indyssummers
0
Following
4
Follower
0
Boost
indyssummers

How to Use More Natural Energy in Your Life

The demand for green energy has never been greater. What once was considered an unworkable fantasy has forever changed our view of how we get the energy we need to sustain our livelihoods. Still, the technologies driving this revolution are brand new, which leaves many people wondering how they can apply them to their own lives. Here are four things to consider when deciding how to use more natural, renewable energy. 1. Learn the Technology New technological advancements can be intimidating, especially when there's so much new information to learn regarding how they function. Take solar power for instance. Solar energy is rapidly emerging as the leader in the global clean energy market, but many people don't understand exactly how solar energy works. Monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film photovoltaics all have different advantages and disadvantages depending on your location and budget, which makes knowing the basics of solar energy science vital to making an informed decision. Even if you don't purchase a system for your own property, there's often the option of purchasing cleanly-generated energy from the energy provider you already have. If you do your research, you'll start to realize that this diversity of choices is actually one of the greatest advantages of renewable energy. 2. Know your Needs Renewable energy is rarely one-size-fits-all. In fact, the decentralization of the energy grid is key to the secondary goal of green energy which is promoting energy resilience. If you choose to go for solar power, for example, you'll need to be aware of how much exactly how much energy you use per day and then compare that to the average power generated by the square footage of panels that you're planning to install. If you choose wind, the size of the turbine and average wind speed in your area will be crucial to note. Since this is a long-term investment, you'll also need to have a clear estimation of how much energy you expect to need a decade down the road. One of the best steps that you can take in planning an energy solution for your home is to have an energy audit performed. This process takes an objective, science-based look at how and why you use the energy that you do, as well as noting the inefficiencies and outright waste that is unfortunately all too common in our daily energy use. Experts can be hired to perform an audit, though the federal government offers tips for performing your own low-cost DIY audit. 3. Connect With Others
Comment
indyssummers

Plasma: Guiding Vaccination and Providing Treatment for COVID-19

From closing down borders and businesses to creating a stay-at-home culture, living through the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the public the fear of a disease with not only a high infection mortality rate but one that seems to linger in unexpected ways for those who had even mild symptoms. On a happier note, scientists leveraged years of previous research to develop a vaccine to the SARS-Co-V2 coronavirus in record time. Another way science is leading the way is through the use of blood plasma. Plasma was both a catalyst in vaccine development and is now at the forefront of treating tough new cases caused by COVID variants. Read on to discover how plasma is a multipurpose tool that can change a pandemic. How Plasma Is Collected Plasma, the liquid portion of the blood is a straw-colored fluid of water, salt and proteins. Because it is the liquid that provides most of the volume to your blood supply it is often used to boost blood volume in patients experiencing burns, shocks or other traumas. It is collected from donors in a process called plasmapheresis. Whole blood is drawn from the donor and then goes through an apheresis machine which separates the blood components, storing the plasma and returning the various types of cells back to the donor. Bags of plasma are then stored in approved commercial refrigerators for up to five days or a year if frozen. Fresh or frozen plasma is then shipped out to patients or to the scientists who need it to test vaccines or treat disease. Plasma's Role in Vaccine Development Antibodies, those proteins which look for and cause bodies to react to disease antigens are found in the plasma. Before scientists can test potential vaccines on people or even animals, they use plasma from those who already COVID positive to isolate the antibodies they want a vaccinated patient to develop. Now, with some variants of COVID becoming more prevalent, researchers are using the plasma of people who have received immunization to see if the antibodies they developed because of the vaccine will respond appropriately to the new variations of the virus. While there are several new variants in the US, scientists have found that for the original strain and the worrisome South African strain, a vaccine will actually increase antibodies and provide more protection for even those people who have already been infected and recovered from COVID. Plasma as Treatment
Healthy
Health+ 2 interests
Comment
indyssummers

Reasons You Need To Travel More

For some people, the idea of a perfect vacation is a week or two by the pool, in a perfect state of relaxation. For others, vacation doesn't start until they board a plane and rehearse phrases in a new language from a place they haven't seen before. If you've been hesitant about an international trip, here are some reasons why you need to add some variety to your travels. New Foods Sure, you can find good Chinese food, Italian food, and just about any other type of food in any major metropolis, but there's nothing quite like eating foods around the world. There's far too much that goes into local cuisine for a restaurant a world away to ever get perfectly right. Everything from the water source where the produce was grown to the grain the livestock consumed impacts the quality and flavor of the ingredients, and that's not even getting started on the rich cultural and familial history that lives boldly in local restaurants. Ask anyone who's ever had pasta or pizza in Italy. You can sit in, order takeaway, or pick a food cart or stall and keep exploring. Fish and chips is a cultural cornerstone in Britain. When you visit Prague, there's just something about doner kebabs that tastes different at 2:00 a.m. Even common fast food restaurants have different menus depending on your location. History Everyone reads about major historical sites in textbooks. If you're lucky, you'll get to see some movies or pictures, but they can't capture the full beauty and atmosphere of historic sites. The smell of mountain air, or the feel of stone in a church hundreds of years old are unique sensory experiences you'll want to remember for years to come. Plus, history texts can get the facts wrong, or omit some of the most interesting details. Seeing actual historical sites can spark a renewed interest in the area you wouldn't have found otherwise. What grisly details are you missing about the Paris catacombs? What ancient temples were newly uncovered? When you learn from individuals who are native to those locations, you receive personal, educated insights into what makes these locations and cultural traditions so precious. Personal Growth
Travel
Food+ 1 interests
Comment
indyssummers

Staying Healthy While Traveling

Whether you are traveling for work or fun, the last thing you want to deal with while away from home is being sick. Traveling often means you are not eating the food you normally eat, you are not sleeping where you normally sleep, and you are around people that you do not live with. These things may cause you to feel less-than-healthy, but fortunately, being proactive about your health and well-being while traveling can be beneficial. There are many things you can do to stay healthy, not sick, when traveling. Nutrition When you are traveling, you are probably going to eat out in restaurants more than you do when you are home. You may also be eating different foods than normal, especially if you are traveling to a place with different food options. This can be one of your plans when traveling: try the local cuisine, like fresh seafood if you are on the coast, or visit a bakery that is only in the place you are visiting. Since you are trying food you do not eat very often, it may upset your stomach. Being prepared and having medicine with you to help you digest food can be beneficial. Making a conscious effort to drink water is another simple way to stay healthy on the road. You may also consider incorporating some of the regular healthy food you eat at home into your diet while traveling as well. This may be fruits and vegetables or snacks like nuts. Eating fruit, like bananas, are great ways to get the nutrients and fibers you need to feel healthy, even when indulging in some other foods. Eating a banana before bed can also help you sleep better, too. Sleep Your sleep may also be affected when traveling, which may make you feel sick, depending on your sleep needs. Sleeping in an unknown environment can cause people to sleep more restlessly. Turning to sleep aids, such as supplements or noise machines, can help you sleep more soundly when you are not sleeping at home. Supplements included melatonin and magnesium. If you do not want to use supplements, some foods can help you sleep better too. Bananas are one of those foods: they have nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and tryptophan, which can all help you feel more relaxed and help you get a good night's sleep.
lifetips
Healthy+ 7 interests
Comment
indyssummers

Traveling to South Carolina? Here are 9 Tips for a Great Trip

South Carolina is a popular destination for couples, families and even A-list celebrities -- and for good reason. This southeastern state is home to small coastal towns and bustling cities alike, and there is something for everyone, served with a side of Southern hospitality, regardless of which part of the state you visit. From beautiful hikes with epic views to walks along streets lined with pastel colored houses, here are nine travel tips for your next trip to this diverse East Coast destination. 1. Enjoy the Balmy Weather The weather in South Carolina is temperate, and temperatures, even in winter, rarely drop below the mid-60s. During the hottest times of the year, July and September, the humidity amplifies the rising temperatures, making it the perfect time to take a swim, while ensuring that pool builders in Charleston are never out of a job. 2. Have a Beach Day South Carolina has some of the best beaches on the East Coast, with subtropical beaches covered in sandy shores. Myrtle beach stretches for 60 miles, with exciting activities and attractions for the whole family along its lengthy boardwalk. If untouched scenery is what you’re after, head to Kiawah Beachwalker Park, where the beach sits between the Atlantic ocean and acres of woodland.
Comment
indyssummers

How to Be an Effective Office Manager

Managing an office is more than just finding effective uses of space and keeping the status quo. It's also about keeping people happy, productive, and feeling valued in their position. As you can imagine, reaching this perfect balance can be tricky and takes a lot of focus and practice. If you want to be an effective office manager, you can turn your attention to things like establishing procedures, keeping open communication, and making sure your office is organized, among other things. You can even do things to make the business itself more profitable, such as implementing green initiatives to cut down on monthly utility costs. Keep Open Communication Managers are the liaisons between employees and leadership, so making sure you're available when someone needs you is a must. Setting up communication channels can be as easy and giving your email address to every new hire, or creating an anonymous tip line for employees. The key is to keep whatever method of communication you use organized and clear so you don't miss any messages from your staff. If you prefer email, make sure you check your inbox at least once a day and keep it organized so no complaints or questions fall through the cracks. You don't just have to be on the receiving end of communication, though. In fact, giving employees feedback is a great way to motivate them and keep them moving in the right direction. Maybe someone suggested your office start using a solar power system to cut down on electricity costs, and your boss loved the idea. You could thank that employee for their input and let them know the company will take up their great suggestion. This lets the person know they were heard and appreciated, which can often boost job satisfaction. Organize Your Office Everything has a place and everything in its place can go a long way in an office setting, especially if you're in an industry heavy on paperwork or official filing. The best place to start when organizing your office is your own desk. If you have your own organizational system, you can set an example for other employees or even implement your strategies company wide. You can use things like file folders, color coding, or stacking boxes for loose papers to keep everything where you can easily find it.
Comment
indyssummers

5 Tips for Staying Mentally Healthy When You're Single

Maintaining mental wellness can be a struggle at times. For many, it's even harder when you're single. The lack of a partner can be highly distressing, especially if you're used to having such an individual in your life. Fortunately, it isn't impossible to maintain mental health when you're not in a relationship. If you're looking for help in this regard, here are five tips for staying mentally healthy when you're single. 1. Stay Connected With Your Friends One of the most important things to do when you're single is to contact your friends, particularly if you live alone. Even introverts need someone to talk to once in a while. Be sure to find people that you can share practically anything with. While your friends shouldn't be your therapists, it's healthy to have confidants that you can rant at for a bit. If these friends aren't nearby, don't despair. Developments like social media and messaging apps have made it easy to contact people from far away. Even if you're in rough terrain, you can still stay connected with items like a ruggedized laptop. 2. Practice Self-Reflection Now that you're single, you have the perfect opportunity to conduct some self-reflection. Focus on yourself for a change. This can be done in many ways. One popular method to try is meditation. There are several different meditation practices, but most involve using a specific technique to achieve awareness and relaxation. If you're looking for a similar yet physical method, try yoga. In the event that you're being bogged down by your environment. you could also go on a trip. Find somewhere quiet and peaceful to do some inner reflection. 3. Maintain Productivity
lifetips
Healthy+ 2 interests
Comment
indyssummers

How to Succeed At Blueberry Farming

Blueberries are a nutritious, delicious, and popular perennial crop that can provide a steady source of income. Most berry farmers will tell you that managing a blueberry crop is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. If you're considering a career in blueberry farming and want to be successful, follow these recommendations to optimize your results. Making Initial Investments The formation of a healthy farm requires a significant investment at the beginning. This is especially true for blueberry bushes, which often need up to 7 years to fully mature and fruit. However, once established, these hardy perennial plants will produce berries for an average of 25 years. To appropriately plan around what you hope to accomplish, you will want to carefully assess the land you intend to grow on. Blueberry bushes need to be spaced approximately six feet from each other. How many rows of bushes can you possibly fit in the area allotted? How long is the growing season in your area? This will impact planting and harvesting times on an annual basis. There are several other logistic considerations to make before you get started. Will you be harvesting by hand or by machine? What are the financial goals of your farm, and how will you engage with the surrounding community? Have you thought about producing electricity for your farm using a solar power system? Determining these parameters early on will allow you to conserve resources, measure your achievements, and ensure a fruitful return on your initial investments. Establishing Ideal Conditions
Comment