I have a 75 per cent risk of developing Alzheimer’s – here’s what I’m doing to stay healthy

Anxiety Is Now Tied to Dementia:

Here’s How Much It Increases the Risk

Story by Gillian Manning

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health challenge in the U.S. About 19% of American adults have an anxiety disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health.

About 6.7 million Americans over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s dementia and, barring any medical breakthroughs, that number could reach 13.8 million by 2060.

These statements are more connected than you may have guessed.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a link between anxiety (chronic and new-onset) and a higher risk of dementia.

The research team, associated with the University of Newcastle in Australia, analyzed medical data on more than 2,000 people who were followed for 10 years, on average.

The average age in the group was 76.

Participants with chronic anxiety had a 2.8 times higher risk of developing dementia during the study period, compared with participants who did not have anxiety.

Those with new-onset anxiety had a 3.2 times higher risk of developing dementia.

Risks were even higher for those whose anxiety started before age 70.

Read Next: 8 Financial Bucket List Items to Check Off Before 60

The good news is that resolved anxiety was not associated with an increased risk of dementia.

  Related video: Walk Your Way to a Sharper Mind: the Surprising Link Between Daily Steps and Dementia Prevention (Money Talks News) – Search

Researchers write, “These results suggest that timely management of anxiety may be a viable strategy in reducing the risk of dementia.”

Relief from anxiety is possible. Research published in 2020 in the Journal of Affective Disorders concluded that about 70% of participants with a history of generalized anxiety disorder were later free from the disorder and 40% were in “excellent mental health.”

The American Psychiatric Association found that over the past two years, the percentage of adults who feel anxious has risen from 32% in 2022 to 47% in 2024.

And, according to a new study, those increased rates of anxiety could mean increased rates of dementia. The study, published in the Journal of American Geriatric Society, found that anxiety can increase adults’ risk for developing dementia—by up to 3 times. 

But the study also found some good news: anxiety is a manageable risk.

“The study confirms what we’ve long known: anxiety disrupts our well-being,” says Julie Manuel, clinical program manager at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center. “ As we learn more about mental health disorders and their connection to our overall health, it becomes even more important to learn healthy coping strategies.”

What to know about the study

The study, conducted in Australia, followed 2,132 people ages 60 to 81 for 10 years. The average participant age was 76. Researchers asked participants about their emotional health using a 10-question evaluation (called the Kessler Psychological Distress scale).

Participants were interviewed twice, five years apart.

Those who responded as anxious during both interviews were considered to have chronic anxiety. Those who responded as anxious after only the second interview were considered to have new onset anxiety. 

For those with chronic anxiety, the study showed that they were 2.8 times more likely to develop dementia in 10 years. Those with new onset anxiety, 3.2 times more likely.

The risks were even higher for those whose anxiety started before they were 70. 

But those who reported as anxious after the first but not the second interview (considered having resolved anxiety) showed no increased risk for dementia. 

In other words, “the study suggests that by managing anxiety,” Julie says, “we can manage its risks on our future health.” 

Similarly, the researchers conclude that “These results suggest that timely management of anxiety may be a viable strategy in reducing the risk of dementia.”

How anxiety affects our health

“Some anxiety is normal,” Julie says. “A fight with your best friend, stress over an upcoming project at work—these usually resolve or are fixable. But chronic anxiety is exhausting, emotionally and physically.” It puts a lot of wear and tear on the body. 

Chronic anxiety leads to health issues, such as

• Cardiovascular disease, such as congestive heart failure, stroke, and cardiac arrest.
• Weight gain and slower metabolism 
• Brain cell damage, including loss of neurons and neuron connections (called cerebral atrophy)

All of these increase one’s risk for dementia. 

Much of this wear and tear has to do with the effect of stress hormones. 

Anxiety engages our “fight, flight, or freeze” reflex, which sends hormones like adrenaline and cortisol through our body. The process is dramatic; it’s our body’s version of slamming on the brakes or gas pedal to avoid danger.

And these hormones are potent—increasing our heart rate, redirecting blood flow, and focusing our attention. But it’s a temporary reaction. Or, at least, it’s supposed to be. Our bodies can’t thrive under a constant wash of stress hormones. 

Along with inflammation, a regularly elevated heart rate and cortisol levels can lead to cognitive decline. 

“When we can’t control our worry, our fear, and feeling overwhelmed, it really impacts our brains,” Julie says. “If not controlled or managed, anxiety could accelerate how they deteriorate, leading to symptoms of dementia.” 

In 2020, more than 55 million people lived with dementia. By 2050, experts anticipate that number will more than double. For adults, then, learning to manage anxiety and its effects, like high blood pressure, can help reduce the risk of dementia. 

Managing your anxiety

Of course, there’s some irony in reading an article about anxiety and dementia. You may not feel any less anxious right now. But the point that both the study and Julie emphasize is you can do something about the impact anxiety has on your future health and well-being. 

Unlike everyday stress, Julie clarifies that “anxiety often does not have an easily identified trigger.” So instead of hunting for triggers, she recommends watching for symptoms, such as 

• Feeling irritable 
• Periods of dread 
• Having trouble sleeping
• A lingering sense of nervousness 
• Regularly catastrophizing and assuming “worst-case scenarios” 

To manage your anxiety, start with lifestyle habits. Many of which take only a few minutes a day, such as

• Staying physically active
• Journaling to put words to your feelings
• Talking to friends or family
• Keeping an eye on your nutrition

She also points to learning ways to relax and ground yourself, like walking, deep breathing, and mindfulness activities. These are proven to help calm the brain and lower your heart rate. 

Anxiety can also be managed through therapy and, if necessary, with medication. “Medications can help,” Julie says, “but therapies such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) or exposure therapy can be helpful with a trained clinician.”

When should you reach out to a therapist? Julie says when your symptoms interfere with your life.

Do your future brain a favor

Dementia can’t always be prevented. Having it in your family history does increase your risks. But you can do things to stay ahead of it. Namely, recognizing the signs of dementia and talking with a physician as soon as possible. 

And if you’re an adult dealing with anxiety, don’t hide or downplay it. Anxiety isn’t rare. It’s estimated that more than 300 million people experience it. But not taking it seriously can impact your future health. 

The good news is, though, you can do something about it today to help your future self tomorrow.

I heard anesthesia was tied to dementia

What Medications Should Not Be Given to People with Dementia?

• Meds associated with dementia
• Drugs and dementia risk
• Medication for dementia
• Summary

Living with the cognitive changes of dementia can be challenging, and certain medications can make your symptoms worse — or may even be their cause.

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes impaired memory loss and changes to cognition in various medical conditions. While it’s commonly associated with older people, dementia isn’t a part of typical aging.

The exact reason why some people develop dementia and some people don’t is unknown, but certain medications may increase your risk.

If you’re already living with dementia, some medications may also worsen your current symptoms.

Medications that worsen dementia symptoms

Medication may be necessary from time to time, especially as you age, but many drugs come with their own set of side effects, some of which can impact your thinking and reasoning.

Taking these medications when you live with dementia may make your symptoms feel like they’re getting worse.

Anticholinergics

Medications that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine are known as anticholinergic drugs. They have a wide application in the medical world as treatments for respiratory disorders, incontinence, and certain mental health conditions, among many others.

Anticholinergics work well for many conditions because they impact your parasympathetic nervous system, a network of nerves that encourage relaxation and restorative rest.

Dementia is already associated withTrusted Source lowered levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which is why taking anticholinergics — which further restrict acetylcholine — can worsen symptoms.

Common anticholinergics include:

• antihistamines
• Parkinson’s disease medications
• pupil dilators
• anti-nausea medications
• incontinence drugs
• antidepressants
• antipsychotics

Taking these medications may cause side effects that make dementia symptoms worse such as:

• memory impairment
• behavioral disturbances
• anxiety
• insomnia
• sedation
• confusion

Additionally, a 2018 review of studiesTrusted Source found that antipsychotics can increase the risk of death in people with dementia. The article recommended avoiding antipsychotics as a treatment for dementia.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are drugs often prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety. They’re known as depressants, which work by slowing down the function of your central nervous system.

Benzodiazepines have a sedating effect. They can make your thought processes feel slower than typical. These medications can also cause irritability, amnesia, vivid dreams, and hypnosis.

Common benzodiazepine medications include:

• alprazolam
• diazepam
• estazolam
• flurazepam
• clonazepam
• lorazepam
• temazepam

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids work throughout your body by mimicking the action of the hormone, cortisol. Cortisol not only helps suppress inflammation but is also an important part of many other biological functions.

One of the potential impacts of corticosteroid use is that of imbalanced neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid disruption can lead to symptoms such as:

• depression
• mood shifts
• anxiety
• memory changes
• altered emotional processing
• psychosis

Common corticosteroids include:

• cortisone
• hydrocortisone
• prednisone

I heard cortisone shots are tied to dementia – Search Videos

Beta-blockers and statins

Both beta-blockers and statins are medications used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In rare cases, impaired cognitive function has been reportedTrusted Source while using these medications.

Chemotherapy drugs

Chemotherapy is known for the side effect casually referred to as “chemo brain,” a mental fogginess that can affect memory and mental acuity.

While it can often be improved after chemotherapy has ended, it may make the symptoms of dementia temporarily more intense.

Drugs that increase dementia risk

For many of the same reasons they can make symptoms of dementia worse, certain medications may increase the risk of developing dementia over all.

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergic medications, in particular, have been linked to an increased dementia risk in addition to their ability to exacerbate existing symptoms.

In 2019, a case-controlled studyTrusted Source of almost 300,000 medical records spanning more than a decade found anticholinergic medications were associated with a 50% increased chance of developing dementia for people who had been taking those medications daily for at least 3 years.

The study found that out of all anticholinergic drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, Parkinson’s medications, epilepsy drugs, and bladder medications carried the highest dementia development risk. However, the study wasn’t able to conclude that anticholinergics directly cause dementia.

Beta-blockers

No large-scale studies have linked beta-blockers to an overall increased chance of developing dementia.

A small 2020 population-based studyTrusted Source, however, found beta-blocker use was associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia, a type of dementia caused by changes in blood flow to the brain.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid use may result in a type of reversible dementia known as “steroid dementia.” This medication-induced form of cognitive impairment can resolve after stopping corticosteroid use.

Opioids

While opioid use has been primarily an area of concern when it comes to fall risk in dementia, it may also play a role in the development of the condition.

A 2022 study of more than 8,000 people in an Israel healthcare facility found opioid use was associated with an increased risk of dementia development in people between the ages of 75 and 80.

Benzodiazepines

Research on whether or not benzodiazepines can cause dementia is conflicting.

Anxiety and agitation can be early symptoms of dementia. Because of this, it’s unclear if benzodiazepines, which are used to treat these symptoms, can be a cause of dementia or if undiagnosed dementia was the reason for symptoms in the first place.

In 2019, a review of studiesTrusted Source found benzodiazepine use, particularly that of long-acting benzodiazepines, significantly increased dementia risk in older adults.

According to research from 2022Trusted Source, however, there appears to be little evidence that supports benzodiazepines as a direct cause of dementia.  Because of the uncertainty, researchers suggest using these medications with caution in older populations.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Anxiety

Medically Reviewed by Christopher Melinosky, MD on November 27, 2022

Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, nervousness, or fear. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but feeling that way often or all the time can affect your health.

As many as 3 in 4 people with Alzheimer’s disease may have some level of anxiety. 

It’s often one reason behind challenging behaviors like wandering and aggression.

People with Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble saying how they feel. You may not know when your loved one is worrying or feeling anxious. You might instead notice other signs, such as:

• Avoiding social situations
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Restless behaviors like wandering, doing the same thing over and over, or not staying still
• Muscle tension, even if they’re not aware of feeling anxious
• Not sleeping well

Emotional Triggers

Some medications can treat anxiety, but they often don’t work well for older people and people with Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, it can be helpful to figure out what might be causing your loved one’s anxiety and try to address it.

Think carefully about what happened right before they seemed anxious and look for possible reasons:

Could they be uncomfortable?

• Could they feel sick?
• Could they feel hungry, thirsty, hot, cold, or tired?
• Could they need a bathroom? Are their clothes uncomfortable?
• Could they be in pain?

Could they be confused?

• Could they believe something is happening that isn’t? For example, do they accuse you of things that are not true?
• Could they be seeing or hearing things that are not there?
• Are they not able to understand what is being said or what is happening?
• Do they forget where things are around the home?

Could they have too much or too little activity?

• Are they bored?
• Are they lonely?
• Are they overwhelmed because they’ve been asked to do too much?

Could they be upset because of a recent change in routine?

• Have they recently moved to a new place?
• Have they moved in with someone new, or has someone new moved in with them?
• Has there been a change in their daily routine?

Could their surroundings be upsetting them?

• Are they in an unfamiliar place or one that they don’t recognize?
• Are they somewhere noisy or busy?
• Have they been around many people whom they don’t know?
• Could they feel that people are treating them differently, or like a child?
• Could they be responding to your emotions?
• Could caffeine, alcohol, or other drugs be part of the problem?

Did they have anxiety before they had Alzheimer’s disease?

• What sorts of things caused anxiety before they had Alzheimer’s disease?
• Could they be worrying over the same things now?

Care at Home

Once you think you know what may be behind the anxiety, make a plan to help make it better. If the first thing you try doesn’t work, try something else. You may need to try several things, and something may work one day and not the next. If nothing seems to help, talk with a doctor or counselor.

You might:

• Take them for a walk, offer them a snack, or ask them to help you do something.
• Take them for a ride in a car so they have something to talk about as this gives them something to talk about and add to their life journey.
• Play their favorite music or Anxiety Dementia and Exercise – Search Videos
• Reassure them that they’re safe and that you’re here to help.
• If they let you touch them, hold their hand, give them a hug, or give them a massage.
• Help them get gentle exercise, such as going for a walk or helping in the garden.
• If they had anxiety in the past, help them do things that helped before if possible. Examples could include taking deep breaths or sitting in a relaxing place.

If they’re uncomfortable:

• Offer food and drink if you think they might be hungry or thirsty.
• Offer a sweater or a blanket if they seem cold.
• Turn on a fan or move them to a cooler room if they seem warm.
• See if they need a bathroom, or if they need a change of clothes because of incontinence.

If they’re confused:

• Make sure hearing aids are working and they’re wearing glasses if they need them.
• Put labels on items and rooms around the house that they might have trouble finding.
• If they repeat questions, give them a calm answer each time they ask. Don’t get angry or tell them they’re repeating things.
• Speak in short, simple sentences, and give them time to respond.  

If the anxiety is caused by their surroundings:

• Remove distractions when possible. Turn off the TV or stay away from busy places.
• Stick to a daily routine as much as possible.
• Use brighter indoor lighting.
• Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol.

If there’s too much activity:

• Give them simple activities.
• Give them time to rest after activities.
• Don’t rush or correct them.
• Speak slowly and calmly.
• Stay away from busy, crowded, or strange places.

If they’re bored:

• People with Alzheimer’s disease often find it hard to start activities on their own. It helps to plan things for them to do.
• When planning activities, think about things they liked to do in the past.

• Related:Loved One With Alzheimer’s? A New Way to Relate

• Related:Loved One With Alzheimer’s? A New Way to Relate

Anxiety and Aggression

Sometimes people with Alzheimer’s show anxiety by becoming agitated. This can sometimes turn into aggressive behavior like hitting, pushing, or yelling. If your loved one tends to become agitated or aggressive, you can do some things to keep everyone safe:

• Keep dangerous things like guns, knives, glass, and sharp or heavy objects out of the house or locked away.
• If you can’t calm them down, give them space.
• Consider asking someone nearby, like a neighbor, to be ready to help if needed.

Anxiety is tied to dementia – Search Videos

Just 2 days of exercise per week can protect you against brain diseases

List of school shootings in the United States (2000–present) – Wikipedia

A Solution is to Put a Retired Marine in Every School in America 

This Cockeyed President of the United States shares his thoughts on half the country:

Be Brave – Fight for Humanity – Protect the Innocent Children – Defend Freedom and Life – Expose the Lies and Corruption – Share the Truth and Demand Justice!!!

“You’ve got a tough job here. You’ve got to pretend that Donald Trump didn’t deliver rising take home pay, which of course he did. You’ve got to pretend that Donald Trump didn’t deliver lower inflation, which of course he did. And then you’ve got to defend Kamala Harris’s atrocious economic record, which has made gas, groceries, and housing unaffordable for American citizens.” – Senator JD Vance

HIGH CRIMES OF KAMALA VEVI HARRIS: 

Articles of Impeachment for Kamala Devi Harris, Vice President of the United States for high crimes in her deliberate refusal to uphold existing immigration laws resulting in the death of Americans and for covering up Joe Biden’s cognitive mental decline.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 23, 2024: U.S. House of Representatives Andy Ogles introduced articles of impeachment against Vice President Kamala Devi Harris for high crimes and misdemeanors. 

IMPEACHMENT RESOLUTION: Resolved, that Kamala Devi Harris, Vice President of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the United States Senate: Articles of impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the name of itself and of the people of the United States of America, against Kamala Devi Harris, Vice President of the United States, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against her for high crimes and misdemeanors. 

ARTICLE I: WILLFUL REFUSAL TO UPHOLD THE IMMIGRATION LAWS:  The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives ‘‘shall have the sole Power of Impeachment’’ and Executive Branch officials, including the Vice President, ‘‘shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors’’.

In her conduct of the Office of Vice President of the United States, Kamala Devi Harris, in violation of her constitutional oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, to bear truth faith and allegiance to the same, and to well and faithfully discharge the duties of her Office, has willfully and systemically refused to up hold Federal immigration laws, in that: In her conduct of the Office of Vice President of the United States.

Kamala Devi Harris, in violation of her constitutional oath to faithfully execute the Office of Vice President of the United States and, to the best of her ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of her constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has willfully prevented, obstructed, and impeded the administration of justice, in that: Kamala Devi Harris has demonstrated extraordinary incompetence in the execution of her duties and responsibilities, a stark refusal to uphold the existing immigration laws, and a palpable indifference to people of the United States suffering as a result of the ongoing southern border crisis in the United States.

Vice President Harris has consistently refused to visit the southern border to evaluate this ongoing national crisis, aside from a single trip hundreds of miles away from the epicenter of the migrant crisis. Women and girls in the United States have paid a disproportionate price for the ongoing border crisis, tragically extenuated by the inaction of border czar Kamala Devi Harris.

In August 2023, Rachel Morin, a mother of 5, was raped and killed by an illegal alien. In September 2023, an illegal alien attacked a woman and her 9-year old daughter in Los Angeles. On May 14, 2024, an illegal alien from Turkey raped a 15-year-old New York girl after threatening to beat her with a pipe. In February 2024, a 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley was killed by an illegal alien.

In June 2024, a 13-year-old New York girl was raped in broad daylight inside a Queens park by an illegal alien; Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old Houston girl, was killed by 2 illegal aliens and later found dead after being strangled and sexually assaulted; 5 illegal aliens were charged with kidnapping a 14-year-old Indiana girl.

During her tenure as the designated border czar, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency ‘‘encountered’’ nearly 302,000 illegal aliens at the southwest border in December 2023, the highest monthly total ever recorded and representing 4 consecutive months of over 240,000 illegal alien ‘‘encounters’’. According to the U.S. Customs and Border data, in the first 5 months of fiscal year 2023, 106,000 pounds of drugs were seized at the southwest border, including 11,000 pounds of fentanyl.

The first 5 months of fiscal year 2023 saw a 179.3-percent increase in fentanyl seizures over the same time frame in fiscal year 2022. According to Drug Enforcement Agency statistics, over 50,600,000 fentanyl pills were seized in 2022, including over 10,800 pounds of fentanyl powder; these fentanyl seizures are enough to kill over 379,000,000 people.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that 107,735 individuals in the United States died of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending July 2022. According to the U.S. Customs and Border migrant deaths at the southwest border of the United States totaled 856 in fiscal year 2022, the deadliest year on record.

A May 2017 report from Doctors Without Borders indicated that out of the number of women surveyed, nearly one-third had been sexually assaulted as they approached the southern border.

In all of this, Kamala Devi Harris willfully and systematically refused to uphold the immigration laws, failed to control the border to the detriment of national security, compromised public safety, and violated the rule of law, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States. Wherefore Vice President Kamala Devi Harris, by such conduct, has demonstrated that she will remain a threat to national security and the Constitution if allowed to remain in Office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law.

Kamala Devi Harris thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States. 

ARTICLE II: BREACH OF PUBLIC TRUST: The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives ‘‘shall have the sole Power of Impeachment’’ and Executive Branch officials, including the Vice President, ‘‘shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors’’.

Safe to say it was an obvious Attempt (plan) to cause chaos and disrupt the Safety and Welfare of the American people. Imagine if Trump did this?

That’s Pure Treason folks.
In her conduct while Vice President of the United States, Kamala Devi Harris, in violation of her oath to well and faithfully discharge the duties of her Office, has breached the public trust, in that: Kamala Devi Harris has knowingly misled the people of the United States and the Congress of the United States, principally to obfuscate the physical and cognitive well-being of the President of the United States, Joe Biden.

Kamala Devi Harris engaged in this scheme of course of conduct through the following means: (1) Kamala Devi Harris, despite maintaining a clear moral obligation to do so, failed to invoke the procedure stipulated in the 25th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, particularly after President Joe Biden’s announcement on Sunday July 21, 2024, that he would no longer be seeking the Democratic nomination for President of the United States for the 2024 election.

(2) Kamala Devi Harris has refused to answer any questions regarding President Joe Biden’s tragic cognitive decline, particularly when she began to notice such decline and for how long she knew the President was no longer capable of discharging the duties of his office. In all of this, Kamala Devi Harris breached the public trust in failing basic expectations of transparency and demonstrating a severe lack of integrity.

Wherefore Kamala Devi Harris, by such conduct, has demonstrated that she will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in Office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with her duties and the rule of law. Kamala Devi Harris thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States. 

(1) Truth Justice ™ on X: “HIGH CRIMES OF KAMALA HARRIS: Articles of Impeachment for Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States for high crimes in her deliberate refusal to uphold existing immigration laws resulting in the death of Americans and for covering up Joe Biden’s cognitive mental decline. https://t.co/I31q8WYlhq” / X

Treason has no statute of limitations Article 1 Section 10, Article 2 Section 4, Article 3 Section 3 of the US Constitution clearly states any official, including federal judges can be punished by law for aiding enemies of the United States.

Watch: (1) Wayne Dunlap on X: “@SpartaJustice If Kamala Harris did a good job managing the border crisis then shouldn’t Democrats & the media be PROUD of her Border Czar title? She falsely claimed the border was secure after illegal immigration spiked over 500%. Worst case of dereliction of duty! Watch: https://t.co/c16eWQVGzT” / X

Exactly O bama, B iden, Har ris all have committed treason.

DEI LYING Commie Kamala’s incompetence RECORD has been on full display for 4 years with NO changes in sight. I’m not concerned about Kamala; I’m concerned about voting machines and ballot stuffing. 1. OPEN BORDERS 2. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS INVASION 3. WEAK MILITARY 4. RUNAWAY NATIONAL DEBT 5. CULTURAL WARFARE 6. DESTRUCTION OF LIBERTIES 7. MASS INFLATION 8. TERRIBLE ECONOMY 9. UNAFFORDABLE HOUSING 10. GLOBAL CONFLICT

She is unserious, unqualified, & a threat to us all!!https://x.com/stillgiggle/status/1839828357468565835?t=_nuWr7bCBBawyg2zo7fVDg&s=19…https://x.com/stillgiggle/status/1840275195468124563?t=T7GbG-UTiNXxmrp3sFMzLA&s=19…https://x.com/stillgiggle/status/1839932290111287744?t=T7GbG-UTiNXxmrp3sFMzLA&s=19

Hitler controlled the media.

Hitler hated free speech, gun ownership and capitalism.

Hitler divided everyone by race.

All Three of those Are the Democrats

A new law bans California from requiring voters to show ID at the polls.

California is one of 14 states that do not require voter ID for elections.

Voter ID requirements, 2024 – Ballotpedia

In California this is Voter Suppression

Bonus Read: How Final NYT-Siena Poll Compares to 2016, 2020 Elections

The left is mad and outraged that Elon Musk is supporting Trump. But they are completely silent about George Soros buying 200 radio stations and Google supporting the Democrats…

WHISTLEBLOWER: “It defies logic and is inhumane.”
Biden admin whistleblowers claim ‘billions of taxpayer dollars’ used by contractor to traffic children on border Under Biden HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement policies, fewer than ten percent of unaccompanied children apprehended crossing the southern border are being released to their parents #CherokeeFederal

Grassley Delivers Opening Remarks at Roundtable on Abuse of Unaccompanied Migrant Children
 On July 9, 2024, Sens. Grassley, Cassidy and Ron Johnson held a roundtable on “The Exploitation Crisis: How the U.S. Government is Failing to Protect Migrant Children from Trafficking and Abuse.”
READ MORE: (1) Kimberly “Kim” Wexler MA JD on X: “WHISTLEBLOWER: “It defies logic and is inhumane.” Under Biden HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement policies, fewer than ten percent of unaccompanied children apprehended crossing the southern border are being released to their parents #CherokeeFederal https://t.co/4AgIFG5DKK” / X

AMENDMENT XXV Section 4.

Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President. Article. VI. ( . . . ) The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution.

Article. II. Section. 4.

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

AMENDMENT XIV Section 3.

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

This is who they want in charge of the United States?? Really ?

Because this is only going to get worse and soon there will be no more America, home of the free. Why can’t people see this? Keep the faith we can’t as a country be this stupid, I too have stated these same thoughts. I can’t understand any of it. How can people not understand the destruction that is happening to our country under B & H. They destroy everything. I just don’t understand.

WHY? It’s maddening. It’s so sad for our veterans who fought for America and the sacrifices they made, and many paying the ultimate sacrifice. It is crazy. The U.S. is becoming a second version of what happened to Canada. They elected a left-wing dictator, controlled by the WEF, & look what happened there: people can be jailed for online hate speech. Hate speech is loosely defined: “what govt determines as hate speech.”

I don’t want to get preachy, but it really stems from a spiritual problem. The Bible explains all of this – how God will send a “great delusion” near the end of time – to test and separate those who hate the truth and love wickedness. It’s like a mass delusion/mental illness.

Why is this happening? Because we have allowed our public schools to become indoctrination factories where LIBERAL TEACHERS tell kids that there is no truth. Our kids are being told there is no difference between boys and girls and you can change your sex. All LIES!

Pitiful that Kamala can’t even sing the correct notes to a nursery school song! – Search VideosYet there are so many Americans who ‘defend’ her actions and her awful record. Sadly I think that many people have Trump derangement syndrome at such a high level. That they would be willing to vote for this unserious, unqualified, treasonous threat to our Constitutional Republic, just to not have Trump in office again!!

Kamala is beyond bad.

She will lie, cheat, steal and flip flop her positions on any issue to get elected. Her crimes against the American people should remove her from office, and she should be tried for these crimes. 

I don’t understand how free-thinking individuals can objectively put the Dems back in charge??? You don’t have to love Trump to know that he is what’s needed now.

Why do people in “high profile” positions in society “see this” and withhold their support of DJT! They’ve got me wondering why this happening. As we all should be.

A tie in the Electoral College could have this unprecedented outcome,

A stock photo shows an image of a brain. Researchers used AI to analyse how gut bacteria may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.© GETTY IMAGES

Comparing Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease

When your memory slips, you might worry that it’s Alzheimer’s.

Clues to preventing Alzheimer’s come from patient who evaded disease, despite genetics. Scientists have discovered a connection between the development of Alzheimer’s disease and the bacteria in the body’s digestive system.

Using artificial intelligence, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Genome Center in Ohio identified how metabolites produced by gut bacteria may interact with brain cell receptors, contributing to the disease. The findings could eventually lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions or drugs to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects nearly 7 million Americans.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects older adults. It leads to the decline of cognitive functions such as memory, emotional regulation and reasoning. Although there is no cure, medications can slow the progression of the disease.

Read more: Compare Top Health Savings Accounts

For the study, the team used a type of AI called machine learning to analyze more than 1.09 million potential interactions between bacterial byproducts called metabolites and cell receptors.

Bacteria release metabolites into our systems as they break down the food we eat for energy. The metabolites then interact with and influence our cells, fueling cellular processes that can be helpful or detrimental to health.

The researchers ranked metabolites and receptors by the likelihood they will interact with each other. They also examined which metabolite-receptor pairs were likely to influence Alzheimer’s disease in brain cells derived from patients with the condition.

  Related video: Alzheimer’s Imposters Mimic Dementia (Ivanhoe) – Search

The researchers discovered that one metabolite called agmatine may help to protect brain cells from inflammation and the subsequent damage. Specifically, they found agmatine was most likely to interact with a brain cell receptor called CA3R in Alzheimer’s disease.

When the researchers treated Alzheimer’s-affected neurons with agmatine, it directly reduced CA3R levels, which suggests that the metabolite and receptor influence each other.

Neurons treated with agmatine also had lower levels of phosphorylated tau proteins, a marker for Alzheimer’s disease.

Preventing harmful interactions between metabolites and our cells could help fight disease. However, research into this approach takes a long time because of the huge amounts of information necessary to identify a target receptor. Using AI helped to speed up the process.

“Gut metabolites are the key to many physiological processes in our bodies, and for every key there is a lock for human health and disease,” said study researcher Feixiong Cheng in a press statement.

“The problem is that we have tens of thousands of receptors and thousands of metabolites in our system, so manually figuring out which key goes into which lock has been slow and costly.”

The full findings of the study were published in Cell Reports.

Scientists at Florida State University (FSU) have discovered a potential link between gut bacteria and the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

An estimated 6.7 million older adults have Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—a figure that is expected to double by 2060. 

The most common type of dementia, the disease involves memory loss and cognition issues that gradually get worse over time as the brain deteriorates.

But FSU scientists have discovered a potential reason why some people might be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, paving the way for potential preventative treatments—and it’s all to do with the gut.

The gut is full of microorganisms, including many different strains of bacteria and yeasts. A healthier gut has a lot of these microorganisms, a wide variety of them, and a good balance between beneficial and less beneficial types.

But sometimes, guts can become out of balance. This might be because of the diet, stress, or a course of antibiotics, which can kill off gut bacteria, the good and the bad.

After a course of antibiotics, with lower all-round levels of bacteria in the gut, some strains can proliferate more than others and create imbalance—dysbiosis—in the gut.  

FSU scientists found a link between Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common bacteria that has developed significant resistance to antibiotics, and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

K. pneumoniae is notorious for causing infections in hospitalized patients, often after courses of antibiotics.

The scientists found that, after antibiotics, K. pneumoniae may overgrow in the gut, pass through the gut wall into the bloodstream, and then travel to other organs, including the brain, where it can create inflammation.

Neuroinflammation is recognized as a prominent factor that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

RA’s Effect on the Brain

By Linda Rath

A lot of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) report having trouble with memory, attention, and mental focus. They forget names and appointments, struggle to find the right words and have trouble making and carrying out plans. Some say that the loss of mental clarity, commonly called brain fog, is almost as distressing as arthritis itself.

Limited Research

It’s hard to say exactly how common fuzzy think­ing is in RA because researchers have largely ignored it.

“We have relatively good literature on cognitive problems in lupus and fibromyalgia, where brain fog is well established, but nobody has really studied RA,” explains Patti Katz, PhD, a professor of medi­cine at the University of California, San Francisco.

Katz and her colleagues looked at 15 studies on RA and cognition published between 1994 and 2016. Many were small – less than 100 patients – and not all were high quality. Yet most showed that people with rheumatoid arthritis performed more poorly on cognitive tests than their peers or controls. Memory, verbal communica­tion, attention, concentration and problem-solving seemed to cause the most trouble.

Who Gets It and Why?

There are several theories why cognitive prob­lems may be more common in RA and other inflammatory types of arthritis.

Some scientists, including Mark Swain, MD, a professor at the University of Calgary in Canada, think inflammation tops the list. More than a decade ago, he and his colleagues demonstrated that chronic inflammation in the body – the result of cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) – can change the way the brain functions. The brain doesn’t change structurally, but networks of nerves start talking to each other differently. This can contribute to many disease-associated symptoms, including brain fog.

Swedish researchers reached the same conclusion after fol­lowing nearly 1,500 patients with various joint disorders for two decades. They found a significantly higher rate of cognitive decline in those with RA and suggested that chronic inflammation “played an important role in increasing the risk.”

But Katz thinks it might not be that simple.

“RA is a disease that has a lot of elements, and we need to think about all of them because people are really complicated,” she says.

Some factors that may contribute to brain fog include:

• Pain. It’s well known that chronic pain can affect thinking. Some of the brain’s pain processing centers overlap with areas involved with memory and attention. When they compete for limited processing resources, pain often wins out. Pain may also rewire how the brain works.

• Depression. Depression is common in RA. Symptoms can include trouble with planning, decision-making, memory and mental clarity – the same symptoms reported by people with brain fog. Katz says one of the challenges of studying cognitive problems is the difficulty in distinguishing them from depression. Some researchers – though not Katz – see brain fog as a symptom of depression, not a separate condition.

• Cardiovascular Disease. People with RA are more likely to have narrowed or blocked arteries in the brain – the result of systemic inflammation. This can cause problems with memory, thinking and reasoning.

• Arthritis Meds. Methotrexate is a mainstay of RA treatment and corticosteroids are sometimes used for short-term pain relief. Both may cause cognitive problems, mood changes and confusion. A small study published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology in 2017 found that RA patients treated with methotrexate and other conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) had higher risk of developing dementia than those who took other medications. Moderate to high doses of corticosteroids can lead to cognitive problems in some people, more commonly women.

• Lack of Exercise. Few things have a stronger demonstrated link to brain health than exercise. Thousands of studies show the long-term benefits, but new research suggests exercise can have an immediate effect, too. Carson Smith, MD, and colleagues in the University of Maryland School of Public Health found that older adults’ memory improved significantly after a single 30-minute exercise session. A French study found that just a 15-minute jog boosted energy and mental clarity.

What the CDC Says

In 2017, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers published a study comparing cognition in more than 6,000 people with and without arthritis. Unlike earlier, smaller studies, it found no difference in brain function between the two groups. The researchers say they had different results because they considered pain, depression, lack of exercise, age and other factors linked to both brain fog and RA. Once these were accounted for, people with RA showed no more cognitive problems than other older adults. What was associated with elements of impaired brain function were a sedentary lifestyle, depression and having a lower socioeconomic level. The implication is that RA itself doesn’t cause brain fog, but factors associated with it may.

Targeting Several Risk Factors

If cognitive problems are complex, then the solution needs to be complex, too. That’s the thinking behind a groundbreaking clinical trial in Finland called the FINGER study. In this two-year ran­domized controlled trial involving more than 1,200 older adults with an elevated risk of dementia, lifestyle changes including an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise and brain training cut cognitive decline by 30%. Targeting several risk factors will deliver the optimal benefits.

Here are some tips that can help you keep your brain sharp:

• Sleep well. Deep, restorative sleep helps to clear away the cobwebs. Develop a healthy sleep routine and stick to it. Make sure your bedroom is cool and dark, avoid late-day caffeine and turn off screens at least an hour before bed.

• Talk to your doctor about medications. If you take conventional DMARDs or long-term corticosteroids, discuss the pros and cons of switching to another drug. Talk about your other meds, too. Some, including anti­cholinergics (used to treat overactive bladder, COPD and other conditions) can also cause brain fog.

• Don’t skip workouts. There’s almost nothing exercise doesn’t help. Pain, mobility, mood, fatigue and mental clarity all may improve in a single session, but the greatest benefits happen over time.

• Notice brain fog patterns. Your symptoms may be worse in the morning or when you’re tired or stressed. Try to schedule tasks that require focus and attention when you’re at your best.

• Be present. It’s easy to worry about the future, espe­cially when you have a chronic illness. But concern about things that haven’t happened yet take up valuable mental space. Instead, focus on the present moment, says Ashira Blazer, MD, a rheumatologist and assistant professor at NYU Langone Health in New York

Bottomline, whether having RA directly contributes to cognitive impairment or not, following a healthy lifestyle and keeping your disease under control can help keep brain fog at bay.

Learn about the possible links between rheumatoid arthritis and cognitive effects and how to manage them.

INTERESTING READING: when arthritis flares up memory is low – Search

when arthritis flares up memory is low reddit – Search

Everything you need to know about Alzheimer’s disease

An old woman looks out of a window leaning on a walking stick, with a rendering of microorganisms in the gut overlayed. Scientists have found a possible link between the bacteria in our guts, and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in old age. fizkes/Getty Images / Canva© fizkes/Getty Images / Canva

“Hospital-acquired and septic infections are one of the risk factors that may increase the predispositions to future neuroinflammatory and neurocognitive impairments, especially in older adults,” said last author Ravinder Nagpal, assistant professor at FSU and director of FSU’s Gut Biome Lab, in a statement. 

“Hospitalizations and ICU [intensive care unit] stays, combined with antibiotic exposure, may lead to a further decline in microbiome diversity that leaves older adults at high risk not only for digestive issues but also for extra-intestinal pathologies such as neurodegenerative disorders through a dysregulation of the gut-brain axis.”

The Florida scientists discovered this by experimenting on mice, testing the microbes in their gut, blood and brain, and then testing their brain and memory function.

Mice who were given antibiotics were likely to develop gut dysbiosis, they found, and then fed the mice K. pneumoniae broth and found it took hold more easily in the imbalanced guts.

Those mice who developed infections were then found to have severe abscesses on and around the brain, brain inflammation, and worse cognitive and memory function.

The scientists concluded that disruptions to the gut could lead to problems with the brain, including the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

This study was published in the scientific journal The Journal of Infectious Diseases in September.

It was funded by the Infectious Disease Society of America and the Florida Department of Health.

Do you have a tip on a food story that Newsweek should be covering? Is there a nutrition concern that’s worrying you? Let us know via science@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured in Newsweek.

Reference

Park, G., Kadyan, S., Hochuli, N., Salazar, G., Laitano, O., Chakrabarty, P., Efron, P. A., Zafar, M. A., Wilber, A., Nagpal, R. (2024). An Enteric Bacterial Infection Triggers Neuroinflammation and Neurobehavioral Impairment in 3xTg-AD Transgenic Mice, The Journal of Infectious Diseases 230(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiae165

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Kathy Bates on Battling Cancer Twice and Surviving Lymphedema:

‘I Felt That Life Was Over’.

By Mia McNiece

Kathy Bates Cancer Story – Search Videos

In 2003,  Bates, then 55, was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer and immediately had surgery, followed by nine months of chemotherapy to treat it, but didn’t reveal her illness to the public.

“I didn’t tell anybody,” she tells PEOPLE. “I continued to work right after the operation, doing Little Black Book with Brittany Murphy. My agent at the time was very old-school and didn’t want me to be the poster child for ovarian cancer. I didn’t want anyone to know, but it really took a lot out of me.”

Then, in 2012 the Memphis native—who got her start in theater and went on to star in films such as Misery, Dolores Claiborne, Fried Green Tomatoes and Titanic—was once again hit with extreme exhaustion and returned to her doctor for an MRI. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to have a double mastectomy because of her family history with cancer. 

“My aunt had died from it, my mother had it, my niece had it,” she says. She tested negative for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation that increases a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer. A negative BRCA result is “not a get out of jail free card,” she says.

Now, though she’s cancer-free, Bates says she is dealing with her biggest challenge yet: lymphedema, a disease that’s commonly caused by the removal of lymph nodes during cancer treatment. It causes extreme pain and swelling and has no cure. “It’s a souvenir you definitely don’t want,” says Bates about lymphedema adding after the diagnosis. “I really felt that life was over for me. I probably wouldn’t work again, and I was angry for a long time.”

Then Bates decided to turn her frustration into good by helping raise awareness about lymphedema and became the National Spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN). She’s working on getting a bill passed in New York that will mandate that hospitals have literature to inform patients about lymphedema, and she’s learned to manage her own pain by wearing compression sleeves on her arms and losing 60 lbs. through exercise and a healthy diet.

Today her career is booming, including roles in the new season of American Horror Story and the upcoming film On the Basis of Sex. “Acting is my life force,” she says, adding that she considered getting breast reconstruction but doesn’t want to take time out of her busy schedule for surgery because “I’m having too much fun.”

Her advice to women: Get regular checkups and stay healthy. “Quit taking the damn selfies and worrying about what you look like,” she says. “Instead, keep everything working and in good order.” 

Kathy Bates Shares Her Wellness and Weight Loss Secrets: ‘I Do It for Me’ (EXCLUSIVE) Plus, Kathy gets candid about surviving cancer.

By Deanna Barnert September 27, 2024

Kathy Bates, has played some fierce characters over the course of her career, and it turns out, the actress is no slouch herself! In addition to taking home an Oscar, two Emmys, a Tony, and other honors, this warrior has battled ovarian cancer, breast cancer, lymphedema, and like most of us, a lifelong struggle with weight loss. 

As we approach Breast Cancer Awareness month, Kathy takes a break from shooting her new series Matlock to get candid about all of it with Woman’s World in an intimate sit-down interview for our cover on sale now (Get your copy here).

Here, the star of Misery, Fried Green Tomatoes, the American Horror Story franchise and so many more shares how she overcame health challenges like cancer and lymphedema, her weight loss secrets and what excites her about her role on the new CBS procedural, Matlock. 

The ‘Matlock Cast’: Surprising Facts about Andy Griffith and Crew Beyond the Courtroom

Kathy reflects on her cancer and lymphedema journeys

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kathy Bates has a lot to celebrate. Having faced cancer in 2003 and 2012, she’s now fit, fabulous and stronger than ever at 76.

 “I don’t know if there’s any easy way to get through it,” Kathy says of surviving chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and a double mastectomy for breast cancer, but she got through both…only to be hit by lymphedema.  

What Is Stage 0 Breast Cancer, and What Are the Early Signs Women Should Know? Doctors Weigh In

The chronic condition caused by the removal of lymph nodes, which leads to swelling in the body due to a buildup of lymph fluid, affects 30 percent of breast cancer survivors.

“They removed a lot of lymph nodes when I had my mastectomy, and my arms swelled pretty quickly after surgery,” Kathy shares. “I didn’t know where to go for help. I could only wear men’s shirts and remember feeling that my career was over. It was a dark time. I was enraged.”

Then Kathy found a lymphatic physician, Dr. Emily Iker, and got involved with the Lymphatic Education & Research Network. 

“The more I got involved, the better I felt,” Kathy recalls. “I was at least doing something to help other people and using my celebrity for something meaningful. What we’re going through, what we share with each other or with Congress to try to change the laws, is our power. I turned my pain and rage into something useful so I didn’t feel that way anymore.”

Kathy Bates’ Health Journey Summary:

• Two-time cancer survivor Kathy Bates, 76, says her 100-pound weight loss has ” tremendously” helped her acting career.
• She battled ovarian and breast cancers; and even developed the swelling condition lymphedema after having lymph nodes removed during her breast cancer surgery.
• Bates kept her first diagnosis secret for years before deciding to open up and help others going through similar situations.
• Lymphedema usually happens gradually, but some people experience it coming on suddenly. If you have sudden, severe swelling, get in to see your doctor immediately. It could be an infection, a blood clot, or a cancer recurrence, but don’t assume the worst before you are evaluated by your medical team.
• SurvivorNet experts recommend regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management for cancer survivors to lead healthy lives. They may also recommend regular checks for recurrence.

Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates, 76, who previously battled both breast and ovarian cancer, has admitted that her recent 100-pound weight loss has ” tremendously” helped her career.

The two-time cancer survivor, who previously spoke with SurvivorNet about her health struggles, which included lymphedema [a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body due to lymph fluid buildup], opened up about how she’s refrained from overeating to shed pounds in a recent interview with Variety.

Bates, known for her memorable roles in “Titanic,” “Misery,” and “Fried Green Tomatoes,” spoke with the magazine in the weeks leading up to the Sept. 22 first episode date of the new drama series “Matlock” she’s starring in as Madeline Matlock. She admitted, referring to her drastic weight loss and how it’s helped her maintain stamina for work, “It’s helped me tremendously that, over the last six or seven years, I’ve lost 100 pounds.“ I don’t think I’ve been this slim since I was in college.”

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Kathy shares the secret to her weight loss

“There’s a hormone that’s released when we’re hungry, and another when we’re satisfied,” Kathy notes. “The way I recognize that second hormone is I have an involuntary sigh. It may not feel like you’ve had enough, so the trick is, you have to push your plate away! It’s hard, but I got excited about the results I was seeing. It took a long time, but I eventually went from a 3X to a size 10.”

Kathy has grappled with her weight throughout her life, but she embraced this mindful eating practice after she became pre-diabetic and lacked the stamina to do her job.

“The idea of ‘willpower’ has become a weapon we use against ourselves—we think we have it or we don’t. So I changed that word to ‘determination,’ which is something I choose to fight for,” says Kathy. “You have to have a life, so there are moments when I’ll overeat. Then I’ll realize my costumes are getting a little tight, so I knuckle down and get determined to be healthy again.

I’m not doing this to fit into a dress or for a boyfriend. I do it for me.”

Kathy Bates, 2024  Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Kathy jump-starts her energy

“A couple of years ago, my doctor gave me an amazing vitamin blend called MitoCORE, which boosts energy production in your cells,” Kathy says. “You’re supposed to take three a day, but geez, I get such great energy out of one. They keep my mood steady, and they’re not these thick, heavy pills that are hard to eat.”

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That said, she reminds us that a supplement can only, well, supplement the fuel we are already feeding our bodies.

“I also have to eat right,” she explains. “If I don’t, my energy goes down and my sugar goes haywire!”

Kathy shares her wellness secrets

While Kathy won’t go so far as to say she has a green thumb, she has found joy in becoming an indoor gardener.

“During the pandemic, my niece turned me on to miniature violets,” she recounts. “Every morning, I would go down and see these tiny bulbs going up, and I’d get so excited. Once, I was at Lowe’s and there were these violets that were dying, and I brought them back to life. Reviving and caring for a violet and seeing it grow is similar to reviving my own growth as a healthy, vigorous creature.”

Donna Mills Reveals Surprising Second Act at Age 83: “It’s Never too Late to Follow a Dream!” (EXCLUSIVE)

She has also found a positive use for all those screens we surround ourselves with.

“It sounds so childish, but I love my adult coloring book app on my phone,” Kathy confides. “It has beautiful oil paintings, and there are colors that are numbered underneath. I’ll have the TV on with either a nature show or a murder trial. I know it’s strange, but I get addicted to murder cases, so I’ll listen to that and do my painting. It’s so relaxing.”  

Kathy talks about her joy squad

“I’ve got a few really close friends that I depend on who get me through life. One friend and I just celebrated our 42nd anniversary as friends,” Kathy says with a smile. “I miss them and often bemoan the fact that here we are spending time—the most valuable asset we have—doing work and not being with the people we love. I get jealous of the time I spend working and when I get into work, I may be cranky…but then I get into character and feel relaxed and like I’m home. I don’t know what’s going to happen to this new role I’m playing, and it’s been magical.”

How to Be a Better Friend + Make New Ones: Experts Share 6 Ways to Boost Your Bonds 

When good bacteria go bad: New links between bacteremia and probiotic use

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So, who’s going to win? — What we know going into the final weekend of the presidential race

Election 2024 live updates: Trump, Harris make final push as polls show close race

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I’ve been to all 50 US states – and I wish I hadn’t bothered

President Biden referred to Trump supporters as “garbage” during a virtual Harris campaign call. AP Images© AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro distanced himself from President Biden‘s controversial remarks calling Trump supporters “garbage.”

“I had not heard that until now, Kaitlan, so I’m kind of giving you my fresh reaction to it,” Shapiro reacted to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins playing the clip of Biden’s comments on Tuesday night. “I would never insult the good people of Pennsylvania or any Americans even if they chose to support a candidate that I didn’t support.” 

When asked whether Biden should clarify his comment, Shapiro replied, “Well, I think President Biden will decide what he wants to say. It’s certainly not words that I would choose, and I think it’s important that we remain focused on the contrast between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and not attacking supporters of either candidate.”

The governor of the key battleground state was once considered a top contender for Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. 

BIDEN CALLS TRUMP SUPPORTERS ‘GARBAGE’ DURING HARRIS CAMPAIGN EVENT AS VP PROMISES UNITY AT ELLIPSE RALLY 

PA Gov. Josh Shapiro distances himself from Biden’s ‘garbage’ comment: ‘I’d never insult’ Trump supporters, telling CNN’s Kaitlan Collins “I would never insult the good people of Pennsylvania or any Americans even if they chose to support a candidate that I didn’t support.” Fox News© Screenshot/CNN

Biden did attempt to clarify his comments on social media.

“Earlier today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporters at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage—which is the only word I can think of to describe it,” Biden wrote on X. “His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That’s all I meant to say. The comments at that rally don’t reflect who we are as a nation.” 

JON STEWART ADMITS HE FINDS WIDELY CRITICIZED TRUMP RALLY COMEDIAN FUNNY

Biden’s comments were made during a virtual Harris campaign call with Voto Latino. He took a swipe at former President Trump’s rally in Madison Square Garden, which made headlines after insult comedian Tony Hinchiffe made jokes mocking different ethnic groups, with one joke referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”

“The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters,” Biden said on the call. “[Trump’s] demonization of Latinos is unconscionable and it is un-American.”

The remarks were widely condemned on social media. Trump himself reacted to Biden’s “terrible” comment during a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania. 

“Remember Hillary? She said ‘deplorable’ and then said ‘irredeemable,’ right? But she said ‘deplorable.’ That didn’t work out. ‘Garbage’ I think is worse,” Trump said to his supporters. “But he doesn’t know- you have to please forgive him. Please forgive him. For he did not knoweth what he said.”  

“And I’m convinced he likes me more than he likes Kamala,” Trump quipped. 

TOP PUERTO RICAN OFFICIAL ENDORSES FORMER PRESIDENT AFTER COMIC’S RALLY SET RUFFLES FEATHERS

Former President Trump slammed President Biden’s comment calling his supporters “garbage,” saying it’s “worse” than Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” remark in 2016. AP Newsroom© AP Newsroom

A White House spokesperson had previously told Fox News, “The President referred to the hateful rhetoric at the Madison Square Garden rally as ‘garbage.’” The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Biden’s comment comes in stark contrast to the message Vice President Kamala Harris gave to voters in the Ellipse outside the White House in what many have called her final sales pitch to the American people ahead of the election. 

“I pledge to seek common ground and common sense solutions to make your life better. I am not looking to score political points. I am looking to make progress. I pledge to listen to experts, to those who will be impacted by the decisions I make and to people who disagree with me,” Harris said at the Ellipse rally. “Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy. He wants to put them in jail. I’ll give them a seat at the table.”

Kamala just embarrassed herself with her ‘closing argument’ speech at the Ellipse. Blah, blah, Trump’s a Nazi. Fact check: Kamala Harris’s speech at the White House Ellipse …

They should have billed it as an early concession speech instead. 

I guess venues only matter when it‘s Trump  

Well, at least she gets to stand in the same spot as her fellow Democrats.

BREAKING: Kamala Harris to deliver her closing speech at the DC National Mall, directly where the KKK rallied in 1924

Kamala has been clear: No concessions for religious freedom She made that clear in her “Do No Harm Act,” in which she tried to gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act And then she doubled down in this interview, saying she’d make no concessions for religious Americans.

Kamala says no concessions for Religious Freedom.

This statement does not scream, pull up a chair and have a seat at the table. She disrespected Christians at one of her rally’s, telling them they were at the wrong rally. Christians really need to vote.

Religious freedom is on the ballot.
David French and Michael Wear know that Harris will not give Christians a “seat at the table.” She has directly said she will not. Asked whether she would support religious exemptions to participating in abortions, Harris said: “I don’t think we should be making concessions when we’re talking about a fundamental freedom to make decisions about your own body.”

This is in addition to her prosecution of David Daleiden for exposing Planned Parenthood’s traffic in baby parts. And a new Biden Admin policy requiring foster parents to allow a child to dress “in a manner that they believe reflects their self-identified gender identity and expression,” and to “commit to establishing an environment that supports the child’s LGBTQI+ status or identity.” (Which, depending on how it’s interpreted, could force foster families to provide puberty blockers or surgeries to foster children).

It’s wild that these guys think there will be no persecution under Harris even though she’s promised it, as you noted. The DOJ and FBI have been harassing and arresting pro-lifers. How can they be blind to this? Or are they intentionally deceiving?

Full transcript: Vice President Kamala Harris interviewed by NBC News’ Hallie Jackson

KAMALA HARRIS ONE ON ONE HALLIE JACKSON – Search Videos

There’s no question at this point.

They will pass unlimited nationwide abortion laws, and they will absolutely imprison those who oppose it. If you’re a doctor who refuses to perform abortions, Kamala winning is an existential threat to your career. So if they know all this (and they do), what does that make them? NOBODY wants this Comrade Kamala to be President. We the people won’t survive to Horrible POTUS back-to-back.  #TrumpVance2024 #TooBigToRig

Far left radical lying bullying democrats hate 100% of all Americans. They call us garbage, and then hand out free benefits and make sure they keep us down financially and spiritually. I have no idea why anybody would vote democrat, even if you want to kill babies.

Cackling Kamala should apologize for half the country being called “human garbage” by Biden.The guy who showered inappropriately with his underage daughter is calling you garbage… 

The stock market points to a win for Kamala Harris—unless it’s 1968 or 1980 all over again

Memo to candidates: Stop generalizing and psychoanalyzing your opponents’ supporters. It never works out well for you. Hillary Clinton fell into that trap.

The then Democratic nominee, at a New York fundraiser Friday night with liberal donors and Barbra Streisand, said “half” of Trump supporters fit into a “basket of deplorables,” while the other half are people who feel the government has let them down and need understanding and empathy.

The comments have rocketed around the Internet, infuriated conservatives and threaten to once again throw salt in the wound of the American cultural divide in a presidential election that has seen vitriol and insults, fueled by Donald Trump, that have become the norm. The remarks also remind of inflammatory remarks in recent presidential elections on both sides — from Barack Obama’s assertion in 2008 that people in small towns are “bitter” and “cling to guns or religion,” to Mitt Romney’s 2012 statement that 47 percent of Americans vote for Democrats because they are “dependent upon government” and believe they are “victims,” to his vice presidential pick Paul Ryan’s comment that the country is divided between “makers and takers.”

Here are Clinton’s full remarks, per reporter Ruby Cramer at Buzzfeed:

“I know there are only 60 days left to make our case — and don’t get complacent, don’t see the latest outrageous, offensive, inappropriate comment and think well he’s done this time. We are living in a volatile political environment.

“You know, to just be grossly generalistic, you could put half of Trump’s supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right? The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic — you name it. Unfortunately, there are people like that. And he has lifted them up. He has given voice to their websites that used to only have 11,000 people, but now have 11 million. He tweets and retweets offensive, hateful, mean-spirited rhetoric. Now some of those folks, they are irredeemable, but thankfully they are not America.

“But the other basket, the other basket, and I know because I see friends from all over America here. I see friends from Florida and Georgia and South Carolina and Texas, as well as you know New York and California. But that other basket of people who are people who feel that the government has let them down, nobody cares about them, nobody worries about what happens to their lives and their futures, and they are just desperate for change. It doesn’t really even matter where it comes from. They don’t buy everything he says but he seems to hold out some hope that their lives will be different. They won’t wake up and see their jobs disappear, lose a kid to heroin, feel like they’re in a dead-end. Those are people we have to understand and empathize with as well.”

Elitism and generalizations

Clinton’s remarks, like Obama’s in 2008, smacked of liberal elitism — liberals talking to liberals about a group of people they don’t really know or hang out with, but feel free to opine about when talking to each other.

It’s always problematic to speak in generalizations, something liberals would be the first ones to point out. At the point in which you hear yourself saying that you might begin talking in “grossly generalistic terms,” it’s probably best to re-think what’s coming next. That’s especially true when you don’t have data to back up your point.

The biggest problem in Clinton’s statement is that she said “half” of Trump supporters are racists, xenophobes and otherwise bigots. Half means equal or near-equal parts. There’s no data to support such a specific number.

.

READ MORE: Hillary Clinton Said ‘Half’ Of Trump Supporters Are A ‘Basket Of Deplorables’ : NPR

SO, Are we “garbage” or “Nazis” or “garbage Nazis”?

I’m confused 🙁

The Real Story of January 6 | The Epoch Times

Tosca Austen @ToscaAusten

Republicans, curb thy tongues. The official actions of January 6th were disrupted and no one on either side EVER brings it up. Election evidence that took weeks to compile and prepare to argue…just faded away. Tension was in the air on that fateful day. Partisan lawmakers were at each other’s throats. Congressional Republicans were ready to present evidence of *alleged* fraud in the 2020 presidential election. An audit was in play to provide peace of mind for skeptics. But none of it happened.

At about the same time… The first round of protesters swarmed the Capitol. We’ve also learned from investigative reporter @julie_kelly2 that 200 feds in MAGA gear were among the protesters, scaling the Capitol walls. The event became a three-ring circus, complete with clowns who were paraded on daily shows to complete the setup.

Two people escaped the wrath of scrutiny by the Jan 6 select committee: Pelosi and Mitch. Why is that? – Search

At Noon On January 20th, 2025 With President Trump Behind The Resolute Desk, The Members Of The House Select Committee Investigating January 6th Need To Be Immediately Arrested, And Swiftly Prosecuted For ‘Seditious Conspiracy’. There Is Absolutely No ‘Moving On’ From The Tragedy Of The Depraved Cynical Plot Behind The January 6th Setup, The Framing Of A U.S. President, And So Many Of His Patriotic Dedicated Supporters. What The Nine Members Of The Committee Have Done Will Be Proven To Be Quite A Dark Stain On America. Justice MUST Be Served.

‘If Two Or More Persons Conspire To Overthrow, Put Down, Or To Destroy By Force The Government Of The United States They Shall Each Be Fined Under This Title Or Imprisoned Not More Than TWENTY YEARS, Or Both.’ Bring clarity to this turning point tragedy. Uncover the truth and write that into the history books so that it never happens again !

There are thousands of criminals that need arrests, trials, convictions and sentencing or this country will never be the same again. But I highly doubt that Trump will go the distance. He better start holding these people accountable or we will never change and no one will learn anything.

Shooting is Only the Start of a Broader Plot Against Donald Trump – EXPOSING ANTI-CULT TERRORISM

The perpetrator of the attack on Trump was spotted and photographed on the roof by law enforcement nearly 30 minutes before firing

18 U.S. Code § 2384 – Seditious Conspiracy

Real Story of January 6 Full Documentary free – Search

Agreed. These traitors must be held accountable along with every

prosecutor and judge that tried and sentenced J6 protestors.

Thread by @WarNuse on Thread Reader App – Thread Reader App

The J6 committee withheld and destroyed information that would have easily and quickly proven that President Trump did nothing wrong. They are TRAITORS, willfully acting against the American people and our freedoms. And they FUCKING DESTROYED ALL EVIDENCE!!! I mean… C’mon, man! Off to GITMO – or better yet the n00ze.  #SeditiousConspiracyHasConsequences

Bennie Gordon Thompson

Adam Daniel Kinzinger

Elizabeth Lynne Cheney

Stephanie Murphy

Jamin Ben Raskin

Adam Bennett Schiff

Elaine Goodman Luria

Peter Rey Aguilar 

18 U.S. Code § 2384 – Seditious ConspiracyThe Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol was the culmination of months of false claims about election fraud, including a litany recited by then-President Donald Trump in a speech shortly before a mob stormed the building, temporarily halting the counting of electoral votes in a joint session of Congress1. To provide new clarity on the events of that day, EpochTV and The Epoch Times have produced a documentary, “The Real Story of January 6,” which takes a close look at the shooting of 35-year-old Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt and the deaths of three other supporters of former President Donald J. Trump2.

‘Day of Rage’ documentary tells story of Jan. 6 riot; Work injuries at home : Here & Now Anytime : NPR

The Real Story Of January 6 Part 1: featuring Joshua Philipp, raw footage included

The Real Story of January 6 Part 2: The Long Road Home | NEW Documentary

WATCH: Jan. 6 committee shows new footage of Capitol attack | PBS News

Jan. 6, Three Years Later: 10 Documentaries to Watch | FRONTLINE

Real Story of January 6 Full Documentary free – Search Videos

The establishment and mainstream media:

the RINOs, the DNC, the left  are not getting something so basic  

THEIR OUTRAGE is OUR EXPECTATION and OUR outrage 

 is BEYOND THEIR COMPREHENSION  MAGA is ANGRY!!! 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Pleasant aged man playing chess with his grandson.

Highest Life Expectancy: How Did Hong Kong Get There?

People in Hong Kong live longer than anywhere else, including Japan. Here’s why.

According to the United Nations Vital Statistics Summary and Life Expectancy at Birth for 2022, Hong Kong is rated to have one the highest life expectancy in the world, with an average of 84.3 years old for both men and women.

So how did Hong Kong manage to stay in the top #3 — considering growing social unrest, financial and housing inequality, and related range of health issues including mental health/wellbeing.

We took a look at Hong Kong’s growing elderly community to gain some insights. Will this change in the future considering the digressing changes in the city’s lifestyle habits, diets, pollution issues, medical services, and mental health?

Life expectancy depends on many factors such as income, the standard of living, access to affordable health care and health care facilities, proper nutrition, diet, as well as genetic and environmental factors.

So what makes Hong Kong different from other cities, and how might this change in the future?

Environment: easy living

Hong Kong has an environment designed to help people live healthier lives and make healthier choices. Hong Kong is a highly urbanized city with well-designed neighbourhoods, plenty of access to nature, walking trails, and outdoor activities to maintain activity levels. A convenient public transportation system and a magnitude of options on how to get around give people choices, and the compactness of the city often allows for the ability to walk to your destination.

Most of the districts in Hong Kong are members of the WHO global network of age-friendly cities. “In an age-friendly community, policies, services and structures related to the physical and social environment are designed to support and enable older people to “age actively” — that is, to live in security, enjoy good health and continue to participate fully in society.”

Some pillars of this “Active Ageing” principle include participation such as barrier-free spaces, accessible public transportation, health such as social support and outreach, activities and programmes to promote health and well-being, and security and independence such as appropriate employment opportunities and accessible, affordable housing. (Source: WHO)

Also, some experts classify the subtropical climate as an advantage for Hong Kongese siting death stats in the UK and US, for example, where extreme weather causes thousands of deaths each year. However, as climate change encroaches, what sort of stats will we face as the weather changes in the future?

Conversely, we will likely see a change in the death rates due to the notorious pollution issues Hong Kong faces. According to the last update of the WHO, over 80% of urban areas monitored for air pollution exceed the WHO air quality limits. The WHO database of nearly 3,000 monitored cities has ranked Hong Kong in the top 20% most polluted cities. (Source: Healthy Matters) Pollution is known as the silent killer causing diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and strokes, killing an estimated 7 million people every year. (Souce: WHO)

Diet & health

Experts claim that even though Hong Kong is seemingly unhealthy, the country, in general, consumes a diet similar to the “Mediterranean diet“. Hong Kong is uniquely surrounded by ocean and land, which enables greater access to fish, fruits, and vegetables, which are found in the local cuisine. Rice, nut oils, and a combination of meat and vegetables provide whole diets.

However, as the western diet gains popularity, more and more processed food and meat consumption have led to increases in diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure in young people. With child obesity on the rise due to these factors, the future can only tell how the diet will affect life expectancy in the future. Furthermore, “colorectal cancer has overtaken lung cancer to become the most common cancer in Hong Kong, with 4,979 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in 2014 and are often related to diet.” (Source: WCRF)

Fortunately, Hong Kong provides suitable sanitation standards and clean water, which are also urban factors that promote long life.

Access to medical care

Hong Kong continues to strive for easy access to medical care for all, providing subsidized care through its public system and alternative options through its private system. In Hong Kong, you have options. Treatments for cancer, heart disease, and strokes are available, and the city proactively aims through various schemes to promote good health in their communities. Hong Kong has taken considerable steps to curb smoking rates, for example.

However, the public system in Hong Kong is becoming increasingly unmanageable, and Hong Kong is facing shortages of doctors in ratio to the number of patients needing care, particularly the increased elderly population. Carrie Lam is taking strides to increase district health care providers, for example, but it is likely the population issues will affect the effectiveness of the healthcare system in Hong Kong now and in the future.

Mental health

Care for the elderly is a priority; easy access to quality medical care in the various districts among the city is one of Hong Kong’s positive attributes at the moment. The elderly are often never left indoors; they are active and exposed to sunlight and get exercise, allowing for less isolation. Traditional ideas of family caring for the elderly and the growing popularity of domestic helpers all help in the general happiness and wellbeing of the elderly as well.

Even with these positive factors, it is estimated that one in three older adults have symptoms of depression. Suicide rates in Hong Kong are highest among people over the age of 65. 239 of 910 suicides recorded in 2018 were of this age. (Source: HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention)

The pension system and income security in Hong Kong are lacking, and often, the elderly must rely on their children for support, which can also affect mental health negatively.

Furthermore, with increased stress levels due to the current political instability and excessive working hours standard in many industries — is Hong Kong likely to see an effect in ranking in the future due to mental health?

In Hong Kong, life expectancies at birth for both sexes have steadily increased over the past 46 years. 

In Hong Kong life expectancy there was 81.3 years for men and 87.3 years for women — topping global rankings.  Skyscrapers for as far as you can see, people walking toward you from all angles on densely packed streets, lights flashing almost everywhere and a subway that typically gets you where you want to go in under 30 minutes.

This is life with more than 7 million people living on a little over 420 square miles of land.

It’s the urban oasis of Hong Kong – that’s right, oasis.

People go about their daily routines in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

Meera Senthilingam/CNN

Dotted consistently through the more than 300 skyscrapers that tower over Hong Kong are well-used and -serviced city parks, quality hospitals accessible to all and restaurants filled with local cuisine that’s much healthier than its reputation suggests. Just a few miles away, there are mountains for hiking and beaches for swimming or surfing.

On Sunday afternoons, large families fill the streets, venturing out together for their weekly dim sum.

The result is a healthy, long-lived population boasting the highest life expectancy in the world.

Narrowly beating residents of Japan and other “blue zones” such as Italy, men in Hong Kong are living, on average, up to 81.3 years and women even longer, 87.3 years, as of 2016. “Over the last few decades, (Hong Kong) has caught up in a big way,” said Dr. Timothy Kwok, professor of geriatric medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Dr. Gabriel Leung, dean of the faculty of medicine at Hong Kong University, noted that “we inched past Japan about five years ago. It’s not a position that we’ve found ourselves in for decades.”

As Hong Kong is not a country, it is not included in the Global AgeWatch Index,a measure of social and economic well-being in 96 countries, developed by HelpAge International. But Kwok’s research team used the same criteria as the index, combined with other factors, to reveal just what’s helping the population live longer.

It begins with their environment.

Easy access to everything

According to Kwok’s research, “Hong Kong ranks first for enabling environments,” he said. “That may explain our longevity.”

The streets are safe, and there is easy access to public transport, healthy food and public amenities, “enabling” people to live a healthier lifestyle.

People board one of many buses that serve them regularly in Hong Kong. 

Meera Senthilingam/CNN

The temptation to get in a car and drive is minimized by footbridges and elevators that provide easier access to walking routes and affordable taxis and public transportation: A ride on the clean, air-conditioned metro starts at just 60 US cents.

“You can easily walk to your nearest shops or shopping center … to what you need,” Kwok said. “Older people especially don’t go to the supermarket; they go to open markets.”

Hong Kong Park, located in the central region of Hong Kong.Meera Senthilingam/CNN

‘Greener than most’

“We are greener than most cities,” Kwok said, adding that in many green spaces, it’s common to see groups of elderly people doing tai chi or qi gong calisthenics in the early hours, after which they spend time together to share meals and converse.

“Tai chi morning exercises are very popular and play a role,” Leung said, but his team is studying just how big a role these factors play in life expectancy.

“We need to be designing urban spaces to facilitate that kind of activity,” said Dr. John Beard, director of the department of aging and life course at the World Health Organization.

Almost all the districts of Hong Kong are members of the WHO global network of age-friendly cities, which encourages the creation of urban spaces supportive of older people, Beard said. This includes positive images of older people, active leisure and programs for spiritual well-being.

The government also ran an initiative in which older people were invited to go around and identify problems with footpaths and other barriers to mobility, after which officials took note of the issues and addressed them in their plans, he explained.

People board one of many buses that serve them regularly in Hong Kong.

Meera Senthilingam/CNN

Good hospitals – for everyone

“Anyone can get to hospital,” Kwok said, adding that Hong Kong has universal health care for hospital treatment but not quite universal for primary care.

“The negative is that people go to (the emergency room) far too often,” he said. However, older people generally do not pay for primary care and get priority.

“When you’re sick, really sick and need to be hospitalized, it’s free at the point of care, paid for by taxation,” Leung said. “Nobody would be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means.”

Beard agreed that accessible health care contributes to longevity, as fewer people might die from conditions that would otherwise have killed them.

“It’s important that access is for everybody, not just the rich,” Beard said. “That’s when the average life expectancy will increase, as you won’t have those people at the bottom who influence the average in a negative way.”

Leung stressed that good healthcare in the earlier years of life, not just the later ones, is just as important when determining life expectancy.

This means maternal, neonatal and childhood care to prevent childhood diseases as well as efforts to prevent “the big killers” of middle age such as cancer, heart disease and stroke, he said. “These two drivers determine a population’s life expectancy at birth.”

A determined population

Leung estimates that 70% of Hong Kong residents over the age of 70 were born in mainland China and came over in search of better opportunities.

“A lot of them came as economic migrants … and were almost triathletes,” he said. “They climbed, they ran, and they swam.” Migrants also need to be psychologically fitter than their peers to have the motivation to uproot their lives.

“Physically, you need to be fit to endure the journey,” he said. “These are the people who are meant to be at the highest risk of dying now, at the rate of their peers back in their village, but they’re not dying.”

This survival advantage, combined with improved childhood health care, is what Leung believes drove Hong Kong’s “life expectancy miracle.”

Good weather

Kwok also believes that Hong Kong is well-positioned geographically, with a subtropical climate that has a part to play. “It’s not too hot and not too cold,” making life easier and more comfortable, he said.

In countries such as the UK, there are more deaths during the winter months: For example, there were an estimated 34,300 excess deaths during the winter of 2016-17. In the US, there were an estimated 108,500 excess winter deaths in 2008.

However, other parts of the world renowned for their healthy elderly populations have cooler or scorching environments at times, said Leung, who believes that this factor has less of a role in longevity.

“Japan has a very different climate than Hong Kong, and Singapore has a very different climate to Japan,” Leung said. “We are subtropical, Singapore is tropical, and Japan is temperate. “These things play a role, but they can’t be the main driver.”

A take on the Mediterranean diet: Hong Kong’s Diet – Search Images

Another geographical benefit is “access to good food,” Kwok said.

Hong Kong’s position as both a marine and land gateway to China and other parts of Asia enables greater access to fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, he said. Combined with a cuisine that includes them in most dishes, the population as a whole eats well.

“We studied the Chinese diet, and it’s quite similar to the Mediterranean diet,” he said, with meals often consisting of fish, fruits and vegetables, rice, nut oils for cooking and meat chopped up into dishes rather than eaten as whole portions.

“We mix it up,” he said.

The Hong Kong diet is known for its emphasis on stir fries that provide a great balance of high-fiber carbohydrates, brightly colored vegetables and healthy proteins like fish, tofu, or chicken1. Hong Kong is surrounded by ocean and land, which enables greater access to fish, fruits, and vegetables, which are found in the local cuisine2. Rice, nut oils, and a combination of meat and vegetables provide whole diets2.

Beard said, however, that when highlighting factors such as diet – whether in Hong Kong, the Mediterranean or Japan – it’s important to note that people have always eaten this way. “So why are they living longer now?” he asked. “There were probably also reduced stressors.”

The value of family

The close familial networks of Asian cultures in general is well-known, providing both financial and social support as people get older.

“Older people tend to have a lot of children,” Kwok said. But with decreasing family sizes and China still recovering from a one-child policy, that is likely to change for the next generation of older people. “Baby boomers had fewer children.”

Beard adds, however, that the Asian philosophy of filial piety – a virtue of respect for one’s parents, elders and ancestors – is pivotal to the happiness seen in older age, both physical and psychological.

“Older people are genuinely respected, and younger members of the family put an emphasis on ensuring the well-being of older members of the family.” said Beard.

“Confucian culture,” said Leung. “But we shouldn’t talk this up.”

He highlights Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore as some of the most densely packed places on Earth, where “it’s hard to fit a two-, three-generation family in the same household.”

However, Beard believes people are adapting. “The mechanisms are now changing, but there are innovative ways people are exploring, such as video connections and cash transfers, to enable this filial piety to continue,” he said.

Still room to improve

The experts agree that a country ranking at the topfor life expectancy does not mean there’s no room for improvement – far from it.

The Global AgeWatch Index also explored social care elements, such as mental health and income security, which Kwok believes is not Hong Kong’s strong point when it comes to the elderly.

“Participation in civil society is not as strong as Western countries,” he said, citing employment and volunteering among older people and highlighting that mental health is not prioritized as part of health care, with people often waiting years for a referral to a specialist.

Suicide rates in Hong Kong are highest among people over the age of 65. Of 937 suicides recorded in 2014, 241 were by people over that age, according to the HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at Hong Kong University.

It’s also estimated that one in three elderly people there has depressive symptoms.

“We want people to live happily for longer, not just live,” he said.

Kwok highlighted that Hong Kong does not have a government pension system, with people instead relying on their children. “We do badly in income security,” he said.

Leung agreed: “There is a lot of work we should do to make sure these people live healthily and happily.”

Temporarily at the top?

Most changes at the top of the longevity listare marginal, Beard said. Japan and Hong Kong “are … world leaders, along with Germany, Italy and Australia.”

Leung agrees. “It is not a given that life expectancy only goes up,” he said, highlighting the United States, where life expectancy has fallen in recent years.

Changing diets and pollution are likely to affect patterns seen in recent years, Beard said. “Diets are not as healthy as they have previously been … and we need to do what we can to help people live longer, healthier lives. It’s never too late”

Leung’s study aims to determine the biggest factors driving high life expectancy in Hong Kong and just how big a role they play. The researchers are testing their core hypotheses that this is because of universal health care, improved childhood care, economic migration and reduced smoking rates among women compared with other parts of the world, resulting in fewer smoking-related diseases.

If these are found to be underlying factors, he hopes to use that information to inform policy measures to maintain a healthy, long-living population and keep Hong Kong at the top.

Sources:  

• Which is the Six Blue Zone in the World – Search
• Why Hong Kong has the longest life expectancy | CNN
• Hong Kong Beats The Six Blue Zones in Life Expectancy – Search
• Hong kongese eat more pork than anyone and live the longest – Search Videos
• I talked to 263 of the world’s longest-living people—their 9 ‘non-negotiables’ for a long, happy life
• Hong Kong has the highest life expectancy in the world – what is the secret behind it? – Search
• 101-year-old says she’s living the best years of her life: 8 rules I live by—don’t believe you’re ever ‘done’
• Australians outlive Americans by up to 5 years, study finds. Here are 5 things we can learn from them.

Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton (Photo illustration by Salon/Getty Images)

To accuse Kamala Harris’ campaign of reflexively repeating the mistakes of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign — as Jacobin’s Branko Marcetic did recently — may sound like drive-by leftist snark, carrying an unfortunate (and presumably unintended) undertone of sexism. But it also reflects a deeper and broader anxiety felt across the liberal-progressive spectrum: Polls are dead even, 10 days before what has been billed (fairly or not) as a world-historical presidential election. After the sugar-high of the Biden-to-Harris switch and the exhilaration of the Democratic convention, this is a difficult future to face.

Among the media and political classes, the operating assumption at the moment is that Donald Trump — by any normative standard, a disastrously undisciplined and erratic candidate — is likely to win that election, even without resorting to skulduggery or mob violence. That “gut feeling” has zero predictive value, to be clear, and may be nothing more than lingering PTSD from 2016.

But liberal stress and bewilderment presumably isn’t improved by seeing Democrats doing exactly what they always do in the latter stages of a national campaign: skewing sharply rightward to emphasize a commitment to national security and corporate profits, in the supposed pursuit of “persuadable” independents and wavering Republicans. (Or perhaps just in pursuit of the donor class, which is not technically the same thing.)

Related:

To win, Kamala Harris must handle tough questions: Here are the answers

We have seen Harris out herself as a gun owner in a sit-down with Oprah, embracing Wall Street-friendly economic policies and campaign with former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney, who supported literally every aspect of the Trump agenda before his overt attempt to subvert the 2020 election. All of this, of course, reflects conventional wisdom as imparted by highly-paid consultants, and it’s not inherently illogical: Chiseling away even a handful of conservative voters who don’t much like Trump, but are reluctant to vote for someone they’ve been told is a radical socialist Black lady who wants to turn everyone trans, could make a crucial difference in several of the most important states. 

If the Harris campaign’s last-ditch Liz Cheney triangulation doesn’t work, and the underlying political and ideological assumptions of the Beltway’s elite caste are once again revealed as fatally flawed, the consequences will be ugly.

The leftist response is also logical, on its own terms: Democrats have tried this before, hamster-wheel style, without conclusively defeating the increasingly fash-flavored right. So maybe it’s time to stop doing the same thing that doesn’t work over and over again — admittedly a radical notion — and try something else instead, such as leaning into broadly popular social-democratic policies on health care, taxation, student debt and green-energy transition, and hoping to win elections by driving high turnout among younger voters, people of color, LGBTQ voters and so on. (Let’s not get into canceling the blank check issued to Benjamin Netanyahu — but sure, maybe that too.)

I’m personally sympathetic to that road-not-taken argument, but to recycle another of the Democratic Party’s quadrennial hamster-wheel themes, none of that matters in the face of an existential emergency. In any case, nothing about the party’s exhausting, alarmist messaging or its murky self-image is going to change dramatically in the last week before a do-or-die national election. 

If the Harris campaign’s last-ditch Liz Cheney triangulation doesn’t work, and the underlying political and ideological assumptions of the Beltway’s elite caste are once again revealed as fatally flawed, the consequences will be ugly.

There are signs that the Harris campaign intends to go hard on abortion rights in the final days — a potentially decisive wedge issue — alongside the Cheney pivot and the strategic decision to directly label Trump with the F-word. But minor tactical adjustments in late October are hardly the point. The Democratic Party is what it is, a fundamentally unstable coalition of affluent metropolitan white folks and working-class people of color, whose interests are beginning to pull them in different directions. 

Right now the paramount question — for many people, understandably enough, it’s the only question — is whether the Democrats’ campaign strategy will work this time around, or at least work a little better than it did eight years ago. Lest we forget, Hillary Clinton got 2.8 million more votes than Donald Trump did in 2016, but the distribution of those votes turned out to be an insurmountable problem: If we subtract California, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York from the overall total, Trump won the rest of the country by 5 million votes.

Most of us in this business have been cured of making confident predictions based on “how things work,” because these days nothing works the way it used to, or works at all. Time runs in flat circles, scientific research has been subjugated to “doing your own research” and a presidential candidate can tell the nation, on live TV, that immigrants are eating their pets without suffering significant political damage. Neither you nor I nor anyone else has the slightest idea whether the Harris campaign’s scramble for the patriotic middle ground will reel in the potentially decisive electoral votes of Michigan or Arizona or North Carolina. (It’s safe to say that whichever candidate can win two of those three states is overwhelmingly likely to be the next president.)

But here’s one thing I do know: Don’t count on the confident pronouncements of supposedly hardheaded insiders whose Realpolitik bibles have been through the washing machine too many times. I read James Carville’s New York Times op-ed predicting a Harris victory this past week and felt a dim but distinct longing, somewhere inside, for a vanished world of reassuring wisdom. Then I felt a much deeper longing — a longing to spend the next two weeks drinking whiskey and watching old movies, because that guy hasn’t backed a winning Democrat in this century. If that wasn’t the kiss of death, it was an awfully good simulation.

And one more thing I know for sure is that if the Harris campaign’s last-ditch Liz Cheney triangulation doesn’t work, and the underlying political and ideological assumptions of the Beltway’s elite caste are once again revealed as fatally flawed, the consequences will be ugly — for the Democratic Party, for the future of our so-called democracy and for the trajectory of the entire world in this century.

Not just because Donald Trump will win the election and become president, although that’s bad enough. But because of how that happened and under what circumstances — and because the only American political party that pretends to stand for constitutional democracy, rational government and broader equality will once again blame its own voters, or the Russians, or the ignorance and bigotry of people it views with contempt, for the catastrophic consequences of its own incoherence and uncertainty, and for the fact that it could not prevent the entire system it claims to cherish from collapsing into clownish anarchy.

Opinion by Evan Barker – Search

Last winter, I checked in with a friend in Democratic politics. “Life is weird sometimes,” she wrote back, and told me she was staying at Alexander Soros’ Hamptons house. I made a joke about coming to visit her—growing up in a midwestern working-class family, I’d always enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of the rich and powerful. “Sorry, it’s for people of color leaders only,” she wrote back. “It would be odd if you were there.”

As a former Democratic fundraiser, you’d think I would be numb to this kind of discrimination, but the truth continues to pain me: The Democratic Party, once the champions of civil rights in response to real injustices, is now the primary driver of racial division in America today. Lee Atwater’s Southern strategy pales in comparison to the modern DNC‘s approach. No organization is more systematically racist.

How did we get here?

The Democrats‘ long-term strategy is to stoke racial resentment to build their coalition and energize non-white voters. The rhetoric is designed to convince minorities that America is irredeemably, structurally racist, and only Democrats will look out for them. Social justice ideology, DEI, and wokeness are used in businesses, institutions, and schools to enforce Democratic rule and used internally to enforce party discipline. Note how Democrats united an entire coalition around Kamala Harris. No one wanted to look racist for suggesting there might be a better option.

During the summer of 2020, I was a fundraiser for progressives and saw crazy things. Campaigns started replacing consultants and campaign staff with BIPOC staffers to appear more inclusive. A prominent Democratic group announced funding was reserved solely for organizations led by non-whites. Another campaign pitched a donor-backed plan to source poor white people from Craigslist, pay them to be interviewed, then bait them into racially insensitive remarks. The candidate could then expose their racism as a “white whisperer” who could change their minds. The idea was insane and shut down by consultants who knew better, but still came disturbingly close to happening.

At first, I went along with the Democratic crusade for racial division. I was scolded for using yellow emojis in Slack, which are complicit in white supremacy, so I switched them to white. When speaking to BIPOC consultants, I made sure to mention how white women are the worst, so they knew I wasn’t racist. While reviewing resumes for potential hires, I tracked their race to ensure all people of color received interviews, and ignored most resumes from white men.

The author at the DNC in Chicago.

But deep down, this all started feeling wrong to me.

It started to feel blatantly racist. Yet I was terrified to speak up.

My personal breaking point came when a BIPOC colleague accused me of being an entitled white woman who needed “DEI training” after I disagreed with her over fundraising strategy. This was bizarre to me, being born with a genetic disease that put massive financial stress on my family. My parents never finished college and were married 11 times between them. I attended a dozen different schools growing up, including an inner-city school where I was in the small minority as a white person. We lived in apartments, houses, and sometimes a mobile home park. I paid for college with Pell Grants and loans that are still outstanding. Contrary to DEI ideology, not all white Americans have privilege.

This person knew nothing about my background and tarnished my reputation based on snap judgements about my skin color. I tried to argue with other operatives that it hurts the progressive movement when people weaponize their identities and de-legitimizes instances of actual bigotry. They would agree privately but refuse to publicly support me.

Michelle Obama thesis was on racial divide – POLITICO

The author with Michelle Obama

Finally, my boss caved and demanded I take DEI training, eventually I was demoted from the campaign by consultants. People in Democratic politics would be terrified to publicly admit this bullying happens regularly, but they all know it’s true.

Unfortunately, many in the Democratic Party see nothing wrong with it. Oppression works as a currency that can reap lucrative rewards, like giving a candidate an edge in a crowded primary race, assisting someone rise to become the leader of a powerful organization, or helping a consultant land a campaign media contract. Ultra-wealthy elite donors like the Soros family perpetuate this ideology because it presents zero challenges to their wealth. Americans uniting along multi-racial class lines scares them more than anything.

  Related video: Pollster says men who used to vote Democrat feeling ‘ignored, betrayed’ by Harris campaign (FOX News) – Search  

Democrats are suppressing their compulsion for division today as Harris downplays her identity, running on color-blind messaging similar to Obama’s. But people don’t forget. They are now losing the working class in droves, including union rank and file. Kamala couldn’t even earn a Teamsters endorsement.

Clearly, racial division is no longer working as an electoral strategy. Fighting racism with more racism is deeply unpopular.

The author with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The Squad (United States Congress) – Wikipedia

If Harris loses, prepare for a full-blown meltdown of epic proportions. They will seethe at the racist deplorables who again elected Trump, and they will refuse to acknowledge racial changes in support because it contradicts their ideology. They will blame misogyny for the Black and Latino men who switched sides. You will hear terms like “white adjacent” and “internalized oppression” trotted out to explain why people of color voted for Trump.

Democrats have done so much damage. They infantilize Black and brown people, treating them as victims with no agency. Instructing whites to never correct a minority is textbook racism, implying they can’t handle criticism.

Unfortunately, individuals steeped in DEI will not change their minds lightly, and those who use it for social power will never change. The only way Democrats will learn is by losing elections repeatedly while hemorrhaging minority votes. Racial dealignment between parties could turn the page and open a more hopeful chapter in American politics.

Evan Barker is a former Democratic campaign operative, campaign finance reform advocate, and podcaster. You can follow her on X @evanwch.

The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.

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Four things to know from Kamala Harris’ latest podcast interviews

Opinion | Democrats Made a Trump Comeback Thinkable

• Children In Crisis: The Story of Chip (#)During one of the nation’s worst economic collapses, citizens in Pittsburgh banded together and created America’s first health insurance program for the children of working poor families. It was appropriately named, “The Caring Program.” On August 5, 1997, a bill sponsored by Senators Orrin Hatch and Edward Kennedy, and largely modeled after The Caring Program, was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
• It was exactly 13 years, 2 months and 23 days after a group of desperate protesters entered a church on the opposite side of town and asked for the chance to speak. They were heard and helped, and ultimately children’s healthcare was revolutionized. The journey of a grassroots community effort to a federal program is testament to the power of listening, caring and working together to achieve a transformative result. 
• The compelling SCETV documentary CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP explores the journey behind the inception of one of the most vital children’s health programs ever enacted—the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

In the early 1980s, the collapse of the steel industry had devastating consequences for Western Pennsylvania, resulting in the loss of 150,000 jobs and one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates. Displaced steelworkers joined forces with church leaders in the hardest-hit areas of Pittsburgh. Their collective efforts led to protests at churches attended by bank and steel executives, including a nationally publicized event in 1984 when actor David Soul and others were arrested during a demonstration at Shadyside Presbyterian Church.

As tensions escalated, 40 demonstrators later gathered outside Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, symbolically offering dead fish to parishioners as a protest. This act culminated in a pivotal moment when the group marched into the church, faced the congregation and pleaded for help. Among those in the pews was 16-year-old Scott Galloway, the future director of this documentary, whose father, the church’s senior pastor, played a central role in this turning point. The protesters conveyed the urgent need for assistance for their struggling families, and their actions sparked a dialogue within the community.

During the 1980s, health insurance options for children were severely limited. COBRA insurance did not exist, and Medicaid only applied to families at half the poverty level. This resulted in countless children being left without medical care, which had cascading effects on their health and well-being, including hearing loss and decreased school attendance.

Out of these challenges emerged the grassroots Caring Program, initially created to provide healthcare to 100 children of working poor families. The initiative gained momentum as Fred Rogers, better known as Mister Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, joined as a spokesperson.

What began as a modest effort soon expanded, with churches, schools, businesses and professional sports teams, such as the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers, rallying behind the cause. The Caring Program grew to encompass tens of thousands of children, spreading beyond Pennsylvania’s borders to 25 other states.

Pennsylvania State Senator Allen Kukovich played a pivotal role in expanding the program statewide. After years of advocacy, he successfully secured funding by introducing a two-cent tax on a pack of cigarettes, resulting in the establishment of Pennsylvania Blue CHIP. In 1997, CHIP became a federal program, providing essential healthcare coverage to nearly 200 million children to date.

CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP was produced by Susie Films and is a national presentation by SCETV with distribution through PBS. Production funding was provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, Highmark Health, The Pittsburgh Foundation, United Steelworkers and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation.

Distributed by PBS to public television stations across the US, CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP will also be available for streaming on the PBS app, PBS Amazon Prime and on PBS.org. For more information about CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP, please visit scetv.org.

70 Years of Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church

The CHIP insurance plan in today’s news had its start in 1984 at Fox Chapel. When unemployed steelworkers appeared on Mother’s Day to protest their fate where corporate employers worshipped, they brought dead fish to greet parishioners before they entered the sanctuary. At other churches, they had been kept out, Fox Chapel’s pastor, John Galloway, welcomed them and asked them to tell us what they needed.  Tearfully, they explained they were unable to provide medical care for their children. Galloway graciously invited them to stay and worship and to meet him afterwards to see what could be worked out.

A committee was formed, including Fred Rogers of TV fame as honorary chairman. Charlie LaVallee, who was named director of The Caring Program for Children, worked out a plan with Blue Cross/Blue Shield whereby church members initially contributed $13/month coverage for each of 100 children. With BC/BS matching funds, 200 children were insured in 1985. 

It soon expanded with additional contributors: churches, Pittsburgh Presbytery, local sports teams, Rotary, Kiwanis and Colgate Toothpaste. Then the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, the United Jewish Foundation, Digital Equipment, Chanel 4 TV, Oscar Mayer Co. and Avis contributed while the state added a 2-cent tax to cigarettes, which brought in $10.5 million annually.  Finally in 1997 Congress took it over establishing CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which now insures 9 million children each year. All because Fox Chapel was welcoming, listened and used its connections to take a positive early step in the national health care conversation.

– Wilberta Pickett, elder

FCPC October 27th Traditional Service

 QUOTES

“The documentary CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP shines a light on a pivotal moment in our nation’s history when ordinary citizens came together to address an extraordinary challenge. It reminds us that real change is possible when individuals and communities unite with determination and compassion. We are proud to bring this important story to our viewers, showcasing the transformative impact of the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the enduring power of the human spirit.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

Yellow Bridges of Pittsburgh: Photo of Fort Duquesne Bridge, Three Sisters Bridges, and David Mccullough Bridge with Point State Park.

A Local Solution to the Problem

“Creating CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP has been a deeply moving experience. This documentary pays tribute to the unwavering commitment of countless individuals who fought for the health and well-being of our nation’s children. It is a testament to the resilience of communities facing adversity. Through this film, we hope to inspire and remind everyone that positive change is within our reach when we come together for a common purpose.” –CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP Executive Producer Don Godish

“I sat in a church pew nearly 40 years ago on that seminal Sunday when my father welcomed protestors into a church service and we all learned the importance of listening. In the aftermath, I witnessed a community effort become a federal program as a cross-section of people overcame differences, created change and demonstrated the best of democracy’s promises. I am honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to tell this important and timely story.” –CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP Director Scott Galloway

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FAST FACTS 

• CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP explores the journey behind the inception of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
• The documentary premieres Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. on ETV-HD, and re-airs Jan. 20 at 10 p.m. on ETV World and Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. on South Carolina Channel.
• In the early 1980s, the collapse of the steel industry had devastating consequences for Western Pennsylvania, resulting in the loss of 150,000 jobs and one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates.
• CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP was produced by Susie Films and is a national presentation by SCETV with distribution through PBS.
• Production funding for CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP was provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, The Pittsburgh Foundation, United Steelworkers, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation and Highmark Health.
• For more information about CHILDREN IN CRISIS: The Story of CHIP, please visit scetv.org.

If you don’t want to be miserable for the rest of your life, stop doing these 17 things

James Rickards – 2024 Brings Financial Crisis, Election Chaos & The End For The Dollar – London Real | CIA Insider predicts Trump wins president – Search

Jim Rickards

“The 2024 election is poised to be one of the most tumultuous events in American history,” Rickards states. “We are facing the potential for a 50% market crash, the collapse of the US dollar, and widespread civil unrest. The time to prepare is now.”

Key points of Ex CIA Rickards’ urgent warning:

1. Election-Triggered Market Crash: Rickards foresees a massive stock market downturn, with potential losses exceeding 50%, and a significant devaluation of the US dollar.
2. Civil Unrest and Possible Martial Law: His forecast includes a high probability of violent riots and social disorder, possibly leading to the imposition of martial law and temporary suspension of civil rights.
3. Immediate Action Required: Rickards outlines five essential steps Americans should take immediately to protect their wealth and personal safety.
4. Proven Track Record: With a history of accurate predictions, Rickards’ insights and strategies are based on extensive experience and expertise.

The 2024 Presidential Election could be the ‘Tipping Point’

Rickards outlines several reasons as to why the stock market could fall at any moment following the election.

• Election Chaos and Legal Challenges: Rickards suggests that the 2024 Presidential Election could be similar to the 2000 election but on a much larger scale. This could lead to a prolonged period of uncertainty, causing investors to panic and sell off their stocks.
• Refusal to Transfer Power and Civil Unrest: If Trump wins the election, but is prevented from taking office by the current establishment, Rickards predicts widespread civil unrest to break out. Violent protests, clashes with law enforcement, and potential declarations of martial law could create tremendous fear and uncertainty, driving a massive sell-off in the stock market.
• Collapse of the US Dollar: Rickards foresees a scenario where the political instability resulting from election chaos and civil unrest leads to a loss of confidence in the US dollar. As investors seek safer assets, there could be a rapid devaluation of the dollar, causing a fight from dollar-denominated assets, including stocks.
• Increasing Inflation: We still have an inflation problem. The combination of government spending, policies, and political instability could lead to hyperinflation. Rickards warns that inflation could become “1000 times worse” than current levels, eroding the value of investments and causing a stock market crash as investors try to preserve their wealth.
• Policy and Governance Issues: Rickards notes that we can not continue to sustain the current administration’s policies on immigration and spending. If things remain, we could be headed towards economic instability. For instance, massive government spending could lead to a fiscal crisis, where the government is unable to service its debt, causing a loss of confidence in the financial system.
• Historical Comparison: Rickards being one who successfully predicted the 2008 financial crisis, implies that similar systemic risks are present today. He suggests that underlying economic weaknesses, combined with political instability, could lead to a sudden market downturn similar to the collapse experienced in 2008.

As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, former Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining momentum in the polls. This development has prompted former CIA advisor and economist Jim Rickards to share his perspective on what a Harris presidency could signify for the nation.

Harris Presidency: Things Will Get Worse?

Rickards has highlighted several key indicators that suggest the U.S. economy could face significant challenges if Kamala Harris wins the presidency. Among these are:

• Market Volatility: The financial markets are currently experiencing heightened volatility, reflecting investor uncertainty about the future. A Harris presidency could amplify these concerns, especially if her policies are perceived as unpredictable or overly progressive, leading to further market instability.
• Rising National Debt: The U.S. national debt is already at unprecedented levels, and Harris’ potential policy initiatives, which may include expanded social programs and infrastructure spending, could exacerbate this burden. Without careful fiscal management, the increased debt could strain the economy and limit her administration’s ability to respond to economic downturns.
• Inflation Pressures: Inflation has been a growing concern, and Harris may face difficulties in curbing rising prices. Her administration’s potential focus on wage growth and social equity could inadvertently fuel inflation, making it harder to maintain price stability without stifling economic growth.
• Deepening Political Division: The country is more politically divided than ever, and Harris’ presidency might deepen these divisions, particularly if her policies are seen as favoring certain groups over others. This could lead to gridlock in Congress, making it challenging to pass legislation necessary to stabilize the economy and address pressing issues.

All of these indicators point towards the Harris administration facing a complex and turbulent economic landscape.

Staying Prepared for Uncertain Times

Given the potential economic and political challenges that could arise from a Harris presidency, Jim Rickards urges Americans to take proactive steps to safeguard their financial stability and personal security. Rickards stresses the importance of being well-prepared for any possible scenario.

“Preparation isn’t about fear—it’s about prudence,” Rickards emphasizes. “In times of potential change and uncertainty, those who are prepared are better positioned to weather the storm.”

Rickards has detailed these and other strategies in his latest brief, which is designed to help Americans navigate the potential challenges ahead. By taking these steps now, individuals can better position themselves for a potential Harris victory.

For more insights and updates from Jim Rickards, including his five steps to prepare for potential economic challenges, please visit Paradigm Press Group.

About Jim Rickards

Jim Rickards is not just a financial expert; he is a seasoned insider with a deep understanding of global economic and political dynamics. With decades of experience advising the CIA, Pentagon, and other high-level government agencies, Rickards has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to foresee major global events before they unfold.

His predictions of the 2008 financial crisis and the 2016 election of Donald Trump were met with skepticism at the time, but both proved to be remarkably accurate. His insights, drawn from his understanding of complex financial systems and global economic trends, have helped many avoid significant losses during multiple turbulent periods.

Now, as the 2024 election looms, Rickards’ insights offer a sobering perspective on what might lie ahead, drawing from the same analytical conclusion that has made him a trusted voice in uncertain times.

“The potential election of Kamala Harris could be the spark that ignites a national crisis,” Rickards stated.

Communism explained in 60 seconds: ideas that changed the world.

How a radical new ideology revolutionised both politics and wider society

 The Cloward–Piven strategy = is a political theory developed in the 1960s by sociologists Richard Cloward and Frances Fox Piven. It aims to create chaos in the welfare system to overwhelm it, forcing the government to take action to fundamentally transform society into stages to socialism – Search1 2 3.

Socialism can be divided into three stages 1 2:

• The honeymoon period: During this stage, the experiment has some initial success in some areas and its international standing is relatively high.
• The excuses-and-whataboutery period: The honeymoon period never lasts forever.
• The not-real-socialism stage: This is the final stage of socialism.

Communism is ‘one of the most influential economic theories of all times’

In this series, The Week looks at the ideas and innovations that permanently changed the way we see the world.

Communism in 60 seconds – Search

Communism is a political and economic ideology that stands in contrast to capitalism’s “emphasis on profit and private ownership”, said National Geographic.

Is World War Three on the horizon?Countries that are still socialist todayIs Russia turning back into the USSR?

In a perfect communist society, the benefits of labour are shared equally, all property and wealth are communally owned, and the class system disappears. “The state owns the major resources…including property, means of production, education, agriculture and transportation”, for the benefit of the people as a whole rather than the profit of private owners, said the University of North Carolina’s Center for European Studies. 

 Communism is “one of the most influential economic theories of all times”, the university’s website said.  

LATEST VIDEOS FROM the week stages to socialism – Search Videos   

How did it develop?  

Communism first took shape as a political ideology in 1848, when German academics Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published “The Communist Manifesto”.

The pamphlet theorised that the working class – the proletariat – would soon rise up all over the world and reject their capitalist overlords – the bourgeoisie – ultimately moving towards a communist society.

The manifesto ends with the famous aphorism: “The proletariat have nothing to lose but their chains. 

They have a world to win…Working men of all countries, unite!”

Communism is often confused or conflated with socialism. Although the two ideologies share the goal of a classless society, socialists are generally open to working within the system and “bringing the free market under control [rather than] eliminating it completely”, explained Encyclopaedia Britannica. Marxist philosophy views socialism as a transitional step on the path to pure communism.

In his three-volume tome “Capital”, Marx offered an in-depth economic and social critique of capitalism, rather than a blueprint for revolution. The practicalities of establishing and running a communist state would fall to the likes of Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong, all of whom lend their names to different schools of communist thought.

In 1917, Russia became the first country to put the communist experiment into practice, when Lenin’s Marxist Bolshevik movement overthrew the Tsarist regime and established the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or USSR. It would become “one of the biggest and most powerful nations in the world, occupying nearly one-sixth of Earth’s land surface”, said History.com.

Initial idealism quickly turned into something darker, as Lenin unleashed the Red Terror, a campaign of mass repression designed to eliminate political opponents and crush dissent.

When Joseph Stalin came to power following Lenin’s death in 1924, he showed a similar ruthlessness in cementing his total control. Between 1936 and 1938, as many as 1.2 million Russians were executed in what became known as the Great Purge.

The development of a vast police state created a climate of oppression, paranoia and fear, with those suspected of opposing the regime at risk of execution or exile to slave labour camps known as gulags.

Why did it fail? 

No other Russian leader ever approached comparable levels of brutality after Stalin’s death in 1953, but state surveillance, censorship and repression continued throughout the USSR.

By the 1980s, Soviet Russia’s economy was in tatters:

With “many people were considerably poorer than the poorest people in the capitalist West”, explained History Hit. “The population were tired of the widespread corruption and dissatisfied with the police state and censorship.”

When Mikhail Gorbachev became leader of the USSR in 1985, he sought to reverse the economic decline and gave new freedoms to the people and the press. “The state lost media control and democratic reform movements grew throughout the Soviet bloc,” History Hit added.

In 1987, US President Ronald Reagan gave his famous speech in Berlin calling on Gorbachev to “tear down this wall”. Two years later the Berlin Wall fell, and one by one, Eastern European countries began rejecting communist rule.

“A wave of optimism swept across Europe,” said the Pew Research Center. “By 1990, the former communist leaders were out of power, free elections were held, and Germany was whole again,” the US Office of the Historian added.

How did it change the world?    

“What started in 1917 Russia became a global revolution, taking root in countries as far flung as China and Korea to Kenya and Sudan to Cuba and Nicaragua,” said History.com.

All were plagued by similar issues to those seen in Soviet Russia. In China, Chairman Mao Zedong’s attempt to force the agrarian Chinese economy into a “Great Leap Forward” resulted in tens of millions of deaths from starvation.

At the end of the Second World War, the Soviet Union turned its focus to expanding its influence over the rest of the world – setting the stage for the Cold War, an ideological battle between the capitalist US and the communist Soviet Union.

Although the much-feared nuclear Armageddon never occurred, the two powers squared up indirectly by backing opposing sides in conflicts around the world.

Rep. Elise Stefanik blasts: ‘You’re hearing a failing strategy from Kamala Harris’ | Watch The legacy of these so-called proxy wars – which include the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Algerian War of Independence – continues to shape geopolitics today. The Arab Iranian Israeli and Russia – Ukraine China < conflict… 20th-century international relations – New World Order, 1991-95 | Britannica

“A New World Order”

We heard first from President G.H. W. BUSH NEW WORLD ORDER – Videos in his 1991 State of the Union Address — 12 days after leading coalition forces int0 war against Iraq. 

Bush Sr. was followed by his successor — Bill Clinton’ with a 1995 speech on race relations.  An “opportunity” presented itself, he said, “and we dare not let it pass us by.” Was George W Bush wreck less about 9/11 – Search

To Obama: “Fundamentally Transforming the United States of America” and  Biden allowing 11 million illegal immigrants to walk across the border Now praying Kamala Harris never sees her first priority as President of the United States of America.