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How to water recycle

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Wastewater reuse On-site wastewater reuse can reduce water use in both urban and rural households. At present, most homes use potable (drinkable) water for practically everything in the house and garden. We are literally flushing our drinking water down the toilet! The articles Reducing water demand, Rainwater and Outdoor water use also have information on reducing potable water use. Opportunities to reuse wastewater and regulation of its treatment vary according to where you live. Urban households typically have a connection to a centralised, or reticulated, sewage system, whereas rural households manage their wastewater on site. Check with your local council or state health authority for advice on the regulations in your area. Two types of wastewater are created in a home: greywater and blackwater. Greywater is wastewater from non-toilet plumbing fixtures such as showers, basins and taps. Blackwater is water that has been mixed with waste from the toilet. Because of th...
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Nipah Virus: Everything about the virus

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Kerala has been on high alert due to mysterious deaths of eight people because of an unidentified viral attack. Out of these, three were reported to be caused by Nipah Virus (NiV). As per the National Institute of Virology, Pune, Nipah Virus is the sole cause of these three deaths. Rajiv Sadanandan, Kerala’s health secretary, has assured that the government has started its preparation towards fewer deaths and that people should not panic. An unheard virus, NiV is yet to be understood by many. Here is what the virus is all about. What is NiV? As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah Virus is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes a severe disease in both animals and humans. This virus was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998. At that time, it was primarily caused in pigs and through them got transferred to humans. Nipah Virus infected as many as 265 people then, out of which 40 per cent were taken under intensive care due to the infection having spread se...
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How to Make an Easy Teddy Bear

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1 Think of a design for your toy. It doesn't necessarily have to be a bear; it can be a tiger, a dog, even something like a crocodile (if you want a challenge). 2 Get some two pieces of fairly big pieces of felt. Draw a simple template of the teddy and then cut it out! Put the pieces of felt together when you cut so the size of the teddy is identical on either side. 3 Get a fabric marker and draw eyes, a nose, a mouth. etc. If you with a mission then 4 Sew some buttons on for eyes and nose or you could even cut out felt things to sew or glue on. 5 Get a needle and thread and sew the side of the teddy together. Remember to leave a space to put in the stuffing!  6 Stuff your teddy! A teddy isn't a teddy without stuffing- that's why they are sometimes called 'Stuffed Animals'! Don't worry if you don't have proper stuffing, you can use anything; bits of material or even a pair of old socks! 7 Put the stuffing in and then sew up the gap. 8 Give your t...
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Universal Truths We Have to Remember

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1. Pain helps you grow What doesn’t kill you – makes you stronger. The old saying encapsulates this truth but forgets to mention one thing; To be able to overcome pain, you must embrace it and allow it to pass over you. If you try to ignore the pain, you’ll end up losing a part of yourself, a part that is very difficult to reconnect with later. Accept the hardship, explore your pain, and once the waves of sadness die down, you will be given a new lease on life. 2. Fears are an illusion Fears will only get stronger if you let it. You are always in control of your fear, so don’t let it control you back. Fear can serve you, by keeping you alert in dangerous situations, but unless physical harm may come to you or your loved ones – you must let fear know who’s boss. 3. Nothing lasts forever Love, pain, troubles, success – it is all transitory. Take joy in the good times, and accept the bad times, for they, too, shall pass. 4. Struggles are nothing more than steps on the ...
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Ways to Boost Your Running Stamina & Endurance

1. Gradual Progress The key to building running stamina without facing the risks of injury and/or burnout is to “train smart”—it’s all about adapting the gradual approach principle. In fact,  if you are looking for one overreaching principle of stamina building, then look no further than the “Gradual Progress” rule. This smart training approach entails that you must aim to slowly and steadily increase mileage and speed while being consistent, patient the entire time. That’s it. That’s the essence of gradual adaptation. This is a universal principle and it applies to all runners, whether you are a beginner trying to make it around the block for the first time, as well as the 80-minute half-marathon runner who’s prepping for his upcoming marathon. Therefore, all of the training guidelines I’m sharing with you below should be approached with this mindset. Otherwise, don’t bother reading on. You will be setting yourself for failure and blame it on me! I’m...
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Tips to Run Better and Recover Faster

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Before Running: 1. If you eat a large meal before a run, wait at least three hours before you head out. Almost nothing you eat immediately before a run will digest enough to give you energy during your run. If you do have to eat, choose something your system can easily absorb, such as a banana, a few spoonfuls of peanut butter or honey, or a handful of dried fruit. 2. Drink at least 8 oz. of water a half hour before heading out to prevent dehydration. If you're going for longer than a 10K, you might consider taking a water bottle or planning a route that has a water stop along the way. Staying hydrated will keep your legs from cramping, especially in hot weather. 3. You may be tempted to do intense stretching to get warmed up, but try Chi Running Body Looseners instead. Ankle rolls, hip rotations, and knee circles are a few gentle exercises you can do to get your body loose and relaxed without straining cold muscles and joints. See the Chi Running book or DVD for a detailed...
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How to Exercise Outdoors in Winter Weather ?

1 Remember how much you enjoyed being outside during winter as a kid. Children are less bothered by the cold and more excited about the prospects of getting out there and making the most of snow, rain, and even hail. Winter's weather excites children and enthuses them to make snow angels, sled down hills, and to learn to ski, skate, and snowboard. Follow their lead and become reinvigorated by the fun promised by winter exercising and outdoor play. 2 Realize the health benefits of exercising during winter. Staying cooped up indoors all winter isn't beneficial for your health and can leave you more exposed to illnesses doing the winter rounds. Getting out and about gives you a chance to breathe fresh air, to see new and varied sights (beats  cabin fever ), and gives you a sound mind and body workout. If you suffer from  Seasonal Affective Disorder  (SAD), getting outside and exercising will help to reduce the symptoms by introducing more daylight to you...
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