The planet is hurting. It’s too obvious for everyone to see yet many of us turn a blind eye to these drastic environmental changes that are happening everywhere. Even other species on the planet are suffering and many have been completely wiped off from the face of the planet never to be seen again after becoming extinct. However, we are too obsessed with the latest trends and with social media that we rarely give the time of day for these more pressing environmental issues. Environmental protection and conservation are a must because it is our responsibility as the most superior species on the planet (and the ones that also caused the most destruction). Earth is our only home. We haven’t fully explored yet the possibility of living in another planet nor even found one that is as hospitable as ours. Then, there’s climate change that makes life more challenging for many of us. The heat is trapped on the planet and it is affecting major weather systems and has sped up the melting of polar caps, for instance, which can decimate many island nations in a few year’s time.
It is true that we may be the reason to our own undoing yet we can still prevent that from happening because we still have time left. In your own little way, you can do something that will benefit the world in the long run even if it is just turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, recycling your trash, using less light at night or using public transport instead of taking your own car to work every day.
(Via: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/feeding-a-hot-hungry-planet/) Sustainability is the goal but we are a long way from there now. The world’s population is growing but the resources are receding. How will we be able to grow food if the water supply is dwindling? People will get hungry and many will die that’s for sure. Moreover, natural calamities are also worsening because of climate change.
(Via: https://www.islandconservation.org/drones-climate-change-science/) Saving the world should be everyone’s responsibility. We pale in comparison to the wrath of nature once it strikes. We don’t want the time to come when the world is no longer hospitable for mankind. There is a lot of work involved for us to salvage what’s left of nature and there are basically two ways to doing it. First is to take an active part in environmental conservation efforts such as tree planting and second is to avoid doing unfriendly environmental practices like wasting energy and polluting the environment. There is more work left to be done, so we should all unite for this common cause for the common good. The following blog article It’s Not Yet Too Late To Save The Environment See more on: The IPAC Blog via https://ipaction.org/blog/its-not-yet-too-late-to-save-the-environment/
0 Comments
Life is what you make it. Sounds cliché but it can’t be any truer. You determine your own course in life. There may be stumbling blocks along the way but it is still up to you make the choices you want. Every little decision you make determines what your future will be like. For instance, you decide whether you maintain a normal sleep-wake cycle or not. Unfortunately, it is easier said than done these days. There are so many distractions that sticking to a fixed bedtime routine isn’t as easy as lying down on the bed and closing your eyes. From teens to younger adults, the tech and smart gadget obsession can’t be denied. Your every waking moment is probably glued to that tiny device that means so much in your life. However, it’s not nice once this obsession affects your health negatively. For a young teen trying to juggle school requirements, personal and home obligations and social life, it can be overwhelming at times and they end up losing sleep every single night, some even have snoring issues.
(Via: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/22/well/family/the-science-of-adolescent-sleep.html?_r=0) Have you seen the social media accounts of teens these days? They are so updated on all the latest trends and their #FOMO drives them insane, so they often compromise their sleep to stay on top of everything. Add to that those school assignments that take up most of their time at home leave them with little time to sleep.
Mood changes and decision making is affected by sleep deprivation. And considering how many changes are happening to a growing teen’s body, these various external factors can be too much for an immature teen to take. They won’t be able to make the most sensible of choices and often compromise the more important things in life in their quest to fit in this world, especially with their peers. It is really unfortunate that sleep is the first to go in a teen’s agenda when they are pressed for time. After all, we often make ourselves believe that we can always catch up on lost sleep but that is not entirely true. Then, there is the growing issue on various sleep-related disorders that make sleeping impossible for some. While they continue to make sleeping the bane of some people’s existence, there are solutions now sold in the market. Some of them are your typical anti-snoring gadgets and mouthpieces that help correct an anatomical defect to reduce the snoring and hopefully improve the condition. Teens are vulnerable to these conditions too, so they should also see a medical doctor if their case warrants it. The post Do Teens Still Get Enough Sleep? is available on IPAction.org Blog via https://ipaction.org/blog/do-teens-still-get-enough-sleep/ It is no joke to live in a place continually exposed to dirt and pollution. Big and crowded cities first come to mind as well as most developing countries. You see all sorts of environmental pollution here. Air, noise, water, you name it. Not only adults suffer from health issues arising from constant exposure but young kids too. These kids are not safe even inside their homes. Many kids get very sick while some even die from it. They have lost their chance in life at a young age and that is a sad reality for those living in impoverished cities and countries all over the world. The statistics did not escape the attention of the United Nations.
(Via: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/who-poor-environment-causes-1-in-4-child-deaths/) You might be surprised to learn about these facts because you have not been to the poorer parts of Africa, but believe me when I say that this is a common issue in many parts of the globe. And what is even more disconcerting is its harmful effects on young kids.
And the numbers do not lie.
Environmental pollution should be taken seriously as it also worsens global warming and climate change issues that we are now experiencing. In the cold waters of the Arctic, oil drilling is a profitable business, which has a negative impact on the environment after a series of oil spills and other mishaps prove the negligent acts of these companies. However, a better economy can provide jobs and help people improve their way of life and put into place better safety measures to limit the damage caused by many environmental pollutants. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to make all places safe for pregnant women and young kids.
(Via: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/pollution-child-death/en/) Protect young children for they are the future of this planet. Live responsibly and take care of our surroundings because you won’t like it when Mother Nature strikes back. Children’s Health Suffers From A Poor Environment was first published to IPacBlog via https://ipaction.org/blog/childrens-health-suffers-from-a-poor-environment/ The Internet is a delight to many. It can’t be denied with the number of smartphone and smart gadget users these days. We all enjoy 24/7 access to the World Wide Web because there are absolutely endless possibilities when using it. You can finally say goodbye to boredom at the very least or use it for work opportunities, not just simply to connect with family and friends. Unfortunately, dubious people have found another use for the web. No longer do they confine their evil ways to the dark web, cyber criminals also spread havoc to the majority of online users who often only have an anti-virus or firewall to protect them. Some don’t even have some sort of protection at all against these malicious online attacks. One of the most popular malware these days is ransomware. What exactly is ransomware? Simply put, it is a type of digital extortion malware. This malware locks your computer or keyboard until you pay a ransom usually in the form of Bitcoins. Until then, you can’t access your PC and all the important files you have saved in it. With the use of a ransom cryptware, cyber criminals use a unique private key to encrypt your computer files aside from locking your device. While it initially targeted PCs and laptops, mobile phones are no longer safe from this new tech headache today.
Ransomware has been around for quite some time now. It first appeared in Russian and some Eastern European countries in 2005-2009 but the criminals had a hard time collecting the ransom from their victims. But because of Bitcoin’s popularity, cyber criminals found a reliable and anonymous way to extort the money, thus the resurgence of ransomware with a vengeance.
(Via: http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/why-ransomware-attackers-demanded-payments-in-bitcoins-1693991) Bitcoin is almost always in the news now because it is the preferred currency of cyber criminals. It is actually a decentralized digital currency, meaning you don’t use it in the physical world nor does it have a central bank repository of its own. Contrary to popular belief about its anonymity in use, bitcoin spending is actually tracked using public records, but because of privacy clauses in the uses of this digital currency, it is the reason why cyber criminals like it best. The most recent ransomware attack, WannaCry, affected over 200,000 businesses in roughly 150 nations, both the government and private companies through a malicious software sent to potential victims as an email attachment. Since there is no assurance that you’ll get your data again after paying the ransom, victims are strongly discouraged to give the attackers the ransom money. Unfortunately, many are still duped which in turn encourages these attackers to keep spreading this malware over and over again. The blog post Bitcoin Hoarding: Do You Need It Against Ransomware Attacks? was first published to IPAction.org via https://ipaction.org/blog/bitcoin-hoarding-do-you-need-it-against-ransomware-attacks/ Religion is supposed to promote more love and less hate. After all, they preach to do good and be a blessing to others. Unfortunately, many of the world’s conflict are often rooted in religion. How can we then expect salvation when the religion we swear by does the opposite? Many people say that if a religion teaches you to hate other religions, then you need to look for a new religion. And it likely has merit. We have more pressing problems right now than to bicker and argue amongst ourselves because of differences in opinions and religious beliefs.
Unfair treatment to women is also a trait shared by many of the world’s religious orders.
Aside from that, many wars have been won or lost because of religion. And I am not talking about historical accounts – think of the Great Holocaust – but present-day scenarios especially in the East. Countries have been ravaged by war and its citizens displaced because their homes are inhabitable anymore. People of color are continually prosecuted and discriminated because of the paranoia of the West linking them to terroristic activities.
If only all religions are open-minded and more compassionate, there will be no room for hate and extremism. We must acknowledge that there is indeed one God even if we call Him many names and that we practice various ways to honor Him. Violence only begets violence. It becomes an unending cycle of hate and vengeance that is more divisive than any other issue we are facing right now. Religious violence has been around since the beginning of human civilization but that does not mean we have no capacity to make the shift and put an end to it by being a brother or a sister to everyone and prefer to see the good in everybody. Conflict In Religion was originally seen on IPacBlog via https://ipaction.org/blog/conflict-in-religion/ There is nothing more relaxing than drinking a cold glass of beer while hanging out with family or friends. Sharing stories and adventures over a round of alcohol can free your mind from your worries and let you fully enjoy the moment. Alcohol is a staple at every party or get-together, especially once night has fallen and the party is almost over. It is normal to hear the loud laughter of drinkers and witness them doing things they do not normally do when they are sober like loud singing, dancing, and non-stop teasing.
(Via: https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2016/10/28/are-you-using-alcohol-as-a-crutch/) Men and alcohol are a given. However, women are also becoming heavy drinkers themselves today. It is not uncommon to see women drinking alongside men – and not just drinking ladies drinks or a glass of fine wine but strong alcoholic drinks with high alcohol content.
And it is proving to be costly for women drinkers – even costing them their lives.
(Via: http://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/4228802-women-lure-alcohol-becoming-more-deadly) It all started with a different approach in advertising to make women believe that they need alcohol in their life to cope with life’s daily stresses.
Feminists will argue that women have equal rights as men, so it is but fair for them to indulge in alcohol drinking just as much as their male counterparts – if only to let loose and unwind after a long day’s work. However, women should also keep in mind the dangers of such a deadly addiction – and yes – it is an addiction. The problem is people choose to see it differently than it really is. For them, this new lifestyle is a temporary solution that allows them to temporarily forget their myriad of problems, not a long-term problem that puts their health at risk and traps them in an addiction they can’t easily get out of. The following post The Allure Of Alcohol To Women: Short-Term Solution Or Long-Term Problem See more on: IPAction.org/blog via https://ipaction.org/blog/the-allure-of-alcohol-to-women-short-term-solution-or-long-term-problem/ If marijuana is as bad as what its detractors say it is, why is it that its legalization is quickly gaining traction among the public and 28 U.S. states already gave it the go signal? They must know something that has not yet been disclosed to all of us about the health benefits this controversial weed offers, right? We are talking about the medical use of marijuana here and not for recreation purposes. There are medical experts who support its use in treating patients where conventional medicines and treatment have failed.
There is a public clamor to have medical cannabis use legalized and it is impossible to ignore their growing numbers.
The public in general, especially the ones with really sick family member or friends who have no hope of ever getting cured, support its legalization because there are countless people who have confirmed that its use have not only offered them relief – especially from chronic debilitating pain - when nothing else did but may possibly cure them for real. It is also a safer alternative to opioid, much to the delight of many, and many scientific studies can prove that.
(Via: https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/12/jeff-sessions-just-spoke-candidly-about-marijuana.aspx) Even President Trump has no qualms about its use as long as it is in the context of medical treatment.
And it should not come out as a surprise since Trump had been known to be in its favor for years now.
We can only wait and see whether nothing – or should I say no one else – can put a halt to the legalization of medical cannabis. For now, marijuana investors have no choice but to wait apprehensively on the sidelines hoping for luck to be in their favor while lawmakers argue on its credibility. In the end, if medical marijuana truly delivers what many says it can, it will eventually be legalized in the entire country on its own merits. The following post The Legalization Of Medical Marijuana Enjoys Public Approval is available on The IPac Action Blog via https://ipaction.org/blog/the-legalization-of-medical-marijuana-enjoys-public-approval/ A normal and healthy person have various coping mechanisms to stay sane in this increasingly complex urban jungle we call home. Unfortunately, not everyone can keep up with all the stresses that they seek refuge somewhere else. It does not necessarily mean you go somewhere far to get away from all your worries. People often resort to drug use to help them detach from their surrounding and experience an internal high only substance abuse can offer them. If you do drugs, are you still a sensible individual who is capable of making rational decisions? The answer is likely a BIG no. How can you say you are still a normal walking and breathing person when your system is high on drugs that cloud your judgment. It may be that a person first got hooked on drugs before the deterioration of their state of health or they are already experiencing a major identity crisis and anxiety disorders that they find relief when they do drugs.
Drug dependence continues to be a menace to society and leaves behind a mentally unsound populace that may harm themselves or those around them.
Poor mental health and substance abuse often go hand in hand and it affects the entire society unless preventive measures are taken before more people die.
Considering how big this drug abuse issue has exploded and put at risk the mental health of many, what is the government’s role in addressing the issue and how can they help vulnerable citizens get a hold of their lives once more.
The future does not look promising for drug users who are struggling to get back on both feet without the government’s help.
Education remains to be the best tool to combat drug addiction. Educated people have better coping skills and do not take the easy way out when facing crossroads in life. They stay above their problems and see drug abuse for what it really is, a problem and never a solution. How Drugs Affect Mental Health is available on https://ipaction.org via https://ipaction.org/blog/how-drugs-affect-mental-health/ The youth will be the future leaders of our country and as such needs a good and strong foundation to be good leaders and citizens someday. However, there is too much violence in our surroundings right now that we may want to question whether our youth are seeing good role models to emulate in the future. Conflicts in and out of the country are reported on the news day in and day out – without fail. Divorce is common, leaving behind young kids without both parents to guide and mold them as they grow up. Also, overexposure to unsupervised hours spent surfing the Internet can lead the youth to believe that certain acts are acceptable when in reality they are not. They can access sites that they are not supposed to visit exposing them to pornography. Hence, teenage pregnancy is no longer surprising. Drugs and alcohol abuse is also a constant threat and many youths are already hooked into it. Does the future still look bright when the majority of our youth are riddled with all these problems on a daily basis?
(Via: http://www.goerie.com/news/20170312/teen-summit-to-address-violence-related-issues) Many fail to realize that the youth are still kids and need proper guidance. They have different needs as they grow up and it is the responsibility of their parents and guardians to be sensitive to their needs and extend a helping hand when needed. Remember that things can even spiral out of control once the youth hits puberty and the delicate juggle act starts and persist throughout their lifetime.
(Via: http://www.prpeak.com/community/student-life-exploring-issues-that-matter-to-youth-1.10831479) The youth can also receive help and support from groups that help them reach their fullest potential. Give them a chance to be kids but also make it a point to guide them in everything they do. This site http://www.nac1985.org/ can help them discover and hone their abilities through engaging physical and outdoor activities in a warm and nurturing environment that every kid needs and deserves. The following blog article The Youth: The Hope And The Future Of The Nation Find more on: IPAB via https://ipaction.org/blog/the-youth-the-hope-and-the-future-of-the-nation/ Today is a new era in American politics – the Trump Era. Along with this new presidency are many new policies that are set to shape the future of this country. It will not only affect the common people, and discriminated against minorities, but major business establishments too. After all, President Trump is a renowned businessman himself with multi-million business ventures both in and out of the country. What can businesses expect from his leadership? Will it propel the economic progress the country has gradually achieved over the years or be the cause of yet another difficult recession because of his outrageous fiscal policies that can affect the many U.S. external relations?
Controversies are surrounding his administration right from the very start.
(Via: https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/03/donald-trump-conflicts-of-interests/508382/) And this is just the beginning of four long years of erratic statements and policies that can either make or break earlier good relations the country has established with other nations - not just with China but many other nations like Japan, Canada, Europe, etc.
(Via: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-usa-business-idUSKBN15U00H) The new administration should exercise more caution in issuing statements or policies that can significantly impact the country’s economy. After all, President Trump is known to have a way with words, although not always on the positive side, so it just makes sense for his advisers to guide him in making the best decisions that are for the best interest of every single American who counts on his leadership to make America great again.
The U.S. will suffer greatly if this conflict with the Chinese worsens considering our economy greatly relies on Chinese imports aside from the fact that many big American companies and corporations have manufacturing plants in China because of cheaper labor. There is more at stake here but let us put our faith on President Trump to deliver his promise and put the interests of the country before his – or any of his businesses despite his many quirks and eccentricities. Trump’s New Business Venture: Can He Make America Great Again? is available on IPAB via https://ipaction.org/blog/trumps-new-business-venture-can-he-make-america-great-again/ |
About usCulture, technology and where they meet in the middle. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |