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Cult of Productivity Is Doing More Harm Than Good

June 29, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Top World Business

Cult of Productivity: Is It Time to Put a Full Stop?

One of the greatest obsessions that we see in modern times is the obsession with productivity. This is an idea that you must always be doing something to produce results. Besides work, there is less meaning and purpose to life. The cult of productivity is pushing this idea to the limits, and the results might not be positive for everyone. Burnouts and disappointment towards work have increased, and in some cases, overwork has also turned out to be fatal.

The cult of productivity seems to have flourished much in the United States. Likewise, the emergence of social media and the Internet has made it easier to convey the message over the last decades. “Hustle culture”, as they call it, is a source of pride for many young people. Life coaches and corporate gurus have been popping up like mushrooms with the golden formula for a productive and prosperous life. Social media influencers bombard their audiences with messages of workaholism. Those who do not sail the seas of productivity feel a sense of guilt of achieving less in life.

Productivity Dates Back Deeper Than You Think

The cult of productivity might be more pronounced in recent times, but the concept dates back hundreds of years ago. Before the industrial revolution, productivity was more focused on agriculture, namely the production and consumption of food. Just before the start of the 19th century, Benjamin Franklin came up with one of the earliest forms of a to-do list. The list contains an allocation of hours for different tasks and the requirements for a good, productive day.

The objective of humanity was shifting from sheer survival to a more meaningful, impact-based life. There was a need for doing something to contribute to society and humanity. After the start of the industrial revolution, there was a great incentive for those who did more in less time. Automation and productive manufacturing processes gave the greatest value to entire economies. Industries became the major source of employment generation and brought in the workforce from agriculture. People working in industries became busier, and scheduling and prioritising tasks became a critical practice.

After the Second World War, the number of women in the workforce started to grow. This means, for women with children, responsibilities grew. When computers became an integral part of human life, much work could be done in less amount of time. Similarly, with the introduction of the Internet, searching for information became quick and easy. As the rate of work was growing, so was the expectations for increased output.

Today, the cult of productivity is backed by the mainstream media and technology. There are hundreds of thousands of applications that can help you schedule and prioritise tasks. Everybody is in the race to achieve as much as possible every day. It is a sin not to be productive.

Doing More Harm Than Good

Although the cult of productivity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, criticisms are starting to pop out. The main argument that is we focus too much on being productive rather than actually accomplishing our goals. On the other hand, we miss out on some of the human elements like socialising and experiencing outside environments. Some of the ways in which the cult of productivity actually leads to counterproductive habits are listed below.

Charging Forward Without a Sense of Direction

The first criticism against the cult of productivity is that it encourages people to charge forward without having a sense of direction. When we focus on just being productive, we prevent ourselves from thinking if our tasks are actually meaningful. Similarly, we lack time to relax and review our goals and make necessary adjustments.

Burnouts

When the desire for extreme productivity goes out of control, it is very easy to get burned out. No matter how hard we work during the day, sometimes the results may not be desirable. Sometimes, it may take months before we figure out something. The cult of productivity does not take this into account. The more sensible thing to do would be to create realistic goals, cancel the outside noise, and relax and review when something does not go as planned.

Missing Out on Learning Experiences

When we put too much focus on being productive, we might miss out on learning experiences. Knowledge and inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes, a breakthrough idea for a seemingly unsolvable problem can appear during travel or vacation, or relaxation. Therefore, we must possess the skill of observation and diversify our ways of learning.

Degraded Physical and Mental Health

One of the worst outcomes of the productivity obsession is that people trade it with their physical and mental health. The promotion of less sleep and more work is a disaster of modern times. Sleep and rest are as much important as hard work. Most importantly, if we degrade our physical and mental health, productivity will actually go down.

Taking Back Control

So, how do we get out of the cult of productivity? It is going to be hard at first, but the following simple steps can boost your journey towards a more fulfilling life.

Cancelling the Outside Noise

The first and foremost step of avoiding the cult of productivity is the cancellation of outside noise. The Internet is littered with messages of extreme productivity to a point where not belonging feels like a sin. Friends, families, influencers, and gurus will tell you that if you do not put on constant work, you cannot expect a better future. However, we must decide ourselves what is better for us. Productivity alone does not guarantee success, especially when it is the most important goal.

Planning and Discipline

Proper planning and discipline are more crucial for achieving your goals. With a proper, realistic plan, you can enjoy little amounts of improvement every day. Most importantly, when things do not go according to plan, you can start all over again the next day. When you have to change the plan, your experience will always be crucial for the next plan.

Prioritising Relaxation and Socializing Opportunities

A work-life balance is crucial for a prosperous and rewarding life. No matter what the gurus tell you, a proper balance will always work out if you have the right goals. Similarly, socialising will help you network with people who share a common interest and vision. This can significantly ease your work and increase your chances of success.

Keep Up With Lifestyle Trends with Top World Business

In this blog, we have learned about the cult of productivity and how it has become an extreme obsession. Similarly, we saw the effect of social media influencers and corporate gurus in accelerating the message of extreme productivity. Then, we turned our attention to the history of productivity from the pre-industrial revolution to what is in existence today. Furthermore, we looked at the reasons why the quest for extreme productivity makes us less productive. Finally, we closed out with the ways of shifting focus from productivity to a work-life balance.

Top World Business is a one-stop place for all the lifestyle news from every corner of the globe. Our aim is to keep you updated on recent and future lifestyle trends so you can make your life more interesting. Contact us if you have any further queries.

Forever Chemicals Widespread in Top Makeup Brands

June 16, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Top World Business

A Harmful Lifestyle: Forever Chemicals Take Over the Makeup Industry

Have you ever used lipstick? Mascara? Or even a foundation? Cosmetics and personal care products make us more confident and outstanding within crowds. Thus, many of us have made them a part of our lifestyle. But what if you found out that these products contain harmful chemicals that could affect us and our environment?

Forever Chemicals: Cosmetics with High-levels of Chemicals

Polyflouroalkyl substances, or simply PFAS, are called “forever chemicals’ ‘ for they don’t break down naturally in our environment. These PFAS chemicals are toxic materials widely used in various cosmetic and personal care products. This has created a long-lasting effect on the American and Canadian environment.

The Environmental Science & Technology published a study where high levels of organic fluorine with over half of 231 makeup and personal care samples showed indicators of PFAS. These chemicals were found in lipsticks (62%), eyeliner, mascara (with 82% of brands tested), foundation (63%), concealer, lip balm, blush, nail polish, and other make-up materials.

What are PFAS and What Exactly Do They Do to Us?

According to the research of the University of Notre Dame, nearly half of the cosmetic products tested by manufacturers contain potentially harmful mixture and compound chemicals called polyflouroalkyl substances (PFAS). These PFAS are a class of 9,000 compounds used in nonstick cookware, cell phones, furniture, and commercial aircraft. The compounds are frequently used to increase the durability and consistency of cosmetics products like lotions, lipsticks, nail polish, foundation, eye shadow, and mascara.

According to Dr Alexis Parcells, PFAs were dubbed as “forever chemicals” for the reason that they do not naturally break down and accumulate builds up within humans.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that high exposures from these chemicals are linked at certain levels to cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, decreased immunity, hormone disruption, and a range of other serious health problems.

According to Luz Claudio, a professor of environmental medicine and public health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, cosmetics and personal care products are not closely regulated in the United States in ensuring their toxic chemical contents. The chemicals are said to be highly mobile and easily move through the environment and within humans by absorption through skin or tear ducts, or by ingestion.

According to the Green Science Policy Institute, Tom Bruton, a senior scientist said that people can accidentally ingest several pounds of the product throughout their lives while wearing lipstick.

Companies Manufacturing Products with PFAS

Many companies have distributed products containing PFAS toxic chemicals worldwide. The study’s authors tested cosmetics made by dozens of brands, including L’Oréal, Ulta, Mac, Cover Girl, Clinique, Maybelline, Smashbox, Nars, Estée Lauder and more.

Companies often do not list PFAS on their labels when they sell the chemicals, making them nearly impossible for consumers to avoid, Bruton said. Regulatory agencies often allow companies to claim PFAS as a trade secret; however, the study found fluorine was often present in products advertised as “wear-resistant”, “long-lasting” and “waterproof”.

Bruton said cosmetic industry literature reviewed by the study’s authors indicated that PFAS were commonly used in cosmetics to make products waterproof, durable and easier to spread. However, the supply chain was “complicated”, he added, and it was unclear whether companies were aware that they were adding toxic chemicals.

Measures By Governments

Although the CDC and FDA enforced safety protocols in awareness of these “forever chemicals”, health advisories are non-binding, non-enforceable limits that are instead meant to inform the public and health officials. Governments should enforce steps in regulating the production of cosmetic and personal care products especially to companies and industries manufacturing these goods.

The US Senate had introduced a bipartisan bill banning chemical use in cosmetics and other industries producing goods with PFAS. Authored by Maine’s Republican Senator, Susan Collins and Democrat Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, the “No PFAS in Cosmetics Act” aims to prohibit any manufacturing and distribution of products containing PFAS or chemicals that endanger the environment and humans.

With this Act, the Food and Drug Administration shall be mandated to ban the chemical and its usage in products within 270 days. “Americans should be able to trust that the products they are applying to their hair or skin are safe,” Collins said in a statement. “To help protect people from further exposure to PFAS, our bill would require the FDA to ban the addition of PFAS to cosmetics products.” In 2020, the European Union has expressed its comprehensive policy in banning the said chemical-containing products to the region’s extent.

Indeed, these aforementioned companies have manufactured and distributed products with PFAS. However, it is up to us, the consumers, to be practical, wise, and cautious in ensuring our health and its betterment. We have to understand that these chemicals are a threat to our health and safety, especially when consumed and absorbed by our bodies. We must check the labels on the cosmetics, skincare, and personal hygiene products that we routinely use.

Effectiveness of Current Vaccines Against Delta Variant

June 10, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Anubhav

Are the Vaccines Against Delta Variant of the Virus Effective?

It has been over a year since the COVID-19 first appeared, and since then, it has been going on and on with a new wave every few months. Just recently, the world got over the second wave, however still not completely, and now a new variant has appeared, which is the Delta Variant.

The World Health Organisation declared the delta variant as a variant of concern. This strain of coronavirus is more transmissible and causes severe illness. WHO predicts that the new delta variant is 55% more transmissible as compared to the alpha variant. Similarly, the alpha variant was 50% more spreadable than the virus from Wuhan. In this article, we are going to discuss the Delta variant and the effectiveness of the vaccines against delta variant.

How Effective Are the Vaccines Against Delta Variant

The Delta variant is a new concern, and researchers all over the world are trying to find whether the vaccine is effective against it. Developing a vaccine for every variant can be almost next to impossible as the vaccination process is a hassle. However, luckily, vaccines are effective against the delta variant.

A British study in May concluded that two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech was 88% effective against symptoms of the Delta Virus. The vaccine showed 79% effectiveness against Delta variants in a study conducted in Scotland in June. The research in Canada found that the vaccine was 87% effective against Delta Variants.

Similarly, the Israel Ministry of Health conducted a study that showed that the Pfizer- biotech vaccine was shown as 64% effective against all the virus variants. However, when the study was conducted in May before the delta variant came, the vaccine’s effectiveness was 95%.

Effectiveness of the Vaccines Against Delta Variant

The expert says that it is not possible to conclude the vaccine’s effectiveness with a single study. According to Natalie Dean at Emory University, the information needs to be taken from different studies, and too much weight should not be given to a single study. Clinical trials help to measure the effectiveness of the vaccine.

In the clinical trial, random volunteers are divided into two groups. The first group is injected with a vaccine, while the other group with a placebo. If the vaccinated group has less risk of getting infected, the researcher can be sure that it is effective and has protected them. But once the vaccine is on the market, measuring its effectiveness becomes difficult.

In the real world, researchers can no longer keep track of the people who have received the vaccine. Moreover, it’s much more challenging to measure efficacy due to different conditions. E.g., suppose the group of vaccinated people is compared with the people who are not vaccinated. In that case, the people who have not been vaccinated may be more likely to put themselves in a situation where there is more risk. It’s also possible that older people who are vaccinated might have a tough time fending off the virus. Or maybe the outbreak hits the region where most of the population is vaccinated. All these conditions can hinder the study. The best way is to compare vaccinated people with counterparts of people who are not vaccinated.

In-Depth Research About the Variant

Researchers try their best to find unvaccinated people with similar age and health conditions for the study. However, the study conducted in Israel did not go to great lengths for finding volunteers, said Uri Shalit, a senior lecturer at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology. The reports from the Israel test could be a little different as people may not be getting tested. Most of the people in Israel are vaccinated. When a local outburst of the virus happens, the government tests every person who contacted the infected one.

However, the good news is that most of the studies have shown positive results regarding the effectiveness of vaccines against delta variant and that the vaccines can prevent people from getting hospitalised. According to the Israel Ministry of Health, the Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine effectively prevents people from severe illness and hospitalisation by 93%. According to Naor Bar-Zeev, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg, the vaccine protects against various severe diseases, reducing the mortality rate and saving people.

It is also said that more studies need to be done to find the effectiveness of the vaccine. However, he also said that if six studies are done, and five studies show different results and one shows different, the five are correct.

Other Things to Do

Most of the vaccines like Covishield, Covaxin, and others are effective against the Delta Variant. Vaccination can prevent severe illness and can save lives.

Wear your mask to stay protected, have healthy, nutritious food, and don’t forget to take supplements if required. However, consult your doctor about supplements that need to be taken to increase immunity. Vitamin C improves immunity and should be taken daily as it is water-soluble.

Although, as stated above, there have been plenty of vaccines that have been officially approved, research is still going on to understand the overall effectiveness of the vaccines against delta and various other waves which strike on.

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Start A Reading Habit With These Top Rated Books in 2021

June 8, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Top World Business

Secret Behind the Success of Influential People: Read These Top Rated Books in 2021

Many of us envy those who can immerse themselves in hours and hours of reading. In this age of social media and the Internet, we seem to have decreased our attention span. We cannot focus on a single activity for an extended period. This is probably one reason we find difficulty reading books, even for a mere hour. However, the more we delay building a reading habit, the more we miss out on knowledge and character-building experience. In this blog, we will prepare a list of top-rated books in 2021 so that you can start building a life-changing habit today.

It is common knowledge that reading is one of the foundational habits behind the success of many influential people. Take, for example, Elon Musk, a highly revered superstar in the entrepreneurial world. He runs multiple companies, all tackling the most important and challenging problems faced by humanity today. His encyclopedic knowledge and critical thinking, and decision-making skills all come from being an avid reader. Similarly, Warren Buffet, the definition of success in the investment world, reads more than 600 pages per day. We can talk about other successful people because the list goes on and on.

Our Top Picks for This Year

If you are eager to start a reading habit but do not know where to start, we will give you the list of top-rated books in 2021. Although this is not a hard and fast rule, you can set yourself up for a lifetime of discipline.

Klara and the Sun

On top of the list of our top-rated books in 2021 is Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, the Nobel Prize Winner in Literature for 2017. Originally published on 2nd March 2021, this dystopian science fiction masterpiece talks about a future where children are genetically engineered for enhanced academic performance. Now that we do not want to spoil your reading experience, we suggest you read it yourself. The book is available in hardcopy, E-book, and audio formats across different online and offline bookstores.

An Ordinary Age

If nonfiction is your preference, An Ordinary Age is one of the top-rated books in 2021 in this section. Written by Rainesford Stauffer, the book came out on 4th May 2021. The book has some important materials, especially for young people, who have a huge amount of expectations put upon them. Similarly, the author puts a clear perspective on the bad influence of social media and how it leads to unrealistic expectations. Furthermore, he requests young people of today to redefine the meaning of life and ask the important questions of who they really want to be. The book is available in hardcopy, ebook, and digital audio formats across several stores.

Malibu Rising

Malibu Rising is one of our top rated books in 2021 for you to read. Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a popular novelist, the book came out on 4th March 2021. The plot of this women’s fiction sets out in Malibu in August 1983. Four siblings of the Rivas family throw a party marking the end of the summer. However, within twenty-four hours, life takes a major turn, and things will never be the same.

You can buy either the hard copy of the e-book format. Additionally, if you like audiobooks, it is also available as digital audio.

We Had a Little Real Estate Problem

When humour meets biography, we get a non-fiction masterpiece like We Had a Little Real Estate Problem. In one of the top-rated books in 2021, comedy great Kliph Nesteroff discusses the influence of Native Americans in the art of comedy. It is a powerful tribute to a generation of artists whose influence and impact have been stamped under the rug. Furthermore, it brings to light the laughter and joy inside the American native culture, which does not see the light of the mainstream media.

Aftershocks: A Memoir

Aftershocks: A Memoir sits as one of the top-rated books in 2021 by Barnes and Noble, as well as Time magazine. Originally published in January 2021, the author of the book is 2019 Whiting Award winner Nadia Owusu. In this book, she tells the story of her turbulent childhood. Abandoned by her mother when she was just two, she lost her foundational support when her father died while she was just 13. As she moved back and forth between Africa and Europe, finding her place in the world was difficult.

Falling

Falling is one of the top picks for our best books in 2021. The author of the book is T.J. Newman, who worked as a flight attendant for Virgin America and Alaska Airlines. The interesting part about this novel is that the author wrote most of the parts during cross-country flights. She talks about a devastating dilemma faced by a pilot in the midst of a flight to New York. His family had been kidnapped about 30 minutes before the flight. The kidnappers demand that he should crash the plane if he wanted to save his family members.

The Prophets

The Prophets, an instant New York Times bestseller, is also one of our picks for the top rated books in 2021. Written by Robert Jones Jr., this book was originally published in January 2021. This novel is about queer love during the slavery era and talks about the union, refuge, and betrayal between two gay black lovers on a Deep South Plantation. Avoiding any spoilers, we want you to put this masterpiece on top of your read list immediately.

Empire of Pain

Empire of Pain is a nonfiction masterpiece written by Patrick Radden Keefe and originally published in April of 2021. In this book, the author talks about the three generations of the Sackler family. Initially famed for their philanthropic works, their reputation has been destroyed for their role in the opioid epidemic leading to thousands of deaths. It has already come to light that Oxycontin, an opioid manufactured by Sackler-owned Purdue Pharma, acted as a key catalyst for the epidemic.

This is one of the books in Barack Obama’s 2021 Summer Reading List and, in general, is a cautionary tale about the blatant wrongdoings of the unethical rich.

Follow the Top Lifestyle Trends with Top World Business

In this blog, we have learned about the necessity of building a reading habit and how it contributes to a character-building experience. Likewise, we put light on the reading habits of some of the most influential people on the planet., from Elon Musk to Warren Buffet. Then, we included our top-rated books for 2021 in different genres like fiction, humour, and nonfiction.

Dating App Users Vulnerable to Stalking and Doxing Risks

June 6, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Top World Business

Are Stalking and Doxing Risks Worth Taking for Dating App Users?

Dating apps are a great place to find friends or even soulmates. Especially in the current era, when dating has become a common way to meet new people, the popularity of dating apps is increasing. However, this has also increased stalking and doxing risks.

You need to distribute various personal information to the dating apps for verification and be entirely open to other users for proper connection. Therefore, it is pretty dangerous that your personal information could reach another unknown person who can misuse it for various reasons.

Coming to the question of whether dating app users are actually vulnerable to stalking and doxing risks is something that many want to know about. In this thread, we are going to discuss the same in length, so keep reading!

Primary Ways of Doxers to Dox The Dating App Users

There are various ways a boxer can dox you. Actually, they are highly trained and can misuse that information online to pose a threat to you.

Packet Sniffing

It is a traditional method of doxing. When information is sent through the web, it travels in small packets. Once the packets reach the designated address, they are reintegrated into complete information.

Doxers intervene in the lines of the travel of the packets and intercept them midway. With coding and technology, they can open these packets to steal your personal information, passwords and much more. Doxers snug and break the security measures and deviate these packets into their systems to steal the data.

IP Logging

IP stands for Internet Protocol. Every computer or point of the network has a specific and unique IP allocated to it. This IP address is linked to various information regarding the network, the computer, and the user.

IP logging is a specific technique to steal information. Doxers use special IP loggers and send them via emails without the receiver knowing. Once this email is opened, the IP logger tracks all sorts of information attached to that particular IP address. Then, the information automatically reaches the doxer, who can misuse that information to pose problems to the user.

Reverse Cell Phone Lookup System

The internet has a specific service known as Whitepages Service. With it, anyone can access basic information such as the name and address of a person if they have their cell phone number.

Doxers are always on their toes to access your personal information and financial information through these Whitepages. Furthermore, they offer more information with subscriptions. Hence, users are highly recommended not to leave their phone numbers exposed on dating apps and other social media forums.

Stalking Through Social Media

Social media platforms are a sweet spot to extract personal data. Hackers and doxers scavenge through all social media platforms and stalk particular people to derive personal information from them.

Many social media platforms like Facebook contain fields where you can enter your phone number, address, schooling and jobs. Be intelligent and do not fill these fields. They reveal a lot about your interests and tasks that can ultimately lead to leakage of personal and vital information, which in the long run can be pretty costly.

Information Through Governmental Records

Governmental records are a goldmine for personal information such as name, address, phone number, specific dates, and much more. Hackers break into governmental databases through their apps and websites and hack them to derive crucial information about individuals.

This, specifically, can be very dangerous because all your sensitive including citizenship information is under the government’s radar. Hence, it can be very costly for someone to lose all sorts of privacy and essential information if these databases are doxed or hacked.

Phishing

Phishing is a prevalent form of doxing, and many people fall into phishing traps. These are more like clickbait but through your emails. Phishing emails are specially designed to read about the inactivity of your bank account or the unusual activity of a personal account. Along with that, a redirecting link is provided that takes you to another webpage.

Here, the web page can contain multiple credentials to fill in, starting from your details to your passwords and other cryptic codes to gain access to your financial or private accounts. Once you fill in the credentials and submit or move forward with that specific page, the hacker receives all the crucial data.

WHOIS

WHOIS is a method of looking up information through a domain name or domain provider. Websites contain valuable information, and doxers can access this information through the WHOIS service and hack into the website’s system and steal information regarding individuals.

So, Be Careful

Users should be conscientious while posting personal information on dating apps and social media platforms. When it comes to using online sources, one should not go blind and click or share any information anywhere. After all, your safety is in your own hands indeed.

Top World Business provides its readers with informative and interesting news pieces around the world. Check out this space for more such lifestyle news, and keep yourself updated throughout.

The Van Life Trend: How the Pandemic Shifted Traditional Living

June 2, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Top World Business

What is the Van Life Trend and Why is it Becoming Popular?

Van life is a lifestyle of living inside a car full or part-time. The van is equipped with basic facilities such as household batteries, solar panels, platform beds, bathrooms, sinks, and storage space. Life in a truck is another way of life adopted by many nomads who want to lead a minimalist lifestyle and travel freely worldwide.

The charm of travel and the simplicity of the van life trend has created a global social media phenomenon during the pandemic.

Reasons Behind Shifting from Traditional Living to Van Life

A van life couple travelled through Canada and the United States started to share their expertise and opened their van conversion shop during the pandemic. But contrary to the pandemic, the business flourished when Canadians abandoned their traditional homes to live in a van. Here are a few reasons why Canadians choose to accept the new van life trend.

Canadians decided to escape the “competition” of everyday life and spend more time with their families.

Adapting to the restrictions of the pandemic seems easier for families in van life. The vans’ self-sufficient lifestyle has made it easy for them to travel and explore historic sites safely.

A minimalist van life trend can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of illness, migraines, headaches, and improve overall health.

Unlike living in a traditional house and having the same old routine, van life gives you excitement for everyday discovery.

Build a lifestyle that matches your desires; always do it for yourself, not for someone else.
Almost all tourist destinations are empty due to the pandemic, and people are worried about travelling. So van lifers are lucky to enjoy it without the crowds and the lineups.

Due to the booming business of van conversion, there is no actual data on the number of people living in their trucks across the country, as the number is going up every day. An ordinance banning it in some jurisdictions appears to be escalating tensions between city and vehicle residents as the affordable crisis escalates in Canada.

Some municipalities have launched crackdowns on RVs, trailers, and vans illegally parked on the road. The Skirmish recently passed ordinance changes that prevent people from spending the night in their vehicles in certain public places.

Cost Effect from Traditional to Van Life

With the van life trend, you can eliminate many of your biggest problems, especially many of your financial concerns. The less you own, the fewer accounts you need. Unlike traditional, you pay identical bills every month,

For example, a 46 years old owns a business in Squamish, British Columbia. And while she likes this form of the motel, she says she knows others who do as needed. High unemployment, an inability to pay rent, and a red real estate market have forced some to look for alternatives. Some people do it because they have no choice, And then there are people like her, who don’t make a lot of money. Own the business, but the money she earns is below the poverty line.

Van life allows you to be financially free in several ways:

Getting rid of lots of bills.
Avoiding unnecessary purchases.
Working from different places and being resourceful of what you have.
Loving what you do so that you will be more productive.
Living life with basic needs.
Contributions to savings accounts because of less cost of living.

To give you an idea of the monthly van life costs, some of the people living in vans now spend about $800 a month. This includes charges for gas, insurance bills, meals, eating out, camping, recreation, and everything other than the actual van cost.

Planning to Start a Van Life

When planning to embrace van life, you need to start choosing the right vehicle for your needs, hobbies, and travel plans. Next, decide on whether you’re going part-time or full-time. Once you choose to enter a full-time van lifer, prepare for what to do to make money on the road, like a freelance job. After that, you can plan to create a comfortable and functional room for long trips, depending on your needs: beds, toilets, kitchen appliances, etc.

Once your set on the actual van, prepare how to approach critical mechanical problems at any time on the road. In addition, be ready on how to deal with bad weather and safety. Lastly, since long-term travel can be exhausting, think about ways to spend time out or escape plans.

The Challenges of the Van Life Trend

Living in a van sounds interesting, and it is true, but it also has some problems. Here are some questions you might need to consider about living on a truck:

The biggest challenge for living in a van is humidity. It may be challenging to sleep overnight without the temperature dropping.
Parking space
Dealing with laws and police
Stealth camps to avoid harassing people
Not much attention
Limited space
Keeping organized
Surveillance of safety issues (auto accidents, health privacy, etc.)
Vehicles Maintenance

In conclusion, we found that the COVID 19 pandemic has prompted more people to enjoy the freedom of living in a car instead of a more traditional home. There is no doubt that living in a truck is much cheaper than buying a house, but it still has its shortcomings. This includes breakdowns, unexpected costs, and even some lifestyle and safety issues.

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What is Proning and How Does it Help You During COVID-19?

May 21, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Top World Business

What is Proning and Why is it Becoming More Important These Days?

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many people. Victims experience a wide range of symptoms that appear in 12 to 14 days from contraction. One of the major symptoms is difficulty in breathing, the major one being shortness of breath.

Eventually, the COVID virus infection can also lead to pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome. With all the different treatments for COVID patients, prone position was found helpful for improving ventilation to the lungs.

Proning means lying flat on the stomach. According to various medical studies, proning helps the patients to get more oxygen into the blood. This placement can significantly help COVID-19 patients who have experienced weakened oxygen levels. Prone positioning also helps in distributing blood and airflow evenly. It significantly reduces the imbalance and improves gas exchange.

The concept of prone position was also used during the 1970s for ARDS patients. It allows better expansion of the back lung regions and improves body movement, leading to better oxygenation.

Proning has proven to enhance oxygenation for a long time. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, people accepted the use of proning in non-intubated and awake patients. This intervention also has minimal risks and requires minimal assistance. Through this, hospitals overcome the shortage of ventilators and decrease the burden of the pandemic.

How Does Proning Help COVID-19 Patients?

Patients with mild symptoms, including respiratory distress, may not need a ventilator. But their symptoms may progress to severe respiratory distress. Through proning, they can improve their oxygen levels.

Due to the improvements seen from proning, it was used as part of the care plan for COVID patients. According to reports, the application of proning with standard oxygen therapy or non-invasive ventilation can decrease the risks of self-induced lung injury. Furthermore, this posture may help in postponing or avoiding tracheal intubation.

Although not all COVID patients are required to undergo proning, patients who experience oxygen deprivation may do this position. By simply lying flat or lying down your stomach can help, most likely when the oxygen levels drop below 94 or 92%.

What is Proning: Step-by-Step Guide to Maximize Results in Covid-19 Patients

There are three proning positions. You can alternate between them.

Lying flat down on the stomach
Lying laterally on the right side
Lying laterally on the left side

Doctors suggest remaining in an alternate position for less or equal to 30 minutes. Also, it would be best to do this position with the guidance of an expert if the patient has existing neck and back ailments.

To perform the prone position, the patient requires plenty of pillows. They need to have a pillow for the neck, chest, upper thighs, and below the shin.

One person may do the prone position up to 16 hours a day. But the patient must keep in mind that it should be done in multiple cycles. Also, they can adjust their position if they are uncomfortable. They can utilize the pillows to alter the pressure areas. The caregiver should also keep track of the patient’s injuries or sores.

Benefits of Proning

Here are some of the proven benefits of prone position to COVID-19 patients.

Expansion of the lung (specifically the dorsal region), enhancing the ventilation
Decrease of body weight on the lungs
Improves draining of lung secretions
Opens up the tiny air sacs or alveoli units
Boosts the efficacy of the heart that pumps blood through the lungs

Through proning, all the conditions mentioned above can improve oxygenation. This, in turn, will boost the oxygen level and reduce respiratory problems.

Precautionary Measures for Proning

The patient must not perform this position after having a meal.
Maintain a position wherein the patient is comfortable.
Consult a doctor before doing the self-proning technique.
Pregnant women and patients with major cardiac conditions can’t do proning.
Patients with major cardiac conditions are not allowed to perform a prone position.
If the patient has an unstable spine or fractures, they are not allowed to perform a prone position.

Improving Oxygenation

At this point, more and more people have been facing medical challenges due to the COVID-19 virus. Even breathing a become a massive challenge for some. Furthermore, some countries have been experiencing a shortage of ventilators. However, we don’t need to stop because studies have shown that there are ways to alleviate breathing problems. One of these solutions is proning.

This directive can be used as part of the COVID-19 treatment plan. People can practice proning at home or in the hospital. If their blood oxygen level comes down to 92, proning is facilitated on a routine basis. Prone position is also a low-risk and low-cost manoeuvre to help patients with COVID-19. This can also delay the development of pneumonia or decrease the need for intensive care. However, this treatment may not be a permanent treatment, but this can help while there are no medical resources available. It helps in buying time until adequate medical attention is ready.

We hope this article cleared your inquiry on what is proning. You can keep following us for more lifestyle news.

Minimalist Lifestyle Can Be Your Game-Changer in 2021

May 18, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Top World Business

Minimalist Lifestyle: Here’s What You Need to Know

In recent years, the number of people who are transitioning into a minimalist lifestyle is growing significantly. This movement has inspired hundreds of thousands of young people to live with fewer possessions. People are moving into small homes, tidying up on unnecessary stuff, and focusing more on life and learning. Likewise, as influencers and entrepreneurs are boarding on this trend, thousands of their fans and followers will follow.

Trend Likely to Grow in the Post-Pandemic Times

The trend of a minimalist lifestyle is likely to grow in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. With the disruption of economic activities, many businesses came to a halt. Likewise, millions of people lost their jobs and some had to live under government support. Most importantly, those people who recklessly spent during normal times came across an extreme hardship. People are slowly learning that spending on unnecessary things will do more harm than good. Furthermore, people who are under extreme uncertainty about their future and job security have little to no option other than a minimalist lifestyle.

A Shift in Lifestyle and Thinking

The rising adoption of a minimalist lifestyle is also a result of a shift in thinking among generations. Millennials feel that they have an important role to preserve the environment and undo the bad deeds from the past. Therefore, with a minimalist lifestyle, they can cut down on waste. With a more strict buying behaviour, they will force the producers to reduce the unwise and continuous extraction of limited resources.

On the other hand, the modern work lifestyle also allows people to adopt a minimalist lifestyle. With a personal computer, people can effectively work from home and some companies are encouraging this lifestyle. A swarm of unnecessary objects will distract the workers and make it difficult to focus on their jobs.

Getting Started With Minimalist Lifestyle

So, how do you get started with a minimalist lifestyle? What should you throw away and what should you keep? The following tips will help you start a lifestyle that puts your goals and dreams in higher priority over materials.

Setting a Clear Goal is Key

The first step you should take before starting a minimalist lifestyle is clearly stating your goals. Why do you want to adopt this lifestyle in the first place? You might be in huge student debt and you want to get out of it as fast as you can. Likewise, you want to start and grow a business over a certain time frame. Therefore, you want to spend less time and money on unnecessary things. Similarly, you are the type of person who likes to explore new places and learn about new cultures and lifestyles. Therefore, you would want to save for travel and new experiences. Furthermore, with tons of things, you are finding it hard to manage and clean. In this case, getting rid of those things means less work and less stress.

Cut Down on Unnecessary Things

Cutting down on your things can be difficult if you are majorly attached. Therefore, you need to carefully prioritize your necessities and let go of the remaining things. If you want more fulfilment and satisfaction, you can donate things that you absolutely do not need. For things that are closer to you, hide them in a place where you do not see them every day. As time passes, you might be able to distance yourself from the attachment.

Adopt the Art of Reuse and Recycle

Learning to reuse and recycle things will take you far in your quest for a minimalist lifestyle. If you do not know about this art, the Internet is your best friend. There are never-ending tips and tricks, and DIY projects that teach you how to repurpose your used goods. This will not only save your money but will also help you cut down on your waste.

Benefits of A Minimalist Lifestyle

The trend of a minimalist lifestyle is not just a fad but it has real benefits. Some of the major benefits are discussed in the following paragraphs.

More Focus on Important Things

When you have less stuff, you have the time and energy to focus on the more important things. However, you need to set up a clear goal first and define minimalism for yourself. People who are on an entrepreneurial journey must understand that a minimalist lifestyle can be a great factor for success. When you have a clean visual around your rooms, you do not get distracted from the plethora of unnecessary objects hanging around.

Less Cleaning Work

One of the major benefits of a minimalist lifestyle is that your work of cleaning and tidying up is significantly reduced. Furthermore, if you have a small home, you have fewer rooms to clean. In contrast, having tons of unnecessary clutter means more dust and dirt and more time to clean up. Similarly, even with enough cleaning, your room still looks unmanaged and unclean.

Careful Spending Habit

Having a minimalist lifestyle will set you up with a careful spending habit, which is a critical life skill. When you learn about unnecessary spending early on in your life, you will avoid a lot of mistakes during your early earning times. Similarly, you can use your money wisely and more purposefully. For example, you can travel to different places and build up your knowledge of this world. Or, you could invest properly and enjoy financial freedom and retirement early on. Likewise, you can spend on your business and your hobbies.

Doing Your Part For the Environment

One of the major reasons why young people are considering a minimalist lifestyle is the protection of the environment. Therefore, with your strict buying habits, you can reduce consumption and reduce the stress on our limited resources. As you communicate about this lifestyle to others and get them aboard, you will play a major part in protecting the environment from your side. Likewise, less stuff means less waste, whose proper disposal is also a major threat to our world today.

Convert Your Lifestyle with Top World Business

In this blog, we have learned about the basics of a minimalist lifestyle and why its trend is growing over the past few years. Likewise, we saw how the aftermath of the pandemic will likely bring more people aboard this trend. We also talked about a shift in thinking from the old generation to the new. Similarly, we came across few tips on how to get started with this lifestyle. Finally, we concluded with the benefits of this lifestyle for your peace of mind as well as the environment.

Masks After Vaccination: Don’t Throw Them Away Yet

May 14, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Top World Business

Masks After Vaccination: Better Safe than Sorry

As vaccination campaigns become successful in many countries of the world, the next question is whether to continue wearing masks after vaccination? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, masking might be necessary for special settings. Some experts request that vaccinated people continue wearing masks until the situation goes back to normal and we overcome the public health emergency. Similarly, scientists are worried about the possibility of the spread of the virus from vaccinated people.

CDC Guidelines

CDC has revised its set of guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. If you are unvaccinated, it is important to keep wearing a mask. Likewise, do not think that masking up means you can stop social distancing. This is especially important when you are indoors and there are people from multiple households. Similarly, if you have infected people at your home, you must be cautious at all times. Furthermore, some of the habits that you developed during the pandemic should continue. This includes proper care and consideration of personal hygiene like washing your hands and sanitizing and avoiding touching your face.

For fully vaccinated people, there is much freedom. Full vaccination occurs 2 weeks after receiving the 2nd dose of a 2-dose requirement or a single dose of a 1-dose requirement. Social distancing and masks may not be necessary until it is required by the law in your workplace or your state. Likewise, if you are travelling to other countries, you may require masks after vaccination, especially in public settings.

Don’t Throw Them Away Yet

If you are considering throwing away your masks after vaccination, waiting for a little more will do good. This also depends on the country that you are living in and its state of vaccination campaigns. Likewise, as new variants emerge throughout the world, we are still unsure about the effectiveness of different vaccines. Some of the reasons why we should wear masks after vaccination are listed below.

New Variants Are Popping Up

One of the major reasons why you should keep wearing masks after vaccination, at least for a certain period of time, is the development of new variants. The B.1.1.7 or the Alpha variant was first discovered in the UK in September 2020. This is considered to be 56% more transmissible and more deadly than the original coronavirus strain discovered in Wuhan. Likewise, B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2, referred to by WHO as Kappa and Delta respectively were discovered in India.

As we study the effectiveness of various vaccines in combating the new variants, masking can be an effective option for now.

Vaccines Need Time to Reach Full Effectiveness

When you have your dose of a 1-dose series or the 2nd dose of a 2-dose series, you do not reach full vaccination then and there. Therefore, masks after vaccination are necessary until the vaccines reach their full effectiveness. Generally speaking, this will take up to 2 weeks. Furthermore, those who already have the vaccines are not under 100% protection. Pfizer and Moderna claim up to 95% and 94% efficacy against COVID-19. However, that 5% to 6% can be an area of concern especially for people with a weak immune system. Likewise, Johnson and Johnson gave 66% efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID 19 during its global trial. Oxford-AstraZeneca demonstrates up to 70% efficacy. Russia’s Sputnik V has an efficacy of about 91.5% after the 2nd dose. Furthermore, Covaxin, from Bharat Biotech, holds 100% efficacy against severe, 78% against mild and moderate, and 70% against asymptomatic infections.

Preventing Transmission to Others

Prevention of transmission to people around you is a key reason why you should keep wearing masks after vaccination. Although it is highly unlikely that you will develop severe symptoms, we cannot fully guarantee that you will not spread the virus. The research is underway and it will take some time before we get compelling evidence.

Best Type of Masks According to the Experts

Now that you have learned why masks after vaccination are still important, let us understand which type of masks offer the best protection.

Cloth Masks

Cloth masks are one of the best choices if you are considering masks after vaccination. However, you must be careful of the number of layers of fabric. According to the CDC, you must choose a mask with two or more layers of washable and breathable fabric. Ideally, a 3-layer fabric mask offers the best protection whereas you should completely avoid a single-layer mask. Furthermore, you must make sure that there is a good fit on your face. Therefore, look out for those that come with a bendable piece of metal that you can adjust around your nose for a better fit.

Surgical Masks

Surgical masks are for health workers as a preventive measure against respiratory droplets. Therefore, the development and manufacturing of these types of masks are under standard regulations. They are made up of paper and plastics and you must throw them away after a certain period of use. Most importantly, while using these types of masks, make sure that it is properly fit in your ear and your nose and mouth are fully covered.

N95 Masks

N95 masks offer better protection against COVID 19 and typically against very small particles. The ‘N95’ refers to the ability of these masks to filter out 95% of 0.3-micron particles, which includes bacteria and viruses. Typically, these are designed for health workers who work very closely with highly infected patients in dangerous situations. They can filter out both inhaled and exhaled air protecting you from others and others from you.

Lifestyle Trends with Top World Business

In this blog, we learned the importance of masks after vaccination. First, we talked about the CDC guidelines for unvaccinated and fully vaccinated people and how the latter enjoy more freedom. Similarly, we understood various settings where masking is useful and where you can safely keep it out. Furthermore, we came across several reasons why you should not completely throw away your masks. Finally, we concluded the discussion with the best types of masks and the level of protection they provide.

Work From Home Tips for Eye Health Maintenance

May 8, 2021/in Lifestyle News/by Top World Business

Work From Home Tips: Eye Health Maintenance as Advised by Dr Anup Rajadhyaksha

As society continues to live in the “new normal”, more people have been forced to spend more time at home and increase their screen time for work. That may result in an eye problem, and eye health experts are concerned about it. Dr. Anup Rajadhyaksha, Ophthalmologist and Medical Consultant for ENTOD International said that if the pandemic continues, more people will stay stuck on their tablets, televisions, and laptops. If left unresolved, this behaviour will negatively affect mental and physical well-being and the condition of the eyes.

Given all of this, what are the real effects of prolonged screen use? And how can we protect our eyes now that we are all at home and the time we spend on our devices increases?

What are the Visual Risks Associated with Excessive Screen Time?

The more you look at a screen, the more likely you are to develop vision problems. For example, dry eye syndrome is increasing, caused by decreased blinking when looking at a screen. In addition, Myopia (nearsightedness) is rising at an alarming rate which is also linked to the use of electronic devices.

Studies also have shown that LED displays used in computers and other digital devices emit a broad spectrum of light; a small part of high-energy visible light called “blue light.”. Certain blue light bands may be harmful to the retina of the eyes. One of the severe risks is “Computer vision syndrome” or eye fatigue as the eyes may experience difficulties shifting vision from near to far and properly integrating vision and motor skills.

Preventive Measures to Maintain Healthy Eyes by Dr. Anup Rajadhyaksha

Even if you may not be able to reduce the use of these digital devices, fortunately, you can help protect your eyes from the adverse effects of screen time with some simple lifestyle changes and eye health maintenance.

Eat a Balanced Diet

The best way to take care of your eye health is by eating a balanced diet. You need to get more nutrition from your diet than vitamin tablets. Based on research, vitamin A can be seen in bright yellow and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes that improve eye health. Fruits such as bananas, grapes, and mangos are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which tend to prevent eye diseases. And omega three, which is excellent to relieve dry eye syndrome, can be obtained from salmon and other cold-water fish.

Also, insufficient intake of antioxidants, alcohol or saturated fat intake can produce free radical reactions, damaging the macula in the middle part of the retina. A high-fat diet can also cause deposits to restrict arterial blood flow. Considering that the blood vessels supplying them are tiny, the eyes are susceptible to this.

Minimize Glare

Dr. Rajadhyaksha says that when using the screen, you need to practice new exercises and learn new techniques to get the most out of the screen. In this way, you can limit your computer time and focus on other tasks. Take regular breaks at work to make the most of your screen time. Close your eyes for a few seconds every 15 to 20 minutes, then relax and don’t look at the screen. Then massage the muscles around your eyes and wash your face every two hours. Don’t rub your eyes with your hands.

In addition, most experts recommend following the so-called 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, turn your attention to anything 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If possible, stay away from the computer, drink a glass of water, or go out for a few minutes.

Maintain Good Posture

Many may not realize posture is the first line of defence against eye strain. When sitting in front of the computer, make sure your wrists are slightly elevated instead of resting on the keyboard. Leaning on the keyboard causes tension in the back and shoulder muscles, restricting blood flow to the eyes.

Use the Right Eyewear

As explained by Dr Rajadhyaksha, special glasses can block High-energy Visible (HEV) light released by almost every optical screen. Blue light blocking lenses are usually dyed soft yellow, neutralizing blue light and reducing eye fatigue and possible damage.

Dr Rajadhyaksha added that anti-blue light lenses are usually necessary when using a tablet late at night or before bed. It’s because the blue light emitted by your laptop late at night can make falling asleep more difficult. In addition, working in neon lights or dark spaces is not a good idea. Although operating and reading in low light should not affect vision, it can cause eye fatigue.

Unplug from Technology

Once done for the day, unplug from technology. Rest or spend time with your family without any mobile phone or computer, be it parents, siblings, or pets. Spending time together will make you feel comfortable and give you a break from your computer and desk. Play an indoor game that keeps you busy.

Technology is the present and the future. By following these measures and advice, you’ll go a long way toward keeping your eyes clear and healthy for years to come. However, it is essential to schedule an annual inspection. Even though computer strain can be fixed, doctors can identify more severe problems in thorough tests or provide proposals to reduce the risk and symptoms of computer tension.

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