Bike-sharing programs are big right now. Designed for quick trips with convenience in mind, bike-sharing is a fun and affordable way to get around. A Dutch designer has devised a bike kitted up with air infiltration equipment that can eat smog and spit out clean air, helping to protect the lungs of individual riders. Now he‘s looking for an army of cyclists to power them.
Animal lovers in India are knitting sweaters for elephants at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Center located in Mathura, northern India. The wildly colored garments will help the rescued pachyderms, several of whom are handicapped, brave the region’s freezing cold winter weather.
Green Prophet has a soft spot for knitting and crochet, and the kindness of artisans who use their craft to put hats on refugees, to raise awareness about energy conservation, and stitch stuff for peace.
We’ve previously reported that the origins of knitting are placed somewhere in the Middle East. The craft spread to Europe via Mediterranean trade routes, then on to the Americas with European colonization. Some of the earliest examples of knitting have been found in Egypt: a tatty pair of Egyptian woolen socks estimated to be 1500 years old are on display in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. But before I forget, this story is about the elephant initiative.
The elephants in residence at the Mathura center were all rescued from previous lives of intense animal cruelty. Concerned about chilly temperatures adding stress and discomfit to the animals, a group of local villagers pulled out all the stops (along with crochet hooks and rainbow-hued yarn) to create enormous “pachyderm ponchos”.
Each sweater is crafted in a colorful, unique pattern based on crafter preference. It takes four weeks to finish one sweater. As of today, 21 Asian elephants living in the sanctuary are sporting giant sweaters to shield them from the cold.
“It is important to keep our elephants protected from the bitter cold during this extreme winter, as they are weak and vulnerable having suffered so much abuse making them susceptible to ailments such as pneumonia. The cold also aggravates their arthritis which is a common issue that our rescued elephants have to deal with,” Karthic Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS said in a statement.
The elephants that call the center home are blind, disabled or on the mend. Most of them were rescued from trafficking, illegal captivity and cruel circuses. Suffering from a host of medical conditions including abscesses, foot and nail conditions, ophthalmological issues, and issues associated with malnutrition and old age, the animals are treated by a team of full-time veterinarians. The center also provides the residents with open spaces, top notch medical care, frequent baths, plentiful food and lots of love.
Can’t get to India to cast on your own sweater? Then make a donation that will go toward purchasing a blanket for a chilly elephant in need. To learn more about Wildlife SOS and do your part to protect its elephant residents, visit the website (link here).
Over recent years, people around the world have become more and more concerned about the state of the environment. Over the decades we have caused a lot of pollution and damage to the environment and this is why so many people are now eager to join the green cause and do their bit. Of course, there are little steps that people can take even at home in order to do this and many businesses are now going green. There are also now many eco-friendly products on the market to help people do their bit to slow down the causes of carbon footprints.
If you have an invention idea that is eco-friendly (like eco-friendly tools) or know of something that appeals to the health industry, you could gain a lot of interest given the popularity of this particular cause. However, you also need to ensure that you follow the correct process with regards to your invention, as it can be a very detailed process to get things moving along. As any inventor knows, coming up with the idea is just the first step – actually getting it to market can be the hardest part but with something that captures the attention of businesses and members of the public such as eco-friendly inventions, you could enjoy success with the right professional help.
The good news is that there are service providers that you can talk to and work alongside in order to get your eco-friendly invention to market. At InventHelp, there are various valuable services that you can access in order to do this and if all goes well you could soon be joining the green revolution and helping others to be more environmentally friendly through the use of your invention.
This means that you could be helping to shape the future when it comes
to the environment and our planet but your first step is to actually get
your product to market. InventHelp has helped many survey panels, where
people get paid to take surveys on health and environmental issues, as
well brands like Wipro EcoEnergy where they aim to slash client’s energy
costs and reduce carbon footprint at the same time.
When you speak to the experts about doing this, you will see just what a detailed and lengthy process it can be. This is why many inventors do not want to get involved with this side of things because their passion is their invention. Those that work in this capacity on a professional basis are able to cover the other side of things that will help to bring your product to market, which means that you can concentrate solely on the product itself.
There are various important processes that are involved when it comes to getting your new product off the ground. First off, you need to think about the legal side of things to protect your invention, and to do this the experts can arrange a patent referral. They can also create a prototype of your invention, which can make a massive difference in terms of getting it to market and enabling businesses to see what it actually does. In fact, the professionals are able to deal with a wide range of things on your behalf and this includes helping you to submit your invention or product to the industry in order to get it to market as quickly and efficiently as possible.
As if expecting women don’t have enough to worry about, a new scientific study indicates a direct correlation between traffic noise and ambient air pollution and the health of pregnant women and their birth outcomes. Specifically, these environmental influences are proving to increase the incidences of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and low birth weights.
The Middle East was in the house at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), one of the largest startup gatherings on the planet, showcasing intelligent technologies and human ingenuity that are transforming every business and every process. Sponsored by PC Magazine, and held February 26 through March 1 in Barcelona, MWC pop-up pavilions housed innovations from around the globe. Amidst the next-gen drones, self-driving cars, and artificial intelligence (AI) apps, we spotted two concepts conceived in Israeli and Jordan.
Many animals use venom to protect themselves from predators and to catch prey. Some, like jellyfish, have tentacles, while others, like bees and snakes use stingers and fangs to inject their prey with venomous toxins.
For a long time scientists believed that an animal’s venom was consistent over time: once a venomous creature, always a venomous creature. However, through a close study of sea anemones, Dr. Yehu Moran of Hebrew University’s Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Science, found that animals change their venom several times over the course of a lifetime, adapting the potency and recipe of their venom to suit changing predators and aquatic environments.
Today, in a study published in eLife Science Magazine, Moran and his team describe their spectacular findings. They studied the Nematostella, a relative of the jellyfish, from cradle to grave. Nematostella are sea anemones that belong to the Cnidaria family of jellyfish and corals. They begin their life as tiny larvae and grow into animals measuring several inches long. While in the larvae stage, the Nematostella fall prey to larger fish but once mature, they become predators themselves, catching shrimp and small fish with their venomous tentacles.
Dr. Moran found that while in the larvae stage, sea anemones produce uniquely potent venom that causes predators to immediately spit them out if swallowed. Later on, when the sea anemones grow big and become predators themselves, their venom adapts to their new lifestyle by producing a different kind of toxin, one best suited to catch small fish and shrimp. Over the course of a lifetime, as the Nematostella’s diet changes and they move from one aquatic region to another, they adapt their venom to suit their new needs and environment.
“Until now, venom research focused mainly on toxins produced by adult animals. However, by studying sea anemones from birth to death, we discovered that animals have a much wider toxin arsenal than previously thought. Their venom evolves to best meet threats from predators and to cope with changing aquatic environments”, explained Dr. Yehu Moran.
To track these changes, Moran’s team labeled the sea anemone’s venom-producing cells and monitored them over time. The researchers also recorded significant interactions that Nematostella had over their lifetime—first as prey and later as predators.
These findings are significant for several reasons. First, venom is often used in medicines and pharmacological compounds. This study suggests that for animals with a complex life cycle there are many venom components that have remained unknown to researchers since, until now, researchers have only studied venom from adult sea anemones, missing out on the unique compounds that exist in larvae venom. These “new” compounds could lead to new medicines and drugs. Second, sea anemones, jellyfish and coral play a significant role in marine environments. A better understanding of their venomous output and effect on marine life ecology is crucial.
Most fundamentally, Moran’s study sheds more light on the basic mechanisms of Darwinism: How do animals adapt to their changing world and ecological habitats? The Nematostella, with its changing venom, provides us yet another clue.
Part IV in a series of 4 on eating and healing with roses.
Rosewater is the fragrant liquid left after steaming has extracted roses’ essential oils. Rose essential oil is most expensive – sometimes more costly by weight than gold. Thankfully, rosewater’s price is affordable even to ordinary budgets. Rosewater has been a resource in Middle Eastern women’s beauty regimes for centuries, as its skin-soothing, anti-inflammatory properties help restore moisture to dry skin and reduce irritation from rosacea, acne, all kinds of dermatitis and sunburn.
In this post, I discuss two kinds of rosewater: one that comes in large glass or plastic bottles and is less strong. It’s used by the tablespoon. Another kind is sold in tiny, clear glass bottles and is oily and more concentrated – but still not essential oil. It’s measured out in drops.
Rosewater’s fragrance won’t last long on the skin or hair, but its effects linger. For skin care, as a toner or soothing anti-inflammatory rinse, dilute one tablespoon in a cup of water – one drop of the oily concentrated kind will do. Splash or pat it on. Allow it to dry naturally if you have the time. Or mix a few drops with your skin lotion or moisturizer and apply as usual. Some claim that rose water strengthens skin tissue and helps to heal scars.
For an oily skin astringent, blend 1/4 cup rosewater with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Pat on the skin with cotton pads and allow to dry naturally. Keep any unused astringent in the refrigerator, covered, up to 24 hours.
Treat a dry, dandruff-troubled scalp with a rosewater rinse. Mix a cup of warm water with two tablespoons of rosewater and massage it into the scalp after your normal shampoo and conditioner routine. You’ll smell lovely, and the tormenting itch will go away.
Is the world getting too much for you? Rosewater soothes jangled nerves and anxiety. Think of the last time you took the time to smell roses. You inhaled and said “ah!” as the divine perfume struck your senses, and you probably came away smiling. How wise our forefathers were to condense fresh roses’ properties in oils and water solutions, and how lucky we are to benefit from that wisdom. A simple rinse of rosewater diluted in warm or cool water, splashed or patted onto your face and arms, and you’ll find your mind more settled, ready to take on whatever was stressing you before. It won’t wake you up like coffee, but it will smooth away anxiety that prevents clear thinking.
Try a rosewater bath at the end of a stressful day. Drop three or four tablespoons of rosewater in the tub of hot water, and let roses work their white magic on the tensions that cramp your muscles and mind. Again, if you’re using oily concentrated rosewater, use only five or six drops.
To ensure a relaxed state of mind that lets you drift off easily, make a rose linen spray. All you need is a spray misting bottle and rosewater, straight from the bottle (or, as always, only 1-2 drops of concentrated rosewater in a half-cup of water). Spray your sheets and pillow cases lightly and let it dry before you climb into bed. Sweet dreams.
Take a small spray bottle of diluted rosewater with you when travelling, for a refreshing spritz whenever you feel hot under the collar. Imagine all the world’s drivers squirting a little spray of rosewater on themselves. Everyone would feel calm. Road rage would go down. And the world would, for a little while, look…well…rosier.
Photo of dewy rose by Abhishek Gaurav
You go away for a vacation and return to find your bathroom covered in mold. Or if you live in the Middle East or Asia, it’s a common occurrence during wet winters or monsoon. It is an unpleasant sight that comes with a musty smell. It is mold, and it happens to the best of us. Sometimes the mold you see only requires a simple clean-up over a couple of days. Other times, what you see is more than you thought. Now the clean-up project becomes more than you can handle, mold remediation is needed.
Mold is not something to ignore. Mold produces spores which spread into the air. These spores, when breathed in, can produce allergic reactions (sneezing, running nose, plugged up), respiratory problems (hard to breathe, coughing) and neurological symptoms (headaches, dizziness). This is especially true if you already have an underlying medical condition like asthma. So no matter how much mold you see, it needs to be correctly removed.
If the mold build-up is more extensive than you thought, then hire a professional for the mold remediation process. Here are some points for what you can expect to happen during the process.
First Locate All the Mold
It is necessary to remove all the mold the first time around. If you don’t, expect the mold to come back over and over again. Since mold is a bacteria that keeps growing in favorable conditions (damp, warm and dark places), even the smallest amount left over will grow into what it was like before, or more.
So when the professionals come in, make sure they inspect the whole house. Inspect every room and pay particular attention towards damp areas of the home, or places with a musty smell. You don’t always need to see the mold for it to be there.
Prepare the Area
After locating al the mold, this is where you will need to help. All your belongings need to be removed from the area in order for the professionals to do their job. If certain items cannot be removed, make sure to cover them with heavy plastic to protect them.
When the mold starts to be disturbed, it will produce more spores into the air. These spores may carry toxins that are hazardous to humans. So it is also important to seal off any vents within the house to minimizing any spores spreading.
During the Remediation
During this time, you’ll notice the workers will be fully covered from head to toe, and also be wearing masks or respirators. Just as much as you want to protect your belongings, so do the workers want to protect themselves.
There will also be some form of an exhaust fan that blows the inside air through a window or a door. This negative pressure removes any stirred up spores from the mold and pushes them outside.
After the Remediation
Once the professionals complete the remediation process, you should be able to start moving back into your house. You’ll want to check your belongs carefully. If you notice some items have that mold look or smell, you can try cleaning them with bleach. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to throw them away. Anything that has come into contact with the mold should not go back in the house.
We live in a world where prescription medications drive common treatment options. Between 2005-2008, antidepressants were the third most common drug amongst Americans, including children and adults. With dozens of antidepressant medications on the market, it’s no surprise that prescription drugs are the go-to option for people who have been diagnosed with depression.
With antidepressant medications comes the risk of potential side effects such as insomnia, nausea, fatigue, low libido, and weight gain. Looking for an alternative treatment for depression that doesn’t involve medication? Here are 4 non-prescription drug options that have proven to be useful in minimizing depression symptoms.
Talking to an everyday therapist may have had little impact on your depression symptoms, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown to be highly beneficial in helping those with mild to moderate depression. This form of therapy focuses on being aware of thoughts and how they can lead to destructive thinking and behavioral patterns. Through CBT you will have a better sense of self and understand the impacts of dysfunctional thinking.
During CBT you will discuss topics like:
With CBT you can not only talk through your negative thoughts and behaviors, you’ll also get a thorough understanding of what is causing you to think and feel certain ways. In turn you can embrace positive thinking and find ways to keep cognitive distortions from impacting your daily life.
This form of depression treatment may be an option for patients who have experienced little to no relief from other treatment options.
Electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT, is a procedure that uses an electric current to produce a controlled seizure. To prevent convulsions and other seizure-related symptoms, patients are given a muscle relaxant as well as anesthesia to make the therapy as relaxing as possible. While there are minimal physical impacts to the body, a controlled seizure causes a burst of synchronized brain wave activity that changes the brain’s chemistry.
After treatment, patients may experience nausea, headache, and confusion. Some patients may also experience memory loss; however, memory problems tend to improve within months after ECT treatment has concluded.
Chinese medicine techniques such as acupuncture have proven to be a promising option for those looking to treat their depression without the use of antidepressants. While many assume that acupuncture is used for treating joint pain and inflammation, the tiny thin needles have also proven to be useful in alleviating depression symptoms.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that electroacupuncture, a combination of traditional acupuncture with a mild electric current, was just as effective as Prozac. The study found that electroacupuncture worked quickly and produced a more dramatic reduction of symptoms.
The science behind acupuncture is the precise placement of the needles which is said to correct energy blockages and imbalances. Studies have also shown that acupuncture releases endorphins and activates the natural pain reduction chemicals in the body.
When you suffer from depression, it’s difficult to find the energy let alone the drive to get up and exercise, but once you do, you’ll notice that you feel better inside and out. Not only is exercise good for your physical health, it also provides a host of mental benefits such as alleviating depression symptoms and minimizing stress.
When you exercise, your body releases higher levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. Exercise has also been linked to the release of neurotrophic proteins. These proteins encourage cells within the brain to grow and make new connections. A boost in brain function also boosts your mood.
To get the most benefits, strive to exercise for at least 20 minutes a day, three times a week. The best part about exercise is that you don’t have to force yourself to become a runner or spend hours at the gym. Physical activity is anything that gets your heart going.
Set aside 30 minutes and have a dance party in your room. Head to the local pool and take a few laps. Go on a hike through the mountains with a friend. The options are truly endless. All that matters is that you’re up and moving!
Conclusion
When most people think of depression treatment, most think of antidepressants. While prescription drugs have proven to be helpful in alleviating depression symptoms, they aren’t the end all be all. Some patients experience side effects while others have to try a variety of medications to find one that works the best.
If you want to treat your depression without medication, keep these 4 alternative treatment options in mind and discuss them with your doctor at your next appointment.
Refrigerator water filters enable you to refresh the water in your fridge. The quality of water may drop causing your fridge to smell and you may end up drinking contaminated water. Refrigerator water filters will ensure you have pure water, which will in turn benefit your health. You should set higher standards for your overall health by ensuring you drink purified water.
Check out refrigerator water filters that fit within your budget. You can choose filters with discounts like the whirlpool refrigerator water filter. You will get quality filters at an affordable price. You should choose dealers that have the following:
Dealers who have a collection of brands that are popular due to their durability and efficiency will likely get you a good deal. Brands like Whirlpool and LG are popular and stand the test of time. The filters should meet the standards set by the National Science Foundation for filtering drinking water. You can also get aftermarket filters that cost significantly lower than the real deal but still get the job done.
Due to the existence of top multiple brands with their market aftermaths included, you would love to see a selection of filters with discounts to choose from before you buy. Your refrigerator water filter is an essential requirement the maintenance of your home. You will probably need to replace it after a couple of months and that is why you need to know every possibility that exist in the market for you to find a brand that suits you.
The filter has the responsibility of cleaning your water every day and since water is an everyday necessity, you need to know how long your filter will be able to do the job. This will enable you to determine when to get a new filter and not risk drinking contaminated water from an old filter. The carbon on the filters loses efficiency over time and that is why you need to replace your filters regularly.
Knowing the type of fridge you have will enable you to get a filter that is compatible with your fridge. Not every filter will fit your fridge hence the dealer needs to use their fridge filter finder to match your fridge with a filter. This will guarantee that the filter you get a filter that will work well with your fridge rather than one you will have to return.
After you have checked out the dealer and ensured everything looks good you should establish whether they have a delivery system that works for you. You have already found a filter that is good for your fridge you should subscribe to have it delivered to you a couple of months when the one you have is old. This will save you time and you will also not forget to replace it.
In conclusion, there are so many dealers in refrigerator water filters with amazing discounts and you should find the best fit for you and your budget. Consider the above-mentioned criteria to get yourself a good discount and a filter that will give you value for your money.
The University of Haifa is launching the multiversity revolution and will present the new approach at an Open Day to be held on March 8, 2018, from 4:00 PM, on the university campus. The multiversity approach is based on the belief that the future depends on academic combinations. Tomorrow’s professions require the combination of different fields in order to create holistic and multidisciplinary knowledge, accompanied by practical tools.
As noted, the multiversity approach reflects an assumption that the job market of the future demands multidisciplinary knowledge and a toolbox including broad-based capabilities alongside the specific field of specialization. By way of example: combining law and economics will enable graduates to be more than “just” attorneys and to bring extensive economic knowledge to the field of law. Graduates who combine psychology and economics will be able to use their knowledge of human behavior to enhance their work as economists. Another example of a future profession is based on the combination of cognitive science and information systems. In recent years, researchers have realized that in many cases the human brain acts in a very similar manner to computer networks. Accordingly, knowledge in the field of communication systems acquired in the Department of Information Systems is critical for the field of brain and behavioral research. The reverse is also true: in order to simulate human behavior as closely as possible, programmers need to know what causes human behavior. These are just a few of the countless examples of potential combinations that will be presented in greater detail at the University’s Open Day.
The multiversity revolution also reinforces the importance of the humanities, which provide a vital toolbox that include profound analytical capabilities, diverse perspectives, creativity, and other skills. For example, the combination of innovative technology and the humanities at the University of Haifa is reflected in the field of the digital humanities. Graduates in this field will be equipped with advanced technological capabilities alongside a profound grounding in various aspects of the humanities.
“We need to train people for jobs that don’t exist yet and to prepare them to solve problems using technologies that don’t exist yet,” explains University President Prof. Ron Robin. “This is the greatest challenge facing the academic world in the 21st century. We believe that an essential first step is to start to break down the walls between the different academic disciplines. Our goal is not only to ensure that students learn different fields, but also to provide them with tools to enable them to use each field to benefit the other. This demands cognitive flexibility, creativity, thinking outside the box, and an ability to process data and use them differently in each instance. This toolbox will enable graduates to cope with today’s rapidly-changing world.”
University Rector Prof. Gustavo Mesch was one of the first sociologists in Israel to combine technological aspects in his studies and is now a leading scholar in the sociology of social networks. “For centuries, universities were based on academic disciplines that were like fortresses, each one showing why it was different to the others. Even when students studied into disciplines, the format was of two halves that did not communicate with each other. We are trying to get these ‘halves’ to talk to one another and to form a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts,” he explains.
The open Day at the University of Haifa will be held on Thursday, March 8, in the campus from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
So many tablets and smartphones are released each year and all seem to focus on which have the best camera, the coolest design, the flashiest screen resolution. Yet, what doesn’t seem to get enough attention is which devices have the best battery life? After all, what use is having the flashiest device if it’s always out of battery?
So, w’eve done some digging to pull out those devices you can rely on for a good long gaming session on the move, without being tethered into the wall!
The Asus ZenPad 8 comes with an 8-inch screen, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution and runs on a 1.4GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with 2GB of RAM.
It also features an 8-mega pixel camera on the back with a 2-mega pixel camera to the front for those lengthy video calls.
Powering the device is a 4,000mAh Li-Po battery. Asus claims this to be easily be enough for a good 8 hours usage, by which time its probably time you stretched your legs anyway!
And, if that isn’t enough, Asus also offer a ZenPad power case, which adds a whopping 16 hours battery life to the tablet! Great for any long flights! (We’ve covered some of the best places you can see here).
Huawei are a Chinese brand that have been trying to live up to the bigger players for a while now. They have produced some smart looking tech at a pleasantly affordable price and the MediaPad lives up to this as well. It doesn’t scream sheer power, but it’s a very functional device at price point that makes this perfectly acceptable.
The MediaPad M3 holds an 8 mega pixel camera, running on 4GB of RAM over an octa-core CPU and Hisilicon Kirin 950 chipset. The 8.4 inch screen runs at a high resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels, which was never going to help the length of the battery life. But, thanks to the 5100mAh Li-Po battery should still get a good 7.5 to 8 hours play time, according to TechRadar.com.
The Lenovo Yoga Book is an impressively stylish device. Yet, along with the good looks it packs enough power and charge to be a great on the go productivity device.
The device comes with a stylus, great for sketching, whilst the 8500mAh battery is claimed by Lenovo to give a 12 hour run time from a full charge. Plenty of time to make a start on your masterpiece!
The camera on the Amazon Fire HD 8 isn’t fantastic and it won’t have you playing high powered games. But the Amazon Fire is a reading device and, used as intended, will get you plenty of book time. And, even better, it comes in at a pleasurably low price! You could buy a stack at that rate if you wanted!
The Apple iPad Pro 10.5 inch is by no means cheap! But sure does pack a punch! Its got fast usability you’re used to with a familiarity that allows you to feel right at home straight of the box, whilst the battery will grab you over 10.5 hours of play time! This one takes the cake for us!
In the early days of cloud computing, there were genuine concerns that its implementation with the internet would have huge implications on the world’s carbon emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, some 1.5% of all electricity consumed in the States was due to traditional data centres. This ‘dirty’ energy usage has since been ‘cleaned up’ by many of the world’s leading organisations who have taken all-important steps to move many of their data centres onto renewable energy sources. Global e-commerce giant Amazon vowed in 2014 to operate online using 100% renewable energy.
By the turn of the next decade, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fears carbon emissions produced from traditional data centres will have risen four-fold to 680 million tonnes per year; amounting to more than the American aviation industry. This is a shocking statistic, but an understandable one when you realise just how vital data is to everyday life in the digital age. Therefore, by transferring vast data centres to public cloud providers, organisations can lower their carbon footprint and electricity consumption simultaneously.
A public cloud data centre is normally situated in close proximity to its power source. This is to prevent significant losses of energy when transmitting power over long distances, sometimes even abroad. Cloud computing data centres are also built to utilise less wattage for day-to-day operations, as well as generating backup power.
Of course, with more businesses and organisations operating within the cloud come new challenges in terms of cloud security. A robust cloud security solution is needed to prevent web application attacks and proactively thwart emerging threats. Because of the very nature of the cloud, such solutions need to be scalable and easily managed from a centralis
Drugs are a massive problem in the Middle East, especially in countries such as Iran where heavy opioid can be found. There are many opiate detox centers that will be able to help you overcome your addiction. It is very common for people who are dependent on drugs or alcohol to be apprehensive about checking themselves into a rehab facility. Unfortunately, this fear and lack of understanding of the rehab process prevents many of these people from seeking the treatment they so desperately need. Rehab is nothing to be afraid of. You should take the time to learn what happens in a rehab facility. You can then start to put the pieces of your life back together again by finding a rehab facility that suits your treatment requirements. Here are the things you can expect from the moment you set foot inside of a drug, alcohol or opiate rehab facility.
1. A search will be conducted before you are officially allowed to enter the rehab facility.There are some patients who try to sneak drugs or alcohol into the rehab facility that they are attending. Needless to say, this could create massive problems if they are successful in doing this. Other patients could start using these substances and the entire treatment program could be thrown into chaos. Therefore, your clothing and any bags that you choose to bring with you are all subjected to a thorough search. Any drugs or alcohol that are found will be taken from you.
2. You will be taken to the room you will be sleeping in for the duration of your stay at the rehab facility.
A staff member will escort you to your room where you will be allowed to unpack and get familiar with your surroundings. It should be noted that many rehab facilities have a policy where all patients are required to have a roommate. This is something that some people are not comfortable with. They would much rather have their own room. If you fall into this category, you should confirm the rehab facility’s rules concerning roommates before you decide to receive your treatment there. This will allow you to avoid getting an unpleasant surprise when you are introduced to a roommate you do not want.
3. The next step is the detox process.
People who are suffering from opiate abuse disorder will need to detox before they can officially begin their treatment at the rehab facility. Detox is the most difficult part of going to rehab. This is when many patients experience severe discomfort because they are being deprived of the substances they have become addicted to. This can result in serious medical complications where a patient’s body can begin to shut down. Every rehab facility has a doctor who oversees the detox process. He closely monitors the health of all patients. There are situations when a patient begins to suffer physical problems the doctor cannot treat with the equipment at the rehab facility. The patient will be transported to a hospital immediately if the doctor believes his or her life is in danger.
4. You will be assigned a counselor.
Your counselor is someone who you will confide in during numerous meetings while you are in rehab. In many cases, counselors are former addicts. This person will monitor your progress and give you advice. You will let your counselor know if you are having any problems with treatment or with any of the other patients.
5. Group therapy sessions are great ways to build friendships while you are in rehab.
One of the most popular tools used in rehab facilities is group therapy. These are mandatory sessions where every patient gathers for a therapy that is led by one of the counselors. During these group therapy sessions, patients will tell their stories and reveal the bad choices they made in their life that made them addicted to drugs or alcohol. These sessions are great places to learn about the people you are attending rehab with. Strong friendships that last for the rest of your life are often formed as a result of group therapy.
6. Your loved ones can visit you.
There will be one day set aside when your friends and family will be able to visit you in rehab. The staff will let you know when this day will be after you check in.
7. You will have an aftercare program set up.
Aftercare is essential to maintain your sobriety. You will remain in contact with your counselor once your time at the rehab facility has ended. He will check in with you periodically.
Part III in a series of 4 about cooking and healing with roses. More on eating and edible roses can be found here and here (cooking with fresh roses).
Dried roses preserve the sweet, seductive perfume of the fresh flower, and there are many ways to use them. Pick up a package at a Middle Eastern grocery, or check your local supermarket’s bulk tea section for organic dried rose buds. Then see where inspiration takes you. You might infuse the buds into tea. Or crumble several buds and add them to your next batch of granola. You might even infuse some into vodka.
Rose Petal Tea
Tea, the cup that cheers but does not intoxicate. Nothing can be simpler to make. Add a small handful of dried rose buds to the teapot, along with your favorite loose tea, and allow it to infuse. Strain, sweeten and enjoy. Some recommend combining dried roses with Earl Grey tea and some say that the more delicate flavor of green tea allows the roses to come through. I love the flavor of jasmine green tea with dried roses.
Or you can put a healthy handful of dried rose buds into the tea pot all by themselves, and enjoy a pure rose tea. Don’t expect much pink color, but the fragrance will be divine. Adults appreciate subtle rose bud tea, but it also captures the imagination of children. Drinking roses!
Rose tea soothes jangled nerves and is an excellent hot drink for unwinding in the evening.
Granola With Dried Rose Petals
Ingredients:
4 cups rolled oats
1-1/2 cups wheat germ
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried rose petals
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup sunflower oil
1/4 teaspoon rose water
Combine oats, wheat germ, walnuts, raisins, rose petals and salt in a large bowl.
Melt together the brown sugar, honey, and oil over low heat. When the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is smooth, remove the pan from the heat and add the rose water.
Pour the rose-infused syrup over the dry ingredients, mixing well to cover everything.
Pour the granola onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Bake in a preheated 150°C oven for 30-40 minutes. Stir twice or three times during the baking and check after 30 minutes to make sure the granola isn’t about to burn.
Separate any big lumps and allow the granola to cool completely before storing.
Rose-Infused Vodka
I can’t promise that this won’t intoxicate. Use a good vodka, one you already know and like. No amount of flavoring will disguise the raw taste of cheap booze.
Ingredients:
1 bottle vodka
3-4 tablespoons dried rose petals
Have ready a Mason jar or other airtight glass container.
Measure the vodka. Allow 1 tablespoon dried rose petals per cup of vodka.
Combine the vodka and the rose petals. Stir and cover tightly. Store away from the light for 1 week.
Strain into a clean jar or bottle.
Combine the infused vodka with tonic water or fruit juice for an ethereal cocktail.
View our English, Polish, and Russian fresh rose recipes here. And our Middle-Eastern, Rose-Scented Rice Pudding Recipe is a delicious, exotic dessert you’ll love.
Photo of dried rose buds by Edward Terry via Flickr.
Photo of dried roses in Jerusalem shuk by Mandy Goldberg via Flickr.
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