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Sun Protection

Summer is finally here! If you don’t have a proper cooling device. I suggest you get one soon. 

 

The average global temperature on Earth has increased by about 0.8° Celsius (1.4° Fahrenheit) since 1880, according to an ongoing temperature analysis conducted by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

The record for global temperature represents an average over the entire surface of the earth. 

The temperatures that we experience locally  can fluctuate significantly due to predictable cyclical events  and unpredictable wind and precipitation patterns. 

Global temperature mainly depends on how much energy the planet receives from the Sun and how much it radiates back into space.

The amount of energy radiated by the Earth depends significantly on the chemical composition of the atmosphere, particularly the amount of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

A one-degree global change is significant because it takes a vast amount of heat to warm all the oceans, atmosphere, and land by that much. 

 

Warming is greater over land than over the oceans because water is slower to absorb and release heat (thermal inertia). Warming may also differ substantially within specific land masses and ocean basins. 

 

Experts point to rising sea levels, record-breaking temperatures across the globe, declining air quality and erratic weather patterns as different manifestations of climate change. 

Recently, the medical community highlighted the negative effects of an increasingly warm, more heavily polluted environment on human health.

 The fatalities of climate change are generally linked to four  factors:

• Rising temperatures

• Declining air quality

• Extreme weather

• Vector-borne illnesses

The most common causes of death related to rising temperatures include the following conditions:

Heat stroke:Advanced heat exhaustiion 

Individuals diagnosed with heat stroke usually have a temperature in excess of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. 

In addition to the outside temperature, the symptoms of heat stroke may be exacerbated by high humidity,prescription medication, preexisting medical conditions, or the  consumption of alcohol on a hot day. 

Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke requires medical attention;  if left untreated heat stroke can negatively affect the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.

 

Heat exhaustion:According to The Mayo Clinic, heat exhaustion is characterized by profuse sweating and a rapid pulse or heartbeat. These two symptoms essentially indicate that the body is overheating. 

Other signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, low blood pressure and muscle cramps. Individuals who suspect they have heat exhaustion should immediately stop whatever they are doing, retreat to a relatively cool location, and consume cool water or electrolyte-filled sports drinks.

 

Cardiovascular disease:According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, extreme heat (as well as extreme cold) has been linked to a higher occurence rate of cardiovascular disease and conditions, such as stroke and dysrhythmia. 

Cardiovascular disease is already the deadliest medical condition in the United States, and strokes are listed as the country's third leading cause of death.

 

Kidney disease:Prolonged exposure to excessively hot temperatures can lead to major kidney problems, notes American Family Physician  James L. Glazer, M.D.

Rhabdomyolysis, is  a condition resulting from the breakdown of damaged skeletal muscle.​ Muscle breakdown causes the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream.​  Too much myoglobin in the blood, can cause kidney damage. 

Rhabdomyolysis  usually develops as a  result of heat stroke and  linked to long-term renal disease. The body's ability to regulate water intake may also be affected, which can lead to kidney and/or bladder infections.

 

Aggravated allergies:  The two  major allergens pollen and ragweed  spread during relatively warm months. The EPA notes that spring allergy seasons are occurring earlier each year as a result of increasing temperatures. 

 

 

SUN PROTECTION

• Protect your skin.  Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.

It is very important to apply a sun protectant any time you go out in the sun . Especially before going swimming or participating in outdoor sports.

 

Usually on product labels you will come across “SPF”, which means “Sun Protection Factor”, which is the estimated maximum “amount” of UV (Ultra Violet) radiation that the product can protect your skin from.

 

There are two basic types of ultraviolet rays that reach the earth’s surface UVB (UVB stands for the type B ultraviolet ,which is the middle energy between the tanning rays (UVA) and the intense germicidal UVC) and UVA( type A Ultraviolet which the nearest to visible light which causes tanning and aging of the skin). 

UVA rays also play a role in skin cancer formation. In addition, the UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and play a greater role in premature skin aging changes including wrinkle formation (photoaging).

There are approximately 500 times more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB rays.

Therefore, in addition to protecting your skin from the effects of UVB rays, it is also very important to protect from the damaging effects of the more numerous UVA rays.

Traditional chemical sunscreen products have been more successful at blocking UVB rays than UVA rays.

 

UVB rays are responsible for producing sunburn. The UVB rays also play the greatest role in causing skin cancers, including the deadly black mole form of skin cancer (malignant melanoma).

 

 

The main difference between sunscreen and sunblock is determined by  how they protect the skin against harmful UV rays. Sunblock is so named because it literally blocks UV rays by forming a physical shield, while a sunscreen absorbs them.

Sunscreen, on the other hand, is the chemical kind that absorbs the UVA rays it’s usually imperceptible. It also tends to break down after prolonged sun exposure, so you will need to reapply every two or three hours to ensure continued protection.

Sunblocks are specially formulated to protect the skin from burning UVB rays, which is why they are generally thicker than sunscreens. 

 

 

ESSENTIALS OF WATER

• Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.

• Water is essential for the kidneys and other bodily functions.

• When dehydrated, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and wrinkling.

• Drinking water instead of soda can help with weight loss.

Water cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues

Dehydration can affect brain structure and function.  water is also involved in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters.

Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.

Water  regulates body temperature

Water that is stored in the middle layers of the skin and appears on the skin's surface as sweat when the body heats up. As it evaporates, it cools the body. 

 

The digestive system is  dependent on water

The bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems, constipation, and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers.

 

Water is needed by the  airways 

During dehydration, airways become restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss. This can make asthma and allergies worse.

 

 

Use wipes to wipe your sweat. Again select one that you are not allergic to.

 

Use an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun.

Wash your face with a refreshing soap as long as you are not allergic to it. Take a bath more frequently in an effort to keep cool.

 

Take shelter under a tree and enjoy the cool breeze while you read a book, use your phone , computer or tablet.

Use a sunshade

SUMMER WARDROBE

 

Straw Hat

Shades or  Cool glasses

 

Wear the right clothing that does not attract heat.

 

Jeans Shorts

Beach Shorts

 

 

A baseball cap

 

 

Sleeveless Casual Backless Sling Dress/Blouse

 

FANS

 

While fans are often used to cool people, they do not actually cool air (electric fans may warm air slightly due to the warming of their motors), but work by evaporative cooling of sweat and increased heat convection into the surrounding air due to the airflow from the fans.

The longevity of the fan, both hand held and electric, proves that individual thermal comfort will continue to be maintained by the airflow of fans, enabling people to consistently keep cool and function in high temperatures.

 

 Consider which fan is most suitable for you. You might want a classic desk fan, a modern slimline fan, or a futurist design. The size of your room will  determine what you choose. 

For a small room or office, you don't need much more than a desk or tower fan. For larger spaces, something more powerful - or even a portable air conditioner - might be your best bet. 

 

 

 Energy efficiency, purchase cost, longer life span, noise levels and air flow, as well as portability around the house and garden are all reasons for continued use and advanced development of the electric fan. 

References

 

River Vs Beach 

Swimming  or chilling by  the river 

 A River is a natural flowing watercourse, mainly freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake or another river. Small rivers are sometimes called a stream, creek, brook, rivulet, and rill. 

 

Rivers are part of the hydrological cycle. Water generally collects in a river from precipitation through a drainage basin from surface runoff and other sources such as groundwater recharge, springs, and the release of stored water in natural ice and snowpacks (e.g., from glaciers).

 

Swimming or chilling by the river can be a wonderfully refreshing experience. The temperature of the water is usually lower than the water at the beach. 

 

The area is usually more sheltered with trees and rocks, blocking out the sun a bit compared to the beach where you are exposed to direct sunlight. 

 

It is important to take the necessary precautions when swimming at the river. Avoid swimming when it is flooded or unclean as a result of heavy rain and stay away from the white portion of the water. 

 

Watch out for  the current, waves and underwater obstructions, try not to get carried away. Remember to enter unknown or shallow water feetfirst. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I should be attending a family reunion very soon at an exotic restaurant. I have a dress in mind but I have to shape up a bit to fit in it once more.

I selected this dress as a method of cost cutting for the occassion. Since it's summer and there are so many fruits in season at this time I can make a fruit salad everyday yay! I tried it for one day only.

I was still hungry . So fruits for dessert yeah! That works just fine for me. As for fitting in that dress the best thing I can work with right now is no food after 6:00 pm.

Just coconut water and rose apples if I am hungry after 6:00pm. Rose Apples also known as Syzygium Jambos are rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, niacin, thiamin, potassium, and sulfur.

They also contain betulinic acid, jambosine, and friedelolactone. A 100 gram of rose apples has 29 mg calcium, 123 mg potassium, and 13mg sulphur.

             

 

 

 

 

      Some  benefits:

• Helps In Digestion

• Boosts Immune System

• Treats Bladder Infections

• Hydrates Skin

• Promotes Healthy Hair

• Regulates Blood Sugar Level
• Detoxifies The Body
• Good For Pregnant Women
• Maintains Healthy Bones and Teeth

 

Nutritional Chart

 

Nutrients	Amount
Water	93 g
Carbohydrates	5.7 g
Protein	0.6 g
Energy	25 kcal
Dietary Fiber	-
Ash	0.4 g
Total lipid (fat)	0.3 g
Riboflavin	0.03 mg
Thiamin	0.02 mg
Vitamin A	17 mcg
Vitamin C	22.3 mg
Niacin	0.8 mg
Potassium	123 mg
Calcium	29 mg
Iron	0.07 mg
Magnesium	5 mg
Phosphorus	8 mg
Zinc	0.06 mg
Copper	0.016 mg
Manganese	0.029 mg

 

Side Effects 

1. A high amount of cyanide or prussic acid  is in the leaves, seeds, and roots of rose apples which  is dangerous for health.The cyanide is released in the stomach as the seeds or leaves are digested, so it may take several hours for the symptoms of poisoning to appear. So, do not eat the seed, the root or the leaves.

 

  You may consult with a Medical Doctor before including  rose apples in your diet.

 

 

 

Congratulations! You made a bold step from being monolingual to bilingual or even multilingual.

Learning a new language in 10 days may be influenced by the factors that caused you to make the decision to learn the new language, for example, work, new friend, travel or for fun. Then you have to decide what vocabulary would be relevant for the purpose of study.

Then you write down all the things you want to learn to say. The time you have available for studying,  will determine how well you learn. For eight or more hours daily you can study 50-100 Chinese characters.

 

It is important to identify your learning style. There are currently 7 “Learning Styles“:

Visual (spatial): You prefer to use pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.

Verbal (linguistic): You prefer to use words, both in speech and writing.

Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.

Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.

Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

 

You can also study 50–100 sentences or phrases used in frequent communication.

You need to listen to the pronunciation and practice repeatedly. 50 Characters daily = 500 characters in 10 days. 100 characters daily=1000 characters in 10 days.

 

17 Tools To Help You Learn A New Language

 

1. Notebook

2. Offline / Online Dictionary

3. Language App with Audio

4. Sticky Pad

5. Language Partner

6. Music in the new language

7. Tv Shows in new language

8. Download Movie with Subtitles

9. Audiobooks with new language

10. MP3 / MP4 Audio with people speaking new language

11. Podcasts with the new language

12. Computer

13. Cellphone

14. Tablet

15. Earphones

16. Memory card with a lot of free space

17. Language learning website

 

 

 

 

Learning a new language at first can feel so overwhelming with all the stuff you should learn, want to learn, trying to learn and what you actually learnt in one day.

 

First get a notebook. Make a list of all the topics you intend to study for the next ten days.

Since you only have 10 days, it's important to learn how to have a short conversation which includes greetings, introducing yourself, how to say you are learning the language and that you don't understand something being said.

Learn how to say " please speak slowly" or "it is difficult please help me".  Learn how to ask for directions and how to say where you are from or where you are staying.

 

 

In Your Notebook

 

• Greetings

• Days of the week

• Months of the Year

• Rooms in the house or Office

• Furniture at home or office

• How to ask for  the menu, food, water, directions, bathroom, help

• How to introduce yourself, name, age, address, family,hobbies

• Parts of your body

• Feelings, pain, happiness, sadness, likes, dislikes, tired, sleepy

• Names of countries, food, professions

• Commonly used phrases

 

 

 

Offline Dictionary

 

 

This can be an actual book or a dictionary you downloaded. Learning a new language means learning new words constantly and formulating them into sentences. Please ensure  that you get a dictionary with audio to pronounce the words for you.

 

 

Language Apps

 

There are thousands of language learning applications to choose from. Finding the right one is key to learning a new language. Try to get an app that has flashcards and quizes at the end of each lesson.

You have a great advantage when you use  apps with audio because it is very important to hear the pronunciation of the words you are learning. This way you can repeat what you hear over and over again.

 

Sticky Pads

 

You can use sticky pads to help you remember key words or phrases while you are at home or in office. It may look a little untidy for a while but it is very effective.

All you have to do is write the names of things in your house on it using the new language you are learning and then stick it onto the objects.

Everytime you open your refrigerator  you will see for example the word "réfrigérateur" in French or whatever language you are learning.

 

LanguagePartner

 

This is my absolute favourite though speaking to someone for the first time makes me nervous especially someone who doesn't speak my language very well.

I have to work harder to be understood. I have to focus and listen very well in order to understand.

Sometimes you have to write down what you think you heard then look it up if you don't understand or ask the person to speak a bit slower next time.  

With a language partner you can practice speaking, texting and listening. For some languages like Korean, Japanese or Chinese mandarin you have to practice writing everyday because their writing system is nothing like English, Spanish or French.

 

You can learn about the history,culture , phrases, slangs and exchange ideas with a language partner. Some may even become like family because of that connection you share.

 

Music

 

If you want to learn something fast, just sing it. Listen to the lyrics while you  read, watch and sing along on youtube or any other video channels. You may not understand the words but there are a few words that you will hear repeatedly. You can look up the meanings in your dictionary and practice using them in a sentence.

You may find  music videos with both English and Spanish, French, Russian, Mandarine or Korean translations. Just listen dance and sing along. If you don't wish to disturb anyone  with your new geographic tongue,please use earphones.

Movies

 

Dramas , movies or just a regular Tv show with subtitles will help you learn new vocabulary. You can download the movies or series and watch as many times as you wish.

You can even imitate the actors or actresses and pretend you are in the movie talking to them. Record new words you heard or learnt from watching and make flashcards to study.

 

To learn a language in 10 days you need to:

1. Set aside time to study maybe 4 hours or more daily.

2. Spend at least 1 hour practicing  speaking and listening.

3. Set a target to learn 20-50 new words daily.

4. Learn the need to know stuff first. The reason for learning the new language will help to determine the vocabulary or phrases you have  to learn first.

5. While you do chores, listen to podcasts or the news in the language you are learning.

6. Think in the new language.

7. Record your voice speaking the new language, listen and learn from your mistakes.

8. For the 10 days watch only foriegn films and music videos.

 

Photo By:Anastasiya Gepp

Fresh from High School, I applied for a job and was called in for an interview. Everything was going so well until I was asked, " what is a team player and how important is a team player?"

I never heard that word  "teamplayer" in my my whole life. I couldn't answer, got nervous, lost confidence and subsequently failed the interview.

Almost 90% of the interviews I went to after that, the interviewers told me I was too young for the job and that I should go back to school. I never gave up. Finally my age was not an issue when I was interviewed for the position of office clerk at the Jamaica Observer.

I couldn't afford to go to college right after High School and I was unsure about what career I wanted to focus on. So I figured that while working at the Newspaper company I would figure it out.

Again some of the staff there were telling me to go back to school, it began to annoy me but I kept quiet. I saw an opportunity to grow because it was a big place with so many jobs.

There were reporters, editors, secretaries, managers, drivers, telemarketers, sales reps, marketing reps, customer service reps, telephone operators, subscription co-ordinators,  graphic, artists, photographers, accountants, newspaper dispatchers, janitors and so much more.

I moved from office clerk to telemarketer to subscription sales rep to customer service rep and telephone operator in a very short time. Then I started to have thoughts of  learning a new language and work at a hotel as a translator or travel like a Diplomat in the Foreign Affairs department.

I was taught Spanish for 5 years in High School and I was nowhere near fluent.

Watashi wa Tina Desu. One day I made contact with an exchange student from Japan who was studying in the Liberal Arts Department at UTECH. I learnt so much in a short time just by communicating everyday.

I recieved a special notebook and audio cassettes , now we have podcasts lol. I sat down and practiced writing everyday.

I was ejoying my japanese lessons and decided not to over do it. So I took a short break to watch something on Netflix. As I browsed through the titles I came across,

"You're Beautiful"

I thought the actors were japanese so I decided to watch it. Ohh my gosh I could not understand what they were saying. I had no dictionary. I checked for the subtitles, it was Korean!

After I watched "You're Beautiful" starring Jang Geun Suk and Park Shin Hye, I cried so much while watching that drama. When the season ended I was hooked on Korean Drama. I got a notebook and downloaded a Korean dictionary app.

I started to write down every phrase or new word I learnt while watching the dramas. Especially the most common phrases like "Annyeonghaseyo". I was speaking Korean to myself in no time. I had no one to practice with.

Then I watched,

"Boys Over Flowers" with Li Min Ho

OOh my gosh, I watched it a hundred times.

Then I watched,

"Dream High"

 

 

Then I watched,

"Jang Bori"

I couldn't get enough I started to listen and download the music especially " I Can't Let You Go Even If I Die" by 2am.

I was singing even in my sleep. Then came "School Boy In Love" by BTS, the lyrics were so fast but I loved it. My favourite Korean girl group was 2NE1 who sang "Come Back Home", "Lonely" ,  "Falling In Love" and "I'm The Best."

I was about to have my dinner one evening and I switched on the Tv to continue watching a Korean drama, I glimpsed  the title

" Waking Love Up"

 

starring Roy Qiu and decided to watch it.

Low and behold It was definitely not a Korean drama because I saw no Hangul and it was not Japanese because there were no Kanji,  Katakana or Hiragana.

I saw Zhongwen, Hanzi, Putonghua Zhong Guo ren and Taiwanese. I knew it since childhood because it was basically on every food, clothing or toy label I came in contact with.

I watched "Waking Love Up", I laughed, I cried and fell in love. The soundtrack was so beautiful I listened to it everyday while I did chores or chat online.

 

After all of that drama I decided to continue learning Chinese Mandarin because I had many people to practice with. The words are shorter.

The sentances are shorter. Easy grammar. Challenge to  read and write but lots of fun. My favourite Chinese songs are , "Pi Li Pa La" by Zhou Li Ming and "Wo De Hao Xiong Di" by Gao Jin and Xiao Shen Yang. JJ Lyn is one of my favourite singers.

 

Chinese Hanzi

 

 No Chinese alphabet, just characters. A single character can also represent one word. The characters are also used in combination to make words, phrases and sentances.  There are thousands of Chinese characters to learn. It is said that you only need to know about 3000 in order to communicate and about 2000 to read a chinese newspaper. 

Chinese Pinyin is the standard romanization of the chinese characters developed in the 1950s in order for foreigners to learn or teach Standard Chinese Mandarin . Chinese pinyin helps with the reading and pronunciation of the chinese character.

 

 

Korean Hangul

 

Japanese Katakana  

 

Japanese Kanji

Kanji was adopted from the Chinese writing system. Kanji is used in combination  with  katakana and Hiragana. 

 

Japanese Hiragana 

 

 

Find Your Language Partner Here