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Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Winter is a depressing time, the weather is gloomy, the sun isn’t blazing and you haven’t been outside in a while, no wonder you are feeling depressed. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a serious and real medical problem. It affects millions of Americans this time of year and the symptoms can be confusing and easily misread, so pay attention and get happy people, spring is almost here.

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Winter is a depressing time, the weather is gloomy, the sun isn’t blazing and you haven’t been outside in a while, no wonder you are feeling depressed. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a serious and real medical problem. It affects millions of Americans this time of year and the symptoms can be confusing and easily misread, so pay attention and get happy people, spring is almost here.

SAD is a collection of feelings associated with winter weather and the absence of Vitamin D in your body. When it’s constantly dark outside during the winter, your body over produces melatonin, which is the body’s natural relaxer and sleep inducer. This over production happens when the body thinks its nighttime and wants to sleep. Making you feel tired and constantly wanting to curl up in bed can trick the brain into being depressed. Furthermore, sunlight gives your body vitamin D which helps regulate serotonin. Serotonin is the compound that is responsible for making you happy, get it, less serotonin equals less smiles.

Women are also much more likely to get SAD then men, because of their high levels of estrogen.

How do you know if you have SAD? Use history to see if your depression is seasonal or year round. Do you find yourself feeling down in the fall and happy again in the spring? Chances are you have SAD. Here are some warning signs that you may be getting Seasonal Affective Disorder.

 

Weight Gain

You crave starchy foods and sweets and can’t satisfy your urges. These types of foods indirectly boost serotonin production. These “happy” foods will pack on the pounds and indirectly make you happy for short terms. Eating these foods make you happy so you continue to do so and that’s how we add weight in the winter without noticing.   You may have thought it was holiday weight but instead you could have SAD.

 

Irritability

You find yourself getting angry at the drop of a pin and that isn’t the normal you. If you find yourself super irritable and angry during the winter, you may have SAD. If you notice these mood swings try and get some vitamin D in your system. Sunlight or vitamins, either way will help your disposition.

 

Aches

Some people with SAD feel like they are sick all the time or just plain sore. Our body will have these odd feelings because of the lack of vitamin D or the excess amounts of melatonin. If you are sore for no reason, it may be the Sad talking.

 

Like a moth to flame

If you find yourself meandering around bright lights like in super markets or greenhouses, you may have SAD. Searching out sources of light and vitamin D subconsciously is a sign you need light in your life. Wintertime brings on less sunlight and dreary days, so maybe take a vacation to the sun if you can, if not, go tanning. Fake tanning adds precious vitamin d and regulates melatonin release.

 

Trouble concentrating

Have you ever slept for 8 hours but still wake up tired in the winter? This could be SAD. If your brain seems to drift off and you are well rested, it may be SAD.

 

If you have any of these symptoms in the winter, SAD may be affecting your life. Try and get some sun, real or artificial, this added vitamin D will help. Your best bet is to take a weekend getaway to somewhere sunny. You can always find cheap flights to Florida or Arizona in the winter, so spread your wings and visit some sun to get rid of that Seasonal Affective Disorder.

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Beauty

Harmonizing Nature’s Influence: Bionassay’s Biotechnological Innovations for Skincare

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In the skincare domain, the fusion of botanicals and scientific advancements has led to groundbreaking discoveries, revolutionizing the quest for healthy and sustainable skin solutions. Bionassay, a skincare brand dedicated to excellence, stands as a pioneer in this movement, harnessing biotechnology’s potential to craft products that foster skin health while minimizing environmental impact.

Biotechnology’s role in skincare extends far beyond mere product effectiveness; it holds promise for sustainability. By employing innovative methods, biotechnology offers a more eco-friendly approach to ingredient production, reducing waste and conserving natural resources. At Bionassay, we deeply value sustainability and strive to integrate it into every facet of our operations.

Our commitment to sustainability resonates in our ingredient selection. Through the synergy of nature and cutting-edge biotechnological processes, we formulate potent and environmentally conscious skincare solutions. Consider salicylic acid, a potent compound traditionally sourced from aspirin. Thanks to biotechnological advancements, we can now sustainably synthesize salicylic acid from Wintergreen. This compound not only exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells, but also boasts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In our Neige Éternelle cream, Wintergreen extract revitalizes the epidermis and unclogs pores, revealing a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Likewise, hyaluronic acid, renowned for its skin-plumping properties, is sustainably sourced from chicory root. Found in our Perle D’Eau and Éclat de Lait formulations, chicory root extract serves as a biomimetic activator of hyaluronic acid synthesis. Post-application, it aids the skin in producing hyaluronic acid beneath the surface, ensuring optimal hydration and a rejuvenated appearance.

At Bionassay, transparency and accountability are paramount. Our products bear the Leaping Bunny certification, and we refrain from testing on animals. Moreover, all our ingredients are traceable to their source, guaranteeing fair working conditions and the efficacy of our formulations.

In essence, the integration of biotechnology in skincare signifies a significant stride towards sustainability. By embracing nature’s bounty and cutting-edge science, Bionassay is steadfast in providing skincare solutions that not only deliver remarkable results but also contribute to a greener future for our planet.

Discover Bionassay’s array of sustainable skincare products here.

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Business

Is Cloud Storage Secure? Your Guide to Cloud Security

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Cloud storage has emerged as a backbone for data management, providing users with accessible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. However, as reliance on cloud services grows, so does concern over the security of data stored in the cloud. This brings us to the crucial question: Is cloud storage secure?

To demystify cloud security, it’s essential to understand that cloud storage security is a shared responsibility between the cloud service provider (CSP) and the user. Leading CSPs, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), invest heavily in securing their infrastructure. They deploy advanced security measures like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and redundant data storage. However, users also play a key role in implementing security best practices to safeguard their data.

The Reality of Cloud Security

The good news is that cloud storage can be incredibly secure, often more so than traditional on-premise data storage solutions. CSPs leverage economies of scale to implement comprehensive security measures that individual organizations may find cost-prohibitive. These include continuous security monitoring, regular security assessments, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to detect and mitigate threats.

Encryption is one of the fundamental security features offered by CSPs, ensuring that data is unreadable to unauthorized individuals. Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, which means that whether your data is being uploaded to or stored in the cloud, it remains protected. Furthermore, many CSPs utilize encryption keys that give users control over who can decode and access their information.

Addressing Common Cloud Security Concerns

Despite the robust security measures in place, skepticism about cloud security persists, primarily due to high-profile data breaches. However, it’s crucial to note that breaches often result from compromised user credentials or poorly configured cloud resources rather than failures in the CSPs’ security measures.

To address these vulnerabilities, cloud providers offer tools and best practices for users to enhance their security posture. These include:

  • Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): An additional layer of security that requires more than just a password to access your cloud account.
  • Access Management: Tools that allow you to define who has access to specific data within your cloud environment.
  • Regular Security Audits: Features that help you identify security risks in your cloud configuration and take corrective action.

Best Practices for Cloud Storage Security

Users can adopt several best practices to maximize the security of their cloud storage:

  1. Implement Strong Password Policies: Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
  2. Enable MFA: Always activate MFA for an added layer of security.
  3. Educate Users: Train employees on security risks and safe online practices.
  4. Regularly Backup Data: Ensure you have backups of important data, not just in the cloud but also offline.
  5. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with your CSP’s latest security features and recommendations.

Secure Your Data

Is cloud storage secure? Absolutely, but with a caveat. The security of your data in the cloud relies on a partnership between you and your CSP. By choosing a reputable provider and adhering to best practices for data security, you can confidently leverage cloud storage solutions with peace of mind, knowing your data is well-protected. Like any aspect of cybersecurity, vigilance and continuous improvement are key to staying ahead of potential threats.

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Health

3 Asbestos Risks to Know About Before Tackling a DIY Home Reno

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home renovation

While warm weather seasons might be a good time to tackle DIY home improvement projects, you must consider more than the scope of the renovation and the anticipated expense.

Depending on the age of your home, there are potential health risks to be mindful of before getting behind walls, handling insulation, ripping out floor tiles, or doing other things.

Asbestos risks are real. While there wasn’t a total asbestos ban until recently, the Environmental Protection Agency prohibited asbestos use in some new products after 1989. So, a home built before then might have materials containing asbestos. And if the asbestos fibers get into the air and are inhaled by you, your family, or visitors, the long-term consequences could be severe. 

For example, asbestos exposure can lead to a severe form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is rare and aggressive. By the time it’s diagnosed — it can take decades before it develops and causes problems — the cancer is typically at an advanced stage.

So, it makes sense to hire a professional contractor if your home may contain asbestos.

Consider these three things you must know about asbestos. You’ll see why caution is vital when contemplating a DIY home renovation project.

1. All Asbestos Is Dangerous

While some believe that some asbestos is less harmful than others, it’s best to treat all asbestos as detrimental to one’s well-being. And the more asbestos fibers you breathe in, the higher your odds of getting asbestos-related ailments. The problem with undertaking DIY home renovations is that products containing asbestos can, if the products are removed carelessly, release asbestos fibers into the air. So, if you’re ripping out flooring tiles with asbestos and damage the tiles in the process, that’s all it’ll take to potentially release asbestos fibers.

2. You Won’t Immediately Know You’ve Been Exposed

One of the problems with asbestos exposure is that you won’t necessarily know you have been exposed. If working in an environment with materials containing asbestos, you might suspect possible exposure. But if you breathe in asbestos fibers, you won’t experience tell-tale signs. So, your lungs won’t feel irritated, your throat won’t itch, and you won’t cough. 

Asbestos fibers are too small to see with the naked eye, which means you won’t see it in the air. 

Considering that it can take decades between exposure and symptoms, you can appreciate why people with asbestos-related ailments are often surprised by a diagnosis later in life.

If you renovate your basement, bathroom, or some other space without taking proper precautions to prevent asbestos fibers from getting into the air, you could endanger the health of anyone in your home. It’s just that they may not know it until decades later if they get mesothelioma.

3. Asbestos Exposure Can Lead to Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Other Diseases

Lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment caused by breathing in asbestos fibers, are known as dose-related ailments. This means the more asbestos fibers you inhale, the more probable you’ll get one of these two diseases. 

What makes mesothelioma different from lung cancer and asbestosis is that even a relatively small exposure can cause mesothelioma. And exposure can come in different ways. If your loved one works in an environment with asbestos, you might breathe in the fibers if they come home after work and have asbestos fibers on their clothes. So, second-hand exposure is possible.

These are three things to know about asbestos exposure before tackling any home improvement project. While you likely have nothing to worry about if your home was built after 1989, you should exercise caution if you have an older home. It’s a good idea to contact a professional who can give your home a once-over to let you know if there are any asbestos risks.

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