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Wildfires’ Lingering Impact on Mental Health

Wildfires pose significant threats to both physical safety and mental well-being, with psychological effects that can persist for years. Dr. Jyoti Mishra, associate director of the UC Climate Change and Mental Health Council and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, emphasizes that the uncertainty of losing one’s home or community during wildfires contributes to increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. 

Research indicates that individuals directly affected by wildfires are more susceptible to mental health issues compared to those in unaffected areas. Dr. Mishra’s studies reveal that the cognitive impact of such trauma can impair concentration, as pervasive threats disrupt focus. 

Exposure to wildfire smoke also correlates with heightened anxiety disorders, particularly among women, girls, and older adults. Dr. Yang Liu, chair of environmental health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, advises minimizing smoke exposure by staying indoors, closing windows, and utilizing HEPA filters to protect both physical and mental health. 

Children are especially vulnerable during wildfires, often feeling helpless amid the chaos. Dr. Sabrina Renteria, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cedars-Sinai, recommends that adults maintain open communication with children, validate their feelings, and re-establish routines to provide stability. She also underscores the importance of adults modeling healthy coping mechanisms, such as engaging in mindfulness exercises and seeking professional help if distress persists. 

Community support plays a crucial role in resilience. Dr. Mishra notes that strong family connections and communal bonds facilitate collective healing, which is essential for long-term recovery from the psychological toll of wildfires. 

As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of wildfires are expected to increase, potentially exposing more individuals to related mental health challenges. Public health officials are urged to prioritize mental health care for those affected, ensuring access to services that promote resilience before, during, and after such disasters. 

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Standing Together in the Wake of Devastation: A Message to Pacific Palisades and Los Angeles

As fires continue to ravage Pacific Palisades and parts of the greater Los Angeles area, the devastation is heartbreaking. Homes have been lost, neighborhoods scorched, and countless lives—human and animal—have been disrupted. Our hearts go out to every individual affected, whether you’ve had to evacuate, lost your home, or are anxiously waiting to see what comes next.

This is a time for our community to come together, united in strength, resilience, and compassion.

The Impact on Us All

These fires serve as a harsh reminder of our vulnerability to nature’s power. Smoke fills our skies, ashes drift over our streets, and the uncertainty weighs heavily on all of us. Yet, amidst this turmoil, stories of courage and hope emerge—from the firefighters on the front lines battling the inferno to neighbors offering shelter and support to those displaced.

Beyond the immediate physical impact, we recognize the emotional toll this takes. Anxiety, grief, and fear are normal responses to such a crisis. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

How We Can Help Each Other

In the face of destruction, kindness is our most potent weapon. Here’s how we can support one another:

1. Open Your Home: If you’re in a safer area, consider offering temporary shelter to friends, family, or neighbors.

2. Donate Essentials: Local shelters and aid organizations need water, food, clothing, and personal care items for evacuees.

3. Support Firefighters: Contributions to organizations providing resources for our brave first responders go a long way.

4. Check on Loved Ones: Reach out to those who may be isolated or particularly vulnerable during this time. A simple call can make a difference.

5. Mental Health Resources: Encourage those struggling emotionally to seek help. Many local organizations offer free or low-cost counseling services.

Looking Forward

Rebuilding after such a calamity will take time, but Los Angeles is no stranger to resilience. As we rise from these ashes, let’s recommit ourselves to protecting our environment. Wildfires are intensified by drought and climate change, and addressing these root causes is essential for the safety of future generations.

Staying Informed

Please continue monitoring updates from local officials regarding evacuation orders and air quality advisories. Trust verified sources, such as the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department and Cal Fire.

Together, as a community, we will endure this tragedy and emerge stronger. To those who have lost so much, know that you are not alone, and support is all around you. Let us be a beacon of hope for one another in this difficult time.

Stay safe, stay strong, and look out for each other.

— David Brady | DavidBradyPhotography.blog

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Save-On-Foods: A Leader in Food Rescue

Save-On-Foods has made significant strides in reducing food waste and ensuring that unsold food is put to good use. Through partnerships with food banks, charities, and farms, the company has been able to divert a substantial amount of food from landfills.

Here's a breakdown of their initiatives:

Food Bank Donations

Millions of Meals Provided: Save-On-Foods has donated enough unsold food to provide over 70 million meals to people in need through food banks and charities across Western Canada.

Prioritizing People: The company recognizes that much of their unsold food is still perfectly edible and can be enjoyed by those who need it most.

Supporting Local Farms

Animal Feed Donations: Unsold food that doesn't meet the company's quality standards or isn't suitable for human consumption is donated to farms. This includes produce trimmings, extra ripe produce, and even flowers.

Supporting Canadian Agriculture: By providing nutritious food for animals, Save-On-Foods is supporting local agriculture and contributing to the overall health of the farming community.

Partnerships for Impact

FoodMesh and Loop: The company collaborates with innovative social enterprises like FoodMesh and Loop to create efficient systems for matching rescued food with local organizations and farms.

Data-Driven Approach: Through these partnerships, Save-On-Foods is able to gather valuable data on unsold food, allowing them to make informed decisions and improve their food rescue efforts.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Ambitious Goals: Save-On-Foods has set ambitious goals to reduce food waste, achieving a 50% reduction by 2019.

Ongoing Efforts: The company continues to strive to divert as much unsold food as possible from landfills, currently keeping over 93% out of the waste stream.

Save-On-Foods is clearly demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. By prioritizing food rescue and supporting local communities, the company is making a positive impact on the environment and the lives of many people.

Visit Save-On-Foods to read more!

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Thank you to everyone who got me to 50 likes!

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Climate Change and Environmental Justice

The Intergenerational Imperative: A Call for Climate Action

The discussions of human dignity and human rights offers a powerful framework for understanding and addressing the pressing challenge of climate change. With emphasis on the inalienable dignity of all individuals, including future generations, we underscore the urgent need for policies that prioritize the well-being of both current and future generations. The principle of intergenerational equity, rooted in the concept of inalienable dignity, demands that we consider the long-term consequences of our actions and take steps to ensure that future generations inherit a habitable planet.

The growing recognition of the urgency of climate change is a significant trend. From the devastating impacts of extreme weather events to the long-term threats of sea-level rise and biodiversity loss, the consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. This recognition has spurred a surge in initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change, including investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency measures, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

However, a significant barrier to effective climate action remains: political polarization. The issue of climate change has become deeply politicized in many countries, with opposing sides often entrenched in their positions. This polarization has made it difficult to achieve consensus on policies that are necessary to address the climate crisis. Additionally, the international nature of climate change requires cooperation among nations, which can be challenging due to differing economic interests and political priorities.

To overcome these barriers and ensure a sustainable future for future generations, it is essential to invest in renewable energy technologies and promote sustainable consumption patterns. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, offer a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. By investing in these technologies, we can reduce our reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Moreover, promoting sustainable consumption patterns, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and choosing sustainable products, can help to reduce our individual carbon footprints and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In addition to these technological and behavioral changes, it is crucial to build consensus on climate change policies at both the national and international levels. This requires fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals. By working together, we can develop and implement ambitious climate policies that are both effective and equitable.

In conclusion, the principle of human dignity and human rights provides a compelling framework for addressing the challenge of climate change. By recognizing the rights of future generations and taking action to ensure their well-being, we can create a sustainable and just future for all. Investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable consumption, and building consensus on climate change policies are essential steps toward achieving this goal.

Here is a picture of a river in the Rocky Mountains flowing clean clear water through a ravine. Let’s hope future generations can enjoy the experience of beautiful nature as we can today, as some of us even take for granted.

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Unmatched Performance and Reliability: Reviewing the SanDisk Extreme PRO microSD Card

https://amzn.to/3T4W16O

In the ever-evolving world of digital storage, the SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB has emerged as a standout solution for those seeking exceptional performance and reliability. With reviews from six prominent online retailers, this high-capacity card has consistently impressed users across a wide range of applications.

Blazing-Fast Speeds for Professionals and Enthusiasts As a professional photographer, John D. from B&H Photo praised the card's UHS-I interface, which ensures blazing-fast transfer speeds to keep up with his "fast-paced shoots." Similarly, TechTitan from Newegg.com noted that the "performance is blazing fast," making it a perfect choice for anyone who needs "high-capacity, high-speed storage."

Reliable Storage for Demanding Applications For those using action cameras and drones, the SanDisk Extreme PRO card has proven its worth. "I bought this SanDisk card for my drone, and it's been a game-changer," said DroneDave from Walmart.com, who praised the "fast read/write speeds" and "perfect" 512 GB capacity for storing aerial footage.

Comprehensive Software Suite for Added Convenience In addition to the impressive hardware, reviewers across the board highlighted the included RescuePRO Deluxe software as a valuable bonus. As Rachel M. from Best Buy.com explained, the software "gives me peace of mind in case I accidentally delete any files," making it a valuable addition to the workflow of professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Unparalleled Versatility and Value Whether used for professional photography, action sports, or drone videography, the SanDisk Extreme PRO microSD card has consistently impressed users with its exceptional performance, reliability, and value. As happybuyer123 from eBay.com summed it up, "Highly recommended for anyone who needs high-capacity, high-speed storage."

With an average rating of 4.7/5 stars across the six websites, the SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB + Adapter & RescuePRO Deluxe has earned its place as a premier storage solution for digital enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its unmatched combination of speed, capacity, and convenience makes it a must-have for anyone seeking top-of-the-line performance in a compact, versatile package.

https://amzn.to/3T4W16O

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Mule Deer doe eating hedges in front of rose bushes! 😂🦌

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Abraham Lake in West Central Alberta, Canada on a fall day in 2019.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

These are females (ewes) browsing on the highway shoulder. There were no rams in this small group, they are still likely in bachelor groups fighting for dominance to see which ones will breed with these ewes.

I’m not an expert but I think their breeding starts in November.

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My lame attempt at sidewalk art

A picture of mountains with a river valley 👍

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Grizzly bear in June eating grasses and herbs. This bear was nearly 10 kms outside the Banff National Park boundary.

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Glacier in Rocky Mountain Foothills is receding in size over time.

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Mountain stream

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Trees in Bowering Park, Saint John's NL, Canada

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Morning walk on the Trail