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🌞 Against All Odds
Daily Upsider - Wednesday, November 13th, 2024
James Linder & Julia Mejia
November 13, 2024
Wednesday, November 13th, 2024
Good morning! 🌞
Did you know that a flea can jump up to 200 times its body length?
This would be like a human jumping over two football fields in a single leap!!
Today’s Upside
World News
Jordan First to Eradicate Leprosy
Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative to Jordan (left) and H.E Prof. Feras Ibrahim Hawari, Minister of Health, Jordan (right) – credit WHO, released.
Leprosy, a disease that has affected humanity for centuries, has been completely eliminated for the first time by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized this achievement, with Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commending Jordan's efforts in eradicating the disease. The country’s success in eliminating leprosy marks a significant public health milestone, offering hope and inspiration for countries still grappling with the disease.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes, and if left untreated, can lead to permanent disability. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications, but the disease remains classified as a neglected tropical disease, affecting over 120 countries and with more than 200,000 new cases reported globally each year. Despite historical stigma, with figures like King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem suffering from the disease in the 11th century, advancements in medicine have made leprosy entirely curable.
Jordan’s milestone in leprosy elimination comes after 20 years without any indigenous cases. Following a comprehensive review by a WHO investigative team, Jordan was declared the first nation to eliminate leprosy entirely, setting an example for other countries aiming to control and eradicate neglected diseases. WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, highlighted that Jordan’s achievement could shift perceptions around leprosy, providing a roadmap for other nations to enhance their public health initiatives. This announcement follows Egypt’s recent recognition as malaria-free, underscoring the region's progress in combating long-standing infectious diseases.
Sports
Against All Odds
In an inspiring display of resilience and determination, Jonathan Pascual, diagnosed with terminal mediastinal paraganglioma in 2022, has achieved the seemingly impossible by completing the Ironman World Championship. This grueling event tested his limits, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon 26.2-mile run.
Culture
Japan's Woodblock Print
The Great Wave Off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura). This is one of Katsushika Hokusai's most famous works
Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” is a captivating genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This art form captures the hedonistic spirit and vibrant culture of urban Japan, showcasing scenes from city life, kabuki actors, beautiful women (bijin-ga), and sweeping landscapes. Ukiyo-e’s woodblock printing technique allowed for large-scale reproduction, making art accessible to a broad audience and providing a glimpse into a world that celebrated beauty, leisure, and the passage of time. Among the iconic works from this genre is Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” a masterpiece that remains emblematic of ukiyo-e’s enduring allure.
Hokusai’s “The Great Wave” is a part of his series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” and exemplifies the ukiyo-e tradition with its dynamic composition and powerful portrayal of nature. Utagawa Hiroshige, another renowned ukiyo-e artist, is celebrated for his serene landscape prints, most notably “Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō,” which reflect the tranquil beauty of Japan’s countryside and evoke a sense of journey and contemplation. Together, Hokusai and Hiroshige represent the pinnacle of ukiyo-e, their works influencing not only Japanese art but also impacting Western artists like Van Gogh and Monet, who admired the elegance and simplicity of Japanese design.
Today, traditional ukiyo-e techniques are practiced by only a few dedicated artisans who strive to preserve the legacy of this rich art form amid the rise of digital art and mass production. Through exhibitions and renewed interest from collectors, the legacy of ukiyo-e endures, inspiring art enthusiasts worldwide. As a window into Japan’s cultural heritage, the art of ukiyo-e remains essential, capturing the fleeting beauty of life and the dynamic world of Edo Japan for future generations to cherish.
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Understanding Nutritional Labels
Navigating the grocery store can feel overwhelming, especially with the myriad of food options available. One powerful tool to help you make healthier choices is the nutritional label. Understanding how to read and interpret these labels can empower you to select foods that align with your dietary needs and health goals. Here’s a comprehensive guide to decoding nutritional labels and making informed decisions. A nutritional label, often found on the packaging of food products, provides essential information about the nutritional content of the food. This information includes calories, macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), vitamins, and minerals. By law, food manufacturers must display nutritional labels on most packaged foods, making it easier for consumers to make healthy choices.
Key Components of Nutritional Labels
Serving Size:
This is one of the most critical pieces of information. The serving size indicates the amount of food that the nutritional information applies to. Be mindful that the serving size may differ from the portion you typically consume.
Calories:
Calories represent the amount of energy you obtain from a serving of food. Keeping track of your daily calorie intake can help with weight management. Consider how many servings you consume and adjust accordingly.
Macronutrients:
Total Fat: Look for the total fat content, which includes saturated and trans fats. Aim for foods lower in saturated and trans fats, as they can increase the risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol and Sodium: High levels of cholesterol and sodium can lead to health issues. Aim to limit your intake of these components, particularly if you have specific health concerns.
Total Carbohydrates: This includes dietary fiber and sugars. Opt for foods high in fiber and low in added sugars, which can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and overall health, protein should be included in your diet. Consider the quality of protein sources, opting for lean meats, legumes, and plant-based proteins.
Vitamins and Minerals:
Look for nutrients that are essential for your overall health. Labels often highlight important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. A diet rich in these nutrients can help support various bodily functions.
Daily Values (DV):
Daily Values are percentage benchmarks that help you understand how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to your daily diet. For example, a food with 20% DV for calcium means that one serving provides 20% of the calcium you need each day. Aim for foods that are high in beneficial nutrients (20% DV or more) and low in those you should limit (5% DV or less).
Tips for Reading Nutritional Labels
Compare Similar Products: Use nutritional labels to compare similar products. Look for the one with lower saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars while maximizing fiber and protein.
Beware of Misleading Claims: Terms like "low-fat" or "sugar-free" can be misleading. Always check the nutritional label to see if these claims hold up in terms of overall healthfulness.
Focus on Whole Foods: Whenever possible, prioritize whole, minimally processed foods. While they may not have labels, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins generally offer more nutrients and fewer additives.
Listen to Your Body: Use the nutritional information as a guideline, but also pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Balanced eating is about more than just numbers.
Understanding nutritional labels is a valuable skill that can significantly impact your health. By taking the time to read and interpret these labels, you can make more informed food choices, support your health goals, and cultivate a balanced diet. Next time you’re shopping, remember to check the labels—your body will thank you!
Mind Stretchers
⁉️
Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
I am a ball that can’t roll, can never bounce or be thrown. What am I?
An eyeball 😆 no one got this, but I got a lot of ‘ball’ (as in a dance or party) answers but then you can throw a ball—but close enough! 😁
Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to email.
From the Community
If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.
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