USFDA Advisory Committee Meets to Discuss and Vote on Pfizer Vaccine for Emergency Approval

USFDA Advisory Committee Meets to Discuss and Vote on Pfizer Vaccine for Emergency Approval

With the United Kingdom’s recent rollout of the Pfizer/BionTech Covid-19 vaccine, and Canada expecting to follow suit before the end of December, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will meet today on whether the vaccine should be approved for use in the U.S.

The meeting consists of a panel of outside experts that advises the government. The experts will discuss the efficacy of the vaccine in terms of safety and effectiveness. One of the issues that is likely to be discussed is adverse allergic events and how to address them, after two nurses in the UK had severe allergic reactions to the vaccine.

There also will be a public hearing, followed by a committee discussion and vote.  The meeting is expected to take the entire day.

If the FDA clears the drug for use, the rollout for administration  could come as early next week.

Earth Day 2020

Earth Day 2020

April 22nd marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a day that is celebrated all over the planet. The environmental movement is one of its many successful byproducts.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot share our celebration with the world–at least not physically. This year, events will be digital. The theme is Climate Change, and there will be 24 hours of Earth Day events, including online conversations, calls to action, performances, and video teach-ins. Visit EarthDay.org to find out what’s happening in your area and online.

Trends to Help Keep You Calm for the New Year

Photo by MARK ADRIANE on Unsplash

If you like to stay on top of the latest trends to keep you destressed, then you are going to love what’s in store this Year!

Mediation Apps

Meditation apps are already big and expected to grow even more in 2018.  They provide you with ways to destress and relax. There are apps for all age ranges, beginners to pros, and some will even connect you with a community of other mediators!

Sound Baths

Have you ever heard of a sound bath? Surrounding yourself in sounds, typically while you are lying on a Yoga mat, is what this practice is all about. It allows you to connect with yourself on a deeper level, and heal from the vibrations of the sounds.

Acroyoga

Although it has been around for a few years, acroyoga is on our watch list for 2018. It involves two people working together to combine yoga movements and acrobatics. It requires physical strength, focus, and determination, because you are balancing another individual with your body. Be sure are in good physical condition to try this one. If in doubt, check with your doctor first.

Floatation Therapy

Getting your mind clear and your thoughts straight can be difficult as you rush through your day. Going into a sensory deprivation chamber isn’t realistic for most of us, but floatation therapy is within your reach.  You can calm yourself in a tank of water, be cut off from the typical noises and chaos of the outside world, and heal your mind.

There are options for just about anyone. So make 2018 the year you are going be calmer and healthier!

 

National Vinyl Record Day

Dedicated to the Boomers who know that the good stuff never gets old, and for Millennials who are finding out there were some pretty cool stuff  back-in-the-day for which there are clearly no substitutes– and it’s time to bring them back!
 National Vinyl Record Day is August 12th

The vinyl has made a comeback! You know, the large 12″ disc that looks like your parents version of a CD.  Why not get to know it?  Sony Music Entertainment is reintroducing vinyl records to their product line.  Soon others will follow. And you’ll want to be part of the experience and hear your favorite artists on classic vinyl.

A former musician, I love all kinds of music and I have had the pleasure of experiencing it on its many “devices,” including 8-track tapes, cassettes, CD’s, IPods, and all versions of vinyl–45s, 78s, 12-inch singles and the classic 33-RPM vinyl. I can tell you the sound on vinyl is incredible. If you truly consider yourself a music connoisseur, you’ll want to experience the rich tones vinyl has to offer.

It also does the body and mind good.  Not only will you get the urge to dance, there’s also a lot of research that supports the positive effects of music on our mood, emotion, and general wellness. Admittedly convenient, today’s electronics and computerized devices offer instant gratification.  But there’s something special about having that tactile–that is, physical connection with the music you’re playing. I remember sitting on the floor (when carpet was cool), spreading the albums all around me (in their jacket covers, of course), and reading some pretty interesting content about the artist, their back-up musicians, and the story behind the music, including how it all came together in the studio.  Then I’d pull out those big round discs and clean them with the utmost of care (just like CD’s you don’t want fingerprints to mess with the sound!).  I’d open a nice bottle of wine, slice some havarti, add some sliced veggies, and for the next 2-3 hours (and sometimes well past midnight), I was in 7th heaven.  Occasionally there was a spontaneous date night or an evening reminiscing with the friends, but most of the time it was just me having quality alone time with my music.

Consider adding vinyl records to your repertoire. You can find them at independent retailers, bookstores, and online.You will need a place to store them, of course, like maybe a few milk crates (works great) or shelving. Sounds like a lot of work? Not really–it’s part of the experience. Embrace it and you’ll wonder what took you so long!

 

 

 

 

Total Solar Eclipse and Eye Protection

The astronomical event of the year is almost here.

The total eclipse of the sun takes place on August 21, 2017.

Remember to p rotect your eyes and the eyes of your loved ones.  Make them aware that the sun can damage the eyes.

Make sure you have special glasses to view the eclipse.

Warning: If you intend on taking a picture with your cell phone,  use a solar filter appropriate for use with a camera (check with the manufacturer). Don’t, repeat– do not– attempt to take a picture by holding your cellphone up to the sun!

For info about the total eclipse, visit:

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/

 

 

Have Zucchini? Wanna Giveaway?

Do you have a veggie garden? Growing zucchinis?  Then if your yield is like mine, you have zucchinis coming from everywhere.  Here’s a solution:

August 8 is National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day

So share with the neighbors and maybe give them a couple of recipes, too. Here are a few of my favorites –one for each category.

Except where I got carried away and basically have given you the entire recipe, just check out your favorite cooking site, like Health.com, Food.com, or Allrecipes.com, and find one with the added ingredients that appeal to you.

  • Appetizer:  Baked Zucchini with Parmesan cheese (Try making in an air fryer! Scrummy!)
  • Salad and Soups:  Add raw to salads; slice or cube and add a soup recipe.
  • Meat substitute:  Imitation crab cakes (Yes, that’s what I said, and totally vegan! My secret is a little “Old Bay” Avoid attempting to make the lump crab cake and they’ll turn out fine.)
  • Veggie:  Oh so many to choose from: Sauteed Sliced Zucchini with onions, a little olive oil and Parmesan cheese;  Cubed  with corn, cilantro, a little olive oil and lime; or cut into wedges and grill!
  • Dessert:  Zucchini Bread or Muffins!

Hmm….getting hungry.  What are your favorite zucchini recipes?

Celebrate Earth Day

 

Earth Day is a worldwide event held every year on April 22 in support for environmental protection.

It began in 1970 and is now celebrated in  more than 193 countries.

The environment and  your health are inextricably linked. And like your health, take good care of it, and it will take care of you.

You can show your support for Earth Day and help take care of our environment in any number of ways. For example:

  1. Visit your local farmer’s market. Buy lots of colorful fruits and veggies to make your meals healthier.
  2. Swap out one of your household cleaners for an eco-friendly version. You’ll find many are just as effective and less harmful to yourself and the environment.
  3. Participate in a community garden. If you live in the city and are itching to play in the dirt, look for a community garden and help plant fresh veggies and flowers.  Gardens are sustainable as well as beautiful, and facilitate bee pollination. Working the garden is also a good way to get some outdoor exercise, and you’ll make lots of new friends who share your interest.
  4. Walk more, drive less, and consider public transportation.  Walking is a great exercise and less cars on the road means lower green house gas emissions.

These activities are so easy and simple to adopt, so why not make a commitment to celebrate Earth Day every day!  If everyone adopted  just one of these activities, it truly would make an impact on our world!