Life


Te power of technology in harnessing sustainable development


I


n nearly three years since writing for what was called Smart Biz, now Te Manitoba Post, I have been fortunate to cover technology issues within the environmental realm. I have covered the phenomenal rise of wind, solar energy, as plummet- ing prices have helped them make the price competitive with fossil fuels in many areas of the world, including leapfrogging older en- ergy technologies in developing nations. I have also watched the rise


Clean Tech Adam Johnston


of smartphones as a new tool for emerging markets while infusing them with these technologies to create new and exciting business opportunities (pay as you go solar) for impoverished nations to escape economic and energy poverty. Add this and the massive po- tential of the Internet of Tings,


which is expected to grow rapidly in the near future, and you have the tools to harness the possibilities of a sustainably developed economy. As I had discussed in last months edition, the IPCC released


a special report in early October detailing the needs to rapidly accelerate decreasing human-produced carbon emissions within or below 1.5 degrees C or face the consequences for future generations. More extreme weather events and higher economic costs are some side effects which are anticipated. However, despite the gloom, sustainable development


principles offer the opportunity to ensure that we have an economy that benefits everyone, without taking away from future generations. This echoes the definition from the Brundtland Commission which said sustainable development is "that meets the needs of the present without compromis- ing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In recent years, the United Nations developed a final


pathway towards reaching this pathway with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). Te SDG’s are a continuation in 2016 of the Millennium Goals which were set by the UN in


Technology continues to improve options for sustainable development.


2000 to 2015, which focused on eliminating poverty, protect- ing the environment, developing education, health, and pro- moting women's rights. Tere were eight millennium goals, compared to the 17 sustainable development goals, which go into greater scope than its counterparts. We are currently seeing the power of information tech-


nology can have on supporting these goals. For example, as mentioned earlier, the rise of smartphones and renewable energy has given way to newer business models such as pay- as-you-go solar. Companies including M-Kopa are leaders in this industry paving the way in addressing SDG’s 7 (Affordable energy), 8 (Decent Work and economic growth), 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure), 10 (Reduced inequalities), 13 (Climate Action). Another example of how technology is helping to support SDG’s is through the power of massive online open courses


(MOOC's). MOOCs offer the opportunity for those in develop- ing nations to receive quality and accessible education (SDG 4) while increasing economic opportunities for women (SDG goal 5). As we move forward, some risks need to be addressed to


ensure society achieves truly sustainable development with the SDG's including cybersecurity and privacy risks, which are becoming more severe as we now realize the dark side of these tools. However, technology can help bridge the gap in promoting


SDG's and sustainable development. Something that a few generations ago, would not even be discussed. Adam Johnston is a freelance writer and owns a part-time


social media and cleantech writing business. You can go to his website at www.salayconsulting.com or email him at salaycon- sulting@gmail.com.


Fix your sinus problems in three easy steps A


client visited me a few months ago complaining of persistent sinus problems (headaches and a constantly stuffy nose). His issues were not only


keeping him up at night, but his disrupted breathing made it difficult for his wife to sleep as well. Te technical name for this condition is rhinosinusitis, and the symptoms include sinus headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, fever, and – if there's a bacterial infection present – a pus-like nasal discharge and facial pain. He had tried everything his doctor recom-


mended, none of which led to any improve- ment. He tried using a neti pot with a saltwater solution, and while the saline did clean and dry out his nasal passages, he found the stuffy nose and other symptoms returned. I’ve found great success in treating tough cases with a three-step approach.


Step 1 - Xylitol Xylitol, a natural sugar found in many fruits


and vegetables, can be very effective for treating chronic rhinosinusitis when combined with a saline solution. A double-blind placebo-controlled study at Stanford found that treatment with xylitol resulted in a "greater improvement of symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis as compared to saline irrigation." Xylitol soothes mucous membranes by drawing moisture


to the skin's surface. As xylitol is non-fermentable, bacteria can't use it to grow and produce harmful acids. Tis prevents bacteria from proliferating in the nasal passages and the mu- cous membranes lining the inside of the mouth. Te result is a dramatic reduction of sinus problems without the side effects of drugs. Studies have also found that xylitol (as in mints or gum) results in a lower incidence of ear infections. Xylitol tastes sweet and has been used as a sugar substitute for diabetics. It doesn't affect blood glucose or insulin levels,


and has 40% fewer calories than sugar. Discovered around 1890 by European researchers, it was used during World War II during a sugar shortage in Scandinavian countries. After the war, dental professionals noticed that patients who had been using xylitol instead of sugar had fewer cavities and better oral health. Since then there have been thousands of stud-


ies proving the many benefits of xylitol, not just for sinus problems, but also for preventing tooth decay. Xylitol decreases the oral bacteria that causes dental plaque, and reduces the incidence of dental cavities. Step 2 - BLIS K12


Developed by John Tagg, Ph.D., a professor


Natural Health Nathan Zassman


who has dedicated his life's work to microbiol- ogy research, BLIS K12 is a probiotic designed to be taken as a lozenge or chewing gum. Regular use of BLIS K12 colonizes the oral cavity with friendly bacteria (Streptococcus salivarius), and crowds out pathogenic bacteria that can


lead to tonsillitis, ear, nasal, and throat infections (includ- ing strep). Safe for infants and adults, BLIS K12 is the perfect complement to xylitol. Step 3 - Control Your Environment


Humidity - Heating our homes makes the dry, seasonal


air even worse for our eyes, nose, and mucous membranes, increasing our susceptibility to airborne pathogens. During the winter months, I recommend regular use of a portable steam or ultrasonic humidifier. Proper humidification can help boost immunity and speed up recovery from colds and flu. In addition, our windpipe's natural cleansing function is affected by dry air, potentially contributing to infection and respiratory tract complaints. Managing humidity levels helps to alleviate dry air passages and nasal membranes, allowing for better rest, which aids in recovery.


Book your


wedding before December 1, 2018 with promo code CollectivePeggy2018 and get 10% off any of my Wedding collections and a complimentary Engagement Session.


Winnipeg Wedding


Photographers Collective


www.wpgwpc.com/peggy @wpgwpc_peggy 204.228.2801


Air Quality - Exposure to airborne pathogens like viruses


and bacteria increase the risk of infection, but dust mites, pol- len, and mold spores can all be hazardous to our health. HEPA air purifiers have traditionally been the most popular solution, as HEPA filters effectively trap many common allergy triggers. Disinfection - HEPA filters help to remove airborne par-


ticles, but they can't kill all the bacteria present in our living environment. New technologies that produce OH radicals can kill up to 10 times more pathogens than photocatalytic oxidation, the conventional method of generating OH radicals in air purifiers. Especially effective for rhinitis and respiratory infections, the Air Vaccine 015+ is suitable for spaces up to 1300 square feet. Air Vaccine 015+, an exciting product developed in Korea, helps to remove 98% or more of dangerous contami- nants like E. coli, smallpox virus, Influenza type A (H1N1), and many other volatile organic compounds in just a few hours. For the man with chronic sinus issues, we reduced his expo-


sure to pathogens with a suitable air purifier and humidifier. I recommended a pair of products from Xlear and suggested he take a BLIS K12 lozenge three times a day. Xlear Sinus Care nasal spray combines xylitol, salt, and grapefruit seed extract. Sinus Care Solution is a combined salt and xylitol formula in individual packets for use with a nasal irrigator or neti pot. About a week later he called and said that his sinus symp-


toms had vanished in a few days and that he couldn't believe the difference. He's sleeping much better, and so is his wife. If the symptoms return, he uses the nasal spray for fast relief. He continues to use the Sinus Care Solution each morning and evening as part of his daily routine, and maintains good oral health by having an OralBiotic lozenge twice a day. I've found that combining xylitol treatments with BLIS K-12


and managing your indoor environment during the winter provides effective, long-lasting relief from bacterial infections and helps to ease sinus problems. Nathan Zassman is the owner and president of Aviva Natural Health Solutions.


December 2018


www.manitobapost.com


Now also Booking Fall Family Sessions. Inquiries via email wpgwpc.peggy@gmail.com Manitoba Post 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16