Category Archives: Variety/Tips

Preparing for the Winter of COVID-19

This has been a time of history for all of us. What we now have are the tools to learn from this new, pandemic, historical experience. Such is one of the purposes of history. We want this to be over. We want to get back to work and continue our lives where it has left off. That is how the summer is looking.

Yet, the summer may not be the same as what could come in the winter. The scientist and government authorities are already seriously contemplating the thought that the winter will bring about a second wave of COVID-19. That wave will also, have to strongly regard the flu, and that people still die from it.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Currently, flu cases are low. Yet, on May 2, 2020 the CDC also reported that pediatric flu deaths are at 174 for the season. That is just May 2, 2020. However, the CDC report states that the flu is lower than the usual national average.

Evidently, the flu, alone is such a problem that the CDC has weekly predictions forecasting the rate of the flu and reports it’s reach by a system called Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report (FluView). Assuming that a lot of people’s immune systems are already low due to having had COVID-19, hospitalized, and/or treated for the virus. We could be facing an extra contagious winter than ever before.

We must be prepared. We must take proper, organized measurements to do our part for the winter.

What was one of the first things we learned during the onset of the quarantine? We learned that panic buying happens. How do we prevent panic buying? We do so systematically. We don’t rush to wipe-out store shelves for toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and face-masks. We purchase gradually during the summer months. So, instead of your usual supply amount. You purchase a little extra. For instance; if you buy a pack of nine rolls of toilet paper per week, buy two packs of nine or a twenty-four pack. Take your usual weekly supply out, use the usual amount, but save the rest. Do this with any and all supplies you may fear running out of.

During the summer, don’t get spend-happy. It is still a good time to reduce extra spending. I know a lot of us have lost our jobs and have fallen behind on necessary expenses. Being a little more conservative with money might be money well spent when the winter comes. Being low on cash is still better than without. Save some money!

Food prices are already going up! There were a lot of total shutdowns in the food industry. We may feel like we can’t afford to prepare. Just remember. A little goes a long ways. When you are grocery shopping and your grocery bill is looking too high, already. Try to buy just one more pack of hamburger meat or something. keep it as a stash. You do not have to do it all at once. One extra pack of this, and one extra pack of that next time could take you far in the possible future.

Be health conscious, now! It’s summer. A great time to lose weight and exercise. Do that. Yes! By all means. Just don’t overdo it. To much brings about lowered immunity. Do not lower your immunity. Keep it pumped up, but don’t overdo anything. Eat well. Good nutrition also, pumps immunity. Keep good nutrition.

Keep hydrated. It will be summer, as well. Maintain absolutely, no dehydration! That will severely lower your immunity. Drink lots of healthy fluids. That does not mean self-deny all summer, but maintain water and nutrition for your drinks.

Do not overdo vitamins. You can overdose vitamins. This also, means multiple types. Taking too many types at one time is as bad as taking too much of one. Talk to your doctor about vitamins and how much you really need to take.

No one has said for certain what the winter will bring. What has been said is that a second wave is possible. It may be difficult to interrupt life and plans when the world is starting to open up, again. Yet, the possibility of a winter that may resemble our spring is very prevalent. The possibility cannot be ignored. It is best to prepare for the “just in case”. If we are more organized and greater prepared, the possible next time may be easier. 

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When Houseplants Cause Bad Air

It has been taught, for years, that houseplants are very beneficial, to the air that we breath within our homes. We’ve been taught that plants purify air. Well, plants do benefit air quality and even, dramatically. The question is, ‘Do houseplants purify the air?’

Let’s clarify something, first. I am a firm believer in the health benefits of houseplants to the air. However, what seems to be a scientific discovery, may not be a scientific discovery at all. That study also, called a review states that houseplants do not clean nor purify the air as much as, air purifying machines. With that said, do not loose your old-fashioned faith in houseplants.

As far as, the purification of air by houseplants. They are right. That is a no. Yet, the improvement in air quality is undeniable. ‘Did we really think that plants made our air pure?’ I don’t think so. We did think it would make our home air quality better. We also, understood the scientific facts that state just how houseplants improve air quality.

These are the facts. Plant leaves and their roots pull volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide out of the air. After which, they release clean oxygen. Obviously, this means they remove ‘bad-for-you‘ air and release ‘good-for-you’ air. Thus, improving the ratio of good air over bad air in your home or office. As wonderful as that is, plants also, have the potential to release bad air. What?!?

A root bound plant. A.K.A. a plant that has outgrown its container.
This causes lack of soil and extreme water depletion. Thus, dust!

It seems, to a lot of plant lovers, that once the plant is in the pot; it doesn’t need re-potted until, the roots have outgrown it’s container. In a lot of cases, the soil has become stale and is more dust than soil. This occurs, when a very small plant is potted in a very large pot. If you’ve noticed extra dust in your home, your plants might need re-potted to refresh the soil. A correctly fit pot helps prevent soil from flying. Re-potting will make the soil viable, again. It will allow the plant to receive better nutrition, retain soil and moisture, and breathe better.

Plant mold is not only deadly to the plant, but also, becomes the air you breathe. Plant mold is just like any other household mold. It occurs when plants are frequently over-watered or maintained in dank conditions with insufficient airflow (sweating). It is also, contagious from plant to plant.

Plants that have mold. Plant mold can be white or black.

Checking plants, from time to time, for diseases like black mold and white mold should be a regular routine that can be conducted during watering. Checking for such diseases should be conducted about every 3 months.

There are many diseases a plant can have. Most of them can be a negative effect on air quality. A lot of these diseases are bugs, such as, dust mites. Dust mites occur, when the leaves of the plant are left dusty for a long period of time. Spider mites will also, occur. These two diseases are often found together. They are able to cause plant death and can cause illness to humans.

Spider mites can also, be red in color. Some experts believe that a dust mite is a very young spider mite.

When a plant is dusty, removal of the dust is simple yet, delicate. By using a soft cotton cloth, gently wipe the leaves clean with a plant leaf cleaner. Some are spray-and-leave. Some require wiping. A simple home made solution of water and lemon dish soap, such as, Joy will remove dust and mites from leaves. However, if the leaves of any plant has bugs, the soil has bugs, too. Always, re-pot after any discovery of bugs and discard the soil in an outside trash reciprocal.

Mold can be removed from plant leaves in the same manner. It will work, if only, a few leaves and a few spots are found. All the same, discard the old soil in an outside trash reciprocal.

Select correctly fit pot, plant or replant, relish the results!

Plants are healthy. The work it takes to keep them that way is also, healthy. It is therapeutic and rewarding. The gifts that can come from taking care of plants are boundless. Do not be afraid to embrace plants and their bountiful, clean benefits!

Was that a…Ghost?!?

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When Time Takes a Photogragh.

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Once I was shown a photo of a beautiful gown featured in a display at a museum. The gown was worn by someone in the early 1800’s. The photograph was taken with a cellphone. I viewed it on that cellphone. No big deal. Right?

There was no person in the gown. There was no mannequin representing a person in the gown. It was displayed on a dress form so that the gown could be fully viewed.

Other people where viewing that photo with me. There was about 5 of us, in total. Somehow, and even upon the very instance of viewing, the gown became alive.

The gown did not move. It seemed like it could move. Strongly! The stark time difference stood out. Profoundly! The time of the gown was all around it. The gown could be felt.

Everyone viewing that photograph felt the same. The person showing the photo experienced those feelings at the museum and after, taking the photograph. It was a beautiful profound moment. No matter how many times we viewed that photo, the same feelings occurred.

I have experienced similar in the past. Old things do that. Yet, never had I experienced feelings like that so strongly, and deeply. It was a profound moment for all of us. So profound, that it affected all of my past experiences. I now, view past feelings differently. As for the future, it will be different.

As far as the question; “Was the picture haunted?” I would say, yes and no. How can a picture be both haunted and not haunted? In my last post, I somewhat described the Universe as expanding and contracting. Scientists also, say that the Universe is growing. It’s growing process includes the expanding and contracting. The Universe will expand and contract over and over again. Until, it pauses. Sometimes, when it pauses, it pauses larger than the size it was before it expanded and contracted. This is predicted to be it’s behavior forever!

It has come to light, in my mind, that the Universe does not grow without understanding all that it is, and all that it holds. Every living thing has to be considered. Every plant and every animal contributes to the shape, of not just our world, but of the Universe as a whole.

To do this accurately, the universe must also, remember all that ever was. It can take from our then and our now, combine it with everything else, Universe. By this data, the Universe forms it’s shape and pin-points it’s direction. The future and all of it’s probabilities is within it’s foresight. Yes, the Universe must plan a future and move in the direction that is best for itself!

We too, must remember in order to pin-point our direction. We must remember love and loss. We must remember past civilizations and the perils that led to there end. This is to determine the shape we are currently in. Then we can move forward and reshape the future.

The Universe participates our remembering. What was no longer there, seems to appear. Images held-fast to remind us of a person or a time. These images are regarded by some scientist as photographs taken by time. That time itself takes photographs we see as ghosts. We must also, be reminded that there is a such thing as … moving pictures!

By our thoughts, words, and actions in regard, to these feelings and photographs. We convey information to the Universe about the direction we are planning and/or the shape we are in. The probabilities of our future are foreseen.

Furthermore; if we are a threat to our Universe and thus, ourselves, will the Universe retaliate with earthquakes, hurricanes, pestilence, and disease? As we fight to live, does also, our Universe?

tophat.tips disclaimer: Remember. Tips are the same as suggestions. Any suggestion used from this site is to your own discretion. Also, any search engine or web host is not responsible for suggestions nor content within this website.

The Dust in My Vacuum is the Dust in My Home!

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It’s obvious. We all have different households. Our homes are a reflection, of our unique characteristics. No matter how similar we may seem, we are entirely different. Such is the same, when it comes to the dust sitting in our vacuums. They are very much the same, but what I have more of, you may have less, and vise-versa. Take the Universe, for example. The dust in one sector of universe is totally unique to another.

Although, the basic ingredients of each other’s household dirt may not be any surprise. Our circumstances that surround this vast galaxy, of contaminating, pollutant particles, voyage us into unknown danger. This danger can be set off by what we do (clean) or don’t do (not clean).

According to the Mayo Clinic, and other scientific research studies; the contents of a vacuum contains at least 5,000,000 – 6,000,000 bacteria and more (which may now, include COVID-19). That count varies from household to household. Also, dominated by household circumstances. These circumstances vary between being a pet owner, occupation, number of people living within the household, and etc. Thus, the multiverse that is the compilation of our individual households.

Like the Universe, in which we live, our galaxy expands and contracts. When we have not cleaned, yet, our galaxy of dust expands and shifts. We walk, we stir dust that is unseen. We sit, we stir dust and that is also, unseen. Throughout all of our activities, within our homes, we are constantly stirring dust. Furthermore; we are dragging it in through our entrances and from room to room. This is the expanding and the shifting that happens to that microbial galaxy. Add pet dander and natural, human flaking that is also, happening.

In order to contract this vast galaxy of strepococci, staphylocci, sarciane. Just to name 3, out of possibly or likely more than 6,000,000 germs and viruses. We could either get sick (contract) or we could reduce it by cleaning (also, contract; i.e. make smaller).

The most effective way to ‘contract‘ (make smaller) our overly expanded galaxy, of filthy debris is advised to us, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or , the CDC. The CDC has published a guideline, for people who live with someone infected with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), might be infected with the Coronavirus, or is infected themselves. Keep in mind that I did search high and low for guidelines for regular household cleaning, not related to the Coronavirus. As far as, our governments advice, the only guidelines available (without going to the library) are in relationship to the Coronavirus.

With that having been said, these guidelines are quite helpful. Due to the Coronavirus and each of our chances, for contracting (catching, getting the virus, etc.) this disease; these guidelines should be followed. You can find these guidelines by this link; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

tophat.tips disclaimer: Remember. Tips are the same as suggestions. Any suggestion used from this site is to your own discretion. Also, any search engine or web host is not responsible for suggestions nor content within this website.

The History of Pandemics and the Paralleled Way They Where Fought

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Beginning with early history (about 541 CE), an ominous pandemic struck the earth. It began it’s stretch in Egypt; thriving on the backs of black rats that fed upon grain intended for the celebration of the Emperor Justinian. Fleas they were! Fleas traveling from rat to rat and from person to person; infecting all they came in contact with.

From Egypt these fleas and rats traveled with the grain aboard ships into Constantinople. From there the disease called Yersenia Pestis. Also know as The Plague reached pandemic proportions. The plague killed from 30 to 50 million people around the globe.

How to stop The Plague was unknown. All that could be understood was to stay away from other people, in order to avoid catching the plague. That’s right. Social distancing!

The Plague seemingly vanished. Yet, the coast was not clear. The Plague returned in Europe in 1347. This time it was called The Black Plague. As before, The Black Plague traveled aboard ships around the world. It claimed the lives of 200 million people.

Having no solution, the authorities decided to detain all arriving sailors aboard their ships for 30 days. Yes! You’ve got it! Quarantined! So, now, we have social distancing and quarantining happening in as early as, 541 CE and 1347.

Every 20 years, this same disease would resurface and claim the lives, of least, 20 percent of the European population. This continued on, into 1665. The last plague killed about 100,000 London citizens.

This crucial and devastating time warranted people to retain the sick within their homes with red crosses painted on their doors. All social gatherings, banned. Does it sound familiar? With that alone, the last Black Plague ended.

There has also been, in far, yet, more recent history types of plagues that may not have originate by normal, natural direct human contact. However, their journey from person to person was much the same. Small Pox, Cholera, to name two. Let’s not forget Influenza and Pneumonia. Influenza and Pneumonia are easier to avoid now-a-days, but every year they take lives.

The parallel is:

  • Keep social distancing. Maintain no closer than 6 ft. from another person.
  • Cough in your sleeve or a napkin.
  • If you are sick, stay home.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid touching your face.

Learn from history! We are here today, because our ancestors practiced these things.

tophat.tips disclaimer: Remember. Tips are the same as suggestions. Any suggestion used from this site is to your own discretion. Also, any search engine or web host is not responsible for suggestions nor content within this website.

Disinfecting Herbs That Promote Cleaner Air

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Image by gate74 from Pixabay Rosemary, lavender and thyme.

In these times, of infectious disease that reek havoc upon our earth. We are cautiously, diligently and aggressively disinfecting our surroundings. Not only are we doing it more often in our homes, but in our workplaces, as well. There is virtually, nowhere that isn’t disinfecting harder and more consistently.

With all of our hard work and diligence toward disinfecting, there is one place that may have been overlooked. That place could further enhance our disinfecting efforts and it has been sitting under our noses, all of this time. That place is the air.

Natural ingredients can be added to a steaming, hot pot of water on a stove. It could also, be added to an electric hot diffuser. This releases into your air and thus, your air has those properties, too. There are many ways to use them. However, the most effective way, for air quality control, is via;

  1. electric diffuser
  2. tealight candle diffuser
  3. a hot pot on the stove.

Choices 1 and 2 are at the top of the list, because they will release aromas for longer periods of time. Furthermore; there would be no need to consistently watch them. A boiling pot empties too quickly. Thus, the danger of fire and the aromas only vaporize while the pot is boiling. Never leave a boiling pot on the stove unattended.

Choice number 2, is not as helpful as choice number 1. Although, it takes a lot longer for the water to evaporate than a boiling pot on the stove. The water does boil out and the candle keeps burning.

Choice number 1 is best, because the electric diffuser usually, comes with an automatic sensor that turns itself off when the water has gotten, too low. Plus, they can run from 6 – 8 hours at a time. That is 6 – 8 hours of naturally, disinfecting herb essence vaporized straight into your air. Not to mention, they can be purchased from Walmart, the Dollar General, Walgreens and many other stores for as little as $8.00.

Keep in mind, cleaning and cleaning often will still be needed. However, it is possible for these herbs to enhance the clean by adding disinfecting properties to your air and for a long time.

Image by emilytrue from Pixabay

These are some of the herbs that contain some disinfecting properties. They can be purchased in essence form (oil) that can be utilized in an electric diffuser, candle diffuser or a boiling pot of water on the stove. Remember. Never leave a boiling pot unattended.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus; naturally antiseptic and probably #1 on most antiseptic herb lists. It is also, an ingredient in medications for the treatment of colds, cough and flu. Yet, not limited to just these.

Rosemary

Rosemary; contains both antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. Rosemary is also, thought of as a stress reliever. This property offers an additional benefit to these tense and frightful times.

lavender

Lavender; known for its fragrance and calming effects. Lavender like eucalyptus also, contains camphor which is a natural antiseptic found in many cold and flu medications. Lavender can be found in disinfecting multi-surface cleaners, as well as, laundry soap.

Citrus: lemon, lime and oranges

Citrus: highly fragrant and tantalizing oil. You can buy citrus as its own name; or you can buy it in individual scents. The scents being lemon, orange, lime and others. Citrus scent, on its own, is a combination of different oils of citrus fruit. The oils are usually, expressed from the outer rine. Its properties are within its acidic content. The acid kills germs and bacteria and can also, be used as a bleach substitute. Citrus works well combined with any of these essential oils listed above.

Remember. If you choose, to add these oils to your home cleaning in any form; make certain that it is essential oils and not a perfume only. Do not let the oils be in direct contact with your skin. Essential oils are naturally concentrated and can cause damage to skin. If direct contact does occur, wash affected area immediately.

tophat.tips disclaimer: Remember. Tips are the same as suggestions. Any suggestion used from this site is to your own discretion. Also, any search engine or web host is not responsible for suggestions nor content within this website.

Active Shooter Safety! Learn Prevention.

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Every year we are faced with the news of an active shooter. We live in daily fear of when and where it could happen next. Yet, with no choice at all, we must go out there and face the possibilities of it happening to us. So, we get in our cars, ride our public transits and do what we have to do. Go to work, go to the grocery store or take the kids to school. Most of the time, we are only doing what we must do. Is there any help out there before it costs us our lives?

From the year 2000 to 2018 there have been 277 incidents of active shooters. Resulting in a total of 884 deaths and 1,546 wounded. This is not a trend among the criminally insane, but a more than negative evolution into criminal how to.

FBI Quick Look: 277 Active Shooter Incidents in the United States From 2000 to 2018

Unfortunately, unless, we can walk and live our daily lives with an army of armed men and women to protect us. There is very little that we can do. Furthermore, we cannot blame the government nor the police. They simply cannot predict the future. However, there is something that the Department of Homeland Security has provided. They have provided a website with videos, links and ways to form organizations; that help us help ourselves during an active shooting.

The Department of Homeland Security has given a plan of action to take, in order to help ourselves and possibly others, in case of an active shooter. Similar to “stop, drop and roll.” Home Land Security says, “run, hide, fight.”

Photo by Kehn Hermano from Pexels
  • Run: Run and escape away from the shooter. Leave personal belongings where they are and warn people as you go. Warning people might help save lives.
  • Hide: When running is not possible, hide and away from gun fire as much as possible. The objective is to stay out of the shooters view and don’t hide in groups.
  • Fight: Fight is the last resort. When all else fails, fight for your life.

Along, with these guidelines is also, what to do after. After, the police have arrived and it is safe to move. You must always, keep your hands in the air. Keeping your hands in the air helps police identify you from any other possibly opposing threats. Not having anything in your hands is also recommended. Make certain your hands are always visible to the police.

Walk toward the police. The area that the police have entered from is regarded clear. This is why this area is possibly safest after, the police have arrived.

Remember. The police are armed and it is necessary for them to push their way toward the shooter. They may have to push or shove to break through a crowd or a person obstructing their way. Do not be surprised to see this happen or experience yourself. They will also, overlook the injured. The police have to do this in order to quickly apprehend the shooter. Don’t forget that the objective is to stop the shooter before others are killed or injured.

To get all of the information you need. To be prepared in case you are in any active shooter situation. To also, learn more about how to help the injured, find or form training organizations and more. Go to https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter.

tophat.tips disclaimer: Remember. Tips are the same as suggestions. Any suggestion used from this site is to your own discretion. Also, any search engine or web host is not responsible for suggestions nor content within this website.