Take a Break: Tie Dying with Permanent Markers

I have a lot of white cotton masks from the health department, and with the rising cases of Covid, I thought it might be fun to have people tie dye them. 

During our town’s town wide tag sale, I set up a table with lots of sharpies and some rubbing alcohol in a squirt bottle. Adults and kids alike drew designs and then dropped alcohol on them. Some were more generous with the alcohol than others. They were lots of fun. Once they dry, the smell goes away and they can be “set” by being in a dryer for 15 minutes. Launder as usual. 

Some of the markers were dried out, but a few drops of alcohol rejuvenated them, allowing every last drop of ink to be used.  

This is an easy to follow video and shows various ways to use the markers.

 

 

 

Not interested in today’s activities, try the Take a Break Pinterest Board.

 

Life with Chronic Conditions: Be mindful of “greenwashing”

People with chronic health issues are already at higher risk for scammers. “Greenwashing” is yet one more opportunity for someone to make money over those who have little to spare.  While you may not be familiar with this term, you’ll certainly recognize the array of products that indicate they are environmentally friendly because of their use of the words "all-natural," "botanicals," or "eco-friendly." Unfortunately,  such phrases can be misleading, as "green" marketing isn’t regulated. Companies can make untruthful or misleading claims. This is what is known as "greenwashing." 

 The advertisers realize that people want to do the right thing, so they are only too happy to charge higher prices for a product that is advertised as being good for you and the environment when in fact, that’s not the case.

 

Those with chronic conditions are the most likely to be adversely affected by climate change. Many with asthma and lung conditions are having a hard time this summer due to the wild fires. Consequently, the more we can do to make choices that help to create a sustainable world, the better off we’ll all be.  

 

With that in mind, today’s post has been designed to help make the healthier and sustainable choice, the easier choice.  

 

Before spending money on a new product, remember the Yankee adage- “Use it up, wear it out. Make it do or do without”- and ask yourself four questions:

• Is it a want or a need? 

• Can I make it myself? E.g. It’s a lot cheaper and healthier to use baking soda and vinegar to clean your house.

• Can I borrow it?

• Can I buy it used?

 

Do your homework:

• Research companies: Are they actually functioning as advertised?

• Third party certification: One of the most reliable ways to judge a company’s eco-friendliness is to see how it’s been judged by reputable third-party organizations. Check their website or the label of the product itself for green certifications.

-       Energy Star (for energy efficiency)

-       USDA Organic Seal (for organic products)

-       Forest Stewardship Council (for products made from trees in responsibly managed forests)

-        Green Seal (for general sustainability).

-       Fair Trade Certified 

-       RainForest Alliance

-       EWG VERIFIED™ 

-       EPA Safer Choice

-       Designfor the Environment 

-       Ethical Fashion Certifications

 

• Check out the words being used in advertisements. Words like eco-friendly, green, all-natural, earth-friendly, non-toxic, plant-based, plant-derived, pure, raw, healthy, organic (without certification) can be completely meaningless.

 

• Use the Environmental Working Group Guides

-       Skin Deep: Personal Care Products 

-       Baby Products 

-       Dirty Dozen 2021 Guide to Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce 

-       Sunscreen

-       Cleaning products

 

• Other Product Health Guides

-       Healthy Stuff Product Search 

-       Greener Choices 

-       Consumer Reports’ Guide to Food Labels

 

• Cleaning products: These can be particularly concerning for those with asthma, and many other chronic conditions. Such products can contain chemicals that can cause reactions. Green clean using known products such as hydrogen peroxide (for sanitizing, stain removal and bleaching), tea tree oil and water (for mold removal and as a disinfectant), white vinegar (for cleaning glass, counters and tile), and baking soda (for toilets, bathtubs and sinks). These common household items work just as well as the high-end green cleaning products, if not better.

 

• Truth in Advertising published a list of products/Companies on Earth Day 2021 that consumers should be mindful of.  These include Simple Green, Krud Kutter and Method cleaning products, which contain ingredients harmful to people, pets and the environment

 

• Consider the packaging: If it comes in a lot of plastic that can’t be recycled, it’s a problem. Keep in mind that only a small percentage of items that are labeled recycled actually are.

 

• Fashion Sustainability: The clothing industry is one of the worst offenders. For starters, wear clothes for as long as possible. Get tired of them? Host a clothes swap with friends that are sick of their clothes. Shop thrift stores. If clothes no longer fit, donate to a food shelter, thrift store or a recycling center that recycles clothes. Avoid the landfill whenever possible. Some clothing brands to check out

-       The10 Best Eco-Friendly Clothing Brands of 2021

-       Fair Trade and Ethical Clothing Brands 

-       11 Best Affordable Brands for Ethical Fashion on a Budget 

-       41 Most Ethical and Sustainable Clothing Brands from the USA and Canada

 

• When in doubt Google: You’ll see all sorts of products pushed on social media as being “green.” However, search for independent reviews to determine if in fact they are as advertised.

2021 Take a Break: August Holiday Gifts to Start Now- For the Birds

 

Since 2010, the first Wednesday in August is all about making holiday gifts. After this year’s projects, a list of ones from previous years are included.

 

We’re focusing on creating items that help the birds. On cold snowy mornings, it’s enjoyable watching the birds at the feeder, while sipping a cup of something warm. In the spring, it’s fun to see what bird will be building a nest in the bird house my eldest son made in 2^nd grade. So below are a lot of items to start working on now so you'll have them for Holiday giving.

 

Make a birdhouse: SunCather Studios has more than 25 free plans (from beginner upwards) for bird houses. 

 

Make a bird feeder: Check out 14 Easy DIY Winter Bird Feeders. There is one made out of old Legos.

 

Cookies for the birds: Start now checking thrift stores for cookie cutters that would work for this project. It’s best to make these several weeks in advance before you send or give as a gift.  Let these cure in the cookie cutter or other form for 48 hours before you unmold.

 

Pine Cone feeders: These are simple to make. Collect pine cones now and let them “season” dry out so they’ll be perfect for smearing with peanut butter and rolling in birdseed. When it’s closer to the time you want to give them, follow these simple steps:

-       Cut a piece of twine 12-20 inches. Tie around the top of the pine cone. Do this first before apply peanut butter

-       Using a small spatual or butter knife, spread peanut butter over the pine cone. A little goes a long way.

-       Pour birdseed into a bowl and roll the pine cone in the seed and make sure it’s well covered.

-       Wrap in plastic wrap with the twine sticking out before “gift wrapping.”

 

Bird-Friendly Coffee: Drinking shade grown coffee helps to conserve habitat that North American song birds occupy in the winter. Learn more at the Smithsonian’s Bird Friendly Coffee website. You’ll want to purchase coffee in ample time for the holidays, so read up on the lag time you need. Since this can be pretty pricey, organize tins, bags, mugs, and other containers where you can sub divide larger bags. Be sure to include a tag that explains about the importance of purchasing shade grown coffee.

 

Previous Years  August Holiday Gifts to Start Now

• 2010: Candles; Eyeglass case and bookmarks; fabric flower brooch 

 

• 2011: Environmentally friendly cleaning products; Cookie Cutter Fudge; Balloon Candle Holders; Popsicle Bracelts; Frame a game Board 

 

• 2012: Make a variety of items using the sun including sun stencils and art work 

 

• 2013: From fruitcakes to fabric covered canvas

 

• 2014 Infinity scarf,  knife block or stripe, fire starters, flavored syrups, activity books  

 

• 2015 Presents for the gardener in your life

 

• 2016 Bowls

 

• 2017 Jars

 

• 2018 Puzzle Pieces 

 

• 2019 Candles

 

• 2020 Activity Kits

 

 

 

 

Life with Chronic Conditions: What Biles, Phelps and Osaka Can Teach Us

While the current summer games will be forever known as the “Covid Olympics,” The gymnast Simone Biles stepping out of the competition has wiped the daily medal and Covid count off the headlines temporarily.

 

Though Biles is the point person of the hour, two other athletes, Michael Phelps and Naomi Osaka have openly discussed the damage competitive athletics has done to their mental health and well-being.

 

Biles summed it up when she said “I have to put my pride aside. I have to do what’s right for me and focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and my well-being. So that’s why I decided to kind of take a step back. At the end of the day, we’re human too, so we have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”

 

Phelps, the most decorated Olympian ever, has been very open about his issues with mental health and cost of being such a decorated athlete. "Yeah I won a s--t-ton of medals. I had a great career," he said in the documentary “The Weight of Gold. "So what? I thought of myself as 'just a swimmer. Not a human being." 

 

When a chronic condition becomes part of your life, whether as a person living with it and/or being a caregiver, it’s a marathon, not a sprint and it truly can be dehumanizing. Often people so identify with their diagnosis, they will describe themselves by it, e.g. I’m Jane Doe, Parkinson’s patient. We are not a disease any more than Phelps is just a swimmer, Biles is a gymnast or Osaka a tennis player. Being a person comes first as it recognizes your capabilities as well as fears and frailties.

 

Allowing yourself permission to make choices that are in your best interest both mentally and physically is critical.

 

Again and again you’ll hear athletes and coaches saying just “push through” the fear of not living up to expectations, not being good enough, the pain etc. Gymnasts are reared on the Kerri Strug story-the Olympian that vaulted even though she had a broken ankle-thereby ensuring a gold medal for the USA Women’s Gymnastics team. However, while they may know as well the story of the gymnast who landed wrong, and became paralyzed (Elena Mukhina), most Americans do not. It’s an example of how the idea of “taking the risk” and “pushing through” can be very damaging with long lasting effects. Great for Strug but don't forget Mukhina.

 

Yes there are times it’s okay to “push yourself” and it could even be helpful. However, the key is knowing when to stop pushing and step back.

 

People affected by chronic conditions often cope with pain, depression, conflicting knowledge, access to care, communicating with providers, trying to be the “perfect patient,” shame and so forth. "Coaches" aren't standing by helping us recognize that we're taxed to the point we need to step back or make another choice. Knowing the signs of being stressed to the point you may not be making the best choices for yourself is very helpful. These can include:

• Over or under eating or sleeping

• Withdrawing from people and engaging in activities

• Low or no energy

• Unexplained aches and pains, such as constant stomachaches or headaches

• Feeling helpless or hopeless

• Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications

• Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why

• Thoughts of hurting or killing yourself or someone else

• Anxiety dreams

 

Phelps has outlined what has worked for him when he becomes stressed, depressed. In addition, these same techniques improve his mental and physical well-being, reducing the risk of negative feelings.

• Focusing on what can be controlled

• Having a quiet space to retreat to and regroup

• Journaling

• Exercise

• Meditation

• Therapy

 

The over whelming take away from these superior athletes is make the choice that is right for you and ignore the naysayers.

 

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Take a Break: Create a Calming Bottle

These go by many different names, sensory bottles, relaxation jars, meditation jars, time out bottles etc. Regardless, the goal is the same, they encourage the viewer to calm their mind, and focus as the glitter descends. These are helpful to destress at work or anytime you need a “brain break.”

 

The simplest recipe is a jar which you fill with water and glitter. While that works, the “floating effect” lasts a lot longer if you use clear glue. The more glue you add the thicker the water will be. Use a combination of glitter (chunky and super fine) and objects. Note that the heavier the object the quicker they sink.

 

 

Make a jellyfish in a bottle 

 

Not interested in today’s activities, try the Take a Break Pinterest Board.

Life with Chronic Conditions & Covid-19: I’m vaccinated but am I at risk?

Recently two of my sons’ friends, who were fully vaccinated, contracted Covid. They live in New York City and the state of NY recently announced that about 8.7 thousand cases of Covid have occurred in the 11 million people that were vaccinated-basically less than 1%.

 

Since July 1, 127 people connected to the Olympics including athletes, officials and contractors have tested positive. It seems that number is being reported daily along with the medal count. 

 

So what does this mean for those affected by a chronic condition and have been fully vaccinated?

 

Before going over some of the basics, keep in mind that the Olympic athletes are being tested daily and 80% of them are fully vaccinated. That noted, vaccinated athletes, with no symptoms, have tested positive. 

 

Keep in mind that with each passing day, we’re learning more about this virus. In short, what’s posted below is what we know as of July 24, 2021.

 

• The Delta variant of Covid is now the predominant strain and it’s about 60% more contagious than the Alpha version (UK variant) and more likely to cause illness and even death. As infectious disease physician Catherine O’Neal noted at a Louisiana Governor’s press conference, "The delta variant is not last year's virus, and it's become incredibly apparent to healthcare workers that we are dealing with a different beast."

 

• The Delta variant is expected to steadily increase through the summer and fall, peaking in mid-October. Projections from the Covid-19 Scenario Modeling Hub,  a consortium of researchers working in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, offers four scenarios for its projections — varying based on what percent of the population gets vaccinated and how quickly the delta variant spreads.

 

• It spreads faster: While older versions of the virus spread from one person to two or three others, the Delta variant is being spread from one person to six others. Those who are not vaccinated are more likely to develop severe disease doubling the odds for hospitalization and even death.

 

• The primary purpose of the Covid vaccines is to prevent sickness. Vaccines are very effective at preventing death and severe illness from the disease—but they’re not foolproof in preventing infection. They are highly effective but both doses of mRNA (Moderna and Pfizer) vaccines and the one shot of Johnson & Johnson must be given.

• The Covid vaccines are effective against the Delta variant. Data from the United Kingdom show that a single dose of vaccine is only about 31% effective at preventing illness with Delta, and 75% effective at preventing hospitalization.  After two doses, the vaccines are still highly effective — even against Delta — reaching 80% protection for illness, and 94% for hospitalization.

• Vaccine breakthrough cases are expected: No vaccine is 100% effective. Asymptomatic infections among vaccinated people will also occur. According to a CDC report for July 12, 2021, of the hospitalized or fatal vaccine breakthrough cases reported, 75% were 65 or older and 49% were female.

 

• A third/second vaccine for those who are most at risk? The current understanding is that the vaccine efficacy may be decreased for people on immunosuppressant drugs or have a weakened immune system due to disease such as cancer, HIV, an organ transplant or have/had an autoimmune condition. Covid 19 Vaccines and Immunocompromised People: Fully Vaccinated and Not Protected.   Such patients may need second or third doses of a vaccine, depending on which vaccine they received. (The mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech require two doses, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires just one.).

 

Israel has already begun offering a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine to people with weakened immune systems. While the vaccines do still appear to cut the risk of hospitalization and death in immune-compromised people, "clearly there's a gap between those patients and those with normal immune systems," said an occupational medicine expert, Dr. Melanie Swift, co-chair of the Mayo Clinic's Covid-19 Vaccine Allocation and Distribution Workgroup.

 

On July 22, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met to discuss whether a third/second vaccine be given. They will also be discussing whether the general population should receive a booster. The committee is not scheduled to vote on a recommendation about administering additional doses. That could be decided at a later meeting.

 

• Public Health Experts Calling for the Return to Masking: With surging cases during the summer months, considered the “low season” for Covid, flu and colds, public health officials are asking the CDC to reverse their May policy for vaccinated people that stated that masks were  no longer needed for this group . With the slowing down of vaccinations and the increasing cases due to the Delta variant, doctors and public health experts are saying the CDC let up on masking too early.

 

• Protect Yourself: Continue to wear a mask and social distance. Socialize outside as much as possible. Wash hands frequently. Don’t be afraid to ask if people are vaccinated. This is not a HIPAA violation. As we get closer to fall expect to see many more places re instating masking and social distancing requirements. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued new COVID-19 guidelines for schools recently and is  recommending that everyone over age 2 should wear masks, even if they have been vaccinated.  Vax it and Mask it

 

 

 

 

Take a Break: Try the Down Shift Coloring Book

I’ve written a fair amount about the Blues Zones, the place where people live long and productive lives. They recently posted some lovely pages to download and color. Seems like the perfect activity for these hot sticky days. Here’s the link.

 

For something to do with these colored pages, check out a take a break post from several years ago- Make something from Coloring Pages.

 

Not interested in today’s activities, try the Take a Break Pinterest Board.