Medical Waste Management in Developing Countries

Healthcare sector is growing at a very rapid pace, which in turn has led to tremendous increase in the quantity of medical waste generation in developing countries, especially by hospitals, clinics and other healthcare establishments. The quantity of healthcare waste produced in a typical developing country depends on a wide range of factors and may range from 0.5 to 2.5 kg per bed per day.

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For example, India generates as much as 500 tons of biomedical wastes every day while Saudi Arabia produces more than 80 tons of healthcare waste daily. The growing amount of medical wastes is posing significant public health and environmental challenges across the world. The situation is worsened by improper disposal methods, insufficient physical resources, and lack of research on medical waste management. The urgent need of the hour is to healthcare sustainable in the real sense of the word.

Hazards of Healthcare Wastes

The greatest risk to public health and environment is posed by infectious waste (or hazardous medical waste) which constitutes around 15 – 25 percent of total healthcare waste. Infectious wastes may include items that are contaminated with body fluids such as blood and blood products, used catheters and gloves, cultures and stocks of infectious agents, wound dressings, nappies, discarded diagnostic samples, swabs, bandages, disposal medical devices, contaminated laboratory animals etc.

Improper management of healthcare wastes from hospitals, clinics and other facilities in developing nations pose occupational and public health risks to patients, health workers, waste handlers, haulers and general public. It may also lead to contamination of air, water and soil which may affect all forms of life. In addition, if waste is not disposed of properly, ragpickers may collect disposable medical equipment (particularly syringes) and to resell these materials which may cause dangerous diseases.

In some countries, there may be legal remedies for such losses. For example, Floridians in the US can go to a medical malpractice lawyer in West Palm Beach. In others, especially developing countries, it may be harder to get compensated, and disease may be spread more easily as a result.

Inadequate healthcare waste management can cause environmental pollution, growth and multiplication of vectors like insects, rodents and worms and may lead to the transmission of dangerous diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and AIDS through injuries from syringes and needles contaminated with human.

In addition to public health risks associated with poor management of biomedical waste, healthcare wastes can have deleterious impacts on water bodies, air, soil as well as biodiversity. The situation is further complicated by harsh climatic conditions in many developing nations which makes disposal of medical waste more challenging.

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The predominant medical waste management method in the developing world is either small-scale incineration or landfilling. However, the WHO policy paper of 2004 and the Stockholm Convention, has stressed the need to consider the risks associated with the incineration of healthcare waste in the form of particulate matter, heavy metals, acid gases, carbon monoxide, organic compounds, pathogens etc.

In addition, leachable organic compounds, like dioxins and heavy metals, are usually present in bottom ash residues. Due to these factors, many industrialized countries are phasing out healthcare incinerators and exploring technologies that do not produce any dioxins. Countries like United States, Ireland, Portugal, Canada and Germany have completely shut down or put a moratorium on medical waste incinerators.

Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Technologies

The alternative technologies for healthcare waste disposal are steam sterilization, advanced steam sterilization, microwave treatment, dry heat sterilization, alkaline hydrolysis, biological treatment and plasma gasification.

Steam sterilization is one of the most common alternative treatment method. Steam sterilization is done in closed chambers where both heat and pressure are applied over a period of time to destroy all microorganisms that may be present in healthcare waste before landfill disposal. Among alternative systems, autoclaving has the lowest capital costs and can be used to process up to 90% of medical waste, and are easily scaled to meet the needs of any medical organization.

Advanced autoclaves or advanced steam treatment technologies combine steam treatment with vacuuming, internal mixing or fragmentation, internal shredding, drying, and compaction thus leading to as much as 90% volume reduction. Advanced steam systems have higher capital costs than standard autoclaves of the same size. However, rigorous waste segregation is important in steam sterilization in order to exclude hazardous materials and chemicals from the waste stream.

Microwave treatment is a promising technology in which treatment occurs through the introduction of moist heat and steam generated by microwave energy. A typical microwave treatment system consists of a treatment chamber into which microwave energy is directed from a microwave generator. Microwave units generally have higher capital costs than autoclaves, and can be batch or semi-continuous.

Chemical processes use disinfectants, such as lime or peracetic acid, to treat waste. Alkaline hydrolysis is a unique type of chemical process that uses heated alkali to digest tissues, pathological waste, anatomical parts, or animal carcasses in heated stainless steel tanks. Biological processes, like composting and vermicomposting, can also be used to degrade organic matter in healthcare waste such as kitchen waste and placenta.

Plasma gasification is an emerging solution for sustainable management of healthcare waste. A plasma gasifier is an oxygen-starved reactor that is operated at the very high temperatures which results in the breakdown of wastes into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water etc. The main product of a plasma gasification plant is energy-rich syngas which can be converted into heat, electricity and liquids fuels. Inorganic components in medical wastes, like metals and glass, get converted into a glassy aggregate.

Impact of Whitening Mouthwash on Teeth Whitening Treatment

According to a study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, more than 90 percent of dental and orthodontic patients also request tooth whitening. The fact is, as no less than Inc. magazine recently reported, having a bright white smile you love to show off is important for every goal you have in life. People who smile more tend to make more money, receive more frequent promotions, look younger, have more friends and connections, feel better, live longer, lead better and be happier.

No wonder there is so much demand for teeth whitening services! But how can you tell all the different options apart and figure out which is best for you? And how can you maximize the results of your in-office teeth whitening? Should you use over-the-counter options like whitening mouthwash or will that hurt your results? Find out in this blog post.

How the Teeth Whitening Process Works

The American Dental Association (ADA) highlights how important it is to understand how the process of teeth whitening really works.

Once you understand the basic underlying mechanism behind teeth whitening you will be in a much better position to maintain your teeth whitening results long term.

The ADA explains that there are two basic types of teeth whitening and both are bleaches. The two types are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide.

Regardless of the bleaching type you choose, the way they work is basically the same. Once applied, the bleaches go to work to dismantle tooth stains bit by tiny bit, almost like a tiny eraser.

How Do Tooth Stains Develop?

Tooth stains can develop in any number of ways and for a wide variety of reasons. Different stains may be easier or harder to lift. Generally, lighter stains such as yellowing are easier to bleach away, while gray or brown stains are more resistant to whitening efforts. Some stains, such as those caused by mouth trauma or injury, may not respond to bleaching much if at all.

As well, it is important to be aware that teeth whitening treatments generally do not work on dental prosthetics such as implants, bridges, veneers or crowns.

The most common causes of tooth stains include:

1. Food and drink

If you have ever had to go to the sink to wash dark blueberry stains off your fingertips, you already understand how food and drink can stain your teeth.

Over time and with repeated exposure (such as that daily morning cup of coffee) your teeth will become increasingly less white.

2. Smoking and nicotine use

Smoking, vaping, snuff, gum and other sources of nicotine can stain your teeth quite badly over time, and the brown stains are some of the harder stains to lift.

3. Injury or trauma

If you have experienced an injury or trauma to your mouth or teeth, injured nerves and blood vessels may cause tooth discoloration.

4. Medication use

Medications used to treat cancer such as chemotherapy and radiation are some of the best-known drugs that can cause tooth discoloration. Another common culprit is the acne medicine tetracycline, which can cause lasting tooth discoloration.

5. The natural aging process

The natural process of aging can also cause the tooth enamel to wear thin and look less white and more yellow over time.

Will Whitening Mouthwash Help or Hurt?

To date, research shows that whitening mouthwash is not harmful to teeth that have been professionally whitened.

While a whitening mouthwash is unlikely to deliver comparable results to the outcome of a professional teeth whitening treatment, even when used consistently over time, it is equally unlikely to degrade or interfere with the results you get from professional teeth whitening.

Too-frequent use of any product designed to bleach and whiten teeth can sometimes cause temporary tooth sensitivity. Patients who experience tooth sensitivity from any tooth whitening product generally find that this side effect fades after a few days of not using the product.

How to Choose a Whitening Mouthwash

According to the ADA, the best whitening mouthwash will also provide other important oral health benefits, such as helping to control tartar and plaque buildup on teeth, guarding against decay and dental caries, fighting back against gum inflammation and infection (gingivitis/periodontal disease) and, of course, improving breath.

The ADA specifies two different categories of mouthwash: cosmetic and therapeutic. It is important to note that a mouthwash can serve both purposes, such as a whitening mouthwash that also provides health benefits such as the ones just mentioned here.

Some of the best whitening mouthwashes will themselves require a prescription from your dentist or orthodontist. These mouthwashes are often recommended as a follow-up to a professional teeth whitening treatment and for daily use after preventative dental care or dental treatment.

The more you can do to improve your overall oral health by brushing, flossing, gargling with mouthwash and choosing your daily menu with tooth health and color in mind, the longer your teeth whitening results will last.

Solid Waste Management in Kuwait

Kuwait, being one of the richest countries, is among the highest per capita waste generators in the world. Each year more than 2 million tons of solid waste is generated in the tiny Arab nation. High standards of living and rapid economic growth has been a major factor behind very high per capita waste generation of 1.4 to 1.5 kg per day.

Kuwait_Waste_Management

Waste Disposal Method

The prevalent solid waste management method in Kuwait is landfill burial. Despite being a small country, Kuwait has astonishingly high number of landfills. There are 18 landfills, of which 14 sites are closed and 4 sites are still in operation. These landfills act as dumpsites, rather than engineered landfills.

Menace of Landfills

Infact, landfill sites in Kuwait are notorious for causing severe public health and environmental issues. Besides piling up huge amounts of garbage, landfill sites generate huge amount of toxic gases (methane, carbon dioxide etc) and plagued by spontaneous fires. Due to fast paced urban development, residential areas have expanded to the edges of landfill sites thus causing grave danger to public health.

The total land area of Kuwait is around 17,820 sq. km, out of which more than 18 sq. km is occupied by landfills. Area of the landfill sites ranges from tens to hundreds of hectares with waste deposition depth varying from 3 to 30 meters.

All kind of wastes, including municipal wastes, food wastes, industrial wastes, construction and demolition debris etc are dumped at these sites. Infact, about 90 percent of the domestic waste is sent to landfills which imply that more landfills will be required to tackle rapidly increasing volumes of solid wastes.

Most of the landfill sites have been closed for more than 20 years due to operational problems and proximity to new residential, commercial and industrial areas. These sites include Sulaibiyah, Kabed, Al Qurain, Shuaiba, Jleeb AI Shuyoukh, West Yarmouk, AI Wafra among others. Migration of leachate beyond landfill site boundaries is a frequent problem noticed across Kuwait. Groundwater contamination has emerged as a serious problem because groundwater occurs at shallow depths throughout the country.

The major landfill sites operated by municipality for solid waste disposal are Jleeb AI Shuyoukh, Sulaibiyah and Al-Qurain. The Qurain landfill, with area of 1 sq. km, was used for dumping of municipal solid waste and construction materials from 1975 until 1985 with total volume of dumped waste being 5 million m3.

The Sulaibiyah landfill site received more than 500 tons of waste per day from 1980 to 2000 with area spanning 3 sq. km. Jleeb AI Shuyoukh, largest landfill site in Kuwait with area exceeding 6 sq. km, received 2500 tons per day of household waste and industrial waste between 1970 and 1993. Around 20 million m3 of wastes was dumped in this facility during its operational period.

Over the years, most of the dumpsites in Kuwait have been surrounded by residential and commercial areas due to urban development over the years. Uncontrolled dumpsites were managed by poorly-trained staff resulting in transformation of dumpsites in breeding grounds for pathogens, toxic gases and spontaneous fires.

Most of the landfill sites have been forced to close, much before achieving their capacities, because of improper disposal methods and concerns related to public health and environment. Due to fast-paced industrial development and urban expansion, some of the landfills are located on the edges of residential, as is the case of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Al-Qurain sites, endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

Air Pollution and its Invisible Danger – What You Need to Know

If you’ve been observing the ongoing and high-profile protests from Extinction Rebellion over the course of the last few years, you’ll be aware that air pollution offers a significant threat to the human population.

This is supported by the statistics, which have revealed that almost a quarter of the people in the UK have been exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution with potentially devastating health consequences.

More specifically, a study by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) found that about 15 million in the UK live in areas where the average levels of the toxic particle PM2.5 exceeds the World Health Foundation’s guidelines. But what do you need to know about this invisible danger?

air-pollution-repurcussions

What is Air Pollution and How is it Caused?

In simple terms, air pollution is defined as the presence of substances in the natural atmosphere that may be harmful to the health of humans and other living beings.

Air pollution may also cause long standing damage to the climate or individual materials, while there are different types of air pollutants including particulates, gases and biological molecules.

Historically, the history of air pollution can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution, as developed nations such as the UK began to leverage fossil fuels such as coal to drive economic growth and expansion.

As a result of this, large and industrialised nations have produced high levels of smoke and sulphur dioxide for a range of domestic and industrial purposes, creating an omni-present threat to clean air and one that has worsened incrementally over time.

Substances such as nitrogen oxide are also impactful in this regard, with this produced from the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen in their air during combustion.

The threat of this has become increasingly prominent in highly congested areas packed with high motor vehicle traffic, creating a huge and growing pollution challenge.

Health Impact of Pollution and the Reaction of Governments

According to the WHO, air pollution contributes to an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths globally, with conditions such as heart disease, stroke, acute respiratory infections and lung cancer.

Interestingly, worldwide ambient air pollution accounts for 29% of all deaths and disease that involve lung cancer, along with 25% of similar cases related to ischaemic heart disease.

Incredibly, air pollution also contributes to 43% of all deaths and diseases that arise from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which causes significant breathing difficulties and long-term inflammation within the lungs.

china-air-pollution

Fortunately, countries across the globe are beginning to take steps to tackle air pollution, even serial offenders like China. Here, the government is taking direct action to clean up smog-choked skies from years of relentless industrial expansion, primarily by investing $83.4 billion in the renewable energy sector in 2019.

Nations like China are also drawing on innovation and technological advancement, with firms such as ERG Air Pollution Control providing various tools and measures to help tackle air pollution directly.

This includes everything from industrial gas cleaning services to comprehensive air pollution control systems, which help to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change without compromising on economic growth.

Useful Resource: Different Types of Respirator Masks

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Have a Dehumidifier at Home

Air quality is one of those things that many homeowners frequently overlook. We assume that the air indoors is better or less polluted than the air outdoors because we’re not dealing with things like car fumes and pollution.

However, your indoor air can be just as bad as the atmosphere outdoors, particularly when you have problems with humidity. Too much humidity in your air can increase the risk of things like respiratory problems, mould, and even an overflow of dust. Here are 3 reasons to consider bringing a dehumidifier into your property.

1. They Combat Mould, Mildew and Dust

Damp in your home caused by humidity can lead to mould and mildew. Often, these problems are the root cause of health issues, such as asthma, respiratory conditions, and asthma. What’s more, constant exposure to mildew and mould may even increase your chances of nervous system disorders.

Taking steps to avoid your risk of moisture build-up by keeping your sewer line clear and fixing leaky pipes is great. However, homeowners can consistently keep their risk to a minimum by investing in a dehumidifier. These crucial tools remove the extra unnecessary moisture from the air, so that it can no longer feed mould spores in your home.

Having a dehumidifier can also help you to get rid of other pesky substances like dust on your mattresses, bedspreads, and other furniture too. That’s because it’s easier for dust to cling to your surfaces when there’s moisture in the air. When the air is dry, regularly vacuuming your home will get rid of a larger portion of dust, keeping the risk of allergy to a minimum. Dehumidifiers even eliminate the risk of dust mites by keeping humidity levels at a inhospitable level for those critters.

2. They Reduce Damp and Condensation

Too much humidity in your home causes a “damp” atmosphere. When the air is moist, the most obvious result is discomfort. You might notice that your breathing feels more laboured just because you’re breathing moisture-laden air. Damp doesn’t just stay in the air however, when it reaches excessive levels, it also begins to build up on the surfaces around your home, particularly in the winter when the cold of the outdoors interacts with the warm humidity indoors.

Humidity causes long-term damage to your woodwork and soft furnishings through damp and condensation. Although it’s common to have condensation in your home from time to time, humidity exacerbates it to dangerous levels, potentially causing peeling wall papers, shrinking wood, and stains on your sofas and curtains.

A dehumidifier will reduce the moisture in the air to reasonable levels again, protecting your belongings and your comfort.

3. They Improve Air Quality for Better Health

Finally, the most important reason to invest in a dehumidifier is that they allow you to improve your air quality and eliminate common health problems. Humidity in your home can lead to an increased risk of respiratory conditions, allergens, and even problems with coughs and stuffy noses. As mould and mildew begin to build up, the effects on your health grow even greater.

Placing a dehumidifier into your home does more than just get rid of musty smells throughout your property. It also absorbs the excess moisture that could be harming your health over time. Remember, the quality of the air in your home isn’t just measured by the amount of toxins that you could be exposed to. Your air quality also depends on the level of humidity in the air too.

Dry air is less likely to feed the bacteria in the atmosphere, reducing your risk of catching bugs and respiratory illnesses. According to studies, dehumidifiers are even useful in preventing asthma attacks because they remove asthma triggers like dust mites, mould, VOCs and building wastes.

Should You Get a Dehumidifier?

In a world where indoor air quality isn’t much better than the polluted air that we find outside, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself, your family and even your home. A dehumidifier can help you to improve the air quality that you’re exposed to every day.

By eliminating the unnecessary moisture in your home, your domestic dehumidifier will improve your quality of life, reduce the risk of mould and mildew, and even protect your health.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality Monitoring

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.

Health Impacts of Air Pollutants

Some health effects may show up shortly after a single exposure or repeated exposures to a pollutant. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable.

Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person’s exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified. Soon after exposure to some indoor air pollutants, symptoms of some diseases such as asthma may show up, be aggravated or worsened.

The likelihood of immediate reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on several factors including age and preexisting medical conditions. In some cases, whether a person reacts to a pollutant depends on individual sensitivity, which varies tremendously from person to person. Some people can become sensitized to biological or chemical pollutants after repeated or high level exposures.

In long-term effects, other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable.

Reasons for Poor Indoor Air Quality

Gas and respirable particulates in the air are the primary sources that contribute to poor IAQ. Sources can include inadequate ventilation, poorly maintained HVAC systems, cooking stoves, non-vented gas heaters, tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust emissions, building materials, carpeting, furniture, maintenance products, solvents, cleaning supplies, window furnishings and floor rugs. You can view this study here about how indoor VOC’s likely contribute to asthma and allergies.

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The actual concentrations of these pollutants can also be amplified by other external factors including poor ventilation, humidity, and temperature.

Air Genius – Best Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Air Genius is a state-of-the-art indoor air quality monitor that you should have at your house or in your office to monitor the air that we breathe. The device, developed by India-based Next Sense Technologies, uses the latest sensors to determine particulate matter, VOCs, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity and other important parameters.

We have taken a leap in technological advancement by relaying the data automatically to the server so that you can access the data remotely and in real-time. Through this, one could take initiatives on switching on the Air purifier or by keeping the window open for allowing the fresh air. Consider one that performs volatile organic compound testing.

Typical Uses of Indoor Air Quality Monitor

  • IAQ complaint investigation and analysis
  • HVAC system performance monitoring
  • Air quality engineering analysis
  • Mold investigation and remediation
  • Health and comfort assessment
  • Airport lounges, shopping malls, offices
  • Colleges, schools and kindergartens
  • Hospitals and healthcare establishments

Why Homework is Bad for Mental Health?

All students have to do their homework tasks. It is a common practice, which is very important. It helps students to become self-reliant, independent, inventive, creative, and disciplined. They obtain important experience and boost all kinds of academic skills. On the other hand, too many tasks and duties may lead to serious mental issues. They grow desperate and constantly ask: “How can I do all my homework tasks when there is no time for me and my goals?”

This matter must be taken seriously! Not all students can withstand this challenge. Luckily, they can use various sources of information and support on the right websites. For example, they may get professional homework help from CWAssignments. It is a reliable online custom writing, which has only certified and skilled writers. Each writer knows how to help with the accomplishment of any homework assignment.

We will discuss this solution later. In the meanwhile, we would like to pay your attention to the negative effects on the mental health of students when they have too many academic tasks and duties.

why homework is bad for mental health

Mental Issues

One of the worst manifestations of too many homework assignments is triggering various mental ailments and deviations. Some of them are very dangerous and may remain for long, if not for the entire life! Youngsters may take their academic liabilities too close to the heart. As they are worried about their results, it leads to various mental ailments and deviations.

The Burnout

Too many tasks and great mental pressure make students “burn out”. Children and young adults cannot withstand the constant flow of academic tasks and duties. They get exhausted as they are stressed and deprived of sleep. All they do is think about their learning. It leads to burnout.

Bullying

Unfortunately, buying is pretty common for all schools, colleges, and universities in the USA.  Other students crack jokes about the so-called nerds. It is an ugly behavior and when children grow up, they understand that and become ashamed. Nonetheless, the damage will be already done. Clever and diligent |nerds” will suffer from it, and the negative consequences may remain with them until the last day of their lives.

Some of them will surely want to become “normal” and so may stop doing their homework. They will not be that diligent to try not to stand out of the crowd. It is also a huge mistake, but due to their inexperience, they don’t realize it.

No Time for Private Affairs

Too many homework tasks deprive students of time for themselves. They cannot have enough fun. There is little time for personal relationships, communication with their peers, having hobbies, and so on. This shortage of time makes many students oppose their homework duties. They start to hate it, and so may top learning. At any rate, it is a serious drawback for their mental health.

Tips to Getting Rid of Homework Stress

We want to help all students. We have gathered several great tips and tricks that may help to handle your homework tasks faster and easier. Make allowance for the next points:

  • Plan your time reasonably;
  • Set realistic deadlines and goals;
  • Prioritize your goal;
  • Always have time to rest;
  • Sleep enough;
  • Understand when help is required.

Follow these tips and your academic life will become much easier!

Consider Using a Custom Writing Service

One of the most effective ways to put off your academic load is to use the help of a good custom writing platform. If you find a trustworthy writing service, you may solve almost any learning issue. It hires only certified and skilled experts who specialize in various disciplines and assignment types.

Such services have hundreds of educated writers who can easily handle any assignment in programming, java, management, statistics, accounting, law, Matlab, history, etc. You may freely count on help with your:

  • Essay;
  • Resume;
  • Speech;
  • Term paper;
  • Lab report;
  • Book review;
  • PowerPoint presentation;
  • Dissertation and so on.

As every order is 100% customizable, you may get any kind of academic help. Discuss all the terms with your solver and tell how your paper must be tackled. You may request:

  • Writing and rewriting;
  • Editing and proofreading;
  • Researching and analyzing;
  • Citing and referencing;
  • Generating topics;
  • Outlining;
  • Calculating, etc.

You may not worry about the price you will surely have to pay. If you find a highly reputed platform, it will not charge a lot. Such services set pretty cheap prices to make affordable their help. Every ordinary student will be able to buy the required type of help. Just set the demands and regulate the total cost until it suits your financial possibilities. Moreover, these services offer great discounts for students to save up more of their money.

Research Paper Tips for College Students

The help is very fast. Everything depends on the demands you set. Make sure they are realistic. For example, a simple essay can be completed in 2-4 hours. A case study or coursework will take much more time. Place a complicated assignment beforehand and your helper will surely accomplish it on time. You are expected to provide the next details:

  • Deadline;
  • Quality;
  • Type of skills;
  • Length;
  • Type of the paper.

The price of pro help isn’t that high if you choose a highly reputed platform. It also depends on the demands you set. Change the value of quality, length, or urgency to make the price cheaper. Most assignment types have the same cost. However, such a complex paper as a dissertation will surely cost more. Nonetheless, the prices are pretty affordable and fair.

Among other dividends you will enjoy are:

  • Authentic papers;
  • Inserting citations and bibliography of all formats;
  • Protection of your private data;
  • Availability and support 24 hours round the clock.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, doing homework may be harmful to youngsters. Educators should finally realize that they assign too many tasks. Youngsters need more time for themselves to escape mental complications. Follow our useful tips and tricks to get rid of at least some part of your academic load.

Impacts of Environmental Crisis on Mental Health

Our environment is deteriorating at a rapid pace which is impacting our daily lives in more ways than one. Environmental degradation is associated with many outcomes that may have direct as well as indirect impact on physical health as well as mental health of human beings. In recent years, the deterioration of the environment has emerged as a key contributor to increases cases of psychological ill-health across the world.

Environmental change–triggered extreme weather conditions, loss of natural environments, changing climate patterns, contaminated food, water and air are now acknowledged as major contributors to PTSD, anxiety, aggression, depression and breakdown of relationships.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social well-being of an individual. It decides how a human being adapts to stress of life and impacts how we think, feel, and act. Mental health also determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. If you are stressed by academic worries, make a Google search on ‘do my homework‘ and get online academic assistance.

Environmental deterioration can cause and heighten pressure and uneasiness, thus unfavorably affecting psychological wellness and forcing people to seek help of mental therapists and psychologists. For example, hurricanes or severe droughts can cause depression, anger, and provoke sadistic attitude.

Everybody is in danger, yet not every person is influenced similarly. People who are more prone to mental health impacts of environmental changes include children, elderly and women. Among disadvantaged and marginalized groups, those with close bonding to the land, such as farmers and tribal communities, are more at risk.

How Environmental Degradation is Aggravating Mental Health?

Each aspect of the environment has an interrelated impact on mental health of human being. For example, children are more prone than young people to changes in their environment. The nascent mind is most delicate in the womb while early adolescence is sensitive to toxic physical, chemical and biological exposures. The harmful emissions from the transportation sector and industries coupled with waste generation from domestic and commercial sectors are the major contributors to modern-day pollution problem.

Social components, including poverty, education, employment, income, security, social support and housing are also determinants of mental health that likewise alter or overstate the impacts of exposures to physical factors in the environment. The total impacts of toxic environmental exposures over the existence course can cause physiological interruptions that persevere in future, and lead to deep rooted hindrances of physical or mental well-being.

Children can be exposed to toxins prenatally, and when they inhale poor air, drink contaminated water, breastfeed, ingest food and contact polluted soil and items. The major harmful compounds in the natural and built environments that influence neuro-development and the mental health include Lead, Manganese, Cadmium, Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and Organochlorine and Organophosphate Pesticides.

People living in rural agricultural areas are more exposed to pesticides. Overwhelming metal contaminants and pesticides have been found to be agents that help develop Hyperactivity Behavior, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Noise and traffic-related exposures in the built environment have been related with poor mental health results.

Major acute mental health effects include trauma and shock, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compounded stress, anxiety, substance abuse, and depression. Major chronic mental health effects incorporate higher paces of aggression and violence, mental health emergencies, an exaggerated feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, or fatalism, fear, and loss of emotions. Thus, the prevalent environmental crisis can intensify chronic symptoms and lead to more serious mental health issues in all parts of the world.

BetterHelp.com offers access to licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD/PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), and board licensed professional counselors (LPC).

Final Words

The mental health consequences of the environmental crisis transcend countries, income-groups, race, religion and culture. The psychological wellness of the entire humanity has been negatively affected by rapid changes in the natural and built environments during the last 50 years or so. The urgent need of the hour it to address the wide array of environmental issues and their interconnected mental health effects through broader international and multi-sectoral cooperation, political struggle and a mass movement for environmental stability.

How To Pick An Environmentally-Friendly Crystal?

Some stores may try to sell you a variety of healing crystals, but you must conduct your study to know what you’re buying. Not all crystals are created equal, and without more examination, you’ll never know for sure if they do what they promise to do.

Most healing crystals claim to come from trustworthy sources; however, they all come from mines, and not all mines are created equal. Many smaller family-owned miners are excavating and distributing the crystals. There is no illegal labor in such mines; thus, you can rely on crystals for love and healing crystal supplies.

how to choose eco friendly healing crystals

Inquire at the Crystals Shop

Inquire with the seller or owner about the origins of the crystals. Inquire about the crystals’ polishing, transformation into jewelry, and so on. Crystals have a higher carbon footprint than other highly processed meals.

It’s possible, however, that they don’t want to provide the information.

Quality is More Important than Quantity

Do you need ten of each if you can get the same effect with just one excellent crystal? If you don’t want to spread each of the ten crystals across your home for your convenience, you could settle for a high-quality crystal.

Look for Trustworthy Sources

The bulk of crystals is sourced from impoverished countries where people are compelled to work in hazardous and life-threatening conditions. If they originate from a family-owned mine, it’s probably fine to buy them. Rose quartz, for example, is supposed to provide affection, self-love, and healing.

Long-Lasting Crystals You Can Rely On

Our mind, body, and soul will need to commune with nature on occasion to heal and refresh, and here is where crystals and gems may help. This is why it is vital to buy crystals and gems used for their original purpose.

Here’s a quick review of the most popular crystals and jewels on the market, as well as when they can be helpful:

  • Auralite – for stress alleviation, happiness, and relaxation.
  • Calcite – increases energy and promotes health.
  • Fluorite – improves one’s mood and reduces stress.
  • Himalayan Quartz – help with personal development and healing
  • Rose Quartz – emotional healing and love

Carnelian

This semi-precious quartz stone is one of the most popular orange stones. If you do the research on what is carnelian good for, you’ll find a lot of good properties of it. But most commonly, this stone is known as a stone of courage, endurance, energy, leadership, and motivation.

The healing crystals industry has increased in popularity during the last five years. Nobody expected it, yet more and more individuals seek help from healing crystals.

How To Pick An Environmentally Friendly Crystal

They utilized them for everything from personal healing to energy purification to home decoration to attract positive energy and repel negative energy.

If you appreciate crystals and care about the environment, you should be cautious when purchasing them. We all know that crystals do not grow on trees and that getting them from the earth is a time-consuming and even dangerous operation.

The best everyone you can do is learn about the origins of the crystals you want to buy for personal healing. There are environmentally friendly mines owned by ordinary people rather than giant corporations that collect crystals in the safest possible way.

So, do your research, ask around, and shop wisely. Keep in mind that your efforts will be rewarded in the end. Good luck in your search for the best eco-friendly healing crystals.

5 Clever Ways To Boost Employee Wellbeing This 2022

As an employer, you know all too well how the majority of your employees’ waking hours are dedicated to your company. Thus, prioritizing their wellbeing within the workplace is a necessity. While it’s true that you need to look after your company’s sales and revenue, you also need to remember that without your people, your company would be lifeless. Your workforce is your most valuable asset, and through their skills and talents, they’ll keep your company running and thriving for many years. Read this article to know how to make your workforce more efficient.

However, it may be challenging for them to stay productive when their health and wellbeing are compromised. Furthermore, employees with poor health and low morale are less likely to feel motivated or happy to work. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to promote the wellbeing of your employees, regardless of whether they’re working from home or back onsite, in your office.

To start, here are five clever ways you can boost your employees’ wellbeing this 2022.

Ways To Boost Employee Wellbeing

1. Institute Flexible Working Arrangements

One of the main reasons some employees struggle with their health and wellbeing is the lack of work-life balance. This can happen, especially if you’re too uptight with your employees’ working hours. Even if you think letting them work from home has given them the luxury to spend time with their family or avoid long commutes, remember that not all of them are in the same circumstances.

Some of your workers probably have to be in the living room just to look after their kids and work at the same time. Or perhaps, visit an internet café for a more stable internet connection. One way to boost their wellbeing and overall quality of life is by instituting flexible working. For example, allow them to work during their most flexible time (especially if they have family and kids) as long as they still deliver quality output before the deadline.

You may also want to consider partnering with an IT company Capetown based or other managed IT service providers within your area to provide you with 24/7 tech support. This way, your employees can choose to work at their most convenient time and have a smoother and safer technological experience from possible security breaches despite working remotely.

Overall, implementing flexible working arrangements will help your employees achieve work-life balance and boost their overall being while maintaining their productivity.

2. Promote Healthy Eating Habits

You’re probably wondering how you can promote healthy eating habits to your employees when you have little control over their lifestyles. But since they’re spending most of their hours working for you, you can use this as an advantage to promote healthy eating within your organization. For example, enforce a mandatory one-hour break, which they should strictly use for eating and refueling themselves and not use the time to run errands.

You also need to discourage them from eating meals on the office desk so they can devote their lunch break for eating and not be distracted to do additional work. If you have a company cafeteria or lunchroom, replace those unhealthy junk foods with fresh fruits, nuts, and other healthy snacks to encourage them to choose healthy foods. You can do the same for beverages by providing water, tea, and coffee instead of soda.

3. Organize Daily Or Weekly Fitness Challenges

One of the best ways to jumpstart your employees’ physical health and wellbeing is by organizing daily or weekly fitness challenges. Besides encouraging them to be physically active, this is also an excellent opportunity to start friendly competitions, promote interaction, and have fun in the office. Some daily or weekly fitness challenges you can try may include:

  • Thousand Steps Challenge: Encourage your team to walk and collect as many steps for a week via their fitness trackers. The person who has the highest number of steps gets a prize from the company.
  • Bike To Work Challenge: The team member who gets to bike the most miles will be awarded.

You can also insert a few minutes for stretching wherein you invite everyone to get up from their seats for five to ten minutes and perform basic stretches together.

4. Provide Personal Or Virtual Mental Health Therapy Or Counseling

Mental health issues are prevalent among many employees, yet some employers and even co-workers often overlook them. This is true, especially since the pandemic has brought plenty of changes to everyone’s lives and mental health. One way to help your employees boost their mental wellness is by providing personal or virtual mental health counseling for those who need them the most.

You can also conduct monthly mental health awareness programs to discuss further the importance of reaching out and availing help when needed. Meanwhile, you can also organize some daily or weekly mental health exercises to boost their mental health, like:

  • Providing time for meditation
  • Exploring mental health apps
  • Spreading positive and inspirational quotes every morning
  • Practicing stress management

5. Encourage Socialization and Interaction

Your employees’ relationship with you and their co-workers also plays a vital role in boosting their wellbeing. When they don’t feel a sense of unity and belongingness within your company, they’ll less likely feel motivated in coming to work, eventually affecting their work performance and productivity. So, keep your team members engaged and develop healthy relationships with one another by hosting group activities other than corporate meetings.

How to Boost Employee Wellbeing

Some fun and interactive activities you can try are:

  • Monthly or quarterly office parties
  • Virtual games
  • Company social traditions (e.g., Friday happy hours, monthly team lunches)

If time and budget allow, you can also organize an annual company field trip to promote interaction and, at the same time, expose them to new experiences.

Takeaway

Meeting your employees’ health and wellness needs is crucial to your company’s success. Once you’ve applied one or more of these tips, conduct a survey within your workforce and see if it’s working or necessary adjustments should be made. Let their feedback guide you in customizing your employees’ wellbeing program.