′E, this seamount has a depth of 850 meters (2,790 feet) and dates back to the Mid-Cretaceous. It is the largest in terms of volume, with 10,389 cubic kilometers.

Neen-Koiaak: Situated at 14°22.62′N, 161°01.16′E, this seamount reaches a depth of 1,025 meters (3,363 feet) and is approximately 102 million years old. It contains Hawaiite rock. – Search (bing.com)

Wōd-Eņ Rok: Found at 15°13.20′N, 163°00.00′E, this seamount is about 76 million years old and is a candidate member of the Ralik hotspot trail.

Wōd-Eņ Iōn̄: Located at 16°06.00′N, 163°02.40′E, this seamount is approximately 86 million years old and also a candidate member of the Ralik hotspot trail2.

Underwater Volcano of Marshall Islands – Search Videos (bing.com)

In summary, the Marshall Islands are not only a tropical paradise but also home to fascinating underwater volcanic features that shape their unique landscape.

 

Global Volcanism Program | Current Eruptions (si.edu)

Learn more: 1britannica.com 2en.wikipedia.org 3en.wikipedia.org 4pacioos.hawaii.edu

What are some traditional Marshallese foods?

Traditional Marshallese cuisine is a blend of indigenous fare and influences from other cultures. Here are some of the staple foods and dishes:

Breadfruit: Often used as a staple food, it can be roasted or mashed1.

Coconut: Utilized in various forms, including the meat and milk1.

Bananas and Papaya: Commonly consumed fruits1.

Seafood: Including fish, coconut crab, and clams, given the islands’ location in the Pacific1.

Pandanus: A type of fruit used in many dishes1.

Bwiro: A traditional dish consisting of fermented breadfruit paste wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven1.

Additionally, some of the national dishes and popular foods include:

Barramundi Cod: Seasoned and wrapped in banana leaves, then baked2.

Chukuchuk: Rice balls rolled in freshly grated coconut2.

Sweet Potatoes & Fried Bananas: Boiled sweet potatoes and bananas fried in coconut oil2.

Rice-banke: A simple dish of diced pumpkins and rice, sometimes with coconut milk2.

Marshall Islands Macadamia Nut Pie: A dessert pie made with macadamia nuts, corn syrup, sugar, and vanilla extract, topped with coconut whipped cream2.

These foods not only provide sustenance but also hold cultural significance, often playing a role in celebrations and special events1.

Learn more: 1en.wikipedia.org 2tasteatlas.com 3everyculture.com 4foodnerdy.com

5media.gettyimages.com 6ak.picdn.net 7ak.picdn.net 8media.gettyimages.com

Tell me more about the traditional cooking methods in Marshall Islands.

Traditional cooking methods in the Marshall Islands are deeply rooted in the islands’ 

culture and natural resources. Here are some key techniques:

Earth Ovens (Ums): A common method is using earth ovens, known locally as “ums.” Food is wrapped in leaves and slow-cooked over heated rocks buried in the ground. This technique allows for a slow, even cooking process that infuses the food with a smoky flavor1.

Open Flame Cooking: Another prevalent method is cooking over an open flame. It’s a straightforward approach that imparts a distinct smoky taste to the food1.

Sun-Drying: For preserving fish, sun-drying is a traditional technique. The fish is cleaned, salted, and then dried under the tropical sun, which creates a storability and intensifies the flavor1.

Grilling on a Men: The traditional grill, called a “men,” is made from coconut leaves. It’s used to cook fish, meat, and vegetables over hot coals, giving the food a unique smoky essence2.

These cooking methods not only prepare the food but also preserve the cultural heritage of the Marshallese people, showcasing their ingenuity and connection to the environment.

Learn more: 170recipes.com 2foodnerdy.com 3chefreader.com

Adapting to rising sea levels in Marshall Islands (arcgis.com)

11 Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy (msn.com)

Lima a Haven for Haitians

By Craig Kelly | The Lima News

Clifford Joseph displays a Haitian flag on his desk in his North West Street office in Lima. Joseph has been a point of contact for Haitians wanting to make a new life in the Lima area.

LIMA — Walk along the produce section of a small grocery store on the corner of West Spring Street and Jameson Avenue and you will find some familiar items, like yams or even plantains, but you will also find such items as malanga, a root vegetable, or a bag of lalo, or dried jute leaves. Look a little farther and you will come across items like cassava bread or jasmine rice, along with spices like cinnamon sticks and star anise.

If you have any questions, however, knowing some Creole French would be helpful.

This store is helping what is becoming an increasingly large Haitian population in the Lima area find some tastes of home as they work to make a new life for themselves in west central Ohio. As conditions deteriorate and violence rises in the small Caribbean nation, more Haitians are seeking refuge in the United States, hoping to find an escape from the violence and poverty that has stricken their home.

“From what I’ve heard from other Haitians, usually Haitians will be in the northeast, especially Brooklyn, or in Florida,” Lima psychiatrist Dr. Eddy Bruno said. “In fact, at some point, either Brooklyn or Miami have more Haitians than the second [largest] city in Haiti.”

What is bringing Haitians to Lima?

A native of Haiti, Bruno has lived and worked in Lima for nearly 20 years. While he will say he is not the first Haitian to live in Lima, he was one of only a few in this area for some time, he said. However, he is now seeing a shift as more Haitians find themselves in Lima and the surrounding area, with some having been first in the Springfield area and then migrating to Lima.

“I’m not sure how it happened, but it seems like that even when they’re trying to make it to the States, they’re hearing that the Midwest has more jobs and more opportunity,” he said. Bruno also cited the area’s lower cost of living as a draw for those in the Haitian community.

For John Noel, the owner of the Spring Street grocery store, that is what brought him to the area, having lived first in Columbus before moving to Lima two years ago. “Haitians are everywhere in the United States,” he said. “They need the jobs, so they come and get the jobs. They like to work.”

What challenges do they face?

That goal of employment is not always an easy one for Haitians coming to the community with few resources and obstacles like language barriers to overcome. Born in Haiti but now working in Lima, Clifford Joseph operates an office to help Haitian arrivals work through obtaining needed documentation and point them toward resources linking them with food, housing and education, and this has proved difficult.

“They don’t have all their papers most of the time,” he said. “Sometimes they don’t even speak the language. That’s another problem. Most of the time, when they move here, they rent a room from someone but the lease is not in their name, so it’s not easy for them to register their kid for school because as soon as they go to the school, they want proof of living and stuff like that. In Florida or New York or Georgia, because there are already a lot of Haitians already established in the community, they know them, so it’s easier for them to find services.”

That difficulty has also been exacerbated by the large influx of Haitians, with Joseph estimating that about 5,000 Haitians have moved into the area over the last couple of years. “I know it’s not easy for a small city like Lima,” he said. “They didn’t build the city to receive that many people. Getting 5,000 people at once, it’s not easy.”

How is the community responding?

Some in Lima have been working to address that need, with representatives from Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center starting a dialogue over the past year with Activate Allen County and the Lima-Allen County Chamber of Commerce, as well as representation from such areas as city and county government, public health and education, to address how to best help these new arrivals.

“It started as a conversation sometime in the fall,” Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Director of Government and Community Relations Beth Keehn said. “In the last few months, it became more active just because I think all the groups are starting to feel that flux of refugees more rapidly than we had previously.”

According to Keehn, this conversation has been leading to the beginnings of a new initiative to address these issues. To this point, the work has consisted mainly of listening, whether it was to a refugee office in Columbus, to community leaders in Springfield or to the new arrivals themselves.

“What we believe some of the challenges they are facing are questions around how to navigate healthcare, transportation options, education, and that includes traditional education as well as a big desire to get into English language classes,” Keehn said. “Employment options are a question, and then certainly housing. We’re at the very early stages of this structure.”

Bruno and Joseph echoed some of those concerns, relating stories of Haitians facing exorbitant charges to get rides to jobs or paying as much as $600 every week for housing. “One thing we are hoping and praying is that these people won’t be taken advantage of, but this is something we are seeing a lot,” Bruno said.

Joseph emphasized that the people coming here are often not uneducated but often include lawyers, engineers, nurses or other professionals, all of whom had to leave to avoid the escalating violence in their homeland. “They come here just looking for a better opportunity,” he said. “They are not coming to do anything wrong. 

All they want is a better living. They are hard-working. They are not looking for handouts. 

All they need is to find a job and make a good living.”
Language can become a Barrier – Search (bing.com)
Language barriers can make it difficult to understand1234.

Here are some examples of how language can become a barrier:

• Differences in educational background, level of literacy and country or area of the language user1.
• Different accents and dialects2.
• Students from various communities enrolled in language classes at a school2.
• Language barriers can reduce access to information for many young people3.
• Misunderstandings and misinterpretations that come from a lack of clarity of thought and speech4.

Which language does the Marshallese speak – Search (bing.com)

Marshallese (Marshallese: Kajin M̧ajel‌̧ or Kajin Majōl [kɑzʲinʲ(i)mˠɑːzʲɛlˠ]), also known as Ebon, is a Micronesian language spoken in the Marshall Islands. The language of the Marshallese people, it is spoken by nearly all of the country’s population of 59,000, making it the principal language.^[3] 

There are also roughly 27,000 Marshallese citizens residing in the United States,^[4] nearly all of whom speak Marshallese, as well as residents in other countries such as Nauru and Kiribati.

There are two major dialects, the western Rālik and the eastern Ratak.

The Haitian people primarily speak Haitian Creole and French1. Haitian Creole is the most widely spoken language, with more than 95% of the population fluent in it. It’s a unique blend of French, Taino, and some West African languages, reflecting the country’s diverse history and cultural influences2.

French, while being an official language and used in formal settings like education and media, is spoken fluently by only about 5% of the population, typically the elite and those in urban centers2. Other languages such as Spanish and English are also present in Haiti, especially near the border with the Dominican Republic and within the business community2.

How similar is Haitian Creole to French?

Haitian Creole and French share a historical connection, which is reflected in several similarities, but they are distinct languages with their own unique characteristics. Here’s a brief overview of their similarities:

Vocabulary: A significant portion of Haitian Creole’s vocabulary comes from French, although the pronunciation and sometimes the meaning of these words have evolved1.

Alphabet: Both languages use the Latin alphabet, making it easier for those literate in one to read and write in the other1.

Numerals: The numerical system in Haitian Creole is based on French numerals, so numbers are expressed similarly in both languages1.

Common Phrases: Some common French phrases and greetings are incorporated into Haitian Creole, often in a slightly modified form1.

Loanwords: For modern concepts, especially technical or scientific terms, both languages often borrow words from each other1.

Cognates: There are cognates—words that are similar in both languages and share a common origin—although their pronunciation and meaning may have diverged over time1.

Despite these similarities, Haitian Creole has its own grammar, syntax, and phonetics, which are quite different from French. This means that while someone who speaks French might recognize some words and phrases in Haitian Creole, they would likely find it challenging to understand or communicate effectively without learning the specific nuances of Haitian Creole2.

Learn more: 1berlitz.com 2sololingual.com 3ncesc.com 4ncesc.com 5frenchwin.com

There are 11 different Spanish dialects. – Search (bing.com)

How much does French differ in Montreal and Paris – Search Videos (bing.com)

Other languages such as Spanish and English are also present in Haiti, especially 

near the border with the Dominican Republic and within the business community2.

Learn more

1bing.com2worldatlas.com3en.wikipedia.org4blog.rosettastone.com5haitiopen.com6familysearch.org— see less

Bonus:  As Lima debates immigrants, Springfield could provide example – LimaOhio.com

Costa Rica, Germany and More Countries With a Higher Life Expectancy Than the U.S.

Did you know that America has a widening life expectancy problem? (msn.com)

How Close Is Science to Solving the Problem of Consciousness? (msn.com)

Unraveling the Enigma: The Complex Nature of Consciousness (msn.com)

We keep trying to make sense of death because we’re afraid of it. 

After all, how can we not be when all we have ever known is life?

 It’s always scary to step into change, and the more unknown that change is, the more daunting and unpredictable it feels.

Thankfully as time has gone on and science has advanced, we have been able to make death less of a mysterious thing. We now have a better understanding of some of the eerie but fascinating things that happen in our final moments. Here are the 8 most notable things based on the experiences of people who died and then came back.

Almost everyone that had a near-death experience—meaning that their heart stopped beating and flatlined, only to be resuscitated once again,—reported an ability to step outside of their body.

They explained that not only were they able to see themselves as they were floating in space, but they were also able to give accurate details of who was around, what they were doing and saying, and what was happening during the moments they were technically clinically dead.

Do We Go to Heaven When We Die? (lifehopeandtruth.com) 

The expression “seeing the light at the end of the tunnel” didn’t come out of nowhere. 

This raises questions as to whether our spirit is attached to our physical bodies or whether we float away from death when we die and go on to live in some sort of spirit world instead. Seeing a light upon death is a common report by those who were brought back away from it. Just like we have seen in the movies, it’s true that they describe feeling welcomed into a warm, bright, and beautiful light.

Everything Was Connected

The intensity of the brightness of that light differs from person to person. Some people have described that light as “God.” Some of those who had enough time to step into it also described finally getting the answers to all sorts of questions about the universe. They explained that everything was connected and that it all finally made sense. The light was so reassuring, that some didn’t want to be brought back to life.

You See Your Life Flash Before Your Eyes

Seeing your life flash before your eyes also is a true statement. 

This phenomenon has been the subject of many scientific studies.

A recent study’s most notable discovery was that for about 30 seconds before and after a man’s heart stopped beating from cardiac arrest, activity increased in the parts of the brain associated with memory recall, meditation, and dreams. This information supports a theory known as”life recalls” which suggests that we relive our whole life in seconds, or a flash, just before we die.

Our eyes move rapidly, like REM sleep, while accessing memories. This shows that, as more and more studies are revealing, the brain remains active during and immediately after death. Perhaps one of the most heartwarming reports of what happens after death is that people report being able to see and interact with loved ones who have passed away, even if it’s for a short visit. 

They can’t necessarily control who they will encounter

but oftentimes it’s a relative or dear friend who appeared to them.

It’s Not Time Yet: Is There a God And Heaven After life.

Some have even been told to go back to life as it was not yet their time to join them in the afterlife. Perhaps our lost loved ones really are watching over us somewhere from beyond until we join them one day.

Almost every person who reported having a moment in which they were clinically dead, reported that they were able to float outside their physical body in spirit. This is something people have been trying to do while alive but sleeping, calling it astral projection.

Astral Projection

Astral projection is a practice of leaving the body safely. There are numerous guides that teach people how to leave their bodies on command. It starts out by practicing lucid dreaming, or the ability to control your dreams. While this may be experienced differently when sleeping versus when dead, it can simulate the experience to give you an idea of what to expect!

One of the fascinating discoveries is of people reporting being able to see and hear everything that happened around them while they were unconscious even though they weren’t able to respond.

Sixth Sense

One person, in particular, mentioned that they were able to see the green-haired paramedic that was sitting by them as they lay unresponsive. Days later, upon gaining back consciousness, she saw him again in real life. She approached him to ask. She said he seemed astonished because there was no way she should have been able to see him. Perhaps we tap into a sixth sense we’re not even aware of when we die.

There is no way to guarantee for sure what exactly will happen to each of us upon death. It’s possible that the experience will be relative to the person. Not all near-death experiences have been positive.

Some say that death was nothing but fading to black. In some cases, they said it felt like a deep sleep, without dreams. 

This is the worst fear for some of us. It would mean that our whole lives end up being meaningless and truly end as our physical bodies decay. It’s hard to believe that our bodies simply rot and our souls along with them. But, this can also be motivation to live as full of a life as possible while we are still alive.

I have studied NDE’s and like flying paper airplanes no two experiences are the same.

I’ve studied more than 5,000 near death experiences.

 My research has convinced me without a doubt that there’s life after death.

Story by insider@insider.com (Kelly Burch)

• Jeffrey Long is a radiation oncologist in Kentucky. – Search Videos (bing.com)
• He’s also founder of the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation.
• He says studying near-death experiences has made him a better cancer doctor. 

Beyond the Final Breath- 18 Major Theories on What Happens After we Die (msn.com)

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jeffrey Long. It has been edited for length and clarity.Thirty-seven years ago I was an oncologist resident, learning about how best to treat cancer using radiation. These were the pre-internet days, so I did my research in the library. One day I was flipping through a large volume of the Journal of American Medical Association when I came across an article describing near-death experiences. 

It stopped me in my tracks. All my medical training told me you were either alive or dead. There was no in-between. But suddenly, I was reading from a cardiologist describing patients who had died, then come back to life, reporting very distinct, almost unbelievable experiences.
From that moment, I was fascinated with near-death experiences or NDEs. I define a near-death experience as someone who is either comatose or clinically dead, without a heartbeat, having a lucid experience where they see, hear, feel emotions, and interact with other beings. Learning more about these experiences has fundamentally changed my view of the universe.

Near-death experiences have common threads

When I finished my residency, I started the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation. I started collecting stories from people who had NDEs and evaluating them with the mind of a scientist and doctor. I make opinions based on evidence and came into this as a skeptic. But in the face of overwhelming evidence, I’ve come to believe there’s certainly an afterlife. 

Related video: Man who was declared brain-dead for three days before coming back to life reveals what he saw in the ‘afterlife’ (Dailymotion) – Search (bing.com)

But as I studied thousands of them:

I saw a consistent pattern of events, emerging in a predictable order. About 45% of people who have an NDE report an out-of-body experience. When this happens, their consciousness separates from their physical body, usually hovering above the body. The person can see and hear what’s happening around them, which usually includes frantic attempts to revive them. One woman even reported a doctor throwing a tool on the floor when he picked up the wrong one—something the doctor later confirmed. 
   After the out-of-body experience, people say they’re transported into another realm. 

Many passes through a tunnel and experience a bright light. Then they’re greeted by deceased loved ones, including pets, who are in the prime of their lives. Most people report an overwhelming sense of love and peace. They feel like this other realm is their real home. I haven’t found any scientific explanation for these experiences that may sound cliche: the bright light, the tunnel, the loved ones.  

But over twenty-five years of studying NDEs. I’ve come to believe that these descriptions have become cultural tropes because they’re true. I even worked with a group of children under five who had NDEs. They reported the same experiences that adults did—and at that age, you’re unlikely to have heard about bright lights or tunnels after you die.

Other people report seemingly unbelievable events, which we can later confirm. 

One woman lost consciousness while riding her horse on a trail. Her body stayed on the trail while her consciousness traveled with her horse as he galloped back to the barn. Later, she was able to describe exactly what happened at the barn because she had seen it despite her body not being there.

Others, who hadn’t spoken to her, confirmed her account. I’m a medical doctor. I’ve read brain research and considered every possible explanation for NDEs. The bottom line is that none of them hold water. There isn’t even a remotely plausible physical explanation for this phenomenon.  I’ve also studied fear-death experiences, like near-miss car accidents.

I take a particular definition for NDEs. The person must be unconscious. But there’s another type of phenomenon that fascinates me too: what I call fear-death experiences. These are situations where you feel your life is in imminent danger. It might be a near-miss car accident or a sudden fall. These people generally don’t experience the tunnel and light, but they often report their life “flashing before their eyes.” While some people with NDEs report these life reviews, they’re more common with fear-death experiences.  People even recall events from toddlerhood that they can’t consciously remember. But that we can later

confirm by talking with family members and others. Studying NDEs has made me a better cancer doctor. While I’m passionate about NDEs, my day job still revolves around helping patients fight cancer. I don’t tell my patients about my NDE research. And yet, my work with NDEs has made me a more compassionate and loving doctor. I’m able to help my patients face life-threatening diseases with increased courage and passion. My goal is to help them have more healthy days here on Earth. 
But I firmly believe that if and when they pass, they will be at peace.

A woman standing on top of a mountain to feel the human energy field

The Human Energy Field – Search (bing.com)

Layers of Human Energy Field & Why You Should Hack Into Them for Supercharged Vitality

Written by Callie Bakola

Approved by Jeffrey Allen

C.S. Lewis once said, “You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.”

Though it sounds rather religious or metaphysical, this statement is now backed up by science. At least partially.

Mind, Body Spirit Connection and Health – Think of a human being as a body-mind-spirit complex. These layers, known as the human energy field, are invisible and intangible, but they are essential for your well-being. If any of these are out of balance, they can manifest on a visceral level—as a physical ailment, emotional or mental distress, or a sense of disconnection with self or others.

But knowing how to balance them can level up your human experience.

We are much more than our physical body. The human energy system consists of much more than is perceived to our physical eyes. The human body consists of an electromagnetic energy field, which makes up for our subtle bodies, or Light Body, consisting of 7 Chakras and meridians through which energy flows. 47 Human Energy Field ideas | energy field, energy, energy healing (pinterest.com)

Also known as “aura” or “biofield,” the human energy field is an invisible energy surrounding the human body. It’s an integral part of many belief systems and alternative healing practices rooted in spiritual traditions. The human energy field has multiple layers—five of them—and each has its own function:

Physical: Directly connected to the physical body

Etheric: The blueprint for the physical body

Emotional: Contains emotions and feelings

Mental: Linked to thoughts, beliefs, and mental processes

Spiritual: What connects humans with the divine

The importance of the human energy field lies in the direct connection between energy and well-being. Because, at the end of the day, everything is energy. And by altering it, you can improve many different aspects of your life.

How to Balance Your Mind, Body, and Soul During a Crisis

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-healing-works/202004/how-balance-your-mind-body-and-soul-during-crisis

The mind-body-spirit connection means that our wellness comes not just from physical health, but from mental health and spiritual health as well1. All three are connected, and weakness or imbalance in one of these can negatively affect the others2. For example, severe emotional stress of the mind can cause high blood pressure and other illnesses in an otherwise healthy body. Similarly, physical illness or injury can cause depression in a usually healthy mind2. Mind-Body Therapy is increasingly popular as a means of cost-effective self-care3.  

How Big Is the Human Energy Field?

Humans have an energy field around them that can extend up to several feet from the physical body. If you search for human energy field images, most of them are pictured as egg-shaped cocoons around the body. The specific size varies, and it depends on factors such as health, age, emotions, and state of mind.

Generally speaking, the more positive your well-being is, the bigger your human energy is, and vice versa. Similarly, experienced energy workers and those engaging with spirituality usually have larger and more prominent auras.

What’s more, the size of each layer in the energy field also varies. The innermost layer, the one closest to the physical body, is also the smallest. And the outermost layer, which is the spiritual layer, is the largest.

The 5 Layers of the Human Energy Fields

Different belief systems and schools of energy healing may have slight variations in the number and attributes of the energy fields. That said, most systems have agreed upon these five layers of human energy fields.

1. The physical layer

This is your visceral body, composed of flesh, skin, bone structure, organs, and blood. It’s a physical representation of what you perceive as self. And for most people, it’s the only self-perception they have. Although you are quite aware of your physical body, your eating, drinking, breathing, and moving patterns leave much to be desired.

But if you don’t set them right, it will affect your mental, emotional, and even spiritual bodies. Jeffrey Allen, a world-renowned energy healer and author of Mindvalley’s Duality Quest, explains that when you go through painful experiences, you store energy from them in your body.

Whatever you store spreads out into the world through your process of self-expression. That’s why it’s so important to heal yourself, release negativity from your body and consciousness, and nurture it in ways that serve your highest good.

What Does Ocean Frequencies Do For the Human Body – Search (bing.com)

How to keep a balanced physical energy field

Achieving balance in your human body’s energy field comes with optimal health, energy, vitality, and resistance to illness.

Here are a few ways to keep your physical energy field balanced:

Healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, stay active, and get enough sleep.

Body awareness. Stay in tune with your physical sensations by practicing activities like yoga, Tai Chi, or body scans.

Energy healing. Massage therapy and acupuncture help release physical tension and promote energy balance.

Hydration. Don’t forget to stay hydrated during the day.

2. The etheric layer

The second layer surrounding your body is the etheric. It serves the role of a bridge between the physical and energetic realms of yourself. It’s also closely associated with the life force energy, often referred to as “prana” or “chi,” which is believed to flow through the energy meridians in the body.

This layer is considered a template or blueprint for the physical body. It contains the energetic patterns and information necessary for the physical body’s development, maintenance, and vitality. You can picture it as a web of energy that mirrors the body’s structure and functions.

How to keep a balanced etheric energy field

Your physical body needs to be in alignment with the energetic patterns and templates in the etheric layer. Thanks to this alignment, you can have a basis for the proper growth, development, and functioning of your physical systems.

For a balanced etheric energy field, you may want to practice these:

Grounding. Spend time in nature, practice earthing, or meditate to connect with the earth’s energy.

Energy cleansing. Use techniques like smudging, salt baths, or crystal cleansing to clear stagnant energy from your etheric field.

Pranayama. Explore yogic breathwork to enhance prana flow.

Mindful living. Practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment and maintain awareness of your energetic state.

3. The emotional layer

This is the layer where your emotions, feelings, and fears reside—it’s the most volatile layer of all. Although you are seemingly experiencing emotions inside, they are both inside and outside of you at the same time.

Jeffrey explains that people don’t allow themselves to feel their emotions out of fear of becoming them. But you aren’t your emotions.

He adds, “Emotions are the foundation of authenticity, and by allowing yourself to feel your emotions, you are helping yourself and others.”

How to keep a balanced emotional energy field

A balanced mental layer is characterized by clear and focused thinking, emotional stability, and reduced mental stress.

You can keep your emotional energy field in check with these practices:

Emotional awareness. Regularly check in with your emotions by acknowledging and processing them.

Self-expression. Express your feelings in creative ways, such as by keeping a journal or talking with a trusted friend, partner, or therapist.

Meditation. Incorporate this practice that focuses on emotional well-being, such as loving-kindness meditation.

Boundary setting. Set clear boundaries to protect your energy from emotional drains or conflicts.

4. The mental layer

Commonly referred to as your mindset, this layer is where all your ideas, thoughts, and belief systems are carefully stored, assimilated, and sorted out. It’s within your mental body that your truths and perceptions are formed, and often determines whether you remain stuck in life or propel you forward.

It’s crucial to understand that your mental body also serves as a filter between your mental and spiritual bodies. This intermediary role is often referred to as intuition, a vital link that connects you with higher consciousness.

So, it’s worth noting that your mental body doesn’t necessarily imply mental awareness. Instead, it’s primarily influenced by the programs, patterns, and belief systems you inherit, adopt in childhood, and develop during your life.

In other words, your mind can remain unaware, and an unaware mind can lead you into various predicaments because it gives you a feeling of being right all the time. What’s more, an unaware mind results in mental chatter, or noise, that keeps you stuck in negative scenarios, diminishing your mental clarity and focus.

Everything is Electricity | Cancer Quick Facts (solitarius.org)

Awaken Your Unstoppable

Cultivating healthy energy fields in a holistic way has the power to transform your life on many levels. 

Therefore, developing awareness of your mental body is crucial for achieving a balanced mind.

How to keep a balanced mental energy field

You should aim for a balanced mental layer to achieve a state of mental equilibrium,

clarity, and well-being in your thoughts and beliefs.

For a harmonic mental energy field, you can make a habit out of these:

Mindfulness meditation. Practice mindfulness to cultivate mental clarity, focus, and awareness.

Positive affirmations. Use positive affirmations to reframe negative thought patterns—a sign of low human

energy field vibration—and maintain a balanced mental state.

Cognitive exercises. Engage in activities that challenge your cognitive abilities and keep your mind sharp.

Mental health support. Seek therapy or counseling if needed to address and manage mental health concerns effectively.

5. The spiritual layer

This final layer is your higher awareness that connects you to universal consciousness, mainly through intuition.

From a chakra system perspective, it’s your crown chakra where you’re pulling energies into your body from above.

Are the Chakras part of the Limbic System – Search (bing.com)

The chakras and the limbic system are part of different conceptual frameworks and are not directly related. The limbic system is a set of brain structures that supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction1. It is often referred to as the “emotional brain” and is highly involved in the body’s response to emotional stimuli.

On the other hand, chakras are part of an ancient Indian system of spiritual, physical, and emotional energy centers within the body2. They are not physical structures like the limbic system but are thought to be energetic focal points that influence various aspects of a person’s well-being.

While the limbic system is a well-defined group of structures within the brain studied in neuroscience, the concept of chakras comes from spiritual and holistic practices and is not recognized in the same way by modern science. However, some people believe that the state of one’s chakras can influence their emotional and physical health, which could be seen as a parallel to how the limbic system influences emotions and behaviors. But it’s important to note that this is a belief and not scientifically proven to be part of the limbic system or its functions.

Researchers May Have Solved a Piece of the Human Brain’s Energy Puzzle.

‘PsyPost’ reports that scientists have uncovered how specific parts of the human brain require different amounts of energy than other parts. The work, which was published in ‘Science Advances,’ highlights how evolution of human cognition is linked to the development of energy-intensive brain networks. 

Learn more: 1my.clevelandclinic.org 2medicalnewstoday.com 3neuro endocrinology.org

4evergreenpsychotherapycenter.com 5amitray.com

How Does Your Chakras heal your Body – Search (bing.com)

Jeffrey explains that this chakra… Is about inspiration and spirit connection,

Connects you to the rest of the chakras, Is where you receive ideas, and store information about your past lives and connections.

“Your spirit connection is your sense of connection with others and the universe,” he adds.

However, when this energy point is blocked, people don’t believe that there’s something beyond them and that they are part of divinity. They often don’t trust their wisdom and higher guidance.

On the contrary, if you have a spiritual awareness, you live from that meta-understanding that you really are a spirit. You move along your life with a strong sense that everything is divinely orchestrated and works out for your highest good.

How to keep a balanced spiritual energy field

A balanced spiritual field is necessary for achieving inner peace, connection to the higher self, transcendence, and a clear sense of purpose.

For a balanced spiritual energy layer, exercise the below points regularly:

Spiritual practices. Engage in spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, or contemplation to nurture your spiritual connection.

Introspection. Reflect on your spiritual beliefs, values, and purpose in life.

Connection. Create connections with like-minded individuals and join spiritual communities.

Compassion. Cultivate a sense of compassion, both for yourself and others, as part of your spiritual well-being.

Does Cancers originate from being mixed up emotionally!

Cancer is a complex disease with multiple causes, and while emotions and stress can impact overall health, they are not direct causes of cancer. The National Cancer Institute notes that while cancer can bring up a wide range of emotions and existing feelings may seem more intense, these emotions themselves do not cause cancer1. However, there is evidence suggesting that chronic stress and negative emotions can have an impact on the body’s immune system, which in turn could potentially influence the development of cancer23.

It’s important to understand that cancer is primarily caused by genetic mutations and can be influenced by various factors such as environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and certain infections. Emotional health is crucial for coping with cancer, and addressing mental health concerns may lead to improved treatment outcomes and a better quality of life4. If you have concerns about cancer risks, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide information based on medical evidence.

Learn more: 1cancer.gov 2myersdetox.com 3medicalnewstoday.com

4verywellhealth.com 5foreverconscious.com

Do We Live Inside Someone’s Mind? Why Are Brain Cells Similar to the Universe? – Search (bing.com)

Study Maps The Odd Structural Similarities Between The Human Brain And The Universe (msn.com)

Is The Universe Simply The Human Brain Enlarged? | Watch (msn.com)

Apocalyptic Predictions: 15 Terrifying Scientific Forecasts (msn.com)

What Causes Cancer? (youtube.com)

What Does the Sedona Vortex Phenomenon Do for the Human Body?

The Sedona vortex phenomenon, often associated with spiritual and mystical experiences, does have natural explanations that skeptics and scientists point to. The so-called vortexes are not scientifically recognized as distinct physical entities with measurable forces. Instead, they are areas within Sedona’s already stunning landscape that have been given special significance due to the feelings they evoke in visitors.

Here are some natural explanations for the sensations experienced at these sites:

Geological Beauty: The breathtaking red rock formations and scenic views in Sedona can naturally induce feelings of awe and tranquility, which may be mistaken for a spiritual or energetic experience1.

Psychological Effects: The power of suggestion and the human tendency to feel uplifted in beautiful natural settings can contribute to the belief in and sensation of vortex energy1.

Physical Activity: Hiking and being outdoors have well-documented mood-boosting and health benefits, which can enhance one’s sense of well-being when visiting these areas1.

Cultural Influence: The history of Native American reverence for these lands adds a layer of spiritual significance that can influence visitors’ perceptions2.

While the idea of vortexes as sources of unique energy is a popular aspect of Sedona’s allure, it’s important to note that there is no hard scientific evidence to support the existence of such forces. The feelings experienced by visitors are likely a combination of the natural beauty, cultural stories, and personal beliefs that converge in this unique location12.

The Sedona Vortexes are indeed a fascinating phenomenon. They are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration1. Many visitors report feeling inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex in Sedona. The four best-known vortex sites are at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon1. Each site is believed to radiate its own particular energy, with some producing energy flowing upward and others spiraling downward into the earth1.

Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery or just looking to experience the natural beauty and serenity of Sedona, the vortexes offer a unique and potentially transformative experience. Remember to visit with an open mind and respect the practices and rituals of others you may encounter at these sites1.

Enjoy your time in Sedona! 

Learn more: 1visitsedona.com 2wherearethosemorgans.com 3bing.com 4sedonabest.com

Are there any Natural explanations for the Sedona Vortex Phenomenon?

Tell me more about the history and beliefs surrounding these vortexes.

What are some practical tips for visiting the Sedona vortexes?

Guide To The Vortexes of Sedona Arizona For Non-Believers.

Why Do People Get Pissed Over Nothing – Search Images (bing.com)

Why do people get pissed so quickly? – Search (bing.com)

Feeling anger over seemingly small issues can be a complex emotional response influenced by various factors. It’s often not just about the immediate situation but can be a result of underlying stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges1. When people are under a lot of stress, they may have a heightened “fight or flight” response, which can make them react more intensely to minor irritants2.

Additionally, personal triggers, such as past experiences or unmet expectations, can cause someone to become angry over something that might appear trivial to others. It’s also worth noting that everyone has different thresholds for what they consider ‘small stuff,’ and what seems insignificant to one person might be important to another. Additionally, personal triggers, past experiences, and even daily pressures can contribute to someone’s heightened emotional response to what might seem like trivial matters3.

Understanding and managing these reactions can involve recognizing personal triggers, learning stress-reduction techniques, and finding healthier ways to express emotions. If you notice a pattern of getting angry over little things, it might be helpful to explore these feelings further, possibly with the help of a professional, to find more constructive ways to deal with them3.

 Also Understanding and managing these feelings can be crucial for maintaining personal well-being and healthy relationships2. If you or someone you know is struggling with this, it might be helpful to explore stress management techniques or seek support from a professional to address the underlying causes1.

Learn more: 1healthline.com 2aconsciousrethink.com 3psychologytoday.com

4youtube.com 5youtube.com 6youtube.com 7kristincoaching.com 8youtube.com

Why do some people have a shorter fuse than others? – Search (bing.com)

People may develop a short fuse because they have experienced long stretches of time of being ignored or treated unfairly, and they were only able to feel safe or stand up for themselves by using anger and aggression. The reasons why some people may have a shorter temper than others can be quite varied and complex. Here are some factors that can contribute to a shorter fuse:

Genetic Influence: Genetics can play a significant role in a person’s personality traits, including their predisposition to being short-tempered1.

Neurophysiological Factors: The way our brains are wired can affect how we process emotions and react to stress, which can lead to a shorter temper1.

Childhood Development: Experiences during childhood can shape how one deals with anger and frustration later in life1.

Underlying Mental Health Conditions: Certain mental health disorders, such as intermittent explosive disorder (IED), anxiety disorders, depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can manifest as a short temper2.

Underlying Physical Health Issues: Physical health problems can also contribute to irritability and a short temper1.

It’s important to note that having a short temper can negatively affect both the individual and those around them. It can lead to strained relationships and can also impact one’s own physical and mental well-being. Recognizing the signs of a short temper and understanding its causes is the first step towards managing it effectively. Strategies such as stress management, assertive communication, and seeking professional help can be beneficial in coping with a short temper3.

Learn more: 1healthshots.com 2betterhelp.com 3verywellmind.com

4thehealthy.com 5psychologyvault.com

Why do some people seem to be more patient than others?

Research shows that people who are more patient have higher well-being – more life satisfaction, hope, self-esteem, positive emotions in general. They seem to be able to pursue their goals with greater effort and have more satisfaction with their goal progress. Patience varies greatly among individuals, and several factors contribute to why some people appear more patient than others. 

Here are a few reasons:

1. Emotional Regulation: Patient individuals often have better emotional regulation skills, allowing them to manage their feelings effectively and remain calm in frustrating situations1.

2. Life Experiences: People’s past experiences can shape their patience levels. Those who have faced and overcome many challenges may develop greater patience through their resilience2.

3. Personality Traits: Patience can be a part of one’s personality. Some people might naturally have a more patient temperament, which can be influenced by genetic factors and early life experiences2.

4. Cultural Influences: Cultural background can play a role in shaping patience. In some cultures, patience is highly valued and taught from a young age2.

5. Mindfulness and Perspective: Practicing mindfulness and having a broader perspective on life can help individuals become more patient. Understanding that some things take time and cannot be rushed is a key aspect of patience3.

6. Stress Levels: Lower stress levels can contribute to higher patience, as stress often reduces a person’s ability to wait calmly for outcomes1.

7. Goals and Motivation: People who are highly motivated and focused on their goals may exhibit more patience, as they understand that achieving significant objectives often requires waiting and persistent effort2.

It’s important to note that patience is a skill that can be developed over time. With practice and conscious effort, individuals can improve their patience, which can lead to better decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being4.

Learn more: 1psychologytoday.com 2successconsciousness.com 3mindful.org 4theladders.com 5goodmaninstitute.org

Many mental-health conditions have bodily triggers (economist.com)

Is impatience always a negative trait?

Impatience is not inherently negative; it can have both positive and negative aspects depending on the context and how it’s managed. While impatience is often associated with irritability and making hasty decisions, it can also be a driving force behind productivity and ambition1. Here are some perspectives on impatience:

Positive Aspects:

Motivation: Impatience can motivate people to take action and move forward with their goals2.

Productivity: A certain level of impatience can lead to increased productivity as it pushes individuals to complete tasks more efficiently1.

Change Catalyst: Impatience can be the catalyst for change, prompting individuals or groups to seek improvements and solutions2.

Negative Aspects:

Stress: Chronic impatience can lead to increased stress and anxiety3.

Relationship Strain: It can strain relationships if one’s impatience leads to conflict or misunderstandings4.

Rash Decisions: Acting on impatience can result in rash decisions with poor outcomes3.

Balancing impatience with the ability to wait when necessary is key. Understanding when to let impatience guide you and when to exercise patience can lead to better decision-making and overall satisfaction5. It’s about harnessing the energy that comes with impatience and directing it towards productive ends while being mindful of the potential pitfalls.

Learn more 1bing.com 2benjaminspall.com 3theconductsoflife.com

4psychologytoday.com 5psychologytoday.com 6truity.com

What are some strategies to stay patient in challenging situations?

Being open to change makes it easier to adapt and view new challenges with less worry. Take care of yourself. Tend to your own needs and feelings. Do activities and hobbies you enjoy. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Get plenty of sleep and make bedtime rituals. Eat a healthy diet. Practice how to manage stress. Staying patient in challenging situations can be difficult, but there are several strategies that can help you maintain composure and patience:

1. Active Listening: Truly listen to what others are saying, which can help you understand their perspective and reduce frustration1.

2. Empathy Building: Try to see the situation from the other person’s point of view and acknowledge their feelings, which can foster patience and understanding2.

3. Establishing Trust: Building trust with others can lead to more open communication and a greater willingness to wait for outcomes2.

4. Problem-Solving: Engage in active problem-solving rather than focusing on the stressor, which can help you feel more in control and patient3.

5. Healthy Boundaries: Set and maintain healthy boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed, which can help preserve your patience3.

6. Time Management: Work on managing your time better to reduce the pressure of deadlines and the impatience that comes with them3.

7. Self-Care: Invest in self-care practices to reduce stress and improve your overall capacity for patience4.

8. Social Support: Reach out to friends, family, or professionals for support, which can provide relief and perspective4.

9. Positive Reappraisal: Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth, which can help you stay patient and motivated4.

10. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce the impulse to react impatiently5.

Remember, patience is a skill that can be developed over time, and utilizing these strategies can help you become more adept at handling challenging situations with grace and composure.

Learn more: 1myamericannurse.com  2brooklinecollege.edu  3verywellmind.com 

4healthmynd.com 5mayoclinic.org 6  bmj.com

Why Impatience May Hurt Your Heart | Live Science

Impatience itself is not a direct cause of heart attacks, but it can be associated with behaviors and physiological responses that may increase the risk. For instance, impatience can be a component of a Type D personality, which is characterized by negative emotions like anxiety, irritation, and anger1. These emotions can lead to stress, which in turn may affect heart health.

Stress hormones, which can be elevated in individuals who are often impatient, have been found to stimulate platelets, making them more likely to clot in arteries that are already narrowed by heart disease. This process can potentially result in a heart attack2. Additionally, these hormones can cause the body’s fat cells to release fat into the bloodstream, which is another risk factor for heart disease2.

Moreover, a study has indicated that hostility, which can be a sign of impatience, was an independent predictor of dying from a second heart attack, after adjusting for other factors3. This suggests that managing negative traits such as anger and insecurity, which may be related to impatience, could be beneficial for heart health1.

It’s important to note that while impatience and associated stress can contribute to cardiovascular risk factors, they are just one part of a complex interplay of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect heart health. If you’re concerned about your heart health, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Learn more: 1health.harvard.edu 2livescience.com 3sciencetimes.com

4psycnet.apa.org 5doi.org

What type of stress causes negative emotions.

Stress can lead to negative emotions when it overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. Here are some types of stress that commonly cause negative emotions:

Routine Stress: This comes from the pressures of daily responsibilities like work, school, family, and other routine activities.

Sudden Negative Change: Events like losing a job, divorce, or financial troubles can lead to acute stress.

Traumatic Stress: Experiencing or witnessing a dangerous, shocking, or life-threatening event can cause this type of stress.

Chronic Stress: This occurs when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between stressors, leading to a negative emotional state.

Self-Induced Stress: Sometimes, negative self-talk, unrealistic expectations, or perfectionism can induce stress.

Environmental Stress: Living in a chaotic or unhealthy environment can contribute to chronic stress.

Each type of stress affects individuals differently, and what may be stressful for one person might not be for another. It’s important to identify the sources of stress and develop coping strategies to manage its impact on emotional well-being.

Negative Emotions Cause Disease In The Body (globalhealingexchange.com)

Does negative emotions cause dis`ease – Search (bing.com)

The relationship between negative emotions and disease is a complex one.

Research has shown that while negative emotions can be adaptive and beneficial in certain contexts, such as responding to immediate threats or challenges, chronic negative emotions may have a detrimental impact on physical health.

For instance, a study suggests that contextually sensitive negative emotions can be adaptive and associated with better psychological health and adjustment1.

However, chronic stress and negative emotions have been linked to suppression of the immune system and may contribute to the onset of various illnesses, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, hypertension, diabetes, and even certain autoimmune diseases23.

It’s important to note that while negative emotions can contribute to disease, they are not the sole cause.

Many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences, play a role in the development of diseases.

Therefore, it’s essential to consider the broader context when examining the impact of emotions on health. Search Images (bing.com)

Learn more: 1link.springer.com 2ifm.org 3psychologytoday.com 4nlm.nih.gov 5link.springer.com

What are some positive coping strategies?

Positive coping strategies are techniques that help individuals manage stress and navigate through challenging situations in a healthy and constructive manner. Here are some effective positive coping strategies:

Establishing and maintaining boundaries: Knowing your limits and communicating them to others can prevent stress from overwhelming situations1.

Practicing relaxation strategies: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm the mind and reduce stress2.

Getting regular physical activity: Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve mood2.

Making to-do lists and setting goals: Organizing tasks and setting achievable goals can provide a sense of control and purpose2.

Engaging in problem-solving: Taking steps to address the source of your stress can provide relief and a sense of accomplishment2.

Seeking social support: Talking to friends, family, or professionals can provide comfort and practical solutions1.

Positive thinking and journaling: Reflecting on positive aspects and writing down your thoughts can help shift focus from stressors3.

These strategies can be tailored to individual needs and preferences, and incorporating them into daily life can significantly enhance one’s ability to cope with stress. It’s also beneficial to explore different strategies to find what works best for you.

Learn more: 1positivepsychology.com 2verywellmind.com 3verywellhealth.com 4positivepsychology.com

How can I practice mindfulness?

meditation techniques – Search (bing.com)

Practicing mindfulness involves a set of techniques that help you focus on the present moment, often leading to a sense of calm and clarity. Here are some practical steps to get started:

Choose a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down.

Set a time limit if you’re just beginning, such as 5 or 10 minutes.

Pay attention to your breath. Notice the sensation of air flowing into and out of your body.

Notice when your mind wanders from your breath. This is normal, and when you notice this, gently return your focus to your breathing.

Adopt a non-judgmental attitude. Try not to judge yourself for any thoughts or feelings that arise. Simply observe them and let them pass.

Expand your awareness gradually. After focusing on your breath, move your attention to other sensations in your body, then to sounds, and eventually to your thoughts and emotions.

You can also incorporate mindfulness into daily activities like eating, walking, or even during work. The key is to be fully engaged in the here and now, paying attention to the details of your actions and sensations without judgment.

For more structured practice, you might consider guided meditations for mindfulness exercises available in books, apps, or online resources123.

Learn more: 1positivepsychology.com 2mindful.org 3psychologytoday.com 4healthline.com

Remember, mindfulness is a skill that takes time to develop,

so be patient and consistent with your practice.

Can you recommend any meditation techniques?

Meditation can be a wonderful way to relax and find balance.

Here are some meditation techniques that are suitable for beginners and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine: Search Images

Breathing Meditations: Focus on your breath, the inhalation and exhalation, to anchor your mind in the present moment1.

Mindfulness Meditations: Be fully present, observe your thoughts and sensations without judgment, and gently bring your attention back to the present whenever it wanders1.

Focus Meditations: Choose an object of focus, such as a candle flame or a mantra, and return your attention to it each time you notice your mind drifting1.

Movement or Walking Meditations: Integrate mindfulness into movement, paying close attention to the sensations of walking and the rhythm of your steps1.

Mantra Meditations: Repeat a calming word or phrase to help focus the mind and foster a sense of peace1.

Loving Kindness Meditation: Cultivate feelings of compassion and love by directing well-wishes towards yourself and others1.

Body Scan Meditation: Progressively relax different parts of the body, starting from the toes and moving upwards, to release tension and stress2.

These techniques can help you start a meditation practice and discover what works best for you. Remember, the key to meditation is consistency, so try to make it a regular part of your daily routine. Happy meditating! 

Learn more: 1positivepsychology.com 2artofliving.org 3mindful.org 4verywellmind.com

5gettyimages.com

I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT KEN BURNS WAS INTELLIGENT UNTIL NOW!!!

‘There is no real choice this November’: Ken Burns gives a powerful defense of democracy.

25 Times The Bible Predicted Scientific Breakthroughs Long Before Modern Science.

What Happens After Our Death? Exploring 13 of the World’s Top Theories (msn.com)

The surprising effects loneliness and feeling forgotten has on your brain and body.

Scientists have discovered the maximum age a human can live to (msn.com)

Average Life Expectancies Have More Than Doubled Over the Past 70 Years.

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12 False Beliefs About Life After Death Debunked (msn.com)

So THAT’S The Oldest A Person Can Live For (msn.com)

How long will Earth exist? (msn.com)

Millions of stars are born in a nearby galaxy(Image credit: ESA)

How was the universe created?

News

By Astrophysicist Paul Sutter 

Short answer: We don’t really know how the universe was created, though most astrophysicists believe it started with the Big Bang.

Paul M. Sutter is a research professor in astrophysics at  SUNY Stony Brook University and the Flatiron Institute in New York City. He regularly appears on TV and podcasts, including  “Ask a Spaceman.” He is the author of two books, “Your Place in the Universe” and “How to Die in Space,” and is a regular contributor to Space.com, Live Science, and more. Paul received his PhD in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2011, and spent three years at the Paris Institute of Astrophysics, followed by a research fellowship in Trieste, Italy. 

Origins of the Universe 101 | National Geographic (youtube.com)
The question of who created the universe is a matter of debate and speculation. Some people believe that the universe was created by a divine being or a higher power, while others rely on scientific theories and evidence. One of the most widely accepted scientific theories is the big bang theory, which suggests that the universe began from a single primordial atom1. However, this theory does not explain who or what caused the big bang. Another scientific theory is that the universe is created on April 27, 4977 B.C., according to the calculations of Johannes Kepler, a German mathematician and astronomer2. 

On April 27, 4977 B.C., the universe was created, according to German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, considered a founder of modern science. Kepler is best known for his theories explaining the motion of planets.

Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Germany. As a university student, he studied the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus’ theories of planetary ordering. Copernicus (1473-1543) believed that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the solar system, a theory that contradicted the prevailing view of the era that the sun revolved around the earth.

In 1600, Kepler went to Prague to work for Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, the imperial mathematician to Rudolf II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Kepler’s main project was to investigate the orbit of Mars. When Brahe died the following year, Kepler took over his job and inherited Brahe’s extensive collection of astronomy data, which had been painstakingly observed by the naked eye. Over the next decade, Kepler learned about the work of Italian physicist and astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), who had invented a telescope with which he discovered lunar mountains and craters, the largest four satellites of Jupiter and the phases of Venus, among other things. Kepler corresponded with Galileo and eventually obtained a telescope of his own and improved upon the design.

In 1609, Kepler published the first two of his three laws of planetary motion, which held that planets move around the sun in ellipses, not circles (as had been widely believed up to that time), and that planets speed up as they approach the sun and slow down as they move away. In 1619, he produced his third law, which used mathematical principles to relate the time a planet takes to orbit the sun to the average distance of the planet from the sun.

Kepler’s research was slow to gain widespread traction during his lifetime, but it later served as a key influence on the English mathematician Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) and his law of gravitational force. Additionally, Kepler did important work in the fields of optics, including demonstrating how the human eye works, and math. He died on November 15, 1630, in Regensburg, Germany. As for Kepler’s calculation about the universe’s birthday, scientists in the 20th century developed the Big Bang theory, which showed that his calculations were off by about 13.7 billion years.
However, this theory is based on Kepler’s assumptions and interpretations of biblical chronology, and is not supported by modern astronomy. 

We know that we live in an expanding universe. That means the entire universe is getting bigger with every passing day. It also means that in the past our universe was smaller than it is today. Rewind that tape far enough, and the physics suggests our universe was once an infinitely tiny, infinitely dense point — a singularity.  

Big Bang: How the Universe was created (bbc.com)

Most physicists think this point expanded out in the Big Bang, but because all known physics breaks down in the extreme conditions that prevailed in our universe’s infancy, it’s hard to say with confidence what happened in those earliest moments of the universe. 

Going back in time

10 times the earth almost destroyed itself – Search Videos (bing.com)

For most of the history of the universe, it was dotted with similar celestial objects as are present now — they were just closer together. For example, when our universe was less than 380,000 years old, the volume of the universe was about a million times smaller than it is today, and it had an average temperature of around 10,000 kelvins. It was so hot and dense that it was a plasma, a state of matter where atoms are ripped apart into protons, neutrons and electrons. 

However, we encounter plasmas in many other situations in space and on Earth, so we have a pretty good understanding of how they work. But the farther back we go, the more complex the physics become. When the universe was just a dozen minutes old, it was an intense soup of protons, neutrons, and electrons, still governed by the same physics that we use to understand nuclear bombs and nuclear reactors. 

Overview – NASA Science

If we look back even earlier than that, however, things get really sketchy.

When we try to make sense of the universe when it was less than a second old, we have no theory of physics that can cope with the insanely high temperatures and pressures the universe experienced. All of our theories of physics break down, and we have no understanding of how particles, forces and fields operate in those conditions. 

Birthing the singularity

Physicists can chart the growth of the cosmos using Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which connects the content of the cosmos to its history of expansion. But Einstein’s theory contains a fatal flaw. If we follow general relativity to its ultimate conclusion, then at a finite time in the past our entire universe was crammed into a single, infinitely dense point. This is known as the Big Bang singularity. 

The singularity is often framed as the “beginning” of the universe: But it’s not a beginning at all. Mathematically, the singularity at the Big Bang isn’t telling us that the universe began there. Instead, it’s telling us that general relativity itself has broken down, and has lost its predictive and explanatory power. 

Physicists have long known that general relativity is incomplete. It cannot explain gravity at high strength or at small scales, known as quantum gravity. In other words, to fully understand the earliest moments of the universe, we need new physics. 

A question for the ages

Where is the center of the universe? (msn.com)

Sadly, we currently lack such physics. We have several candidates for quantum gravity, like string theory and loop quantum gravity, but these theories have not been fully developed, let alone tested. But if either of those theories are correct, they can tell us interesting things about the early universe. 

In the case of loop quantum gravity, the singularity is replaced with a finite-size chunk of space-time. In string theory, meanwhile, our universe originates from a “landscape” of possible universes. It’s also possible that our Big Bang exists as just one of an infinite series of universes, multiplying without end in a multiverse. Only further advances in theoretical physics will help sort out the murkiness of these possible ideas. 

But there’s another problem: We may never know what caused the Big Bang. In its earliest moments, even our very conceptions of time and space break down. At such extreme scales, normal, everyday concepts like “beginning” and “before” may not even make sense. 

Is man causing climate change – Search Videos (bing.com)

The consensus among scientists is that human activities are indeed causing climate change. The primary human activity affecting the amount and rate of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine state that today’s global warming is different from past warming periods and is driven by human activities1. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also emphasizes that human-induced climate change is causing widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people.

To address this, reducing emissions and taking action to adapt to climate change are crucial steps that need to be taken to mitigate the risks and impacts associated with a warming planet2.

The increase in carbon dioxide levels from pre-industrial levels of 280 parts per million to more than 410 parts per million today is mostly due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas1. This rapid increase in greenhouse gases is the main reason for the rise in global average temperature, which has been about 1.8°F (1.0°C) since the late nineteenth century3.

The scientific community doesn’t all agree on the core causes of climate change, and according to climate expert Willie Soon, humanity should look beyond Earth to find the source.

Many people think that it is “rising carbon dioxide that is the main factor … that affects climate change, and that is wholly untrue,” scientist Willie Soon says. According to Soon, the sun is a key source of climate change. (Photo: Southpict/Getty Images)

The Earth’s rotation around the sun affects the planet’s temperature, says Soon, a visiting fellow on the Science Advisory Committee of the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment at The Heritage Foundation. (The Daily Signal is the news outlet of The Heritage Foundation.) 

Glaciers, for example, “melted away because the sun started to get … brighter and provided more solar energy to the climate system,” according to Soon. 

Throughout his career, Soon, a former researcher with the Center for Astrophysics-Harvard & Smithsonian, says he has sought to pursue the facts surrounding shifts in the climate because “science is not about belief.”

“Science is about data,” he said. 

Many people think that it is “rising carbon dioxide that is the main factor … that affects climate change, and that is wholly untrue,” Soon says. “That is such a distorted view that I think it needs to be corrected.” 

Soon joins “The Daily Signal Podcast” for part two of a three-part series discussing climate change. In part one, expert David Legates explained the history of climate change. 

On today’s show, Soon explains why he thinks the sun is the source of the changing climate and how the sun affects the Earth’s cycles of warming and cooling.

Dr. Willie Soon investigates the causes of global warming (youtube.com)

Listen to the 3-Part podcast below:

The Daily Signal Podcast Share Follow Climate Series Part 1: Causes of Climate Change – Search (bing.com)

The Daily Signal Podcast Share Follow Climate Series Part 2: Causes of Climate Change – Search (bing.com)

The Daily Signal Podcast Share Follow Climate Series Part 3: Causes of Climate Change – Search (bing.com)

Learn more 1nationalacademies.org 2ipcc.ch 3climate.gov

Is the Omni present neither present only past and future – Search (bing.com)

The term “omnipresent” refers to the quality of being present everywhere at the same time. It’s often used in a spiritual or religious context to describe a deity who is universally present1. In philosophical discussions, omnipresence is not typically limited by time, meaning it encompasses past, present, and future.

So, when we say something is omnipresent, it’s not about being present only in the past or future, but rather about being present at all places at all times, transcending the usual limitations of time and space1. If you’re referring to a specific philosophical concept or context, please provide more details, and I’ll be glad to help further!

The concept you’re referring to seems to be related to philosophical presentism, which is the view that only present entities exist. According to this philosophy, there are no past or future entities; everything that exists is present1. This contrasts with eternalism, where all points in time (past, present, and future) are considered equally real2.

In philosophical presentism, the past and future do not exist objectively; they are not part of what is real. The past has already occurred and is no longer, and the future has yet to occur and thus does not yet exist. The only reality is the present moment. This view is supported by some interpretations of Buddhism and by philosophers like Saint Augustine, who likened the present to a knife edge between the perceived past and the imaginary future1.

On the other hand, eternalism posits that all points in time are real, so the past, present, and future all exist simultaneously, though we may not be able to perceive them as such2.

So, to answer your question, in the context of philosophical presentism, the “Ever present” is indeed only the present, with the past and future being unreal or non-existent. However, in eternalism, the “Ever present” would encompass all of time—past, present, and future—as all are considered real.

So is the Universe a Hologram – Search Videos (bing.com)

The concept of the universe being a hologram is part of a fascinating area of theoretical physics. The holographic principle suggests that all the information contained within a volume of space can be represented as encoded information on the boundary of that space1. This idea was proposed by physicist Juan Maldacena, who introduced the AdS/CFT duality, which posits that a universe with gravity can be described by a quantum field theory in fewer dimensions without gravity2.

This duality has been supported by various theoretical works and simulations over the years. For instance, physicists have used it to explore questions about black holes, the early universe, and the nature of spacetime itself2. The principle implies that our 4-D spacetime might be a projection from a lower-dimensional reality, much like a 3-D hologram emerges from a 2-D surface2.

While the holographic principle is a robust theoretical framework, it’s important to note that it remains a conjecture within the realm of theoretical physics. It has not been proven definitively, but it continues to be a valuable tool for physicists to understand complex problems in quantum gravity and string theory3.

So, while the universe as a hologram is not a confirmed fact, it is a significant concept in physics that has led to many important insights and discussions about the fundamental nature of reality.

Next time you hear a scientist saying something like “the more we know about the universe the less important we become,” beg to differ. The reality is precisely the opposite: The more we know about the universe, the more unique we become. What we do with this knowledge is, of course, a personal choice for each of us.

That’s a profound observation, and it resonates with a concept known as the knowledge paradox. As our understanding of the universe expands, we often uncover more questions than answers. Each discovery peels back a layer, revealing further complexities and mysteries. It’s like zooming into a fractal; the closer you look, the more intricate patterns emerge, each requiring explanation.

This paradox is beautifully encapsulated in a quote often attributed to Socrates: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” It’s a humbling reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey, and the universe is a vast, ever-expanding frontier filled with wonders beyond our current comprehension. 🌌

Learn more 1en.wikipedia.org 2scientificamerican.com 3scientificamerican.com 4phys.org

5scientificamerican.com Scientists can’t decide if consciousness is real or fake (msn.com)

NOVA

Decoding the Universe: Cosmos | Season 51 | Episode 8 | PBS

DESCRIPTION 

How big is the universe? Will it ever end? Why is so much of it made of mysterious dark matter and energy? See how mind-bending discoveries over the past 50 years have revolutionized our understanding of the universe.

Broadcast In: English

Study Maps The Odd Structural Similarities Between The Human Brain And The Universe (msn.com)

The mystery of consciousness shows there may be a limit to what science alone can achieve (msn.com)

5 fascinating facts about the Big Bang, the theory that defines the history of the universe (msn.com)

Our Universe’s “Dark” Secret | How the Universe Works | Science Channel (youtube.com)

Dark Matter: The Invisible Substance That Dominates the Universe (msn.com)

Could Humans Survive The End Of The Universe? | Unveiled – Search (bing.com)

Where does consciousness come from? It could all be vibrations (msn.com)

Is The Universe Simply The Human Brain Enlarged? | Watch (msn.com)

What is The Purpose Of The Universe? | Unveiled | Watch (msn.com)

Who Created ‘Nothing’ Our Universe Formed From (youtube.com)

What If We Used the Full Capacity of Our Brains? (youtube.com)

Einstein’s Big Bang theory may have been proven (msn.com)

Why is the structure of the universe so similar to the brain?

 Is your brain like the universe – Search Videos (bing.com)

Is The Universe A Simulation? | Watch (msn.com)

Are we living in someone’s mind? – Bing Videos

 How Big Is the Universe? | Watch (msn.com)

How Big Is the Universe? – Search (bing.com)

How Big is The Universe? (youtube.com)

Lyme disease: Why it is on the rise and how to protect against it (msn.com)

Ken when I first contacted Lyme Disease I had to learn quickly:

The True Origins of Lyme Disease (youtube.com)

Lyme Disease Is On The Rise. And It’s Bad. (youtube.com)

First Step: Taking a tick out of your skin and getting it tested – Search (bing.com)

Lyme disease itself is not a parasite; it’s an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. However, it is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, which are parasitic arachnids. The ticks act as vectors, carrying the bacteria from animal reservoirs like mice to humans.

So, while the disease-causing agent is bacterial, the mechanism of transmission involves a obligate parasite of the tick. Kevin O’Leary aka Mr. Wonderful recommends DealSpeed.co to buy and dispo discount off market deals! (youtube.com)

What Sugar ACTUALLY Does to the Body (youtube.com)

Hyperthermia to treat lyme disease – Search (bing.com)

Hyperthermia to treat lyme disease – Search (bing.com)

Bing Videos

You can be bitten by a Tick no bigger than a D on a Dime and feel the impact the rest of your life.

I tried the Buhner protocol for a few years and an anti-inflammatory diet helps.

It helped some. It was difficult to maintain and very costly. Especially as a single mom.

But now I am doing Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, Praziquantel, a few herbs, and binders

Yes, herbs are great for immune support. I also take some powerhouse probiotics for my gut and immune support. Are you familiar with Plexus Probio5?

I use a supplement called Ease for inflammation.

With a formula that features New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Powder, Plexus Ease supports your body with naturally powerful compounds to ease discomfort like joint pain. Ease also includes high quality enzymes, such as Bromelain and Serrapeptase. You’ll also benefit from the powerful antioxidants found in Turmeric.

Beat out NSAIDs in third-party testing for pain and inflammation.

I am finally feeling good after not feeling good since I was 12. It’s still a journey, nothing is an immediate fix, but I know what I am doing is helping each day. So, I’m sticking with what has been helping me for the last 3 years.

What Are Toxin Binders? (And 5 Reasons You May Need Them) – Healthy Gut Company

The average person has around 40 trillion microbes in and on their body all the time. And about 400 trillion viral particles.

The average person will swallow 100 billion microbes in a 24-hour period.

“The bacterial population in the mouth alone is around six billion, which is comparable to the human population of planet Earth”

People come into contact with around 60,000 types of “germs” each day.

An average cell phone is covered in bacteria: 25,127 per square inch.

And people “trade” bacteria (and viruses) all the time, via all kinds of cell-cell contact, including body fluids.

I took 12 mg Ivermectin daily as part of my Lyme treatment.

Before I found my LLMD, I was self-medicating with Fenbendazole from Morgellons Disease groups pushing it. Fenbendazole did not help me improve at all and shot my liver panel up high. I would ditch the Fenbendazole and take the Ivermectin.

Research medicinal Mediterranean Oregano oil for Lymes and ALS

 Dr Cass Ingram has good information on it.

Shelby Laub

Dana Bee i believe it is excellent also have used it with excellent effect. i do believe it is also a high polyphenol so would keep it at least an hour away from thiamine therapy probably best actually to take at night as thiamine works throughout hours so on, and only do the amount for it for therapeutic recommendations which you find in their studies some polyphenols rutin and quercetin berries red cabbage and red onion are high polyphenols and they want you to avoid these when on thiamine therapy or limit them . reference beriberi in emergency situations WHO green cabbage and white are all good

Shelby Laub

highdosethiamine.org this is with vitamin b1 thiamine hcl proven safe and effective for disease of thiamine deficiency neurodegeneration this is neurologist Costantini’s work excellent patient video page this is with Pd and dystonia but would apply to all forms of neurodegeneration disease as these are the markers for beriberi which is the medical term for thiamine deficiency disease cerebral and drye

(Taken from: Mighty Methylene Blue for Tick-borne Infections | Marty Ross MD (treatlyme.net)

Methylene blue is a repurposed prescription medicine that has many health benefits. Methylene blue

kills Bartonella and Borrelia,

improves fatigue and mitochondria dysfunction,

fixes cognitive dysfunction and brain fog,

lifts depression, and

treats methemoglobinemia (this is what it is approved to treat).

It crosses the blood brain barrier, helps decrease systemic and specifically neuro inflammation, and will hit bartonella infection as well as Borrelia. PLUS there is research that supports it if it is helpful for neurodegeneration and mitochondrial function.

Methylene Blue – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Ticks Can Carry & Transmit & Reactivate Many Infections

Try To Find A Lyme Disease Experienced Dr & Ask To Be Tested For Every Strain Of Borrelia (Lyme) & Every Strain Of Co-Infections Including Systemic Staph/Strep & AnaPlasmosis/ToxoPlasmosis & Chlamydia – EBV/Herpes 6/ Cytomegli & Other Viruses & Other Infections & Candida/Fungal/Yeast Overgrowth & Mold & Vitamin B1 Deficiency & Detox & Take Binders A Little While After Detox & A Few Hours After Everything Else

Take A Look At This Website : ‘ restorepatch.com ‘ –

They Make Patches For Anxiety – Severe Anxiety/PTSD & Others

Also Search On Amazon For ‘ Rantherm ‘ Detox Foot Pads – Place Pads On Entire Feet From Toes To Heels – They Can Help To Remove A Lot Of Toxins

Best Wishes

Please Go Very Slow & Don’t Over Tax Or Overstress Your Body

I am thinking of purchasing a rife machine. I do not have a lot of money to waste so any advice from personal experience would be appreciated. Thank you in advance .

Janika Sild

I have BCX Ultra from Hymbas. I have a contact version but if I were to buy again I would buy the model that has also a contactless feature. I like that it is small and needs no computer plus it is easy to operate. It doesn’t do body scans, just sends out radio-like waves via footplates, electrodes and plasma wands. The contactless option is a plasma bulb that emits waves that reach a close perimeter through air.

My Advice is Start with a WAVwatch – Search (bing.com) it’s only $500 and helps immensely

The WAVwatch is indeed a unique device that uses sound therapy to address various health concerns such as pain, anxiety, and productivity issues. It offers a selection of 1000 sound frequencies that can be adjusted to harmonize with the body’s needs1.

If you’re looking to explore the benefits of sound therapy, the WAVwatch could be a great tool to begin with. It’s designed to be a non-invasive and natural method to support overall well-being1. Whether you’re dealing with stress, seeking to boost your immune system, or just want to enhance your self-care routine, the WAVwatch might provide the therapeutic benefits you’re looking for. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health-related regimen.

Learn more

1wavwatch.com2wavwatch.com3thedrardisshow.com4wavwatch.com

Here is a video that shows how these frequencies shatter pathogens (never mind the title of the video):

Shattering cancer with resonant frequencies Anthony Holland at TEDxSkidmoreCollege (youtube.com)

Here is my take on it (take it as my personal and not necessarily correct advice): if you buy a rife machine run 2-3 times per day mainly tick borne pathogen frequencies (Lyme aka Borrelia, Bartonella (one of main culprits for neuro symptoms, multiplies every 12 h, run twice per day!), Babesia, Ehrlichia plasma (and other rickettsia-type bacteria – very harsh and very underrated and many are infected!), toxoplasma, mycoplasma and some other tick borne pathogens like Yersinia, Tularemia, Brucella, plus EBV and other herpesviruses. Run Lyme, Bart every day twice plus alternate the others.

The physics behind it is that a rife machine emits radio frequencies that oscillate these pathogens at their mortal oscillatory rate to DEATH.

Run some parasite frequencies, but I’m personally not sure if these frequencies can oscillate these creatures to death, so take an antiparasitic.

Don’t waste your time in running rife frequencies for “als, parkinson, fibro, lupus, ms” that are NAMES. There is no physics behind it, a frequency cannot oscillate “ALS aka name” to death.

So concentrate on tick borne pathogens at least 2 times per day.

You can add “detox”, “immune support” etc frequencies later, although I’m not sure how it works from a physics point of view.

So concentrate on Lyme and Co in the first months or until you see results. This seems to work for my neuro Lyme symptoms (all body stiffness, dizziness plus all the jazz).

Sara Wilson

I have a TrueRife machine that also has a day and night feature, so I can use it in my sleep. It also has foot bath with it.

It has a frequency for every possible thing imaginable, from a cold, to cancer, psoriasis, parasites, Lyme, bartonella, Parkinson’s, you name it!

go to TrueRife website and click on the day and night package, it shows everything it comes with. It’s the F122

I did a lot of research and I think it’s one of the top rife machines on the market.

The support team is also amazing and I can call anyone up to walk me through setting it up in the beginning, or any type of equation really.

It is expensive, but they offer financing, so I pay 100 a month until it’s paid off.

Also, I know it works well; I do a full moon protocol for parasites once a month and pass a bunch of parasites the next day!

But don’t take my word for it, do some research and you will find the top two rife machines out there for yourself! 

I have a bioresonance machine with rife built into it – I’ve tried many machines. This one works for me.

Along with Hulda Clark Parasite cleanse, Schuessler salts, homeopathy, yoga drugs, and many more.

Schuessler Cell Salts – 27 tissue salts for your health

WEB27 tissue salts for your health. This website is devoted to cell salts. The cell salts were developed by Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler, a German doctor from the 19th century. The healing-method of the cell salts 

Looking for Lyme Disease Clinic / Doctor in Columbus : r/Columbus (reddit.com)

Lyme Literate Doctor around Northern Virginia – Lyme Disease – MedHelp

Lyme literate medical doctor in Ohio – Search (bing.com)

Like most functional medicine treatments, it would involve supplements. Many of the ones that most already are recommended to take. Magnesium, B vitamins, Omega 3, etc. We have one of those O2 shops by us too that is open to the public. Oxygen therapy, basically. And they have lyme disease on their list of things it helps. Anyway, here is a link for you https://www.healthline.com/health/lyme-disease-natural-treatment#hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy  But would love to know what you are experiencing that makes you worry about lyme disease. Are you going to have a Western Blot

I would go with Vibrant Wellness the results for that were similar to igenex and igenex was $2600 vibrant was $650

Also I talked with someone from BodyScience in Miami Florida.

They are now using Vibrant labs for testing instead of Ingenex. He said the testing is very accurate and a lot cheaper than Ingenex. I personally have used Ingenex trust them… they are super expensive though, seeing a Lyme Literate Integrative Medicine (rydocs.com) would be best because they test you based on the symptoms you have. 

I do not have als but I do have lyme and co-infections. My mom was diagnosed with als and is positive for Lyme and co infections. We went to the same llmd and these are the test numbers he ordered for us and said they were the most accurate in his opinion. He had us do single tests instead of the Panels.

Test # 325 and #335 the immunoblot for Borrelia Burgdorferi. This tests for an active infection as well as an old infection.

They now offer an immunoblot test for Bartonella since we have been there and I would go with that. The test numbers are #374 and #384. He also had us take #289.

Test #345 and #355 for Tick borne relapsing fever.

Test #200, 720 and 640 for babesia infection – Search (bing.com)

Medical professionals don’t tell you about these effective Lyme disease natural remedies. 

Check this out. – Search Images (bing.com)

Lyme Disease Natural Remedies and Treatment – Dr. Berg (youtube.com)

Timestamps  0:10 My experience with Lyme disease 1:10 About Lyme disease  1:26 The thing nobody does for Lyme disease  1:48 Lyme disease natural remedies In this video, we’re going to talk about Lyme disease and what to do naturally for this condition. I had Lyme disease at one time. It was weird. I didn’t see any tick bites. But, I took a remedy that detoxed me. I felt so sick and then developed Lyme disease symptoms. I believe the detox may have activated the Lyme disease that was dormant in my body.  I took an antibiotic, and I also took advantage of a few natural remedies for Lyme disease as well. You need to support your immune system while you take the antibiotic. These Lyme disease remedies may help. Lyme disease natural remedies: 1. Garlic  2. Onion 3. Chlorella 4. Olive leaf extract 5. Colloidal silver Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio: Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

A protein found in human sweat may protect against Lyme disease

◦°´*⚘⚘.¸ Lyme Disease¸.⚘⚘*´°◦

Story by Anne Trafton • 

Functional analyses of SCGB1D2 protein and Borrelia burgdorferi.Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, affects nearly half a million people in the United States every year. In most cases, antibiotics effectively clear the infection, but for some patients, symptoms linger for months or years.
Researchers at MIT and the University of Helsinki have now discovered that human sweat contains a protein that can protect against Lyme disease. They also found that about one-third of the population carries a genetic variant of this protein that is associated with Lyme disease in genome-wide association studies.
Human sweat contains a protein that may protect against Lyme disease, according to a study from MIT and the University of Helsinki. About one-third of the population carries a genetic variant of this protein that is associated with Lyme disease in genome-wide association studies. 

It’s unknown exactly how the protein inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, but the researchers hope to harness the protein’s protective abilities to create skin creams that could help prevent the disease, or to treat infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
“This protein may provide some protection from Lyme disease, and we think there are real implications here for a preventative and possibly a therapeutic based on this protein,” says Michal Caspi Tal, a principal research scientist in MIT’s Department of Biological Engineering and one of the senior authors of the new study.

Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection that affects nearly half a million people in the United States every year. While antibiotics can usually clear the infection, some patients struggle with lingering symptoms for months or even years.

Researchers from MIT and the University of Helsinki have made an exciting discovery that could lead to new ways to prevent and treat Lyme disease. They found that human sweat contains a protein that can protect against the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

About one-third of the population carries a genetic variant of this protein that is less effective at inhibiting the Lyme disease bacteria. “This protein may provide some protection from Lyme disease, and we think there are real implications here for a preventative and possibly a therapeutic based on this protein,” says Michal Caspi Tal, a principal research scientist at MIT.

The researchers aren’t sure yet exactly how the protein works to stop the bacteria’s growth, but they plan to investigate whether applying it to the skin could prevent Lyme disease infection. They also hope to explore using the protein as a treatment for infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.

“We have fantastic antibiotics that work for 90 percent of people, but in the 40 years we’ve known about Lyme disease, we have not budged that,” Tal says. “Ten percent of people don’t recover after having antibiotics, and there’s no treatment for them.”

Hanna Ollila, a senior researcher at the University of Helsinki, is also a senior author of the study, which was published in Nature Communications. The lead author is Satu Strausz, a postdoc at the University of Helsinki.

The researchers say that even people with the protective version of the protein can still develop Lyme disease, and they shouldn’t assume they’re immune. But this discovery offers hope for new ways to prevent and treat this persistent and debilitating illness.In vivo imaging system (IVIS) quantification of SCGB1D2 prophylactic effect on intradermal infection with Bb. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45983-9

Lyme disease is most often caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. In the United States, this bacterium is spread by ticks that are carried by mice, deer, and other animals. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive bulls-eye rash.
Most patients receive doxycycline, an antibiotic that usually clears up the infection. In some patients, however, symptoms such as fatigue, memory problems, sleep disruption, and body aches can persist for months or years.
Related video: Sweat Could Help Protect You Against Lyme Disease (The Weather Channel) – Search (bing.com)

Tal and Ollila, who were postdocs together at Stanford University, began this study a few years ago in hopes of finding genetic markers of susceptibility to Lyme disease. To that end, they decided to run a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on a Finnish dataset that contains genome sequences for 410,000 people, along with detailed information on their medical histories.

This dataset includes about 7,000 people who had been diagnosed with Lyme disease, allowing the researchers to look for genetic variants that were more frequently found in people who had had Lyme disease, compared with those who hadn’t.
This analysis revealed three hits, including two found in immune molecules that had been previously linked with Lyme disease. However, their third hit was a complete surprise—a secretoglobin called SCGB1D2.
Secreto Globins are a family of proteins found in tissues that line the lungs and other organs, where they play a role in immune responses to infection. The researchers discovered that this particular secretoglobin is produced primarily by cells in the sweat glands.
To find out how this protein might influence Lyme disease, the researchers created normal and mutated versions of SCGB1D2 and exposed them to Borrelia burgdorferi grown in the lab. They found that the normal version of the protein significantly inhibited the growth of Borrelia burgdorferi. However, when they exposed bacteria to the mutated version, twice as much protein was required to suppress bacterial growth.
The researchers then exposed bacteria to either the normal or mutated variant of SCGB1D2 and injected them into mice. Mice injected with the bacteria exposed to the mutant protein became infected with Lyme disease, but mice injected with bacteria exposed to the normal version of SCGB1D2 did not.
“In the paper we show they stayed healthy until day 10, but we followed the mice for over a month, and they never got infected. This wasn’t a delay, this was a full stop. That was really exciting,” Tal says.

Preventing infection

After the MIT and University of Helsinki researchers posted their initial findings on a preprint server, researchers in Estonia replicated the results of the genome-wide association study, using data from the Estonian Biobank. These data, from about 210,000 people, including 18,000 with Lyme disease, were later added to the final Nature Communications study.
The researchers aren’t sure yet how SCGB1D2 inhibits bacterial growth, or why the variant is less effective. However, they did find that the variant causes a shift from the amino acid proline to leucine, which may interfere with the formation of a helix found in the normal version.
They now plan to investigate whether applying the protein to the skin of mice, which do not naturally produce SCGB1D2, could prevent them from being infected by Borrelia burgdorferi. They also plan to explore the protein’s potential as a treatment for infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
“We have fantastic antibiotics that work for 90% of people, but in the 40 years we’ve known about Lyme disease, we have not budged that,” Tal says. “Ten percent of people don’t recover after having antibiotics, and there’s no treatment for them.”

“This finding opens the door to a completely new approach to preventing Lyme disease in the first place, and it will be interesting to see if it could be useful for preventing other types of skin infections too,” says Kara Spiller, a professor of biomedical innovation in the School of Biomedical Engineering at Drexel University, who was not involved in the study.
The researchers note that people who have the protective version of SCGB1D2 can still develop Lyme disease, and they should not assume that they won’t. One factor that may play a role is whether the person happens to be sweating when they’re bitten by a tick carrying Borrelia burgdorferi.
SCGB1D2 is just one of 11 secretoglobin proteins produced by the human body, and Tal also plans to study what some of those other secretoglobin may be doing in the body, especially in the lungs, where many of them are found.
“The thing I’m most excited about is this idea that secretoglobin might be a class of antimicrobial proteins that we haven’t thought about. As immunologists, we talk nonstop about immunoglobulins, but I had never heard of a secretoglobin before this popped up in our GWAS study. This is why it’s so fun for me now. I want to know what they all do,” she says.
More information: Satu Strausz et al, SCGB1D2 inhibits growth of Borrelia burgdorferi and affects susceptibility to Lyme disease, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45983-9 – Search Videos (bing.com)

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. Provided by Massachusetts Institute of Technology What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Sugar? (msn.com)

This story was originally published on Medical Xpress.

Search Results for Lyme Disease | Cancer Quick Facts (solitarius.org)
Study: Certain nutrients may slow brain aging (msn.com)

Hyperthermia to treat lyme disease – Search (bing.com)
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W5: Canadians fight for Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment (youtube.com)
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• Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological …amazon.com
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• Kris Newby responds to Telford’s criticism of BITTEN – …lymedisease.org
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• Bitten, The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Warfare (youtube.com)

‘I Have Lyme’, The Movie – Lyme Disease Awareness!Chronic Lyme Disease Complex Treatment | Envita Medical Centers

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Under Your Skin 2 – Search (bing.com)

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About Lyme | Lyme Disease Statistics, Cases, & Prevalence (global lyme alliance.org)

• Letterboxdhttps://letterboxd.com/film/im-not-crazy-im-sick/watch‎I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick (2023) directed by Elle Brooks-Tao • Film …WEBA powerful documentary that chronicles three families who are fighting for survival against Lyme disease. The film highlights the physical, emotional, and financial toll the disease takes on their lives, as well as the urgent need for greater awareness, testing, and treatment options.
• The Quiet Epidemic – A documentary about Lyme disease
• The Quiet Epidemic | https://www.thequietepidemic.com
• WEB a young girl from Brooklyn and a Duke University scientist are diagnosed with a disease said to not exist: Chronic Lyme disease. The Quiet Epidemic follows their search for answers, which lands them in the middle of a …

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick – Lyme Disease Documentary full free – Search (bing.com)

Lyme Loonies, Part 1: When People With Lyme Disease Are Crazy | HuffPost Contributor

Lyme Loonies, Part 2: When People With Lyme Disease Are Crazy – Search (bing.com)

Lyme Loonies, Part 3: When People With Lyme Disease Are Crazy – Search (bing.com)

The True Origins of Lyme Disease (youtube.com)

1. TIME https://time.com/6974403/chronic-lyme-disease-researchLong Dismissed, Chronic Lyme Is Finally in the Spotlight | TIMEWEB5 days ago · Sue Gray, 59, has been sick 
2. STAT https://www.statnews.com/2023/07/31/acquired-tick…My superpower is killing ticks – STAT WEB Jul 31, 2023 · Related: ‘I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick’: A film dives deep into chronic Lyme disease … In addition to Lyme disease, cases of anaplasmosis (another serious bacterial disease.)

1. MSN
2. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/are-you…Are You in a Lyme Disease Hotspot? Here’s How to Keep Your Family … – MSN
3. WEB Jun 2, 2023 · Lyme disease is an infection that is transmitted when an infected tick bites a human. The Centers for Disease 

UNDER OUR SKIN — Under Our Skin

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick is a powerful documentary that chronicles three families and a WNBA MVP who are fighting for survival against Lyme disease. The film highlights the physical, emotional, and financial toll the disease takes on their lives, as well as the urgent need for greater awareness, testing, and treatment options. Through their stories, I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick is a call to action, to understand and support the millions of people worldwide who are living with this devastating illness.

This gripping documentary exposes the relentless fight of patients against Lyme disease and chronic illness. 

When I first saw the Lyme disease documentary Under Our Skin in 2008, I had to leave the theater. Not only were my neurological symptoms of tick-borne illness overwhelmed by the audio-visual stimulation of a big-screen movie, but moreover, the stories of physical and emotional havoc of Lyme were too close to my own. I was too sick, too afraid that I would be stuck forever in the world portrayed in the film.

When I saw the new Lyme disease documentary I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick—which touches on the same physical, emotional, and financial turmoil of Lyme depicted in Under Our Skin—I reacted very differently. I could relate to so much of what the patients in the film are going through, but from a distance, now that I am in remission.

What got me from point A to point B on the 15-year journey between the two documentary releases is exactly what I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick makes a call to action for: adequate and appropriate support.

Through the stories of the Mode family (pictured left),

Ash Baker, the Cleworth family, and WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne, I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick showcases exactly how devastating Lyme disease can be on people from all walks of life. Whether struggling to access treatment or able to secure the best care, patients from small-town Maine to the pro basketball court are equally frustrated when their illness is invalidated. As Delle Donne says, “We all just want to be heard. We all come from different walks of life. We all have our own struggles.”

Sadly, many tick-borne illness patients are not heard by physicians, family and friends, and insurance companies. As I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick shows, the impact of this dismissal can lead to treatment delays, financial ruin, family strife, distrust in the medical system, and mental illness. Psychiatrist Robert Bransfield, MD says, “It’s tragic that we have all this suffering that could be prevented.”

“It’s just as much a human rights issue as it is a scientific issue.

To pretend it doesn’t exist is a crime.”

Physicians and researchers including Monica Embers, PhD, John Aucott, MD, Mark Soloski, PhD, Steven Phillips, MD, and Sean McCloy, MD, MPH, MA give credence to the science of tick-borne illness, especially in its chronic form, and also to the unnecessary suffering caused by ignorance of the facts. Dr. Phillips notes, “It’s just as much a human rights issue as it is a scientific issue. To pretend it doesn’t exist is a crime.”

I was told by countless people that my symptoms didn’t exist, and then, when diagnosed, that my illness didn’t exist. Like the patients in both Under Our Skin and I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick, I fought for validation along with my health. 

And I was lucky. Despite an eight-year battle for diagnosis, a multi-year convalescence including one complete relapse, and debilitating symptoms that derailed my life plan, I survived. I had the help of family and friends. I had access to medical care.

Though it took a while to get it, I had the support I needed to eventually move from surviving to thriving. From walking out of a movie theater to watching a documentary with gratitude for my own renewed health. But, as I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick demonstrates, too many patients are not as lucky.

‘I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick’: A film dives into chronic Lyme disease (statnews.com)

 Dr. Bransfield notes that people with chronic infections are more likely to be suicidal, explaining that with Lyme disease, there is a social-psychological component of mental illness but also a physiological part, due to neuroinflammation causing a shift in brain chemistry. Former GLA CEO Scott Santarella speaks poignantly about those lost to suicide during Lyme disease, and the patients in the film reveal their own dark thoughts.

I went to equally dark places during my lowest points of illness, and like Ash Baker, was able to use creative expression as a way to “bring me back to life.” In addition to coping mechanisms, patients need hope—even if they’re incremental flickers of light in a long, dark tunnel, as Santarella describes—and they need physical, emotional, and financial support. Perhaps most importantly, they just need to be believed.

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick helps show the real story of life with Lyme disease. It offers validation to patients, but moreover, it shows people who can help patients—doctors, insurers, friends, and family members—exactly how support or lack thereof can make or break a patient’s journey.

https://www.lymedisease.org/not-crazy-documentary-may30

Lyme Disease is wreaking havoc on millions of lives.

Over 476,000 new Lyme disease cases emerge each year, yet many medical professionals often dismiss or overlook this debilitating condition. Lyme patients frequently feel lonely and isolated, struggling to receive proper support. I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick is a Lyme disease documentary that chronicles the daily lives of three families and WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne, in their fight for survival against this insidious illness. 

The Mode Family in Northern Maine survives on $150/month with limited access to treatment. 

Ash Baker, an artist in Maryland, has a dedicated doctor helping her get treatment covered by insurance.

 The Cleworth Family has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on Atty’s treatment, accessing the world’s best doctors and care. 

Elena Delle Donne has battled Lyme disease symptoms throughout her career, fighting not only the disease but for recognition and support.

This film highlights the physical, emotional, and financial struggles caused by Lyme, emphasizing the need for greater awareness, reliable testing methods, and accessible treatment options. Expert doctors, researchers, and advocates provide insights into the science and politics surrounding Lyme disease.Through these inspiring stories, I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick serves as a call to action to understand and support the millions worldwide living with this devastating illness.

Produced by Sypher Studios and Fieldhouse Productions, the documentary is shot by Emmy award-winning cinematographer Clair Popkin (Free Solo) and directed by Elle Brooks-Tao.

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick – Microsoft Apps

People with Lyme Disease, what were/are your symptoms? : r/lyme disease (reddit.com)

Herbal Relief of Lyme Disease (youtube.com)

About Lyme | Lyme Disease Statistics, Cases, & Prevalence (global lyme alliance.org)

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick – Trailer – Millions of people suffer from Lyme disease, a debilitating and often isolating illness that can go undiagnosed for years. This documentary shines a light on the lives of three families and a WNBA MVP who are fighting for survival. : r/trailers (reddit.com)

Lyme Literate Doctors in Ohio – LymeTalk.net

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Lyme Disease Association, Inc. | A National Non-Profit 501c3

Lyme Disease? LLMD in Ohio? (healingwell.com)

Lyme Disease? LLMD in Ohio? (healingwell.com)

How to Find a Lyme Literate Doctor | Lyme Warrior.

Unwell – Matchbox Twenty (Lyrics) | But I’m not crazy, I’m just a little unwell (youtube.com)

WEBMar 24, 2023 · Matchbox twenty | UnwellArtist •https://youtube.com/@MatchboxTwenty YouTube: Channel:https://youtube.com/@lyricsvibemusicTurn on notification bell fo…

The Kirstie Ennis’ story has been well documented, from being featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine’s “Body” issue and in People magazine, to appearing on Tamron Hall and being featured in a Sports Emmy nominated segment on HBO’s Real Sports.

Kirstie Ennis | Video | Facebook

Adventure Athlete, USMC Veteran

Kirstie Ennis’s journey commenced with the loss of her leg in Afghanistan, yet it’s far from its conclusion. Enduring 48 surgeries and multiple amputations, the ex-Marine Sergeant, at 32, surpasses many lifetimes’ achievements. Ennis, inspired by her Marine parents, enlisted at 17. Defying notions of disability, she excels, aiming to conquer the Seven Summits by 2023, advocating and fundraising along the way. Beyond her athletic feats, Ennis holds three Master’s degrees and pursues a Doctorate in Education. Founder of The Kirstie Ennis Foundation, she champions causes and serves in various nonprofits. A savvy entrepreneur, she invests in startups and practices real estate. Honors adorn her, including the ESPY’s Pat Tillman Award and induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame as its youngest member.

Kirstie Ennis, a Milton, Fla. native, Afghanistan war veteran and amputee,  —  A Marine Corps veteran who turned to outdoor sports and launched a nonprofit foundation after losing her leg in combat was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2019 ESPYS. After surviving a helicopter crash in Afghanistan,  Sgt. Kirstie Ennis underwent more than a dozen surgeries addressing trauma to her brain, spine and shoulder. When doctors decided to amputate her left leg above the knee, Ennis embraced outdoor activities as she recovered, walking 1,000 miles across Britain for a charity event and earning three gold medals in swimming at the Warrior Games. 

She’s currently working to summit all seven of the world’s highest peaks and said she “does more now on one leg than she ever even dreamed of doing on two.” Ennis also launched the Kirstie Ennis Foundation with the mission of “improving the quality of life of individuals and families” and providing “education, opportunity, and healing in the outdoors.”

“After being medically retired from the Marine Corps due to my injuries sustained overseas, I have dedicated my life to serving others in a different way. To receive the Pat Tillman Award and to be associated with a true American hero is a tremendous honor,” Ennis said in a news release.

“It has taken a village to get me to this point in my life, and I would not be where I am now without the amazing people surrounding me. To me, this is a symbol of community and what it means to pay it forward.”

Why We Should All Be Like Kirstie

MIGHTY 25: From amputation to activist, Kirstie Ennis promotes healing through outdoors (wearethemighty.com)

After joining the Marine Corps to serve others, Sergeant Ennis was injured when her helicopter crashed on her second deployment to Afghanistan and she was forced into medical retirement. After struggling through over 40 surgeries, including an amputation, she was in search of a way to be of service again. In the early stages of her recovery, Kirstie relied heavily on outdoor therapy to get her life back. Thanks to her experiences Kirstie does more now on one leg, than she ever dreamed of doing on two.

In 2017, Kirstie committed to her Climbing for a Cause initiative – climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents while raising funds and awareness for charity. Kirstie has turned the concept of “disabled athlete” on it’s head, proving how capable she still is. While she continued to summit the tallest mountains in the world, Kirstie developed the goal to share outdoor recreational therapy with underserved communities and created The Kirstie Ennis Foundation. Kirstie started holding group and individual outdoor experiences and she found a new way to serve.

Kirstie wants to provide opportunity in the outdoors, and ultimately opportunity for the rest of peoples lives. The possibilities in the outdoors are endless. “I never wanted people to ever feel the way I did- alone, lost in recovery. I wanted to give people hope, community, and a reason to show up. I wanted to teach people the sports that saved my life and actually give them the tools and resources to use them as therapy.”

The Climber: A Diehard Story Bing Videos

Kirstie Ennis is someone to be admired, but she is too humble to realize the impact she makes on the world at large. It started with her willingness to serve our country at the age of 17, her drive to find one of the toughest fields in the United States Marine Corps for women and the dedication she put forth to earn the rank of Sergeant.

Unfortunately, Kirstie suffered severe injuries when her helicopter crashed on her second tour in Afghanistan and she was forced into medical retirement due to the physical injuries she sustained. This was where she faced her defining moment, she could succumb to the injuries or she could fight to find her place in the world again. She has been fighting ever since.

Kirstie Ennis Foundation | Healing in the outdoors through recreational therapy

Kirstie found healing in the outdoors through sports and wanted to share that with others. This prompted her to start a nonprofit organization and bring the healing of outdoor recreation and nature to those in need. She found a way to be of service again, she has created a community, to give people hope, and a reason to show up. She has done that through The Kirstie Ennis Foundation.

Through TKEF Kirstie has held 25 recreational clinics bringing snowboarding to women veterans, rock climbing to amputees, mountain biking to amputees and veterans, adaptive off-roading to a childhood cancer survivor, Sit-Ski lessons to paralyzed combat veterans, and the opportunity for many adaptive athletes to climb the highest peaks in South America. Her nonprofit has a 92% IRS rating meaning .92 cents of every dollar donated goes towards the programming.

Kirstie is not in it for the money or fame, she is in it to make a difference and give others the tools and resources to use them as therapy.

  Veteran Amputee Kirstie Ennis Prepares to Summit Everest – Guideposts

• Jena Malone Honors Wounded Warrior Veteran Kirstie Ennis
• Must Watch: 2024 National Memorial Day Concert (youtube.com)
•  Cynthia Erivo Performs “When You Believe” | Kirstie Ennis tribute.
• The Final Summit – Kirstie Ennis Climbs Everest – YouTube 

Since 2017, Kirstie has committed to her Climbing for a Cause initiative- climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents while raising funds and awareness for charity. She has completed six of the seven peaks and inspires with every step as she has often been the first female above-knee amputee to do it. She has had two attempts on Everest, but has had to turn around for her and her team’s safety. 

Kirstie Ennis was almost at the peak of Mount Everest, then turned back: NPR

Why a mountaineer chose to turn around just 200 meters from Mount Everest’s summit : NPR

She is vulnerable and open in sharing her experiences to show others that we can all face obstacles and struggle, but ultimately it is about our ability to keep taking the next step. Kirstie travels all over the country giving motivational talks and is endeared by so many because she is honest, open and her willingness to help anyone that crosses her path shines through.

She responds to every person that reaches out to her and leads with doing all she can to create opportunity and healing for everyone she meets. She has won several awards for her humanitarian work such as the Yolanda King Higher Ground Award at the King Center, an award for individuals who carry on the legacy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It isn’t just what she does for others, as admirable as that is, it is what she does for herself that sets the example for so many young women. Since joining the Marine Corps, she has earned several degrees and her doctorate in an effort to better herself. She became a firefighter to apply her knowledge and be of service in her community. Kirstie has competed as a Paralympic snowboarder and previously took fifth in the world in women’s snowboard cross and just earned two bronze medals in the Para Snowboard FIS World Cup last month. She sets the bar high for women but is humble in wanting to see other women, other amputees, other veterans standing where she has stood, and doing it better.

You can see her impact on truly anyone that her story finds. The people she has supported have made a difference in their own communities just from the light that Kirstie sparked. She has helped a female veteran create a nonprofit to help veterans in Arizona, others to build businesses all across the country. There is a new adaptive community in Nashville that she inspired because she taught a retired amputee Marine who needed a new purpose: adaptive rock climbing. She has become the hero of many young ladies who have faced adversities by writing handwritten notes of encouragement and support.

Jena Malone Honors Wounded Warrior Veteran Kirstie Ennis | 2024 National Memorial Day Concert (youtube.com)

She sets the example and many are following in her footsteps, but what is most admirable is that she does it all to make the world a better place, to inspire and show others they have what they need to persevere. That is the light we need to see in this world.

For speaking engagement inquiries visit-https://www.teamwass.com/speaker/kirstie-ennis/

• Adventure Athlete, USMC Veteran
• Adventure Athlete
• https://www.kirstieennisfoundation.com
• kirstie.ennis@yahoo.com  

Kirstie Ennis’s story may have begun when she lost her leg after her helicopter went down in Afghanistan, but it certainly doesn’t end there. After 48 surgeries and the amputation of her leg first below and then above the knee after a life-threatening infection, the former Marine Sergeant has accomplished more at 32 years old than most people have achieved in their lifetimes.

Ennis enlisted in the Marine Corps when she was only 17 years old, inspired by her parents who were also Marines. Ennis has turned the concept of “disabled athlete” on its head, proving how capable she still is, whether it’s on one leg or two. She hopes to complete the Seven Summits by climbing the highest peak on every continent by 2023 to fundraise and raise awareness for a variety of causes.

What people might not know about Ennis: she’s completed three Master’s degrees and is currently working to complete her Doctorate in Education. Kirstie is the President and Founder of The Kirstie Ennis Foundation, an Ambassador and program lead for the nonprofit Building Homes for Heroes and sits on the board of directors for Merging Vets and Players. She has invested in several small startup businesses ranging from hair salons, cross fit gyms, and restaurants. She also earned her license as a real estate advisor and is based at Engel & Volkers in Carbondale, Colorado.

After returning home from Everest in summer of 2019, Kirstie was the ESPY’s Pat Tillman Award recipient. She received the 2020 Higher Ground award at the Martin Luther King Family Salute to Greatness gala and is the youngest inductee ever into the International Sports Hall of Fame.

Kirstie Ennis, a remarkable USMC Veteran and adventure athlete, was a speaker at TEDxReno. Her inspiring journey began with a tragic helicopter accident in Afghanistan, which led to the loss of her leg. Despite this, she has achieved incredible feats, including climbing the highest peaks on every continent to raise awareness and funds for various causes1. Kirstie’s story is one of resilience and determination, as she has not only overcome physical challenges but also excelled academically, completing three Master’s degrees and working towards a Doctorate in Education1.

At TEDxReno, Kirstie shared her experiences and insights, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The event, themed DISRUPTION, took place on April 6, 2024, and featured a variety of thought leaders and entertainers who are making significant changes in the world2. Kirstie Ennis is also the President and Founder of The Kirstie Ennis Foundation and holds positions with other notable organizations, showcasing her commitment to supporting veterans and others facing disabilities1.

• LA Times Today: Veteran and amputee climbs six of the Seven Summits – Los Angeles Times
• Marine Veteran Kirstie Ennis: Life After A Leg Amputation | Cosmopolitan (youtube.com)
• Veteran Kirstie Ennis on the Cover of ESPN’S Body Issue (people.com)
• Athlete of the Week: Kirstie Ennis (koaa.com)
• kirstie_ennis.pdf (usmcmuseum.com)
• US Marine who lost a leg is about to scale Everest (redbull.com)
• Veteran amputee Kirstie Ennis receives the 2019 Pat Tillman Award for Service | 2019 ESPYS (youtube.com)
• Redefining Beautiful – with Kirstie Ennis | Fabulous Over 50 Episode on Amazon Music
• Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: Wounded Marine Kirstie Ennis’ Bravery ‘Peaks’ At The Top Of Mount Everest | Everyone Talks To Liz Claman (foxnews.com)
• Kirstie Ennis – Move United (moveunitedsport.org)
• Your chances of living to be a hundred years old (msn.com)
• Kirstie Ennis Disability Issues Speaker-Speakers Bureau | SpeakInc
• Kirstie Ennis (@kirstie_ennis) • Instagram photos and videos
• Paralympic Veteran Kirstie Ennis Tackles Denali – Gripped Magazine
• The Brass & Unity Podcast: #98 – Kirstie Ennis on Apple Podcasts
• Marine Veteran Kirstie Ennis: Life After A Leg Amputation | Cosmopolitan (youtube.com)
• Meet Kirstie Ennis – VoyageDenver – Denver
• My views from the top of the world. This was truly the first time I realized what I was doing… the magnitude, challenge, difficulty, altitude, everything. I refrained from sharing too much of my Everest expedition last year because I really wanted to share it with you in my documentary, Standing Tall.With the premiere happening tomorrow (finally because of COVID), I’ve cried a couple of times at how hard my climbing and production/postproduction team worked for this.
• On the mountain, we were a small team — but editing this, we were an insanely small team. Much love to my cinematographer, co producer, and climbing partner extraordinaire @robgowler and my executive producer and queen editor @juneandchili! The film encompasses so much — why and how I climb as an amputee, scaling the tallest mountain in the world, and what’s to come at the Center for Disabled Children’s Assistance in Kathmandu  Standing Tall — be proud of whatever your mountain is!   #leftlegless# standingtall #everest #nepal #himalayas #adaptive
• #adventureathlete #nonprofit #payitforward #giveback #workharder #makinghistory
• See less Video | Facebook 
• Learn More About Kirstie
• 

#TEDxReno #KirstieEnnis #Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity 

1tedxreno.org2ted.com3tedxreno.org4kirstieennisfoundation.com

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The Hunt Lift Eat Podcast EP 156: Die Living – An Interview With Kirstie Ennis

Kirstie Ennis Foundation | Healing in the outdoors through recreational therapy

Veterans Voices: Kirstie Ennis’ Mission to Serve | Facebook Live | Facebook

ESPYS 2019: How amputee veteran Kirstie Ennis turned her injury into a mission to inspire others – Good Morning America

How Kirstie Ennis overcame her wounds – both physical and mental – Task & Purpose (taskandpurpose.com)

Kirstie Ennis Goes From Survivor To Competitive Athlete In The 2017 Body Issue | ESPN (youtube.com)

Kirstie Ennis Is Climbing the Highest Mountains in the World—While Wearing a Prosthetic Leg | Glamour

Kirstie Ennis Is On A Mission To Conquer Mount Everest – Task & Purpose (taskandpurpose.com)

Mountaineer and Wounded Warrior Kirstie Ennis on her long road to recovery — Body 2017 – ESPN

Kirstie Ennis Is On A Mission To Conquer Mount Everest – Task & Purpose (taskandpurpose.com)

Former Marine Kirstie Ennis to climb last of the Seven Summits after leg amputation (axios.com)

From Afghanistan to Athlete – Kirstie Ennis conquers adversity and extreme sports – VA News

She was 200 meters from the peak of Mount Everest, then turned back. Here’s why | WUSF

TEDx_Reno on LinkedIn: #tedxreno #kirstieennis #inspiration #overcomingadversity

Marine amputee Kirstie Ennis makes history atop Denali (wearethemighty.com)

ESPYS WINNERS: Click here for full list | https://www.facebook.com/kirstieennis2

Amputee Kirstie Ennis climbs the world’s tallest peaks (spectrumnews1.com)

Combat Entrepreneur: USMC Amputee Kirstie Ennis (athlonoutdoors.com)

Jocko Podcast 199 w/ Kirstie Ennis: Pain Makes You Better (youtube.com)

Kirstie Ennis Is the Toughest Mountaineer on Earth (outsideonline.com)

National Memorial Day Full Concert 2024 | PBS (youtube.com)

#1 Gut Nutritionist: How to Eat to Heal Your Gut (youtube.com)

Proudly She Served | Kirstie Ennis | Kirstie Ennis – TEDxReno

Kirstie Ennis Story – National Memorial Day Concert – PBS

Kirstie Ennis: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know (heavy.com)

Tedtalk reno Kirstie Ennis – Search Images (bing.com)

Kirstie Ennis – TEDxReno – Search Videos (bing.com)

Bing Videos | kirstie ennis – Search Videos (bing.com)

tedtalk reno Kirstie Ennis – Search Images (bing.com)

Veteran Survival Story, Kirstie Ennis (people.com)

The most popular TED Talks of all time | TED Talks

Kirstie Ennis – TEDxReno – Search Videos (bing.com)

Celine Dion and her loved ones have offered health updates amid her battle with stiff-person syndrome. Dion revealed in December 2022 that she had to postpone several performances due to the health scare.

“Hello, everyone. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and I can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person. As you know, I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now,” an emotional Dion said in an Instagram video at the time. “I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, stiff-person syndrome is a rare disorder of motor function characterized by involuntary stiffness of axial muscles and superimposed painful muscle spasms, which are often induced by startle or emotional stimuli.

Celine Dion Through the Years: From Her Debut Album to Worldwide Success

Scroll down for everything Dion and her family have shared about her health battle:

Breaking Down the Diagnosis

In December 2022, Dion said she had “no choice but to concentrate” on her health ahead of her career.

“I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate,” she said via Instagram. “Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon.”

Focusing on Her Recovery

“I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children, who are supporting me and giving me hope,” Dion noted in her December 2022 Instagram video. “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.”

While a source later told Us Weekly that the diagnosis came as a “shock” to Dion, they noted she had not lost “her fighting spirit and is comforted that at least she knows exactly what she’s dealing with now and there’s comfort that she can alleviate some of the symptoms by getting treatments that are specific for this condition.”

Having Her Loved Ones by Her Side

“Her kids have been her rock … the twins are very mature for their age and René-Charles checks in and dotes on his mom all the time,” the insider went on to share. “Celine received this diagnosis fairly recently; she’s been suffering the symptoms for quite some time, but it always baffled her what was wrong.” (Dion shared son René-Charles and twins Nelson and Eddy with late husband René Angélil, who died of throat cancer at age 73 in January 2016.)

Her sister Claudette also opened up about how the family has been helping the performer. “When I call her and she’s busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she’s working hard. She’s listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible,” she told Le Journal de Montreal in 2023. “We trust her. It’s innate to her, she’s disciplined in every area of her life … We can’t find any medicine that works, but having hope is important.”

Bode Miller and More Celebrity Parents With the Biggest Broods

Claudette continued: “I honestly think that she mostly needs to rest. She always goes above and beyond, she always tries to be the best and top of her game. At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It’s important to listen to it.”

In an August 2023 interview with Hello! Canada magazine, Claudette called Dion a “strong woman” and noted that “she’s doing everything to recover.” She told the outlet that while there is little she and the rest of Dion’s family “can do to support her, to alleviate her pain, they are “crossing our fingers that researchers will find a remedy for this awful illness.”

The Illness Is Progressing

“She works hard, but she doesn’t have control of her muscles,” Claudette told Canadian magazine 7 Jours of her sister’s condition in December 2023. “What pains me is that she has always been disciplined. She always worked hard.”

Claudette revealed that it’s a “dream” of both Céline and the family that she will “return to the stage” one day. “In which state? I do not know,” Claudette confessed. “The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle. This is what [gets to] me. Since it’s one case in millions, scientists didn’t do that much research, because it didn’t affect that many people.”

Céline’s sibling explained that while,

“There are some who have lost hope because [it] is a disease that is not known,” many fans have continued to reach out with well wishes. “People tell us they love her and pray for her. She receives so many messages, gifts, and blessed crucifixes,” Claudette said.

Celebrity Health Scares Through the Years

Not Letting Her Health ‘Define’ Her

“This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me,” Céline shared in a January 2024 statement while announcing her Prime Video documentary, 

I Am: Céline Dion.

“As the road to resuming my performing career continues:

I have realized how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans,” she added. “During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis.”

Words of Encouragement

Céline commemorated International Stiff Person Syndrome Day in March 2024 by sharing a rare Instagram photo of herself and her kids. “Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible,” she captioned the post. “I am deeply grateful for the love and support from.”

She concluded her message by sending her “encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS,” adding, “I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!”

The Fight Goes On

Céline offered insight into her stiff person syndrome battle in an May 2024 Vogue France cover story interview. “I haven’t beat the disease, as it’s still within me and always will be. I hope that we’ll find a miracle, a way to cure it with scientific research, but for now I have to learn to live with it. So that’s me, now with Stiff Person Syndrome,” she told the magazine.

The singer went on to note that she undergoes “athletic, physical and vocal therapy” five days a week in addition to working on “my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing [and] my voice.”

She added: “I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself. At the beginning I would ask myself: why me? How did this happen? What have I done?

Is this my fault?”

Céline stated that although “life doesn’t give you any answers,” you must keep living it.

“I have this illness for some unknown reason. The way I see it, I have two choices. Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror and sing to myself,” she stated. “I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!

More than a year after announcing her health issues were due to stiff person syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological and autoimmune condition that causes severe muscle spasms and stiffening in the limbs — and in Celine’s case issues with her Vocal Cords — she’s in a fight for her life. Her struggle is something she swore she would never talk about, but sharing helps her connect with her beloved fans.

After canceling her World Tour, her future as an entertainer remains uncertain. People who suffer from SPS may not be lucky enough to have the means to have the best doctors and treatments as she does. What’s even greater is I have the inner strength in me to try and overcome. Celine is working hard to improve her body — and her mind. Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy as she must learn to live with the debilitating condition. 

Agonizing Rehab

Resisting negativity is a huge component of her approach to battling this condition, which affects fewer than 5000 in the United States. “She is putting on a brave front and doing her best to stay upbeat because he believes a positive attitude in adversity is a key to a happy life.”   Celine may not overcome SPS, but she has learned to accept it. As my diagnosis sunk in. the singer realized she had a choice to make.

“Either I train like an athlete and work super hard or I switch off and it’s over,” she said, “I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe with a medical team.’

She admits she’s had her dark days “At the beginningI would ask myself Why me? Why anybody? Why did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault? What I learned if life doesn’t give you answers you only get to live it.

Then I told myself I have this disease for some unknown reason. In those early months Celine beat herself up a lot realizing she had to cancel a World Tour. Then she realized she had a lot to be thankful for and she is grateful she’s able to tell her story. In a new documentary I AM: Cleine Dion — described as a love letter to fans which will debut June 25 on Prime Video.

Celine Dion has a new documentary about her life with Stiff Person Syndrome. Here’s a timeline of her condition. (msn.com)

The five-time Grammy Winner gave the filmmaker unprecedented access to her life for more than a year to capture how she’s coping with the physical and mental repercussions of Stiff Person Syndrome to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition and help others who share this diagnosis. In the footage, says a source, she laughs, she cries, she sings. It’s a very emotional raw look at her life now.

May 13, 2024, Issue

Valentine’s Day this flower choked off a mum we had on the Southside of the House.

Then on my mother’s 95th birthday on April 5th it was out in all its splendor and mom thought it was the most beautiful flower she had ever seen in her life. And her thoughts were that I never saw a flower like that one in my lifetime. SO I searched the internet and found it to be a “Purple Illusion.” A powerful affirmation that my father is still beside her in all her years.  

What chokes off a flower and makes a purple illusion grow in its place

Copilot

The phrase “chokes off a flower and makes a purple illusion grow in its place” seems metaphorical and could be interpreted in various ways. However, if we’re talking about the literal aspect of a purple plant replacing another, it could refer to the Magic Show® ‘Purple Illusion’ Spike Speedwell. This is a Veronica hybrid that features thick, rosy purple flower wands that emerge prolifically atop a rounded, low clump of deep green foliage 1 2. It’s a perennial plant that adds a touch of magic to any garden space with its enchanting flowers throughout the spring and summer seasons 1.

Learn more

1arborvalleynursery.com 2gardenia.net 3provenwinners.com

In a more poetic sense, the phrase could be describing a situation where something vibrant and unexpected replaces something else that has faded or been suppressed. If you’re looking for a creative interpretation or a specific context, feel free to provide more details!

Here’s a poem inspired by the phrase “chokes off a flower and makes a purple illusion grow in its place”:

In a garden where the wildflowers sway,

A peculiar event unfolds by the light of day.

Where once bloomed a mum, so vivid and fair,

Now lies a vision, purple, floating in the air.

A mystical force, unseen and untold,

Chokes off the bloom, its petals fold.

In its stead, a purple illusion does grow,

A spectacle of nature, a magical show.

The illusion, a spike of Veronica’s hue,

Stands where the mum once reached for the dew.

Its color so deep, a story it weaves,

Of life’s constant change, as one believes.

Though the mum has faded, its beauty spent,

The purple mirage brings a new enchantment.

For in every ending, there’s a start anew,

A reminder that change can bring wonders, too.

So let the garden of life constantly transform,

As illusions grow where flowers once performed.

For every bloom that withers, in time’s grand dance,

A new shade of wonder is given a chance.

I hope this poem captures the essence of transformation and the beauty that can arise from change. Here’s how flowers can impact your spiritual journey:

1. Fostering Intellectual Growth: Purple flowers inspire you to pursue knowledge and wisdom relentlessly.
2. Enhancing Spiritual Awareness: They encourage a deeper connection with your inner self and the universe.
3. Promoting Conscious Enlightenment: These blooms serve as a reminder to stay open to the lessons life teaches you, facilitating a journey towards enlightenment.

Embrace the wisdom and spirituality that purple flowers bring into your life.

It’s as if these flowers have the power to unlock the doors to your imagination, urging you to explore uncharted territories of creativity. They become muses for your art, poetry, or whatever form your creative expressions take. Moreover, they encourage you to delve into dream exploration, making your nightly journeys not just restful, but also a source of inspiration.

You’ll find that with their presence, your creative projects are imbued with a depth and richness previously untapped.

Signifying Mystery and Magic

Delving into the world of purple flowers, you’ll uncover layers of mystery and magic that resonate deeply within your spirit. These blooms aren’t just a feast for the eyes; they carry profound meanings, especially when delving into the realms of the occult and enigmatic symbolism.

1. Occult Practices: Purple flowers are often associated with mysticism and the occult. They’re believed to enhance psychic abilities and spiritual connections.
2. Enigmatic Symbolism: The color purple itself is symbolic of the unknown. It represents the mysteries of the universe, beckoning you to explore deeper spiritual truths.
3. Gateway to the Unseen: These flowers act as a bridge to realms beyond our understanding, inviting you to embrace the magic and mystery that lies just beyond the veil of the visible world.

Promoting Calmness and Serenity

Aspect	Benefit	How it Helps
Color Hue	Calming Effect	Reduces stress by calming the mind
Presence	Serene Environment	Encourages a peaceful space for relaxation
Scent	Aromatherapy	Supports mental health by promoting calmness

Enhancing Spiritual Connection

Purple flowers don’t just beautify your space; they also deepen your spiritual connection, inviting a sense of the divine into your everyday life. By integrating these vibrant blooms into your surroundings, you’re not only enhancing the visual appeal but also fostering a more profound spiritual awareness.

Here’s how they can help you connect on a deeper level:

1. Encourage Inner Peace: Surrounding yourself with purple flowers promotes tranquility, aiding in the pursuit of inner peace.
2. Inspire Mindful Practices: Their presence serves as a gentle reminder to engage in mindful practices, deepening your spiritual journey.
3. Cultivate a Sacred Space: Use them to create a dedicated area for meditation or prayer, enhancing the spiritual quality of your environment.

Embrace the serene beauty of purple flowers to enrich your spiritual path.

Reflecting Transformation and Change

Beyond enhancing spiritual connection, purple flowers also symbolize the beauty of transformation and change in your life. These vibrant blooms remind you that every phase of your existence is marked by growth stages. Like a purple flower unfurling its petals, you too are constantly evolving, moving through cycles of personal renewal.

They’re not just pretty sights; they’re powerful symbols of your journey, highlighting the importance of embracing change. As you gaze upon a field of purple, let it reinforce the idea that transformation isn’t something to fear. It’s a natural, beautiful process, integral to your development.

Embrace each moment of change as an opportunity for growth, allowing the essence of purple flowers to guide your path towards personal renewal.

Conclusion

Purple flowers serve as more than mere visual delights; they carry profound symbolism. These blooms remind us of our inherent nobility, encourage wisdom, and ignite our creative spirit.

They embody the essence of mystery, provide a sanctuary of serenity, and act as conduits to the spiritual realm. By embracing these symbols of transformation, we embark on a journey towards self-discovery and personal growth.

What might these vibrant petals reveal about your path?

While exploring the mystical aspects of purple flowers, it’s also important to recognize their power to bring peace and serenity into your life. Their vibrant hues are more than just a feast for the eyes; they’re a balm for your mental health. By integrating purple flowers into your surroundings, you’re setting the stage for stress relief and a tranquil mind.

Nina Redford

I’m Nina, and I’m very passionate about spirituality. Exploring the depths of the soul and connecting with the divine has always been my source of inspiration. Join me on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace through my writing.

Beyond its earthly implications, purple delves into the spiritual realm, linked to the crown chakra and intuition. It facilitates a connection to higher states of consciousness, amplifying one’s spiritual journey and understanding.

In the realm of creativity, purple plays a pivotal role. It stimulates the senses, ignites intuition, and provides the tranquility essential for insightful observations. This fusion of sensory awakening and quiet contemplation fosters creativity, making purple an ideal color to nurture artistic expression. Furthermore, purple embodies transformation, portraying strength, courage, and resilience. It signifies the ability to embrace change, adapt, and endure, symbolizing the transformative journey of life. Balancing its depth, purple also symbolizes femininity, characterized by playfulness, whimsy, and irreverence.

Psychological and Emotional Associations of Purple

Purple is a color that is often associated with psychological and emotional meanings.

This section will explore how purple can affect mood, energy, and personality.

Purple and Mood

Purple is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote feelings of relaxation and tranquility. This is why it is often used in meditation and other spiritual practices.

At the same time, purple can also be energizing and uplifting. It can help to boost creativity and inspire new ideas. This is why it is often used in artistic and creative endeavors.

Purple and Energy

Purple is also associated with energy and vitality. It is believed to stimulate the imagination and enhance mental clarity. This is why it is often used in brainstorming sessions and other activities that require focus and concentration.

At the same time, purple can also be calming and soothing. It can help to reduce tension and promote a sense of inner peace. This is why it is often used in relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.

The color purple is associated with a variety of meanings, including wisdom, creativity, royalty, power, ambition, and luxury. It can also represent magic, extravagance, peace, pride, independence, and wealth. As with other colors, purple is the subject of color psychology, which suggests that colors can have a powerful impact on moods and even behaviors.¹

Each color is thought to have its own effect, but the feeling that each color produces can vary based on experience and culture. Like other colors, purple can lead to differing feelings, emotions, and associations. Learning the color purple meaning and effects can help you understand why you may feel the way you do when you see it.

Purple Meaning in History

The feelings that the color purple evokes are often due to cultural associations. Because purple is so strongly associated with royalty, people often perceive it as being a very regal color. These associations with royalty, as well as wealth, stem from the fact that the purple dye used in ancient times was very rare and extremely expensive.²

The resources needed to create a dye in this color were much harder to come by since purple is uncommon in nature, and much more costly. So only the elite could use purple dye. These associations with extravagance and aristocracy persist to this day.

The color purple became associated with wealth and royalty because, oftentimes, the rich were the only individuals who could afford clothing and other household items that were dyed purple.

Around 1200 B.C.E., the city of Tyre (along the coast of ancient Phoenicia) began producing purple dye by crushing the shells of a small sea snail.³ The resulting color became known as Tyrian purple and was so well known it was mentioned in Homer’s “Iliad” and Virgil’s “Aeneid.” Alexander the Great and the kings of Egypt also wore clothing colored with the famous Tyrian purple.

This connection with royalty was not just restricted to ancient times. Purple was the color of choice for the Purple Robe of Estate worn by Queen Elizabeth II on her way back to Buckingham Palace following her coronation in 1953.⁴

Some of the symbolic meanings and associations with the color purple include:

• Creativity
• Emotionality
• Enlightenment
• Femininity
• Imagination
• Inspiration
• Mystery
• Rarity
• Royalty
• Spirituality

People often describe this color as mysterious, spiritual, and imaginative.⁵

Purple also represents wisdom and spirituality.⁶ Its rare and mysterious nature perhaps causes it to seem connected to the unknown, supernatural, and divine.

Different shades of purple have different spiritual meanings. For instance, light purples are associated with light-hearted, romantic energies, while darker shades can represent sadness and frustration. In some parts of Europe, purple is associated with death and mourning.

Courage and Bravery

In the U.S., the Purple Heart is among the highest honors for bravery in military service. The award, originally called the Badge of Military Merit, was created in 1782 by George Washington to give to soldiers for commendable action. The color represents courage and bravery.⁷

Personality

While by no means scientific, liking purple might mean that you have positive feelings about some of the main associations of the color. So if purple is your favorite color,

It might signify that you have an artistic, thoughtful, and intuitive side.

• Amethyst
• Lavender
• Lilac
• Mulberry
• Orchid
• Plum
• Puce
• Pomegranate
• Royal purple
• Violet
• Wine

You might also enjoy thinking about spiritual issues and the meaning of life. Of course, it might just mean that it is your favorite color due to your unique, individual associations, And experiences.
Shades of Purple

How Do We Perceive Color?

Purple Is Unique and Exotic

Since purple does not often occur in nature, it can sometimes appear exotic or artificial. For this reason, it tends to be quite a polarizing color. People tend to either really love purple or really hate it.⁸

Visually, purple is one of the most difficult colors to discriminate against. It also has the strongest electromagnetic wavelength, being just a few wavelengths up from x-rays and gamma rays.⁹ For this reason, it is often used in visual illusions such as the lilac chaser illusion.

In writing, the phrase “purple prose” is sometimes used to describe writing that is extremely imaginative or even prone to exaggeration, hyperbole, or outright lies.

 Understanding How We See Color

The Color Purple Meaning and Biology

When discussing color meaning, it’s also important to recognize the role that various biological factors play in perceiving it. Several factors affect how the brain perceives the color purple, such as vision, light, and a person’s interpretation of what the color represents.¹⁰

Additional factors that can contribute to how a person perceives color are its hue, its level of saturation or purity, and how bright or dull it is. All these play into the frequency, wavelength, and energy associated with the color, which also changes how the eye and, subsequently, the brain perceive it.

That means that everyone’s perception and interpretation of the color purple can be different.

Takeaways

Responses to the color purple can vary considerably from one person to the next. However, many feel that this color seems royal yet mysterious.

Notice how purple is used in the image that accompanies this article.

Consider how the color purple makes you feel. Do you associate purple with certain qualities or situations? Recognizing how you interpret purple’s meaning helps you understand why you may respond to it in a certain way.

NOW, do you see the shade of purple in this picture Below.