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21 Apps for Fitness While In Lockdown

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First of all, fitness has never been more important than ever now we’re all in lockdown. So our good friends at Apple have curated a great collection of iPad/iPhone Apps to stay active during this time. Also, Apple Watch also is important during this time as it helps to keep us all meeting our daily goals.

Work Out at Home: 

“You’ll find a great mix of body-weight exercises and workouts that require minimal equipment — with trainers to guide you through the routines. Get moving! Now you have no excuses.” So, explore the full collection here.

 

1.Fiit

So Fiit, lets you take high quality workouts with leading personal trainers on your iPhone or iPad, with the option to connect to your TV. While there are hundreds of home workouts with top personal trainers, all in one place.

2. Wakeout! 

(Andres Canella) – So this was in the App of the Day & Best of 2017 selection: “Having trouble getting out of bed? Feeling lethargic? Furthermore are you stuck in your head? Wakeout’s short, energizing workouts can give you the jolt you need.”

 

 

 

3. Nike Training Club

App Store Editor’s Choice: “Getting in shape can be a challenge, so making exercise fun and engaging is crucial to staying on the right track. This Nike fitness app features a polished collection of visual workouts, hosted by celebrity athletes like Serena Williams. It’s equally effective at home or at the gym. While each lesson can be taken on its own, Nike Training Club also features month-long structured programs that’ll help you achieve even better results.” So, why not try the free fitness videos in categories like “Workouts in Small Spaces.”

 

4. Zova

App Store Editor’s Choice: “This Apple Design Award winner focuses on one thing—fitting short, achievable exercises into every week—and does it really well. The custom-shot videos are presented in a clean, thoughtful interface. So, this impressive fitness trainer really shines on Apple TV by creatively using Siri Remote to make workouts (almost) painless.”

 

5. Aaptiv

#1 Audio Fitness App & App Store Editor’s Choice: “Let’s say you’re doing a treadmill exercise. You know, the kind where you occasionally change the speed and incline. Do you really need a video of someone telling you “it’s time to go faster?” Nah. Aaptiv packs great audio-only classes for all those workouts that just don’t make sense for video. Smart design, great music, and a huge library of classes make even the most hardcore exercises enjoyable.“

6. Centr, by Chris Hemsworth

Whatever your goal, age, sex or fitness level, this app puts the world’s best trainers, chefs and well-being experts in the palm of your hand so you can get it done. And it’s all tailored to you; your goal, fitness level and diet preferences. It’s your PT, dietician, chef and wellness coach all in one.

 

 

7. Jillian Michaels Fitness App

Sweat to the free 7 minute workout or get beach body ready with unlimited access to Jillian Michaels Fitness award winning personalized health and fitness app with the most advanced dynamic workout planner along with diet plans, calorie counter, and weight loss programs in the Jillian Michaels Fitness Advanced Meal Planner System (AMP)!

 

8. Playbook – created by trainers

Playbook is a mobile marketplace where your favorite trainers, social media influencers, and athletes share their real-time workouts. Each trainer/influencer/athlete has their own channel, which allows them to publish their workout programs directly to you in real-time. You only get their 10 latest workouts – it’s always new, but also means you have to keep up!

9. Tone It Up: Workout & Fitness

Whether you exercise at home, head to the gym or are just getting started with a workout routine, Tone It Up is the fitness app for you. Tone It Up offers daily workout and customized workout programs built by top personal trainers for incredible results.

 

10. Seven – 7 Minute Workout

Getting fit has never been this easy – or this much fun. Seven’s workouts are based on scientific studies to provide the maximum benefit in the shortest time possible. With personalized workout plans Seven also makes sure you get the most out of your training. Want to Get Fit, Lose Weight or Get Strong? Just set your goal and fitness level, and let Seven take care of the rest.

11. Fitplan: Gym & Home Workouts

Get top-tier personal training for a fraction of the price with Fitplan. Work out one-on-one with professional athletes Alex Rodriguez, Christian McCaffrey and Ryan Lochte, celebrity trainers Melissa Alcantara, Corey Calliet and Mike O’Hearn, and fitness leaders Jen Selter, Michelle Lewin, Linn Löwes, Jeff Seid and more.

12. Fitbod Gym & Home Workout Log

Get stronger, lose weight or gain muscle mass with Fitbod! When you hit your gym or living room, Fitbod’s innovative training algorithm will guide you through the right sets, reps, and weight to reach your fitness goals.

Yoga

Yoga for Everybody: “Whether your headstand form is impeccable or you’ve never heard the word ‘vinyasa’ there’s a yoga app to suit your needs. We’ve picked out a few of our favourites for all experience levels.” Explore the full collection here.

13. Asana Rebel: Get in Shape

From losing weight to building strength, from high-intensity workouts to moving meditations: each piece of Asana Rebel is meant to fit every goal into your lifestyle.

 

14. Yoga Studio: Mind & Body

App of the Day & App Store Editor’s Choice: “As anyone who has ever worn stretchy pants and nervously wandered into a studio can attest to, yoga involves countless poses across multiple skill levels—some of which can seem frighteningly out of reach. Fortunately, Yoga Studio covers the full gamut with 65 video classes that can be done from the comfort of home. There are general classes for beginners. Prenatal classes for expectant moms. Yoga classes for mental health, yoga classes set to hip-hop, and yoga classes specially designed to combat back pain. There’s even a Desk Series you can do during a break at work.”

 

15. Lotus

App of the Day & App We Love: “Use your newfound body awareness and the Lotus app to create a practice just for you. Set parameters such as preferred style, duration, and level of expertise and the app will customize your sequence.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. SWEAT: Kayla Itsines Fitness

App Store Editor’s Choice: “Yogi Sjana Elise Earp has a 12-week vinyasa-style program in Sweat. Subscribe for access to her class and other video workouts.”

 

 

17. Yoga & Meditation by Glo

Glo is online yoga, Pilates, and meditation designed to help you feel better in body and mind. Practice at home or on the go with the world’s best teachers. Yet, with classes for every life stage, level, and need, we’ll help you create a practice that’s uniquely your own.

 

Fitness Live Apps

Try Live Fitness Apps: “If you have some open floor space (and nonjudgmental roommates), you have everything you need to join these exercise classes, each with a live instructor to motivate you every step, stretch, and spin of the way.” So why not, explore the full collection here.

Weights

18. Peloton — Live workout classes

So, Transform your fitness routine at home, at the gym or on-the-go with live and on-demand classes.

 

 

 

 

19. Tone It Up: Workout & Fitness

Whether you exercise at home, head to the gym or are just getting started with a workout routine, Tone It Up is the fitness app for you. As, Tone It Up offers daily workout and customized workout programs built by top personal trainers for incredible results.

Running

20. Charge Running: Live Coaching

Charge hosts LIVE running classes from the comfort of your own neighborhood or treadmill. While, each live run brings runners from all over the world together in one class where you can run, chat, and compete on our Live Leaderboard for the #1 spot!

 

 

 

 

 

Yoga

21. Yogaia: Yoga & Meditation

Furthermore, download the Yogaia app and experience yoga, meditation, cardio workouts, and strength training right in the convenience of your own home. So why not reach your wellbeing goals with our international team of stellar yoga teachers, mindfulness instructors, and personal trainers.

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2020

How To Prevent Eye Strain During Marathon Gaming Sessions

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After a marathon gaming session, your eyes can get sore and irritated and some people even get headaches. There are a lot of people out there that will tell you that means you’re gaming too much and you should try to cut back a bit. But if you’re an avid gamer, you probably don’t want to do that, and when you get immersed in your favorite gaming world, the hours can easily slip by without you noticing. The good news is, you can have the best of both worlds because there are ways to prevent eye strain when you are gaming, even for long sessions. These are some of the best ways to prevent eye strain while you game. 

The 20/20/20 Rule

The 20/20/20 rule is something that office workers use a lot, but it is also useful for gamers. Every 20 minutes, you should take a 20 second break from the screen and look at something that is around 20 feet away. This helps to refocus your eyes on something more distant and it can really help with eye strain. You don’t need to stick to it exactly, but you should pause the game every now and again to take a short break. If you are gaming online, you can look away from the screen between matches. 

Blue Light Blockers 

Eye strain is caused mainly by the blue light from the screen, and it is this blue light that also makes it difficult for people to get to sleep because it suppresses production of sleep hormones. You can get some great blue light blocker glasses that solve this issue. They will reduce eye strain when you are playing a marathon session, and after you eventually decide to switch off and go to bed, you will find it a lot easier to go to sleep. 

Get The Lighting Right 

Lighting is so important when you are gaming and if you get the lighting setup wrong, it will make eye strain a lot worse. You need the room to be evenly lit and avoid putting any light sources directly behind the screen. You should also avoid light that points directly at the screen because this will increase screen glare and eye strain a lot. Fluorescent lights should be avoided as well. As long as you play in a bright, evenly lit room, you can reduce eye strain a lot. 

Remember To Blink 

You might laugh at this suggestion but it’s important. When you play games, your eyes focus intensely on the screen and you do not blink as much as you normally would. This causes your eyes to dry out and get irritated and sore. It is difficult to control your blinking because it is an unconscious reaction, but you need to make an effort to ensure that you are blinking enough when you play games. 

 

If you try these simple tips, you can reduce eye strain a lot when you are gaming. However, if you still find that it is a problem, maybe you should try to shorten those big gaming marathons just a little bit. 

Coronavirus

Coronavirus Safety Tips

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Coronavirus Safety is a very important thing, so we had a look around the net and compiled the best practices for you to best look after your health!

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?

Regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. 

Stand 1 meter away from anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. (WHO)

Coronavirus Safety: Protection measures for everyone

While chances of infection are low, stay aware of the latest information on on the WHO website and via news outlets. 

COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China and some outbreaks in other countries (such as Italy)

Most people who become infected will experience mild illness and recover but will be more severe for others. So to protect yourself and those around you:

  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

  • Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

  • Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

Coronavirus Safety: Protection measures for everyone cont.

  • Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

  • Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

  • Follow the guidance outlined above. (Protection measures for everyone)
  • Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. 

Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

  • If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. 

Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?

No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, which COVID-19 is, they only work on bacterial infections. 

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

If you do not have any respiratory symptoms (cough) you do not need to wear a mask. WHO suggest the use of masks for those who have symptoms (Coughs/Fevers) 

While the use of masks is crucial for health workers and those who are taking care of someone, such as those living at home with you if you are infected. 

WHO advises rational use of medical masks to prevent wastage of resources. 

Coronavirus Safety: How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

It is not known how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces. However it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. 

Other coronaviruses last on surfaces for a few hours up to a several days, depending on conditions such as type of surface, temperature and humidity of the environment.

Use simple disinfectant to kill the virus if you think a surface has become infected. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soapy water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Coronavirus Safety: Is there anything I should not do?

The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful:

  • Smoking
  • Taking traditional herbal remedies
  • Wearing multiple masks
  • Taking self-medication such as antibiotics  

Sources:

Aljazeera 1 / 2

World Health Organization 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

BBC

The Guardian

UK GOV Website

CDC Gov Website

The independent

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Coronavirus: The Truth

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Coronavirus is the name given to the family of viruses that causes illness in humans and animals. They can cause the common cold or more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

Coronaviruses originally only transmitted between animals and humans. Such as SARS which was transmitted from civet cats to humans 

The coronavirus that’s currently making people sick is coronavirus disease COVID-19. It is a new strain which hasn’t been identified in humans before. Not much is known about it. However human to human transmission has been confirmed.

Where did the virus originate?

Chinese health authorities are yet to determine where the virus came from. However they say it most likely came from a seafood market in Wihan where wildlife has been traded illegally. 

While on February 7th researchers have suggested that the virus could’ve spread via illegally trafficked infected t. Pangolins are prized in Asia for food and medicine. However, Scientists have pointed to either bats or snakes as the source. 

What are the symptoms

The signs of infection are respiratory symptoms fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. 

While most common symptoms of Coronavirus are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Others may experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms however are usually mild and begin gradually. 

Furthermore some people may be infected and not even know it as some don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. 

About 80% of people infected will recover from COVOD-19 without needing special treatment. 1 out of 19 will become seriously ill and have trouble breathing. 

Older people, especially those with underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. 

People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The disease is spread from person to person via small droplets from the nose or mouth when an infected person coughs or exhales. Droplets will then land on objects and surfaces around the infected person. Others will then touch surfaces or objects and then touch their eyes nose or mouth. Which will then lead to infection. You may also become infected if you breathe in droplets from an infected person. It is advisable to stand more than 1 meter (3ft) away from a person who is sick.

Is COVID-19 the same as SARS?

SARS and COVID-19 are related genetically but are different. SARS is more deadly and less infectious than COVID-19. There has been no outbreaks of SARS anywhere in the world since 2003.

What is being done to stop it from spreading?

Scientists are racing to develop a vaccine, but warned that it won’t be available until 2021. 

Chinese officials have sealed off Wuhan and placed restrictions on travel to and from several cities, affecting 60M people.

Many airlines have cancelled flights to china and some countries have banned Chinese citizens from entering their territories. 

Italy has its own red zones and have sealed off small towns in northern Italy.

Is this a global emergency?

Yes. The WHO have declared it a global health emergency as of Jan 30th. The decision was made to declare it one was after the confirmation of the first cases of human to human transmission outside of China. 

This alert is to call other countries around the world to co-ordinate a response to Coronavirus under the guidance of the United Nations health agency.

Since the declaration was formalised there’s been 5 global health emergencies since 2005: swine flu in 2009, polio in 2014, Ebola in 2014, Zika in 2016 and Ebola again in 2019.

What’s the risk for people like me?

Those more likely to die if infected are: the elderly, the unwell and, maybe, men.

After an analysis of more than 44,000 cases in China the death rate for the very elderly to the middle aged was 10x! 

The death rate was the lowest for the under 30’s with 8 deaths in the 4,500 cases. 

While, the death rate for those with an underlying health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or breathing problems was 5 times more common. 

It’s also slightly higher for men than women. 

While some analysis has been made all of the factors interact with each other and there isn’t a complete picture of the risk for every type of person in every location. 

What’s the risk for people where I live?

The risks for the elderly in China will be very different to the risks for the elderly in Europe or China. Your prognosis also depends on the treatment you get. It also depends on what type of treatment is available at the stage of the epidemic you get infected. 

If the epidemic gets worse, healthcare systems could get swamped making it harder for you to get treatment. 

Current estimates of the incubation period range from 1 to 14 days. 

Incubation period: the amount of time between infection and the onset of symptoms.

However, most people who are infected will show symptoms within 5 to 6 days. 

Where have cases been reported?

Most cases (More than 95%) are in China, the most of which are in the Hubei province. 

Deaths have also been confirmed in: Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, France, Taiwan, South Korea, Italy and Iran.

Infections have now been confirmed in every continent except Antarctica; many countries in the Asia-Pacific region as well as in Europe, North & South America, the Middle East and Africa, Australia.

Majority of infections outside of China are the result of those who have travelled to China. Instances of  human-to-human transmission have been recorded in several countries 

How likely am I to catch COVID-19?

It all depends on where you live and where you’ve travelled recently. 

The risk of infection is higher in areas where a number people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. 

For people outside of China, the risk of getting infected with Coronavirus is currently low. However it is best practice to be aware of the situation and preparedness in your area. 

 

Sources

Aljazeera 1 / 2

World Health Organization 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

BBC

The Guardian

UK GOV Website

CDC Gov Website

The independent

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Coronavirus: Fact or Fiction

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There’s a lot of different info about Coronavirus COVID-19. So we thought we’d throw together some quick facts we’ve managed to source;

  • As of 29 February at 9am, a total of 10,483 people have been tested in the UK, of which 10,460 were confirmed negative and 23 positive.
  • The number of cases have climbed to over 83,000 globally Friday. Nearly 3,000 people have died from the virus. 
  • The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from low to moderate. 
  • The UK is now one of the first countries outside China to have a prototype specific laboratory test for this new disease. 
  • The name coronavirus comes from the Latin word corona, meaning crown or halo. Under an electron microscope, the image of the virus looks like a solar corona.

FICTION

CLAIM – Corona is Reporting over 100 million loss in sales since the epidemic started due to fears of getting the virus from Corona beer. 

 

TRUTH – No you can’t

 

The company that owns Corona beer (Anheuser-Busch, also own Budweiser/Stella Artois/Beck’s) is facing its worst quarter in 10 years following the coronavirus outbreak.

During the last two months since coronavirus has been spreading, the company has suffered a $170m (£132m) loss in of earnings in China. This comes during a lunar new year, where sales were expected to be up. Such a loss has affected the chief executives bonus. There’s a forecast of one of the steepest declines in quarterly profits. 

The company believe this is due to people in China not wanting to go out to avoid catching COVID-19. With many bars and restaurants being forced to close due to the lack of people in public.

CEO Carlos Brito told CNBC: “

“Our business is all about going to restaurants, to nightlife, going out with friends, it’s really about to go back to normal, we’re preparing for the surge when things return to normal.

As we look to the future, we are determined to lead growth through consumer-centricity, operational excellence and innovation….our performance in 2019 was below our expectations, and we are not satisfied with these results.”

A survey undertaken by 5W Public Relations said that 38% of Americans wouldn’t buy Corona “under any circumstances” due to COVID-19. 14% also say they wouldn’t order a Corona in public. 5W Public Relations were polling from 737 beer drinkers in the US.

Another survey by YouGov found consumers’ intent to purchase Corona has fallen to its lowest level in two years

Furthermore searches for “corona beer virus” spiked in early February! However they have since declined.

Constellation Brands’ stock dropped 4% on Friday and 8% Thursday. However, the entire stock market has fallen sharply recently due to the uncertainty around COVID-19. 

CLAIM – You can get it from packages from China

TRUTH – No, you can’t

It is still safe to get packages from China

The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. 

You can catch Corona COVID-19 from your pet

TRUTH –  NO YOU CAN’T

There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19

Wired – Reports that a dog in Hong Kong that had tested “weak positive” for the coronavirus provoked breathless newspaper headlines that pets could carry Covid-19. But there is no evidence that dogs or any pet can become sick with Covid-19 and it may well be that the dog that tested positive for the virus had simply picked up the virus from a contaminated virus.

Claim: ‘Face masks stop Coronavirus”

 

TRUTH – They do not stop Coronavirus

 

You can still get sick if you wear a mask. Viruses will still transmit through eyes and tiny viral particles, known as aerosols. These can still penetrate masks. 

Masks are effective at capturing droplets. If you are likely to be in contact with an infected person, mask cuts the chances of the disease being passed on. Walking around town and not in close contact with others, wearing a mask will not make a difference. 

Claim: ‘It only kills the elderly, so younger people can relax’

 

TRUTH – NO – (Kinda) Explanation below

 

Most people who aren’t elderly and don’t have an underlying health condition will not get critically ill from COVID-19. However, the illness still has a higher chance of leading to more serious respiratory symptoms than the regular seasonal flu. Others such as health workers are more vulnerable due to being around the infected. 

Young, healthy people’s actions including reporting symptoms and self isolation will have an important role in protecting the most vulnerable. 

Even if you’re young and healthy, you still need to stay away from the most vulnerable to reduce the risk of spreading the disease on. 

This is just us thinking here but, if you are young and have an underlying health condition such as asthma – could you potentially still be at risk of getting seriously ill? Check with your local GP if you are worried! 

Claim: ‘You need to be with an infected person for 10 minutes to get infected’

 

TRUTH – NO, it doesn’t matter how long you are around someone who is infected

 

You can actually catch it from shorter interactions and from surface contamination.

For flu, some hospital guidelines will define exposure as being around an infected person who sneezes/coughs for ten minutes or longer and within 6ft. Though it is still possible to be contaminated from shorter interactions by simply touching an infected surface and then touching your nose, eyes or face. Though contaminated surfaces are known to be a less common transmission route. 

Claim: ‘It is no more dangerous than winter flu’

 

TRUTH: NO – Kinda.  There’s loads of factors that contribute – See below

 

Most people who get coronavirus will experience nothing worse than season flu like symptoms. However, the overall profile of the disease, including the mortality rate, looks much more serious than the seasonal flu. 

At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the mortality rate may have been an overestimate if a lot of mild cases are missed. However a WHO expert squashed this, Bruce Aylward, who led an international mission to China to learn about COVID-19, said the evidence did not suggest that we were only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Further testing could mean current estimates of a 1% mortality rate could be accurate. Making COVID-19 TEN TIMES more deadly than the season flu. Which estimates suggest that it kills 290,000 to 650,000 people a year globally. 

Claim: ‘If a pandemic is declared, there is nothing more we can do to stop the spread’

TRUTH: NOT TRUE 

 

 

Pandemic = a worldwide spread of a new disease. 

However the exact threshold of declaring a pandemic is vague. While actions being taken would not change whether or not a pandemic is declared. 

Containment measures are not simply about eliminating the disease altogether. It’s about focusing on reducing the ‘peak’ or an onset of an outbreak. Keeping the numbers infected low to allow health systems ro cope with a sudden influx of patients. 

Hand Sanitizer will protect you

 

TRUTH: KINDA (see below)

Hand Sanitizer eliminates bacteria, Coronavirus is a Virus

 

HOWEVER – You can use hand sanitiser that is alcohol in it and has at least 60% alcohol in it (CDC.Gov)  kills virus

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Sources:

Aljazeera 1 / 2

World Health Organization 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

CNN

BBC

The Guardian

UK GOV Website

CDC Gov Website

The independent

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Self Lubricating Condom?!

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A Self Lubricating Condom. They’re a thing now. They’ve come a long way since using livestock intestines. Condoms can come ribbed for the lady in your life. They can even glow in the dark. Also, they can come with self-warming abilities. But now they can also self lubricate!

The Bill and Melinda Gate’s Foundation’s ran a competition to build a better condom. Well boy did they. A research team have created a condom which gets slippery when wet. A specially-designed layer of hydrophilic polymers coats the condom’s surface. Which when activated with moisture becomes slick. (How many of you cringed at the word ‘moist’ there?

Some condoms already have lubricant applied to it but it wears off during sex. This special condom never runs out! (Well it has a 1,000 thrust limit, while the study says typical intercourse is anywhere between 100-500 thrusts) Say that’s a thrust per second, that’s 16minutes plus of straight thrusting before the lubricant where’s off. Jeez! The researchers were awarded a cool $100,000 grant for their research.

The study, published in the Royal Society Open journal, outlines how they created this special rubber. It assessed “frictional performance” against a variety of different lubricated and non lubricared condoms. Using a machine not humans you dirty lot you!

Though they did use touch tests with human participants to determine how they perceived slipperiness. (You would think during sex, not just how slippery the rubber is)

73% of the 33 who participated, said they preferred the new condom design. They also said they’d be more likely to use a condom if it was inherently slippery. While those who never used condoms stated they’d consider using one if this special self lubricating condom existed.

(VICE)

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Domestic Robots – Do YOU trust them?

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7 in 10 Americans would totally trust a domestic robot to do their chores, according to Yahoo.

Yet, what about Brits? How do we feel about domestic robots?  

(A domestic Robot is an autonomous Robot that is primarily used for household chores)

Specops Software wanted to find out how we Brits felt about robots doing chores so surveyed 2,424 British consumers. They found out something quite the opposite to our American counterparts.

The survey consisted of the questions based on the characteristics of domestic robots. Specops wanted to identify the elements British people believe would make “ideal” robot for the home.

Some of their findings included:

  • 61% of people do not want domestic robots to read emotion
  • 88% of Brits would like the ability to modify their domestic robot
  • 39% of Brits would be likely to purchase a domestic robot, if available now
  • 82% of people would prefer a domestic robot with gender neutral characteristics
  • 82% of people do not want domestic robots to have access to personal, private data

So it looked like us Brits don’t like the idea of Robots doing our chores for us! With many of the statistics being based around privacy based concerns such as reading emotion and access to private personal data.

So, 77% of Brits do not want human-like robots in the home and: 

  • 61% of people do not want domestic robots to read emotion
  • 88% of Brits would like the ability to modify their domestic robot
  • 39% of Brits would be likely to purchase a domestic robot, if available now
  • 82% of people would prefer a domestic robot with gender neutral characteristics
  • 82% of people do not want domestic robots to have access to personal, private data

Domestic Robots Emotion

The most interesting statistic that Specops found was that 39% of Brits agree that it would be an asset for domestic robots to be able to read emotion. With the most favourable emotions ranking as most favourable to be read:

  1. Stress (60%)
  2. Fear (40%)
  3. Happiness (40%)

Functionality wise, 59% of Brits would like domestic robots to memorise what they see and do. While 41% would prefer robots forgot what they see and did instantly.

Aesthetics

But how do we want our robots to look? Well us Brits want domestic robots to look:

  1. Mechanical (65%)
  2. Be neutral in colour (53%)
  3. Have round, soft edges (29%)
  4. Be small and compact (53%)

While, a whopping 82% of people surveyed would like a domestic robot to have gender neutral characteristics (male 6% / female 12%)

We would also like to be able to modify the domestic robot if it were to exist (88%) most favourable modifications:

  • Ability to change its voice or noises (100%)
  •  Wipe its memory instantly (87%)
  • Download apps to increase its knowledge and performance (80%)
  • Extend or add different parts (60%)
  • Change its “skin” / outer casing (27%)
  • Zap or radiate when touched by something unknown (7%)

82% of us believe that the most effective use for a Robot is for security and surveillance.

Cleaning and use as a personal assistant came in a close second at 76%. Entertainment ranked 3rd at 65%, Cooking 53% in at 4th, companionship ranked 5th at 35%, furthermore guidance and advice 6th at  24%, healthcare  7th at 18% and Childcare came last at 6%


(Specops Software)

 

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ili Laptop Stand

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We been trying out this super cool sustainable laptop stand called ili. It’s really cool and to our surprise, really functional as it folds down for easy transportation!
Now Laptops allow us to work freely but can be blamed for work related back, neck and shoulder issues. The ili Laptop stand is one way in which you can prevent those sorts of aches and pains! By simply placing the laptop at eye level and using a separate keyboard and mouse!

Lightweight

So as laptops are quick and easy to move about, you got to have a quick and easy laptop stand right? Of course you do! That’s where the ili comes in. It is light portable, easy to assemble and packs really small!

It will elevate your laptop to eye level and the unique design will allow you to place your keyboard underneath the laptop itself. Giving you a clear view of both whilst bringing you closer to the screen. Therefore preventing lean and any back issues!

ili Laptop Screen, Bonuses!

With the ili Laptop stand you can even stand up to work, just simply tilt your screen back. Better yet, when used like this, there’s no need for a separate keyboard and mouse!
You will hear your speakers better when using the ili laptop stand & as the microphone is at eye level (and thus voice level) you will be able to talk to people better on Skype! It will even look more natural if you are video calling!
You may even see an increase in productivity with stands like the ili laptop stand! Better yet, you can be even more productive as the airflow underneath the laptop is increased. Therefore allowing for natural cooling and ventilation!

Purchase an ili Laptop Stand by clicking here!

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Vari Pro Plus 36 – To Benefit Don’t Sit!

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We sit at a desk on an average day up to 19.5hrs. That’s just an average day too! This seems like a lot, but when you break it up, it shows how easy time can add up! All this time you’re usually sitting down too! The Vari can help with this!

This is how an average day looks like for the average worker:

  • 1.5 Hours Sat commuting via Car, Train or Bus.
  • 8 Hours Sat in the office chair.
  • 2 Hours Sat eating dinner and watching TV after work.
  • 8 hours Laying Down Sleeping,

As you can see it can seem quite sedentary. Leaving most of us with only 4.5hrs each day of potential movement. This isn’t great for your health! Your working day is often strict and structured in routine. Therefore the only way to gain movement is through changing work habits.

You could change meetings to be held standing only. This means it’ll be quicker and you’ll feel more focused due to increased blood flow. Amplified circulation to your brain will make you feel sharper!

Another easy change would be to incorporate standing desks. Rotating time between sitting and standing all throughout your working day. Standing for 4hrs per day has a number of benefits such as burning 50 calories extra per hour. Consequently this equates to 200 per day or 1,000 per week. Which is 48,000 calories per year! (48 wk’s per year)

48,000 calories = running 18.71 marathons.

Using a standing desk has many more benefits including:

  • Lowering the chance of cardiovascular disease.
  • Reducing and preventing lower back pain.
  • Improving productivity by 48%.
  • Reducing blood sugar levels by up to 43% after lunch.

Vari

Vari are at the top of their game, with a choice of desks for every set-up. Such as sit-stand converters such as the Pro Plus 30, 36 and 48.

What is a sit-stand converter, I hear you ask. Well it’s simply a device that sits atop of your existing desk and will make a regular desk a standing desk. Simple! No need to buy big expensive standing desks when you can already use your own. Now you have no excuses!

VariDesk Cube Corner

The Vari Pro Plus 30, 36 & 48 range from £275 to £425 by clicking here!

No space because you’re in a corner? No Problem!

Vari also offer corner desks, such as the Cube Corner 36.  Again just simply sit atop of your current desk. Then you’ll have a standing desk!

VariDesk Cube Corner

The Cube Corner 36 costs £425 is available by clicking here!

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Having a baby is a really bad for you.

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A study that was published in the journal called Demography suggests that being a new parent could make you miserable and could potentially be the worse thing to happen to you. It was undertaken by demographer Rachel Margolis and called “Parental Well-Being Surrounding First Birth as a Determinant of Further Parity Progression” The study was carried out in Germany.

Categories

The study was complied to figure out the difference between the number of children that parent’s want vs the number of children that they actually have. German people say on average that they want two kids and end up have one and a half. Therefore you could state that German parents ideally want two but change their mind after the first. The study alleges that a “drop in well-being surrounding first birth,” also known as “unhappiness.”

The data was complied over a period of years. Asking them over a course of years about their “overall well-being”. The total number of years was 5 encompassing three years prior to the birth of their 1st child and 2 years after. Though they weren’t asked about parenting directly.

The study alleges alarmingly, that the unhappiness didn’t set in to the first and second year of a childs life.

The Washington Post also have highlighted studies where people are asked about thier happiness during a life event. This time on a scale of 1-10. Vice are reporting that an average of 0.6 decline in happiness after a divorce. A 1 point decline in experiencing unemployment or death of a spouse. A birth of a first child. An average decline of 1.6.

What did the study look at?

The study looked at a total of three categories of unhappiness. 2 categories included things like troubles conceiving, being pregnant and giving birth, fertility problems and puking. The other category looked at “continuous and intense nature of childrearing in the first year,” which includes things like “depression, domestic isolation, and relationship breakdown.”

While this may be alarming, the study does note that further research is needed to “address the ways in which parenting experiences throughout the life course affect fertility behavior upward or downward.”

They don’t look at other aspects of being a parent such as the strains of a parent on an elementary school student or an adult.

(Vice)

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