Indoor air pollution may worsen child health, research suggests.

Scientists from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health analysed more than 200 studies on how exposure to everyday substances could exacerbate concerns in youngsters.

They found a link between indoor air pollution and a range of issues, including asthma, conjunctivitis and hyperactivity.

Indoor air pollution was defined as everything from smoking, damp and dust to cleaning products, aerosol sprays and the chemicals released from furniture.

READ MORE: Air pollution on the London underground is 15 times higher than the capitals streets

Were finally paying attention to the quality of our outdoor air and this is long overdue, study author Professor Jonathan Grigg said.

Children in the UK spendmostof their time indoors, with just 68 minutes spent outside on an average day.

Too many of our homes and schools are damp and poorly ventilated - this is adversely affecting the health of children.

The dangers of pollution are well known, with the The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health calling it the greatest environmental health risk to the world population.

While indoor exposures may be overlooked, children are increasingly leading less physically active, more home-based lives.

Writing in the report The Inside Story: Health effects of indoor air quality on children and young people, the authors warn chemicals released from indoor sources are up to seven times higher than outside.

Children may be particularly vulnerable due to their developing lungs and brain.

Among babies, indoor air pollution has been linked to wheezing, eczema and respiratory infections.

By the time they reach nursery age, youngsters may endure asthma, hyperactivity and even pneumonia.

Once at school, indoor air pollution is associated with skin irritation, insomnia and reduced cognitive performance.

Cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide and asbestos have long been known to be dangerous, however, emerging indoor pollutants are less understood.

The authors point to furniture and flooring increasingly being made with veneer glue.

Cotton carpets have been replaced with synthetic fibres, which are then treated with stain repellent and flame retardants.

The latter has been linked to the most common type of thyroid cancer, the authors warn.

READ MORE: Air pollution kills more than 20,500 people every year in the UK

Cleaning products have gone from fatty soaps and acids to non-ionic surfactants and terpenoid-based solvents.

The authors warn frequent use of cleaning products has been linked to lung function decline and the development of asthma.

As well as floating unseen in the air, chemicals can also settle in dust, becoming suspended when it is disturbed.

Household dust has been found to contain controversial chemicals from shampoo, paint and fragrances.

The authors worry the above, combined with inadequate ventilation in new-build airtight homes, may dampen air quality.

To keep the air in your home healthy, the authors recommend cleaning regularly to combat dust.

Using just one all-purpose cleaner, and wiping surfaces with water after use, may help reduce chemical exposure.

Ventilation is also important after cooking, cleaning and activities that create moisture, like showering or drying clothes.

Opening a window could also help after cleaning or lighting candles.

When cooking, use the extractor fan and close other doors to prevent pollutants spreading around the house.

While it may sound obvious, try and avoid burning food, and do not allow anyone to smoke indoors.

READ MORE: Pollution linked to higher rates of depression and suicide

If allergies strike, consider replacing carpets with hard wooden floors and washing bedding at 60C (104F) every two weeks.

The reports authors want to see legally binding ventilation rates and maximum pollutant concentrations.

They also hope a fund will be introduced to support low-income residents.

More than three million familieslive in poor qualityhousing in the UK, study author Professor Stephen Holgate - from the Royal College of Physicians - said.

Most will not have enough money to make improvements and have no option but to make do with damp, under-ventilated environments.

If we ask our children to spend their childhood days in unhealthy spaces, then were storing up problems for future health.

Read the rest here:
Dust, aerosols and cleaning products could worsen everything from asthma to hyperactivity in children - Yahoo Sports

The best and appropriate method to boost up the growth of plants is the usage of Spectrum LED grow lights. These are the cheaper and best choice for the crops grown in the small and tight areas. These lights are designed to mimic natural outdoor sunlight to aid the plants to produce healthy and nutritious.

The lamps used in Spectrum LED grow lights have a full wavelength that is more natural and have specific Spectrum. However, it gives better outcomes of the greenhouse, household and industrial or commercial use. These lights are used for cropping because of its high energy efficiency as compared to fluorescent and metal halide lamps.

Spectrum LED Grow Light

The traditional LD lights are not used for plant growth because they only release the Spectrum that is activated after the process of photorespiration. Due to this reason., we can say that traditional LED lights are used for only growing the low light plants like herbs and lettuces.

On the other hand, when we talk aboutSpectrum LED grow lights, we can say that these lights give better and healthier yield. Providing such plants with only useful spectrums uses pink light but it is not enough. Providing the blue, pink or red light is not enough for the plants thats why Spectrum with full wavelength is essential to allow the plants to grow in a better way.

Lower heat output and higher energy efficiency

The best thing about Spectrum LED grow light is, these lights allow the plants to give maximum yield and reduces the bill of electricity. If you are looking for lower heat output along with a small electric bill, there is nothing best option than Spectrum LED lights. Moreover, you can save more nutrients and time.

As we know that Spectrum LED grow lights mimic the wavelength of a real fire and offer a broad spectrum for the better and healthier growth of plants. However, these lights are also perfect for the indoor growing environment like household, greenhouse or industrial use. Traditional LED allows you to get enough Spectrum that is not enough for the growth of plants, but this type will give you balance light and designed to switch between the flowering and vegetative growth cycle.

The growing space can help you a lot to determine the number of LED light fixtures. The plants need full sunlight to grow. However, it is necessary to consider that every plant have different growth needs and available space is also different. An LED light with limited Spectrum can cause the issue in the growth of the plant.

The main thing that is needed to be considered is the amount of heat that plants are getting. If the plants get excessive heat, there are chances of crop damage. It is essential to plan accordingly. However, chose the high-quality light that gives lower heat output and luminous effect.

See the article here:
How is Spectrum LED Grow Light beneficial for the indoor plants? - - VENTS Magazine

It starts with one plant on a sunny windowsill then morphs into an impenetrable jungle. You may feel you need a machete to reach each individual plant to water and tend. Clear the way to improved growing conditions and convenient care while showcasing every plant with style.

Group plants with similar light and watering needs to make maintenance easier for you and increase humidity levels something tropical plants need to thrive. Set plants on attractive trays filled with pebbles to capture excess water. The pebbles elevate the containers above the water to avoid root rot. As the water in the tray evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plants.

Grow cacti and succulents in a cool, sunny location for winter.Give each plant enough room to capture the sunlight it needs and to show off its unique form and color.

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Expand your indoor growing space and enjoy greenery throughout your home by adding artificial lights. New furniture grade LED light fixtures like theBamboo Mini LED Grow Light Garden(gardeners.com) fit into small spaces and look great on countertops, work desks and shelves. Youll save energy with LED lights and add a bit of style to your home dcor with these attractive light gardens.

Increase your success with the popular fiddle leaf fig and other floor plants. These beauties are often used to decorate a bare wall, corner or other space in need of a focal point. Oftentimes these areas do not receive sufficient light for the plants to grow and thrive. Soon leaves begin to yellow and drop. Keep them healthy and beautiful with supplemental light. Hang a pendant light above or set a plant light stand beside these large plants. Many are trendy decorative fixtures similar to those used to light your home.

Save time and increase success by growing houseplants in self-watering containers. These pots have built-in water reservoirs that extend the time between watering. They also help reduce the mess of water spilling over the saucer and onto wood or carpeted floors.

Take the hassle out of watering with an indoor coil watering hose and sprayer. These coiled hoses hook up to the faucet, allowing you to water houseplants and seedlings up to 50 feet away. Youll eliminate the need to fill and lug watering cans from plant to plant, leaving a trail of water along the way.

Maximize time spent tending your plants by using the proper tools. Many indoor gardeners use old silverware or try adapting outdoor tools for indoor garden use. Having the right tool for the job provides better results in less time. Indoor garden tool sets have perfectly sized tools for pruning, transplanting and tending houseplants. Many come with an attractive built-in case for easy storage and a tray for corralling the mess of potting and transplanting. Youll waste less potting mix and spend less time sweeping up debris.

Increase your growing space and show off your plant collection with one or more plant stands. Many provide multiple tiers, allowing you to display plants of different sizes while positioning them in the light they prefer.

Set large plants on wheeled caddies or a collection of pots on a wheeled tray to move them out of the way when cleaning or hosting a gathering. Then wheel them back in place once your company has left.

Adding some convenience for easy care will allow you to spend less time keeping your plants looking their best and more time enjoying the individual beauty each plant provides as you grow them in style.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, includingSmall Space Gardening.She hosts The Great Courses How to Grow Anything DVD seriesand theMelindas Garden MomentTV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor forBirds & Bloomsmagazine and was commissioned by Gardeners Supply for her expertise to write this article. Her web site iswww.MelindaMyers.com.

Read more here:
Grow Houseplants with Style and Convenience in Mind - TAPinto.net

A new market study is released on Global Indoor Plant Lighting Market with data Tables for historical and forecast years represented with Chats & Graphs spread through 123 Pages with easy to understand detailed analysis. The study highlights detailed assessment of the Market and display market sizing trend by revenue & volume (if applicable), current growth factors, expert opinions, facts, and industry validated market development data. The research study provides estimates for Global Indoor Plant Lighting Forecast till 2025*. Some are the players that are considered in the coverage of this study are Philips, Osram, General Electric, Easy Agricultural, Illumitex, Fionia Lighting, Lumigrow, Kind LED Grow Lights, California LightWorks, Spectrum King Grow Lights, Valoya, Weshine, Apollo Horticulture, Kessil, Cidly, Heliospectra AB, LEDHYDROPONICS, Ohmax Optoelectronic & Zhicheng.

Browse for Full Report or a Sample Copy @:https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/2444562-global-indoor-plant-lighting-market-7

Relevant features of the study that are being offered with major highlights from the report :

1) Which companies are profiled in current version of the report? Can list of players be customize based on regional geographies we are targetingConsidering heat map analysis and based on market buzz or voice the profiled list of companies in the the report are Philips, Osram, General Electric, Easy Agricultural, Illumitex, Fionia Lighting, Lumigrow, Kind LED Grow Lights, California LightWorks, Spectrum King Grow Lights, Valoya, Weshine, Apollo Horticulture, Kessil, Cidly, Heliospectra AB, LEDHYDROPONICS, Ohmax Optoelectronic & Zhicheng. Yes, further list of players can also be customized as per your requirement keeping in mind your areas of interest and adding local emerging players and leaders from targeted geography.** List of companies covered may vary in the final report subject to Name Change / Merger & Acquisition Activity etc. based on the difficulty of survey since data availability needs to be confirmed by research team specially in case of privately held company. Up to 2 players can be added at no additional cost.

2) What all regional break-up covered? Is it possible to add specific country or region of interest ?Currently, research report gives special attention and focus on following regions: North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain etc.), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia etc.), South America (Brazil, Argentina etc.) & Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa etc.)

3) Would inclusion of additional Segmentation / Market breakdown is possible?Additional segmentation / Market breakdown is possible subject to data availability, feasibility and depending upon timeline and toughness of survey. However a detailed requirement needs to be prepared before making any final confirmation.** An additional country of your interest can be included at no added cost feasibility test would be conducted by Analyst team of HTF based on the requirement shared and accordingly deliverable time will also be disclosed.

Enquire for making customized Report @https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/2444562-global-indoor-plant-lighting-market-7

To comprehend Global Indoor Plant Lighting market dynamics in the global market, the worldwide Indoor Plant Lighting market is analyzed across major geographical regions. HTF Market Intelligence also provides customized specific regional and country-level reports, see below break-ups.

North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico. South & Central America: Argentina, ,Chile, LATAM, and Brazil. Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Turkey, Egypt and South Africa. Europe: UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, BeNeLux, and Russia. Asia-Pacific: India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Australia.

2-Page company profiles for 10+ leading players is included with 3 years financial history to illustrate the recent performance of the market. Latest and updated discussion for 2019 major macro and micro elements influencing market and impacting the sector are also provided with a thought-provoking qualitative remarks on future opportunities and likely threats. The study is a mix of both statistically relevant quantitative data from the industry, coupled with insightful qualitative comment and analysis from Industry experts and consultants.

Global Indoor Plant Lighting Product Types In-Depth: , Incandescent, Fluorescent, LED & Others

Global Indoor Plant Lighting Major Applications/End users: Greenhouses, Houseplants, Hydroponics & Indoor Gardening

Market Sizing by Geographical Break-down: North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain etc.), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia etc.), South America (Brazil, Argentina etc.) & Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa etc.)

To ascertain a deeper view of Market Size, competitive landscape is provided i.e. Comparative Market Share Revenue Analysis (Million USD) by Players (2017-2018) & Segment Market Share (%) by Players (2017-2018) and further a qualitative analysis of all players is made to understand market concentration rate.

Competitive Landscape & Analysis:Major players of Indoor Plant Lighting Market are focusing highly on innovation in new technologies to improve production efficiency and re-arrange product lifecycle. Long-term growth opportunities for this sector are captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements of related players following NAICS standard by understanding their financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. Company profile section of players such as Philips, Osram, General Electric, Easy Agricultural, Illumitex, Fionia Lighting, Lumigrow, Kind LED Grow Lights, California LightWorks, Spectrum King Grow Lights, Valoya, Weshine, Apollo Horticulture, Kessil, Cidly, Heliospectra AB, LEDHYDROPONICS, Ohmax Optoelectronic & Zhicheng includes vital information like legal name, website, headquarter, its market position, distribution and marketing channels, historical background and top 4 closest competitors by Market capitalization / turnover along with sales contact information. Each company / manufacturers revenue figures, growth rate, net profit and gross profit margin is provided in easy to understand tabular format for past 3 years and a separate section on market entropy covering recent development activities like mergers &acquisition, new product/service launch, funding activity etc.

Buy Full Copy Global Indoor Plant Lighting Report 2018 @https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=2444562

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Global Indoor Plant Lighting are as follows:History Year: 2014-2018, Base Year: 2019, Forecast Year 2019 to 2025

Key Stakeholders / Target Audience Covered:In order to better analyze value chain/ supply chain of the Industry, a lot of attention given to backward & forward Integration Indoor Plant Lighting Manufacturers Indoor Plant Lighting Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Indoor Plant Lighting Sub-component Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream Vendors

Actual Numbers & In-Depth Analysis of Indoor Plant Lighting Market Size Estimation, Business opportunities, Available in Full Report.

Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, LATAM, West Europe, MENA Countries, Southeast Asia or Asia Pacific.

About Author:HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.

Contact US :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.comConnect with us atLinkedIn|Facebook|Twitter

Read more from the original source:
The Continuing Growth Story of Indoor Plant Lighting Market? - The Market Journal

Los Angeles | $899,000A 1937 Spanish-style house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, on a 0.14-acre lot

This house is in the Park Hills Heights section of southwest Los Angeles, a 25-minute drive from downtown and a 30-minute drive from Venice Beach. Hyde Park Elementary School is within walking distance, and the main campus of the University of Southern California is six miles east. The neighborhood is a mix of single-family homes and, to the north, the larger estates of View Park and Baldwin Village.

The owner, an interior designer, was intrigued by the houses distinctive wooden front door, which resembles that of her primary residence nearby. She soon discovered the two houses shared a builder, and began a renovation aimed at highlighting her new homes Spanish style, including the addition of intricate Moroccan tiles that lead from an arched portico to the front entrance.

Size: 1,598 square feet

Price per square foot: $563

Indoors: The front door opens to an airy living room, connected to the dining room and kitchen by a series of wide, arched doorways added during the renovation.

The living room features a wood-burning fireplace opposite the front door. One picture window faces the street, while two others flank the fireplace. A pair of exposed beams run along the ceiling.

The dining room opens, through another arch, into a new chefs kitchen with a breakfast nook and a space meant to be used as a small home office or work area. Wrought-iron light fixtures have been installed throughout the house.

A hallway leads to the master suite, where the bathroom includes a double vanity and oversized walk-in shower with a side-facing window. The deck and backyard are accessible through the master bedroom.

The owner installed a custom vanity in the guest bathroom to maximize space, and a deep bathtub surrounded by vibrant green tile.

Outdoor space: A sizable backyard includes a small deck and space for a firepit or garden. A detached garage sits to the side of the yard.

Taxes: $6,922 (estimated)

Contact: Obie Nwabuzor, Pacific Playa Realty, 310-200-4649; pacificplayarealty.com

A circa-1910 neighborhood in the hills of San Diego, Kensington has a small-town feel. Its main drag is a five-block collection of shops and restaurants illuminated by the neon Kensington sign, erected in 1953, designated a historic landmark by San Diegos Historical Resources Board in 2008 and replaced, because of the cost of repairs, by a copy in 2010. This home is a five-minute walk from the heart of Kensington and about 10 miles from San Diego International Airport. The night life hot spots of the Gaslamp Quarter are about 15 minutes to the south by car.

Size: 1,156 square feet

Price per square foot: $774

Indoors: The living room is at the front of the house, with an original fireplace and built-in cabinets for storage and display. A new barn door separates the living space from the master suite, which extends to the back of the house.

In the master bedroom, a set of doors, flanked by another set of built-ins, open to a small balcony looking out into the canyon.

On the other side of the living room, a kitchen is equipped with recently replaced appliances and additional built-ins. A breakfast bar, dining nook and window seat offer a number of seating options.

Beyond the kitchen, a hallway leads to two smaller bedrooms and a white-tiled bathroom. The hardwood floors throughout the house are original.

Outdoor space: A tiered backyard offers ample space from which to enjoy unobstructed canyon views. Off the kitchen, a small deck includes space for an outdoor dining set.

Taxes: $6,802 (estimated)

Contact: Patrick Mercer, Mercer Properties, 619-846-2083; forsale.homesbymercer.com

Considered the gateway to California wine country, Santa Rosa is the seat of Sonoma County and has a population of about 178,000. This single-story house is 10 minutes from downtown Santa Rosa, the Charles M. Schulz Museum and the Russian River Brewing Company.

Rather than work with a traditional homebuilder, the owners contracted a Sebastopol-based designer who specializes in elementary schools to realize their vision of a contemporary space with midcentury influences.

Size: 1,895 square feet

Price per square foot: $474

Indoors: The house has 16-foot vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows intended to make maximum use of light from the south. The kitchen, dining and living spaces are laid out in open-plan style, with large windows facing the backyard and a Danish modern Rais fireplace dividing the living and dining areas.

In the kitchen, open shelving is set off by bright blue tile and quartz countertops. A cobalt-blue island offers additional storage and counter space.

A hallway leads to three bedrooms. One wall in the master bedroom is accented with gray-and-white-patterned wallpaper. In a guest room, wood-patterned paper covers one wall; a third room, styled as an office, is decorated with metallic wallpaper. Each bedroom has a ceiling fan.

The master bathroom includes a walk-in shower, while the guest bathroom is equipped with a 1950s-inspired rounded tub with shower. A laundry room, painted a cheerful green, contains appliance hookups and a stainless steel sink.

Outdoor space: The back doors open onto an 890-square-foot deck surrounded by grass and gravel landscaping. The oversized lot includes double-gated fencing, a two-car garage and gravel parking for additional vehicles or RVs.

Taxes: $6,743 (estimated)

Contact: Melissa English, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 707-479-3261, or Michelle Gilbreaith, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 707-708-1440; coldwellbanker.com

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$900,000 Homes in California - The New York Times

Beat the blues with green: 4 houseplants to grow this winter

Frigid temperatures, messy roads, and darkness before the dinner hour are a few of the top reasons the winter season is least favoured by many.

One great way to combat the dreaded winter blues: add a bit of green. Indoor plants are known to have a myriad of benefits, from purifying the air to brightening up your living space.

Studies have also linked indoor plants to a smoother healing process among surgical patients, reducing anxiety and pain while combating stress.

Although the winter season has a bad rap when it comes to exercising your green thumb, there are plenty of indoor houseplants that thrive during the cold and dark months.

Here are the top 4 tropical houseplants you should grow this winter.

Image Courtesy: Toronto Botanical Garden

With its vibrant colour and texture, the spider plant is an excellent way to brighten up your home.

Paul Zammit, director of horticulture at the Toronto Botanical Garden, says its both the look and modest care requirements that make the spider plant one of his top picks for indoor houseplants.

Who doesnt love a spider plant? Theyre great for hanging they have that wonderful texture that comes down and wonderful colour: particularly the variegated selections that have two colours in their leaves, Zammit tells The Weather Network.

Another great characteristic of the spider plant: its great for sharing.

They can easily be grown by children you can take off those pups, root them very easily, and share them with a friend.

Story continues

Image Courtesy: Toronto Botanical Garden

The Chinese evergreen is another popular option that comes in a variety of textures and colours.

You can get some that have silver leaves, some that have green leaves, [and] newer selections have pink and are fused with cream, Zammit says, adding that the Chinese evergreen is also quite easy to care for in terms of light levels and moisture.

Theyre also quite easy to care for, in terms of the light conditions. Theyre tolerant of fairly low light levels particularly some of the greens and the silvers. . . . and in terms of moisture, theyre pretty forgiving because they can take being slightly on the dry side.

Image Courtesy: Toronto Botanical Garden

Dracaenas are another great tropical indoor houseplant that are customizable to the look of your home. Their variety is one of both colour and size, ranging from small, bushy tabletop varieties, with some that can grow to nearly 2 metres in height.

Some new selections are a brilliant chartreuse, to wonderful dark greens, and then lime greens there are all sorts of wonderful combinations, Zammit says.

Dracaenas are also very tolerant of low water levels and dry conditions as well perfect for the arid indoor climate we so often develop during Canadian winters.

Image Courtesy: Toronto Botanical Garden

Besides being a sight for sore eyes during the dormant season, peace lilies make a great choice of tropical houseplant because in tune with the others on this list theyre also very easy to care for.

Keeping on top of the moisture is key, Zammit says.

Peace lilies are also recommended for lower light levels, but Zammit says he recommends slightly higher light levels, because that encourages them to flower more.

Aside from their elegant white spaths (or blooms,) peace lilies have beautiful leaves that are sure to stand out in any home or office.

[With] big, bold, dramatic, rich, dark green foliage peace lilies really give you a sense of the tropics, Zammit says. I love that green . . . particularly inside during the winter months.

Do you have any of these tropical plants in your home or office? Share your recommendations for indoor plants this winter season in the comments below!

Read the rest here:
Beat the blues with green: 4 houseplants to grow this winter - Yahoo News Canada

Seasonal affective disorder, commonly called SAD, is a type of depression. People experience it more frequently when autumn transitions into winter. Scientists dont know exactly what causes people to get SAD, but they believe SAD is associated with a decrease in the amount of daylight. The symptoms of SAD include irritability, cravings for carbohydrates, weight gain, sleep changes, feelings of sadness or hopelessness and withdrawal from socializing and favorite activities. If you think you have SAD, a visit to your doctor is in order.

There are several treatment options for treating SAD during cold and dreary weather, and here are some of them that might help you.

Light Therapy

When theres less daylight, light therapy is an option to give your body more exposure to the full spectrum of light. Before buying any equipment, check with your doctor in order to make sure that light therapy is a good choice for you. People who take certain medications that cause photosensitivity should not use light therapy. Your doctor can recommend a type of light bulb or a lightbox for you to use at home. You could also replace your regular light bulbs with full-spectrum units. These provide a softer glow that is more like sunlight. Ask your doctor when to use light therapy and for how long to use it.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is a proven way to treat all types of depression, including SAD. If youve gained some weight because of SAD, exercise helps burn some of those extra calories. People who have been sedentary should check with their doctor before starting an exercise regimen.

If you have been exercising on a regular basis, try something new. Branch out and challenge yourself. If you usually swim, try water aerobics. If you typically use a treadmill or elliptical exerciser, find a friend to play racquetball or shoot some hoops. Consider a trip to an indoor rock climbing wall. An indoor trampoline park or laser tag facility could also be fun, and you could bring along some friends.

Going Outdoors

Even if its cold outside, go outdoors. Bundle up in your warmest winter apparel, put on a pair of sunglasses and just get outside. On a cloudy day, some sunlight still filters through, and your bodys circadian rhythms can be reset by this sunlight exposure. Consider combining time outdoors with exercise. A brisk walk on a chilly morning could help reset your mood. The movement stretches your muscles. Go to a place that you enjoy, such as a park with nice scenery. If theres an outdoor mall near your location, walk along the pathways and do some people watching.

Avoiding Nighttime Electronics Use

If you have SAD, you may be tempted to stay at home and avoid in-person social interactions. Instead, you might turn to your phone and engage with people on social media. You might play games on your computer or smartphone or spend a lot of time watching shows or movies. Avoid using electronics within an hour of your bedtime. The bright lights of the LED screens stimulate your brain and make it more difficult for you to fall asleep. Poor sleep and a lack of sleep contribute to negative moods, increase your stress and can worsen the symptoms of depression.

See the original post:
Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder during Cold and Dreary Weather - Net Newsledger

The Indoor Generation refers to a growing number of people who spend the vast majority of their time indoors, currently 90% of their lives, living, working, learning and playing, and often in dark, poorly ventilated and unhealthy buildings. This has resulted in an increasing need for innovative and effective solutions that bring increased natural light to the spaces in which we choose to spend the majority of our time.

Whilst we have adapted to living indoors, we are essentially still outdoor animals, and our gene code is designed for us to live in a natural environment. Prior to the arrival of buildings our daily lives were determined by the availability of daylight hours, and the qualities of light that signaled changes in weather and in time. Our physiological systems, especially our circadian cycles were in harmony with these diurnal rhythms of daylight, as were our emotional responses to light and darkness (Source: Heerwagen, 2011).

Light is an acute stimulant that directly alerts the brain and thus can affect energy levels as well as alertness and productivity. A properly functioning circadian cycle also determines patterns of coordination, blood pressure and cardiovascular activity. It affects mood and influences social behaviours and cognitive performance.

Increasingly our circadian cycles are being disturbed advanced or delayed by exposure to light at different times, and our metabolism and behaviour patterns are changing as a consequence. Peter Foldbjerg, VELUX Commercials Head of Daylight, Energy & Indoor Climate, laments that we now live in a social clock society, a 24/7 society, that has become disconnected from the light and dark in nature. We are living and working in buildings where we are removed from natural daylight, where artificial light is often around 200 lux and rarely exceeds 500 lux, levels which are insufficient to regulate our biological rhythms, which require 1,000 lux. Hence the analogy to the dim cave. The inability to provide the occupants of buildings with a well-illuminated environment can result in a detrimental impact on health and productivity, and a substantial burden on the individual, society and the broader economy.

The benefits of working in bright and well-ventilated commercial spaces to our overall wellbeing and performance cannot be overstated.

Research on office buildings has shown that office workers highly value access to a window and to varying degrees of daylight in a study of 7 office buildings in the Pacific Northwest (source: Heerwagen et al, 1992) more than 83% of the occupants said they very much liked daylight and sunlight in their workspace and valued the seasonal changes in daylight. Even in darker locations within a building, the occupants still expressed satisfaction with the daylight level, as long as they could look into a daylit space. In the YouGov survey, 39% of respondents said that daylight significantly impacts on their mood.

To find out more on how to design commercial buildings for improved health and productivity by utilising daylight download your free copy of the whitepaper: Designing daylight solutions for commercial buildings.

Read this article:
Designing daylight in buildings and its impact on the indoor generation - Building Design

On February 26, 2020, top tier business executives, entrepreneurs, and government representatives from Israel and Germany will gather in Berlin to take part in WeTech Berlin 2020, an exclusive innovation conference. The conference will include a series of unique encounters and discussions on topics with a focus on innovation and tech, business ties with Israel, investment opportunities, and more. During the conference, professional speakers will examine the ways in which tech and innovation manifest in various fields, from cyber and property-tech, to finance and artificial intelligence.

PointGrab

Founded: 2008

Founders: Haim Perski, Saar Wilf

Investors: BB Investments, Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), EMV

Funding to date: $10 million

Syte

Founded: 2015

Founders: Ofer Fryman, Lihi Pinto Fryman, Idan Pinto, Helge Voss

Investors: Viola, Magma

Funding to date: $30 million

Syte-Visual Conception Ltd. offers shopping suggestions based on image recognition software. Users can upload an image of an outfit and the companys technology breaks it down to its components, suggesting similar items to those pictured from multiple retailers. Shoppers can also upload photos of their own clothes and receive various styling recommendations from Syte.

Flytrex

Founded: 2013

Founders: Yariv Bash, Amit Regev

Investors: BGV, Btov Partners, Joey Low, Daniel Aegerter, Daniel Gutenberg

Funding to date: $11 million

Drone delivery startup Flytrex Aviation Ltd. provides drone delivery services to various kinds of businesses. The companys device can be attached to the drone, allowing operators to remotely control it using a mobile app. The company's device enables fast deliveries to individuals and businesses and can access areas that are hard to reach by car.

Qsee

Founded: 2018

Founders: Rami Refaeli, Nadav Herz

Investors: Ham-Let Group

Anzu

Founded: 2017

Founders: Itamar Benedy, Ben Fenster, Michael Badichi

Investors: WPP, Axel Springer Digital Ventures, Bitkraft Esports Ventures

Funding to date: $8 million

Agrowing

Founded: 2014

Founders: Ira Dvir, Nitzan Rabinowitz

Investors: Agrichem Ltd.

Funding to date: undisclosed

GOARC

Founded: 2015

Founders: Dror Barak, Haim Srur, Chani Gur-Arie

Investors: undisclosed

Funding to date: $7 million

TriEye

Founded: 2017

Founders: Avi Bakal, Uriel Levy, Omer Kapach

Investors: Intel Capital, Porsche Ventures, Grove Ventures, Marius Nacht

Funding to date: $2 million

Sixdof Space

Founded: 2017

Founders: Mark Goldfarb, Daniel Greenspan, Klony Lieberman

Investors: Israel Innovation Authority

Funding to date: $3.2 million

PERCEPTO

Founded: 2014

Founders: Dor Abuahsira, Sagi Blonder, Raviv Raz, Ariel Avitan

Investors: USVP, NHN, Spider Capital, Emerge

Funding to date: $27.5 million

Continued here:
These Are the Startups Selected to Showcase Their Technology in Berlin (Part 1) - CTech

Its not a real tree, exactly. Its a piece of furniture, with a bench circling its wide trunk and leaves and branches reaching to the ceiling. Lights above the tree can change color, from green to red or orange or blue.

The tree has been there about a year now, a centerpiece of the media center remodeling funded by the bond approved in a 2015 referendum.

Work on referendum projects is winding down. A new elementary school and additions at the middle and high schools were the marquee projects of the $52 million referendum. Maintenance work and remodeling have provided updates in all school buildings.

At Roosevelt a more traditional library was transformed into a bright, modern space. The large room had been a large room with straight rows of book-packed shelves and a group of large tables with chairs in the back of the room.

Now, its brighter, with new paint and flooring. Curved shelves are distributed around the room along with small tables and chairs. Pops of blue, purple and bright green are spread throughout the room.

Kindergarteners sitting on the bench under the tree said they really like having it in the room. They especially like the way the top of the tree lights up.

The furniture is designed to appeal to young kids. A few pieces have floor-level tunnels for students to squirm through. If someone wants to settle into a tunnel to read, thats OK, too.

Stuffed animals are waiting for kids to read to them.

Media center specialist Bethany Roisland said the book collection was updated, too.

A section of graphic novels has been added. All kids enjoy the illustrated books, she said, and the combination of words and illustrations can help make connections for kids learning English.

The overall collection reflects more diversity than it may have in the past, including materials about many different kinds of people. We try to emphasize different populations, she said.

While students enjoyed the remodeled media center from the start, changes keep coming as everyone adjusts to the new space.

For example, Roisland has found that kids have their own ideas about how to use some spaces.

She had planned to develop seating in a corner where she and other teachers use a Smart Board for instruction. It turned out students enjoyed just sitting on the floor while she teaches them keyboarding.

Roisland is in her second year with the district. She didnt work in the old media center but library paraprofessional Molly Morris did.

The old center was very utilitarian, said Morris. We keep evolving. She has enjoyed watching children enjoy the colorful space and modern furniture.

Libraries in the past were quiet places, but that has changed. The image of a librarian shushing giggling students is gone. A media center now is a more active and interactive place, Roisland said. Sometimes, theres even music playing.

Read more:
Media center remodeling makes a tree the focal point of a bright, colorful room at Willmar's Roosevelt Elementary - West Central Tribune