Millions of people in the United States go to work or move about every day without realizing the danger that they put their lives in. Despite the fact that asbestos is the number one cause of people developing mesothelioma, the United States has failed to pass legislation that would ban the use of the mineral in products. Mesothelioma is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer on the planet. 

Greater than 3,000 people in the United States are stricken with Mesothelioma each year. Due to the nature of the disease, and how quickly it can metastasize, it is very important that people start treatment for their cancer as soon as possible. Anyone who believes that they were exposed to asbestos on their job, or through the use of products containing the substance, should seek the advice of an mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.

A lack of awareness

Most people in America know how dangerous asbestos is, however many are surprised to learn that asbestos is contained in many of the products they use. Scientists have conducted countless studies that revealed exposure to asbestos, even in very small amounts could cause a person to develop mesothelioma. People who work in industries like construction, roofing, shipyards, and automobile repair have a greater risk of being exposed to asbestos than people who work in other industries. Firefighters are also at high risk for exposure to asbestos,

In the Oddest Places

It is important to note that asbestos is still very much a part of American everyday life. Asbestos is still being used in insulation for example. At least 1% of the materials used to help regulate the temperature in buildings and homes is made of asbestos. Because asbestos can withstand an incredible amount of heat, car parts like clutches, pipes, gaskets, and brake pads are often made with the mineral. 

When people think about fire safety products, they make the assumption that the products are safe to use. Many fireproof products are made with asbestos fibers, because they repel fire. When choosing fire safety products for their homes, people should research and do their due diligence before selecting items like fireproof coating, fire curtains and fire blankets. 

If there is an emergency at home or in the workplace, and fire safety items need to be used, it is important for people to remember that heat could disperse particles of asbestos into the air. Users of these types of products should be mindful of this fact, and protect their noses and mouths when these products are in use. Asbestos is also found in potting soil, fertilizer, laboratory equipment, talcum powder and in some construction materials like floor tiles and plaster.

Get Help Right Away

Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and believes they were exposed to products containing asbestos at work, home or in their community need to secure the services of a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as they can. An attorney can help make sure that people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma through asbestos exposures get the protection and help they need. Businesses and involved in these types of lawsuits have lawyers on retainer to ensure they have the best legal representation possible. A mesotheiloma lawyer is there to even the playing field.

Are you curious about Intermittent fasting and thinking about giving it a fair shot? Before you jump right in, grab your copy of “Intermittent Fasting for Dummies” by Dr. Janet Brill. So you know how it’s done and also what to expect as you adopt a new lifestyle.

Here’s what Dr. Janet Brill shared about her newly released book and personal experience with Intermittent Fasting as a way of life.

Dr. Janet Brill, how would you explain what Intermittent Fasting is to someone who thinks it’s only for fitness fanatics? 

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of short-term fasting and eating. There are multiple intermittent fasting diet plans circulating. All of them dictate when you should eat rather than what specific foods you should eat. One popular version, called the 16:8 method, means you fast for 16 hours every day and eat during your chosen 8 hour eating window. You repeat this pattern of eating every day. However, for long-term health benefits, it is highly recommended that you don’t ignore the “what to eat” part of this eating regimen. As a nutritionist, it is suggested that you combine a plant-based, Mediterranean style of eating with your intermittent fasting plan of choice.

Intermittent fasting is a lifestyle, not a fad diet. Intermittent fasting is for all individuals seeking to improve their health (and who do not fall into the category of people who should NOT follow such a plan), not just health and fitness fanatics. Numerous scientific studies have shown that intermittent fasting programs can have powerful benefits for your body and brain. In fact, intermittent fasting appears to be a veritable fountain of youth, lowering body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improving glucose control, reducing inflammation and even fighting aging and boosting mental acuity.

Oftentimes, people want to know how long you can stay on a program of intermittent fasting. If you are eating nutritious food and can maintain a healthy weight, you can eat this way indefinitely.

When did you get the idea to write “Intermittent Fasting for Dummies”? How long did the research take?

The New England Journal of Medicine came out with a review article on intermittent fasting on December 26, 2019. In early 2020, I read the article and became fascinated with the conclusion: intermittent-fasting interventions can effectively treat obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and inflammation. In fact, intermittent fasting was shown to confer health benefits to a greater extent than that attributed just to just weight loss. Serendipitously, my literary agent contacted me and said Wiley was looking for a writer for just that topic—would I be interested? The research took me six months.

What is one of the most astonishing case-studies you’ve come across during your research?

Although not a single case study, I am probably most astonished by the conclusions of a scientific review article published in 2014 in the journal Translational Research and titled: “Intermittent fasting vs daily calorie restriction for type 2 diabetes prevention: a review of human findings.” The review showed that intermittent fasting programs over 3–24-week periods can cause weight loss of between 3–8% weight. Furthermore, the review showed that intermittent fasting regimens target harmful belly fat, with data showing loss of 4–7% of their waist circumference—which is truly extraordinary.

As the title suggests, is “Intermittent Fasting for Dummies” just for the beginners or can it also benefit those who are already on a plan?  

Yes, those already on the plan should read my book as a primer for how to follow this lifestyle in a safe and healthy way. My book differs from most other books or internet recommendations on how to follow a program of intermittent fasting. Many of them dictate when you should eat rather than what specific foods you should eat. Others pair an extremely unhealthy keto diet with the program.  As a health and wellness professional, I give dietary recommendations for pairing the plan with the healthiest diet, a green, plant-based Mediterranean eating regimen. I also give safe exercise recommendations as well as dictate who should NOT follow a program of intermittent fasting. I also give lots of helpful tips and tricks to keep people motivated and to help them adhere to this new healthy lifestyle.

Intermittent fasting is safe for most people, but it’s not for everyone. If you have a medical condition, you must get medical clearance to follow a program of intermittent fasting, especially if you have:

diabetes or problems with blood sugar regulation; have high or low blood pressure; take prescription medications (people who take medications for blood pressure or heart disease may be more prone to electrolyte abnormalities from fasting); or are underweight. Intermittent fasting should NOT be practiced by children; people with a history of eating disorders; women who are trying to conceive; women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and uncontrolled diabetics.

What is the best comment you have received about your book so far? 

☆☆☆☆☆ 5 out of 5 stars.      

Absolute One-Stop Guide To Intermittent Fasting

The absolute one-stop guide to intermittent fasting. I have been curious about this newest eating craze and wondering if it might be right for me. I love how this guide breaks it all down into multiple sections for easy reference. It gives the rationale and science behind fasting. It provides cautions and things to consider before starting. So many questions are covered and answered, I felt like I was able to just reach out and ask and I would find the answer somewhere in the pages. I especially appreciated the section that broke down the different types of intermittent fasting plans. Knowing how to incorporate exercise into this eating plan is crucial and due justice is given to this topic. If you are considering this way of eating, or are just curious about the premise, this is the book you are looking for! 

We hear that you practice Intermittent Fasting. What are the three things that helped you the most when you were starting off? 

Black coffee, water and staying busy writing and researching this book!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Red wine and chocolate (during my eating periods—of course!).

Post COVID-19, how do we keep on track with our diet as we travel? 

The most wonderful aspect of intermittent fasting is the freedom to eat during the feasting periods without counting calories or feeling like you must sacrifice taste (just be sure not to overdo it and have crazy junk food calorie-laden eat–fests during your eating periods or you will not get results and will negate the health benefits!). Traveling will be easy, just eat during your eating windows.

What is your favorite recipe from the book? 

Lentil soup. All of us needs to eat a plant-based diet for better health. Lentils have been part of the culinary culture of the Mediterranean throughout the ages. These seeds may be petite, but they are nutrition giants, loaded with the heart healthiest of ingredients including fiber, antioxidants, plant protein, vitamins, minerals, and iron—and all this for just pennies on the dollar. What’s more, eating legumes such as lentils might just be the dietary secret to longevity. Studies show that people who eat a diet rich in legumes live longer. Lentils and other legumes are nutritional powerhouses loaded with plant protein—as legumes are Mother Nature’s healthy version of meat—you get a nice dose of plant protein but without any of the artery-clogging excess baggage that goes along with animal protein (saturated fat and cholesterol). Plus, you get fiber, vitamins, minerals, and strong antioxidants as a bonus. The fact is that Americans eat too much animal protein, which tends to be at the center of our plate at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  

Try this delicious lentil soup with a loaf of crusty whole grain bread (for dipping)–a spectacularly delicious and nutritious meal!

A leader in the luxury goods market for two decades, Nicolas Krafft has taken on a more senior role as Managing Director of premiere flatware and gift manufacturer Christofle, founded by legendary goldsmith Charles Christofle in Paris in 1830. Under Nicolas Krafft’s leadership, Christofle expanded its product lines from flatware to home décor and jewelry as it expanded its public profile in North America and Europe.

Nicolas earned his academic credentials for his business success at the Panthéon-Sorbonne in Paris, culminating his program with a master’s degree. Also at the Sorbonne, Nicolas Krafft mastered the art of sabrage, opening a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine with a ceremonial sword to create a memorable occasion.

Creating memorable occasions has been the theme of Krafft’s distinguished career.

Nicolas Krafft’s earliest job experience after university gave him opportunities to invent ways to surround customers with delight in new homes as a store manager for Prisunic Builders. After five years with Prisonic, Nicolas Krafft secured a position with the AELIA Group (Nanterre) giving direction to 16 duty-free shops in Roissy-CDG airport. Just a year later, Krafft became the company’s Director of Operations, creating unique buyer experiences at the company’s alcohol, tobacco, and gift outlets. Then in 2002, Krafft started his long and continuing tenure with luxury silver flatware maker Christofle.

Nicolas Krafft’s first position with Christofle was as President and CEO of the company’s North American subsidiary. He used his authority in the company to create a brand synonymous with enjoyment.

Christofle grew in Europe and reached the United States on the strength of its skills with silver plating, making elegant flatware available to millions of families who otherwise could not have afforded it. When Marshall Fields in Chicago started carrying the Christofle brand in the late nineteenth century with the slogan “Give the customer what she wants.” Christofle opened its own store in New York City on 57th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues in 1957. Although Christofle closed its 57th Street store during Krafft’s tenure with the company, under his leadership the company grew to hundreds of locations throughout the United States, making North American the company’s second largest market after Europe.

Nicolas Krafft grew sales and prominence of his company by understanding its customers. The average Christofle customer, Krafft disclosed in an interview with Forbes, is traveled, has professional and commercial influence, and can have multiple homes, maybe a boat, and a global perspective on life. Nicolas Krafft made sure that these high-net worth customers gained an understanding of Christofle from a global perspective, working with interior decorators and estate managers to bring the gravity and globality of the Christofle brand to everyday objects of beauty and delight.

Nicolas Krafft created a company culture which not only encouraged customers to purchase the beautiful items they had for sale, but also to enjoy them in their day to day living.

Under Krafft’s leadership, Christofle did not stay aloof in its industry. It partnered with other companies to create events that animated their brands. It grew beyond its caricature as a store at which customers could always come in to have a glass of champagne or enjoy fine caviar, but also a place where Christofle’s chef de cave could explain the curation of fine wines and their pairings with gourmet foods and the elegant presentation made possible by the company.

Nicolas Krafft’s mastery of the art of sabrage is an apt metaphor for his stewardship of the Christofle brand. Decapitating a bottle of champagne for a celebration through a skilled act of sabrage is, of course, more common in France than in the United States. It is a French tradition dating back to Napoleon.

Sabrage is a spectacular act with a practical end. The unique offerings of Christofle delight the senses but they have practical utility. Sabrage is not a skill that comes easily. Nicolas Krafft learned the art by studying with a friend’s father who was an officer in the Army. Nicolas Krafft has practiced the art so long that he now has a collection of over 100 ceremonial sabers.

And sabrage is an art that requires practice. Under Krafft’s leadership, Christofle expanded its practice of creating elegant things and showing their customers’ staffs how to use them so they now have a greatly expanded product line.

Nicolas Krafft has returned to France to manage Christofle’s European operations. His influence on the company continues through the company’s new and expanded leadership in the US luxury goods market.

Unfortunately, bad things happen to good people. Lives can instantly change when a drunk or distracted driver causes devastating and serious injuries. The consequences of which could be lifelong vocational or medical challenges for those innocent good victims. Finding the best legal and medical services can be of tremendous benefit to those with serious injuries because of negligence.

When confronted with such a situation, it can be difficult to find an injury lawyer to meet your needs, especially when you are unfamiliar with the characteristics to look for in an attorney. As with any service, word-of-mouth references are like gold since your trusted friend or relative can help you find the legal representation necessary. In many instances, this is not an option so you must research to find the best injury lawyer.

Best Characteristics of an Injury Lawyer

While there are countless attributes to look for in an injury attorney, the five most important include:

Active Listeners

The Harvard Business Review has found that great listeners do more than simply hear what you are saying. Instead, they create a safe environment for discussing difficult issues, remove distractions while making comfortable eye contact, and observe your facial expressions and body language. The article further highlights that active listeners ask questions without taking control, capture key bits of critical information, and empathize and acknowledge with the speaker.

The best injury lawyer must be an active listener who remains engaged with the information you provide and how you say it. At no point should your concerns and emotions go unnoticed by the attorney.

Answers All Your Questions

When an injury occurs, there is lost income, medical bills, health insurance forms, and questions from insurance adjusters; all of which are overwhelming while you are attempting to recover from the injuries. The best injury attorney can answer your questions about these requirements thus reducing your stress so you can focus on recuperating.

Educates on Legal Subjects

Finding a lawyer who cares about you and can educate you on the law, so you better understand the process and situation is a keeper.

Extensive Courtroom Experience

An attorney with extensive courtroom experience, talent, and knowledge can effectively present your case to a jury and sometimes settle before a verdict. Remember, just because a law firm spends money on advertising does not mean they have a positive reputation in the courtroom. Typically, the lawyers who defend insurance companies know which lawyers always settle their cases and which do whatever is necessary to reach a just result for the injured due to negligence.

Respect from Peers

Best injury attorneys have earned the respect of their colleagues within the profession. These lawyers are also often identified as the Best Lawyers in America, which is a national publication that places these attorneys on the list of their clients and peers. This is an important point because attorneys who spend loads of cash on advertising and marketing cannot buy their way into the publication.

View Law as a Helping Profession

The best injury lawyer views law as a vessel to help others, not just as a business. Many attorneys are motivated by the chance to solve problems for the injured and their relatives and great lawyers do what is best for their clients. This means working long hours to find a way to take a case to trial. Many cases are not as cut and dry as settling on a fair amount for the injured victim.

The root cause of most personal injury cases is negligence. This concept is meat to ensure all members of society take responsibility for acting on behalf of others’ wellbeing by avoiding placing others at risk. When careless individuals fail to follow these steps, they are demonstrating negligence which results in victims collecting damages. Finding the best injury lawyer to represent your case takes some research but by searching for these key qualities, you will be in the best hands!

Each and every year, tens of thousands of people die because of a drug overdose. Not everyone finds an Austin rehab in time, leaving them to silently struggle until it’s too late to do anything. The reality is that there are several reasons why people will overdose on drugs.

There’s No One Willing to Intervene

Interventions can happen when family, friends, or co-workers notice that there is a problem. It can be as simple as sitting the person down to share what has been identified. When a person with an addiction hears that they are drowning and that they are not like themselves, it can be an eye-opening experience.

Often, people live in denial. They don’t know that they are out of control. Staging an intervention can ensure that a person not only understands that they have a problem but can also show them how a rehab facility can make a difference.

Withdrawal Symptoms Can Be Overwhelming

Depending on the drug, it can make it hard to stop. This is because there are withdrawal symptoms that can lead to a person deciding that it’s better to continue using the drugs.

Some symptoms that one may experience include:

• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Muscle and bone pain
• Mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia

Even those who know they have a drug addiction disorder may continue to use it because they would rather risk continued exposure than dealing with the symptoms of withdrawal. It can be a dangerous game as it’s literally about hoping for the best possible scenario.

An overdose can happen at any time. It may be a person’s first time using or it may happen after using extensively after months or years. The good news is that with the help of a rehab center, medical detox services can help a person to overcome the withdrawal symptoms.

Mental Health Issues Aren’t Being Addressed

Many people use drugs because they have mental health issues. Some of the issues can be “simple” – depression, anxiety, and stress. Others are more complicated – schizophrenia, paranoia, and PTSD. Rather than getting the mental help that is needed, people choose to take matters into their own hands.

Prescription or illicit drugs will be used as a way to feel better. Prescription drugs may not even be prescribed by one’s doctor. They’ll buy off the street because it’s easier to get – and they’ll take as many as they need until they feel “more like themselves.” As for the illicit drugs, there’s no telling what they’re laced with, and it can lead to a quick addiction.

Mental health issues are often hard to diagnose – and those who don’t have health insurance feel as though they can’t afford to get help. So, it leads to drug addiction because of not dealing with the real problem that is going on.

An overdose can happen at a moment’s notice. In some instances, it’s intentional. However, it’s usually accidental. A person took more than they were planning to, they weren’t aware of what they were taking, or they bought from a different supplier. There are countless reasons why people may overdose.

Since overdoses can happen because of a variety of scenarios, it’s important to be aware of how it can happen. Whether you or a loved one is at risk of a drug overdose, it’s important to know what can be done about it. No one should have to suffer in silence. There are centers that can make a difference – and often, it’s about getting help from someone who can act as a support system. Drug overdoses are 100% preventable, which is why it’s heartbreaking to see that the numbers are on the rise.

There has been extraordinary advancement in technologies in the last few years, and 2020 has been no different. These innovations have improved the lives of many. However, the pandemic has called for individuals to be socially distant and stay home. This resulted in a rise in unexpected issues with home appliances. 

Suddenly your dryer needs to run twice as often to get your clothes dry, and your dishwasher is in use two or three times a day instead of once daily. All this coupled with already high energy bills makes the situation pretty dire financially. 

So have you noticed any signs of your appliance malfunctioning or about to break down? Before you replace them, carry out good research to ensure your new appliance is a genuine and sufficient upgrade of your old appliance. Here is a list of appliances you should upgrade before 2021.

Fridge

There are numerous factors you should consider when upgrading your fridge. Besides your budget, other features like shape, style, and unique features will come to mind when purchasing a new fridge. However, just as the insides are essential, so is the interior. 

Consider features such as the number of shelves in the refrigerator, doors, freezer drawer, and fridge containers. Crisper humidity control, meat keeper, easy-to-use manual controls are among the overall features you should keep in mind when upgrading your fridge. If you prefer a more tech-savvy fridge, then consider the auto assist functioning and smart fridges. 

Water Heater

Although a water heater breakdown is inevitable, it can be entirely unexpected. Imagine coming home after a long stressful day, looking forward to a nice calming warm bath, only to be welcomed when a broken water heater! 

Well, it’s time you avoid that by getting a new heater before 2021.  Buying a new heater can be a little overwhelming.You find yourself surrounded by so many options. 

Water heaters come in various styles; electric or gas, demand or storage, stand-alone, or you can have it integrated with your home heating system. For the latter, you can call your local water heater company or for a recommendation on which type of heater will be most suited to your home settings. 

Air Conditioner/ Heater

What’s better than having an air conditioner in the middle of a heatwave? The summer heat can make your home uncomfortable if you don’t have the right air cooling system. Upgrading the cooling or heating system in your home with a mini-split air conditioning system is a good buy, especially due to unexpected weather conditions. 

You don’t need to damage any part of your room interior with the mini-split, making space for or installing them. The best part is, you are equipped with an air conditioner, fan, and a heater, all in a single unit switchable with one button control and smart solutions such as controlling your air conditioner with your phone. 

Toilet

You don’t have to sacrifice style and functionality because you have a small bathroom. A small bathroom will require more thought and creativity, unlike one with a larger space. An efficient toilet should be easy to assembly, less prone to cracks, and have an excellent flushing system. 

This will save you from losing money from wasting several gallons of water on flashing. The bowl shape, height, and noise level should be high on your consideration list before settling on a choice.  

Showerhead

Showers are an essential part of any bathroom. The most common showerhead types are the swiveling nozzle, connected with a pipe, or the complex showerhead, which comes with a movable showerhead. Although showers help in water conservation, the type of showerhead plays a significant role. 

You can upgrade your showerhead with an AquaDance High-pressure 3-way head, the Sparkpod high-pressure rain, or the Wassa 3-inch anti-leak premium show head. A regular bath typically requires 150 liters of water, unlike a shower, which requires just 80 liters of water. 

Home Security Systems

Your home is never complete without a sound home security system. According to statistics, over 4,500 homes are broken into each day in the US. This isn’t reassuring, especially when your home is supposed to be your sanctuary to relax with your family and loved ones. 

Protecting your property shouldn’t be a one-off exercise. As technology advances, criminals do too, so it is essential to upgrade your security system regularly. There are new home security systems with smart innovations to monitor and control your cameras, lights, and alarm system with your phone. You can also install motion-sensitive lighting or upgrade your door locks with a keyless entry.  

Before buying a new appliance, you must check for its energy efficiency, product reliability, and reviews. Also, look out for the product warranty to guarantee your investment should the appliance break down in its early months.  

An impressive third-quarter performance helped JD.com to continue its role as China’s leading e-commerce company and technology provider.

JD.com (NASDAQ: JD and HKEK: 9618) posted a substantial increase in net revenue in Q3 2020 compared to Q3 2019. Total net revenue was $25.7 billion USD or 174.2 RMB, an increase of 29.2 percent from the same quarter of the previous year.  Net service revenue grew 42.7 percent to $3.4 billion or $22.8 RMB.

What was especially welcome news for the company and for its shareholders is that JD.com also saw a significant increase in customers from this time last year. Active customer accounts grew by 32.1 percent to 441.6 million, from 334.4 million at the end ofF September 2019. This is the highest annual growth for customers in three years.  A significant amount, about 80 percent, of the new users came from lower-tier cities.

Analysts suggest much of this increase can come from the COVID pandemic which encouraged people to shop online from home, although JD does have some retail locations.

Company founder, chairman, and CEO Richard Liu Qiangdong gave a lot of credit to the company’s extensive supply chain network, strong relationships that have been created with suppliers, and the wide amount of services available for customers.

JD.com has already been known for having a strong focus on the customer experience from start to finish, but efforts in recent quarters led to the creation of more categories for shoppers to choose from and more special promotions such as Singles Day.

Part of the customer focus is on JD Plus, a paid membership program, and the first e-commerce program of its kind in China. Members receive a variety of discounts from more than 600 partners, everything from entertainment and dining to travel and education. They also receive coupons for free shipping or rebates and 24-hour customer support and service.

This year JD Plus created a partnership with Trip.com, the country’s largest travel agency, an arrangement that works well for both parties. JD Plus customers have access to making reservations, arranging transportation and organizing tour packages, while Trip.com gets useful customer marketing and demographic information.

JD Plus members also receive access to designer brands of clothing, luggage, leather good and jewelry.

Liu said membership in JD Plus continues to grow and hit a record 20 million in October 2020.

Another trend that JD.com customers benefitted from in the last quarter was the company’s ability to easily offer fresh produce. It has created five different models that range from traditional online ordering and delivery to physical locations where shoppers can go to buy products in person. These include Seven Fresh locations in several cities.

Produce offerings are designed with a customer-first philosophy, including creating strategies to make sure the most-frequently purchased products are always available.

The ability to access fresh produce was especially appealing during the lockdowns earlier this year in part of the country when people were unable to get to a market or a farm.

Because customers are especially health-conscious this year, JD.com created a Health division that includes products and services. JD Family Doctor offers access to a variety of online health services such as a family doctor, referrals, specialist consultations and health management plans.

It also saw an increase in shoppers seeking everything from basic health and wellness items such as masks and steam foot baths to more complex appliances like refrigerators with disinfectant properties.

Another new feature was JD Logistics, which improved the entire supply chain operations. This includes looking closely at customer data to predict where future warehouses should be located. This effort has included a partnership with Nestle to create a smart storage and distribution center. JD Logistics operates more than 800 warehouses that cover about 20 million square meters.

Liu said he appreciates that many new customers indicated they tried other e-commerce platforms in the past, and have decided they like all the features and services of JD.com.