The History and Significance Behind the Stethoscope- By Riya Patel The invention of this specific piece of equipment had changed history ever since it was first discovered. This medical equipment that all healthcare professionals use to this day leads all the way back to 1816. A French physician named Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennnec invented the stethoscope, in Paris, France. A stethoscope is a device that is used for listening to the internal sound of organs such as the lungs, heart, stomach, intestines and even the uterus. The story behind the invention of this equipment was because Laennec felt uncomfortable placing his ear directly onto a female's chest to listen to their heart. He thought that there must be another way to listen to the sounds that are produced within our body. The initial purpose of the equipment remained the same. However, the one thing that did change was the outside design. As technology advanced and the world grew so did the piece of equipment. The original design back then was drastically different from the present day stethoscope. In the early 1800s it was crafted from wood with a vacant center to hear the patient's heartbeat, with a brass cylinder that could be detached from the object to then listen to the patient's lungs. Throughout the years this invention has evolved. The new version was designed by Adolphe Piorry; it made the stethoscope flexible and easier to use. The upgraded newer version was a long tube that had an earpiece attached to and end with a listening device at the other side. The stethoscope has affected us individuals for the better. Due to this invention, heartbeats can easily be heard. This has changed the overall way doctors and nurses would treat as well as diagnose the patients. It is being evolved over time with the technology its surrounded by. Factors such as reducing its weight, improving its acoustic quality and eventually filtering out external noise are currently being worked on. Modifications on the present day stethoscope could be made regarding some of its parts. Further development to this invention could potentially occur in the future. There is no scientific theory about the contribution of a stethoscope, for the most part it's pretty straightforward and does not harm or affect a patient in any negative way. In conclusion, this life changing invention is used in various ways by the medical field. Medical professionals have had the chance to detect a numerous amount of abnormalities in our bodies. The device itself has been redesigned a great amount of times but its meaning and purpose has always remained the same. It has a prominent place in today’s society. It has a major contribution in our present day world and has helped more people in our community than we know.

Future of us Brown vs. Board of Education By- Riya Patel Black History Month February marks the start of Black History month. It starts on February 1st and ends on March 1st. It was created to tribute all African Americans from all intervals of history. It is a time to celebrate all the things they’ve overcome and fought for. It allows us to learn about all the sacrifices they’ve been through, celebrate and honor the Black leaders. The purpose of this month is to solely honor the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout history. Since it is Black History month, I thought it was appropriate of me to dedicate an article to a significant event that occurred during the 1950s that changed a lot of things for education. What is Brown vs. Board? Linda Brown was an African American who lived in Topeka Kansas in the early 1950s. The situation erupted when Linda Brown tried to gain admission into the Summer School which was closer to her home, but she was denied acceptance because the school was a white children only school. The Board of Education of Topeka then elected to establish segregated elementary schools, which the Browns did not agree with. They felt that the decision the board had made violated the Constitution. Moments later, the Browns and the parents of the other student that were denied admission to the Whites only school came together to sue the Board of Education of Topeka. They claimed that Linda Brown was not given the equal protection of the laws required under the 14th amendment. This case was then brought to the Supreme court. The verdict of the case was that racial segregation is unconstitutional in public schools and it did indeed violated the equal protection section of the fourteenth amendment. How would life be different if America remained segregated? The Brown vs Board case is very significant in history and in the present day as well. This was a major event that was marked as a turning point in history. Society would be different today if America remained segregated because we would not have the right to attend schools that the other race would due to racial segregation. This would impact our education as a society. Schools who served students with color received less funding and benefits than the schools with the white children. There would be an unequal distribution of academic resources such as funding, technology and textbooks. This would provide the white students with more opportunities than the colored students. Racial segregation causes inequality. The Brown decision put an end to the “separate but equal” rule. If the Brown vs Board decision never passed and America still remained segregated we would not be provided with equal benefits and opportunities.

Future of us Superstition behind the Evil Eye By- Riya Patel History and meaning behind the Evil Eye? The history of the evil eye goes way back to ancient Greece and Rome. The evil eye is known as a look or thought given to impose injury, suffering or some form of mis fortune or bad luck on people. It’s a look that is given to a person which distinctly states that one means for something bad to happen to the person. This is either due to jealousy or pure spite. The superstition behind the evil eye is that the malevolent look that is given to the person is compelling enough to bring about an actual catastrophe for the unlucky person that is the receiver of the glare. The belief in the evil eye is universal on every continent including Asia, Europe, Central America and the Middle East. But mainly the evil eye is a powerful superstition especially in India. Hinduism evangelizes that the evil eye is the most vigorous point at which the body can give off energy. They believe that the evil eye holds limitless powers. The Hindus fear that the look can result in really bad luck. What does the Evil Eye symbol mean? The evil eye symbol is a dark blue circle with an eyeball in the middle of it. The meaning behind it is that it’s supposed to help with karma and fate protection, it also keeps you calm and helps you relax, as well as it allows an open flow of communication. The evil eye symbol is usually with jewelry in forms of bracelets, necklaces, and anklets. Wearing the evil eye symbol is believed to have enough protection against the evil eye. It’s also appropriate to be worn on the left arm. The left side of your body is where your heart is located and the left side of your body is known as your emotional side as well. What does the Evil Eye do to you? Since the evil eye is a “look” or “stare” that is believed to bring illness, suffering and bad luck for the person who it’s directed to for various reasons, it's likely to make you sick. Some symptoms of illness that can be caused by the evil eye include excessive yawning, loss of appetite, hiccups, and fever. It can also cause depression, fatigue, insomnia and diarrhea. As well as other forms of bad luck, such as failing at a task, accidents, or some unexplained problems. Protection against the Evil Eye and Evil Eye Remedies? There are many forms of protection against the evil eye “curse”. Things such as wearing evil eye amulets, or bracelets. To remove bad luck from your home, some people tend to place a salt line around the outside of their house to protect it against bad energy/ evil spirits. Other things such as hanging a blue eye bead or dill herd on the front door to protect against unwanted energy. Another ancient way to get rid of the evil eye is the spit 3 times or at least pretend too. Even though some may not believe in the evil eye “curse” the idea behind it is that too much success, fortune, and fame can bring someone down due to jealousy and bad wishes. To be on the safe side carry protection of an evil eye amulet or even an evil eye talisman.

Future of us Covid-19 Omicron Variant By-Riya Patel On November 24th, 2021 a new Covid variant was discovered. Over the past couple of months this new variant has spread like wildfire throughout the United States. Schools have begun to imply remote learning again and numerous events and places have been canceled and shut down. Globally the Covid-19 cases have increased drastically. What is the Omicron Variant? Omicron is a new variant that was recently discovered in the United States. It was first discovered in South Africa, before cases were reported in the United States. This new variant has a large number of mutations. Research also suggests an increased risk of reinfection. The Omicron variant is also known to be the most transmissible variant of all, it’s known to be four times more transmissible than the Delta variant. With a high risk of being reinfected with the virus many have started to wonder when the pandemic is going to come to an end. Symptoms of this Variant? Omicron is mainly known to have milder symptoms than the other strains and variants of Covid-19. Research suggests that it is known to mainly target the upper respiratory system. It's also known to have a less impact on your lungs than the other strains. Other symptoms include congestion, lower back pain, dry cough, nausea, headaches, sore throat, hair loss, fevers, and slight loss of smell and taste. Symptoms also tend to last as short as three days unlike the previous strains which would last several days. Long term effects? Since there remains a lot of unknown information about this variant because it's fairly new to the world, researchers claim the new variant could eventually lead to longer Covid. But some long term symptoms include irregular heartbeats, and a lot of fatigue. Does Vaccination help? The vaccine works by restoring your immune system to assemble antibodies as if you were already exposed to the virus. After you’ve received the vaccine, you develop more immunity to the disease. The CDC has informed us that the vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. They also encourage everyone over the age of five to get fully vaccinated in order to protect their body. Even though vaccines aren't 100% effective from preventing the infection it’s still safe. Being vaccinated also helps build your immunity and helps you when you are in close contact with a person with the virus. As well as everyone over the age of 16 to get the booster shot. Getting the vaccine is a safe and effective way of lowering your risk of getting Covid-19. How to protect yourself? Things you can do to protect yourself are continuing to wear a mask in public to stop the spread of the virus as well as protect yourself from it, stay a minimum of 6 feet away from others, and also get vaccinated. Other things include washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick. If you feel sick, quarantine yourself away from others and get tested. With Covid-19 cases spreading like wildfire it’s important to get tested regularly. Many have started to wonder when this pandemic is going to come to an end. Since all pandemic eventually do end. Vaccines offer a strong protection from serious illness, and the people who survive the virus have protection against forms of it. We’re never going to be able to eliminate the world of Covid-19, but like all pandemics it will eventually come to an end. For more information on Omicron, visit CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html

Future of us Seasonal Affective Disorder By- Riya Patel Since it is that time of the year, I wanted to dedicate an article to this. Around late fall or early winter marks the start of Season affective disorder, also known as SAD as well as seasonal depression. I thought it was appropriate to talk about what seasonal depression is and educate individuals about the topic. What is Seasonal Depression? Seasonal addictive disorder is a type of depression that occurs in between the seasons. It tends to begin and end about the same time every year. It is characterized as a mood disorder that takes place usually at the same time every year. Why does this occur? Depression in general happens to a person when major traumatic events happen such as stressful life events, and medical problems. Scientists and researchers say that the reduced level of sunlight in the fall and winter is the main cause for seasonal affective disorder to occur. The decrease in sunlight may disrupt the body and lead to feelings of depression. Serotonin levels also play a major part when it comes to this. A release in serotonin, known as a vital hormone that balances and maintains your mood, emotions or well-being and happiness, plays a huge role in your day to day life. What are some symptoms? Symptoms vary person to person but for the most part signs of feeling depressed for most of the day and losing interest in day to day activities as well as having little to no energy. Also experiencing changes in your weight or appetite, feeling very tired and fatigue and feelings of worthlessness, and guilt may happen. Risk factors and treatment options. Seasonal depression tends to occur more frequently in younger adults than in older people. Also is diagnosed more in women. Some factors that come to play are your family history and if you’ve been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Something interesting I learned is that living far from the equator is also a risk factor. People who live far north or south of the equator appear to be more at a risk. Researchers think that this may be due to the decreased amount of sunlight during the winter and the longer days that occur during summer. Some ways your doctor may diagnose seasonal depression is through a physical exam, lab tests, and psychological evaluations. Treatment for seasonal affective disorder varies from psychotherapy, light therapy, and medications. People may or may not show signs when it comes to depression. You should always be on the lookout for these following signs, substance abuse, school or work situations, social withdrawal and other mental health disorders or eating disorders. If someone you know feels or is giving signs of seasonal affective disorder encourage them to contact their doctor. Here is a list of useful websites for further info. https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/treatment/ways-to-ease-seasonal-depression/ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad.htm https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

Future of us History of Thanksgiving By- Riya Patel What is Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada where we celebrate and give thanks to all the things we’re thankful for. Thanksgiving is celebrated by the United States, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Liberia. This holiday is celebrated every year, usually on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday falls during autumn which is the main season for harvesting crops. History behind Thanksgiving? The history behind this holiday goes way back to September 1620 when a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England. The passengers on the ship were on a journey to navigate the new world. After a faithless and painful crossing that lasted approximately 66 days, they ended up landing at Cape Cod. Then a month later the Mayflower ended up crossing the Massachusetts Bay, where then the Pilgrims (English settlers who came to North America on the Mayflower) began establishing a new village at Plymouth. When the first cruel winter hit, many of the colonists decided to remain on board. This is where they suffer from things such as exposure, and outbreaks of various diseases. Sadly, only half of the original Pilgrims lived to see their first New England spring. Later in March the remaining settlers moved ashore and received an unexpected visit from a member of the Abenaki tribe. Who greeted the Pilgrims in English. Couple days later, he had returned with another Native American Squanto, who’s a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. Squanto had taught the Pilgrims how to dig and plow corn as well as withdraw sap from maple trees and catch fish near the water. In November of 1621, is when the Pilgrims first corn harvest was successful. This is known as the first Thanksgiving. Although the Pilgrims did not use this term back in the day. Histories have said that many dishes that had originally been made on that day were most likely prepared using different methods because if you think about it, they did not have access to an oven back in the day. Fast forward, the Pilgrims hosted their second Thanksgiving in 1623 to symbol the end of a long drought that has occurred. What are the typical traditions? When most people think about Thanksgiving, the first thing that seems to come to mind is the food. Which is true, it is a holiday about food, as well as many other things too. Thanksgiving is a day most people spend with their families and have a big feast. Traditionally some foods cooked on this day include turkey, stuffing, gravy, corn bread, mash potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Some desserts include pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato and apple pie. Many families like to watch the annual New York City Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Which is a fun event broadcasted on TV including cool floats, songs, marching bands and performances from musicals. As well as huge helium filled balloons. People also tend to watch football games. Thanksgiving is also a great time to help the less fortunate. Many people find themselves donating canned goods or even volunteering to service food to the homeless. Interesting Information. Some information about Thanksgiving I found interesting: Abraham Lincoln first declared a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863. The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924. The average number of calories consumed on Thanksgiving is 4,500. Turkey wasn't served on the menu at the first Thanksgiving that ever occurred. Links to more facts! Hope everyone who celebrates has a great Thanksgiving! https://worldstrides.com/blog/2016/11/9-fun-facts-about-thanksgiving/ https://bestlifeonline.com/thanksgiving-facts/ https://www.history.com/news/thanksgiving-history-trivia-facts

Future of us The Neubauer study By: Riya Patel Recently, in my sociology class we watched a film called 3 identical strangers. After watching this film I had a strong urge to research about it because of what had happened. When researching it, I decided to write an article about it informing people what actually happened and how this affects the lives of many people. Throughout the film I constantly thought to myself about how someone could possibly do this to innocent little children. They had no opinion on the matter and it's surreal how something like this could be done. What was the documentary film about? This documentary was about three triplets. Edward Galland, David Kellman, and Robert Shafran who were separated at birth. Each of them were adopted by a different family but grew up around the same area. They were born on July 12th, 1961 in Long Island and were given up for adoption to an agency called Louise Wise Services. Back in the day, Louis Wise Services was a big adoption agency on the east coast especially for jewish families. Fast forward, Bobby was going to college and was on campus and all of a sudden he was being greeted by kids he didn't know. His first thought was about how kids are so welcoming but he was slightly confused as well because when they were greeting him they were referring to him as Eddy. Later that day one of Eddy’s friends comes by to his dorm room and sees Bobby for himself and could not believe his eyes. The guy looked identical to Eddy. They quickly run to the nearest telephone booth and call Eddy and figure out that he has a twin. After figuring out they were related they decided to report this unusual and shocking story to the news. Weeks later a newspaper comes out with a picture of the twins smiling and news breaks. When Robert's parents saw the newspaper they gasped and could not believe that these 3 guys on the cover looked identical to their adoptive son Robert. After figuring out that the twins were actually triplets, news breaks everywhere. The whole world is shook. Why were they separated? It’s crazy to think that these triplets had been separated for 19 years of their lives. Of course when someone is separated for that they begin to wonder why. They decided to get more information on why they were separated in the first place. They called the Louise Wise adoption agency and they claimed that they separated the triplets because it was difficult to place them all in a single household. In the documentary, all the parents had mentioned that if they knew that there were triplets they would have adopted all of them. The Neubauer study The Neubauer study was a study designed and directed by Dr.Peter Neubauer to examine the effects of nature versus nurture. It examined the in depth problems in an experiment that involved twins, and triplets who are adopted as infants and separated into different families to see the results. He worked with many psychiatrists to explore one of psychology’s most pressing questions about whether human behavior is more affected by environmental or genetics. The National Institutes of Health gave some of its funding for the study. The study involved eleven sets of twins and one set of triplets. After some of the twins learned and realized why they had been separated, Neubauer reportedly dreaded and feared that the public opinion would be against the study and declined to publish it. This study is sealed at Yale until 2065. Even though the adoption records are now legal, the records are still sealed to give privacy to the parents who gave the children up. Neubauer was committed to the children’s privacy. Death Being separated at only 6 months old affects a person more than they know. By that time the babies were all emotionally attached. It played a major role in all of their lives and they forever have to live with the guilt that they had been separated. They all slept in the same crib as well. In the documentary, Eddy Galland committed suicide after being hospitalized for mental illnesses. He died at the age of 34. He died never knowing that he had been a part of an experiment. It’s very upsetting and heartbreaking to know that these twins couldn't have a childhood together and they missed out on knowing each other to fulfill some study. They didn't have any control on what happened to them and it plays a major toll on their lives.

Future of us Effects of Social Media on People By- Riya Patel As we know, nowadays social media plays a huge role in many people's lives, whether that be posting pictures and new trends. Like it or not, in this generation social media affects many people whether that be in a positive or negative way. I decided to do some research to see exactly how use of social media affects people as well as their mental health. How many people use social media? There are approximately 3.96 billion people who use social media worldwide, meaning the average number of accounts a person may have is 8.8. 40% of people worldwide are known to use social networks for business. In the United States only 27% of people actively use social media in their day to day jobs. Throughout the years the number of people who use social media have grown immensely. What are the positive effects of social media use? There are many positive benefits from using social media. Such as making new friends, as well as staying up to date with family. Other things such as raising awareness for important topics also allows you to make relationships with people, find new things, and help news travel faster. It's known to increase the impact and knowledge or events happening in the present world. Also gives people an outlet to express their creativity, which leads to more communication and helps people learn new things. What are the negative effects of social media use? As we all know, social media has some very negative effects. Researchers have found that overusing social media can have various effects on your health. Overusing social media can cause feelings of self-harm, depression, loneliness and anxiety. Some negative effects include things such as FOMO (Fear of missing out), self-image issues, and increased usage. Other things such as having a lack of communication. Cases of cyberbullying have gone up immensely due to social media. Due to cyberbullying people inherit psychological problems such as low self esteem, depression, school phobia and poor academic performance. Statistics show that instagram is the most common platform for cyberbullying. How does it affect people’s mental health? Research has shown that social media mainly affects people's mental health. Peer pressure also plays a major role when it comes to mental health. Health experts also say that it's addictive and that it triggers more sadness as well as less well-being. Researchers have also said it's unhealthy for others to compare their lives to other people because it can lead to jealousy. Experts have also found that social media use appears linked to negative mental health impacts among the younger generations. Is social media safe to use? There have been various cases of people trying to steal your identity, actress your data, and photos and stalk others. When making a social media account a good thing to remember is making sure your account is secure and in order to do that you should create a strong password. Overall social media is relatively safe to use as long as you're cautious and know your limit. Too much social media can cause negative impacts in your day to day life. Reminder to keep your personal information personal and be very cautious about what you share online.

Future of us Breast Cancer Awareness Month By- Riya Patel Today is October 1st 2021. The month of October marks breast cancer awareness month. It begins on October 1st and ends on October 31st. In the course of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and throughout the year, people wear pink ribbons to honor survivors, remember those who have lost someone to the disease, and to assist the progress we are making together to conquer breast cancer. I thought it was necessary for me to write an article on breast cancer since it runs in my family. I gathered information and educated myself on this topic and hope it helps someone out there. What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is a cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. It mainly occurs in women and is very rare for men to have. There have been more than 200,000 US cases per year. Types of breast cancer include ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, and metastatic breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast have turned into cancer. Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast. A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can escalate and grow outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer? There are numerous symptoms of breast cancer. Some people have little to no symptoms and some people have a lot. Some warning signs include, lump in the breast or underarm, irritation of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast, thickening or swelling of part of the breast, discharge of the breast other than breast milk, including blood, any change in size or shape of the breast and pain in the area of the breast. Risk Factors There’s risk factors you can change and some things you cannot change. Things such as getting older, genetic mutations, reproductive history, having dense breasts, personal history of breast cancer or certain non- cancerous breast diseases, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, previous treatment using radiation therapy, and women who took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES). Some risk factors you can change are not being physically active, being overweight or obese after menopause, taking hormones, reproductive history, and drinking alcohol. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, you may have a high risk of getting breast cancer. You may also have a high risk for ovarian cancer. I recommend you talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk, such as medicines that block or decrease estrogen in your body, or surgery. How can you reduce your chance of getting breast cancer? Many factors throughout the course of your life can influence your breast cancer risk. You can’t change some factors, such as getting older or your family history, but you can help lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of and being cautious of your health. Things such as keeping a healthy weight, not drinking alcohol or limiting your alcoholic beverages, exercising regularly, and breastfeeding your children. Staying healthy throughout your life will reduce your risk of developing cancer, and improve your chances of surviving cancer if it occurs. How is breast cancer diagnosed? Doctors use tests to find or diagnose breast cancers. Tests such as breast ultrasounds, diagnostic mammograms, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsies. If breast cancer is diagnosed, other tests will be done to figure out if cancer cells have spread within the breast or to other parts of the body. Whether the cancer is only in the breast, is found in lymph nodes under your arm, or has spread outside the breast, dictates your stage of breast cancer. The type and stage of breast cancer tells doctors what kind of treatment you need. What is a mammogram and why should I get one? A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for premature signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the leading tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. When you get a mammogram you will have to stand in front of a special X-ray machine. A technologist will set your breast on a plastic plate. Then another plate will firmly press your breast from top. The plates will then flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being done. You will feel some pressure. The steps will be repeated to make a side view of the breast. The other breast will be X-rayed in the same way. Screening mammograms are known as the international gold standard for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer early. Mammograms can usually find lumps 2 or 3 years before you or your doctor can feel them. Research has shown a 25% decrease in deaths from breast cancer amid those who regularly screen. Conclusion In conclusion, it's very important to get a mammogram every year as well as checking your own body for signs and symptoms. Talk to your doctor and educate yourself about the topic. Join the movement and help out if you can! Donate today to help save lives and fund the future of breast cancer and research. - https://donate3.cancer.org/?campaign=msabc_search&utm_source=sem&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=msabc21&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwNWKBhDAARIsAJ8Hkhc0R49go0d4RMQYn2CQBtCIXEH17eYrXV7mKyb_K4DC3PWMiwbmf0EaAlj1EALw_wcB

Future of us Epidemics and Pandemics in Human History By- Riya Patel In this article I'm going to be discussing the epidemics and pandemics that have occurred in our world thus far. I think it's really important to know about what has happened in the world and to be aware and educate yourself. I'm also curious myself and wanted to do research on some of the epidemics and pandemics that have occurred in the past. The Spanish Flu 1918-1920 The Spanish flu, which is also known as the influenza pandemic, was one of the most severe pandemics that have happened in human history. The flu was caused by an H1N1 virus gene of avian origin. It was first brought to attention by military personnel in the spring of 1918. About 500 million people (⅓) of the world's population was infected. At least 50 million people in the world died and 675,000 occurred in the United States. There was also no vaccine to protect against the influenza infection. The H1N1 virus caused the one of the deadliest pandemic of the 20th century. The virus started in 1918 and ended in 1920, lasting 2 years. Asian Flu 1957-1958 A new influenza virus emerged in East Asia and was first reported in Singapore and Hong Kong in February of 1957. It is known to have originated from a mutation in wild ducks combining with a pre-existing human strain. In the first couple of months of the virus, it spread through many regions of China. By summer, it reaches the United States. The estimated number of deaths was about 116,000 in the United States and the number of estimated deaths was 1.1 million worldwide. A vaccine was introduced a little while after and slowed down the pandemic. The pandemic itself lasted until 1958. By 1968, the Asian flu had completely disappeared and is believed to have vanished and lost in the wild. H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic: 2009-2010 The H1N1 Swine flu pandemic lasted from January 2009 to August 2010. There were 491,382 confirmed cases and 700 million to 1.4 billion suspected cases, as well as 284,000 deaths. The virus was known to be a combination of viruses from humans, birds, and pigs. It was a respiratory infection in humans. The symptoms of this disease were very similar to the ones of other flus. Some people had mild symptoms, while others had very severe ones. The vaccine that was used in this pandemic were the same ones that were developed to protect against the other pandemics that had occurred. West African Ebola epidemic: 2014-2016 Ebola started on December 26th, 2013 and ended on June 9th, 2016. No one really knows what caused Ebola but scientists believe that it most likely came from bats, which then transmitted the Ebola virus and infected other humans and animals. The virus first started to spread to people who came in direct contact with the animal tissues, blood, and body fluids. Ebola spread to the United States in September 2014. There were 28,652 cases in total and 11,325 confirmed deaths. There’s no cure for Ebola, but scientists do have many experimental treatments being developed. There have been no new cases and the World Health Organization has officially announced that the outbreak is over.

Future of us The Effects of Technology By- Riya Patel Technology affects us in numerous ways. Many are negative repercussions on our physical health such as hearing loss, vision problems, and neck strain. It also affects people’s mental health as well. Many might say that technology may cause psychological issues such as narcissism, distraction, and even depression. In this article, I'm going to be discussing how technology affects our bodies, mental health, and everyday life., as well as the dangers of technology. How does technology affect your body? Technology can affect the body in many negative ways than positive. Technology usage can cause physical effects on your body such as neck strain, vision issues as well as hearing problems. Several technological factors may lead to vision problems such as screen brightness, screen time, screen glare, poor posture, and viewing the screen too close or too far. You can reduce the chance of eyestrain by taking regular breaks away from the screen and get regular eye check ups. Did you know that using your phone before bed can also cause issues with your sleep? Well it can. Professionals say not to use electronic devices an hour or two before bed time. It can cause health issues as well due to a decrease in exercise and fitness levels. Health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and premature death may occur overtime with excessive use of technology. How does technology affect your mental health? There are many negative effects that technology can have on your mental health. Especially nowadays since kids and teenagers have an addiction to social media, it plays a huge role in mental health. A study has shown that excessive social media usage creates an increased risk for depression, self harm, loneliness, anxiety, and may even trigger suicidal thoughts. Depression and anxiety may arise because human beings need face to face communication to be mentally stable. The more you rank social media interaction over in person communication, the more you are at risk for developing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. The overuse of technology and social media have a significant effect on developing children and teenagers. It is very important to take breaks from technology and not to get carried away with it. Limit yourself and take time for your mental health. How does technology affect your everyday life? Technology has a major impact in people’s lives. It's quick and easy to use. It gives us better knowledge and understanding of things. Not to mention, everything nowadays is digital and done online. Newer generations use technology in school and work. Some positive aspects of social media are that it helps you to seek or offer emotional support during rough times, find new friends and communities to talk to, it acts like an outlet for your self expression and creativity, learn valuable information, and communicate with family and friends and stay up to date. It has given us better access to information, flexible working, smarter health tracking, better communication, and attainable shopping. Dangers of technology? The usage of technology as well as social media may lead to psychological and physical issues. There are many negative aspects of social media as well. Such as cyberbullying, isolation, fear of missing out (FOMO), depression and anxiety and inadequacy about your life or even appearance. Cyberbullying is a major part of social media on many many platforms. About 10% of teenagers have reported being bullied on social media. Spreading hurtful rumors, abuse and lies can leave long lasting emotional marks. Feelings of isolation can also arise from the use of social media. Another large problem many people face is FOMO which is the fear of missing out. The mentality that you’re missing out on certain things can impact your self confidence and also trigger anxiety. This may also pressure you to pick up your phone and use social media as well as check your phone every alert. In Conclusion It is important to know the amount of technology you use daily and also to take breaks. Adults should limit screen time outside of work to less than two hours per day. For younger kids, one hour per day is recommended.

Future of us Reliable Cars By- Riya Patel Recently, my parents and I have been talking about buying me a car. I started to think and realized that I don’t know that much about cars. I decided to do research on what cars and brands are the most reliable, so I could gain some knowledge and educate myself, as well as anyone else that’s reading this article. Most reliable cars According to this year's consumer reports, the 10 most reliable cars in order are: Toyota Prius, Lexus NX, Buick Encore, Lexus GX, Honda HR-V, Toyota Prius Prime, Hyundai Kona, Audi A5, Audi A4, and Mazda CX-5. The longest lasting car brands are Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, GMC, Chevy, Subaru, Lexus and Lincoln. The least reliable cars are Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atlas, Jeep Compass, Volvo XC90, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Tesla Model S, Jeep Wrangler, Ford EcoSport, and the Volvo XC60. What should you look for in a car? There's a lot of features to look for when buying a car depending on the type of person you are. Most cars have things such as backup cameras, electric windows and seats, heated seats and a sunroof. The 3 most important factors you should look into and consider are quality, cost of ownership (maintenance) and reliability. Quality, meaning the car itself and what you would want in a car personally and as well as the durability of the car plus the accessories. Make sure to check if it has features such as navigation, reverse-parking assistant and cruise control. The 2nd factor would be cost of ownership. Which includes things such as maintenance, future repairs, insurance, and fuel. The last thing is the reliability. You need to know if the car you are purchasing is dependable. Gas prices & maintenance All cars require cleaning and maintenance in order to function at their 100% ability. The least expensive cars to maintain after 5 years would be Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Mazda, Nissan,Kia, MINI, GMC, Hyundai, Subaru, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge. Top 5 low maintenance cars annually would be a Toyota Corolla with an annual maintenance cost of $750, followed by Toyota Prius with an annual cost of $763. As well as Honda Accord with an annual cost of $822, Kia Soul with $919, and Honda CR-V $965. Maintenance includes things such as making sure you’re getting the right gas and getting the oil changed. Everything plays a huge part in order for your car to function correctly.

Future of us The Science Behind Sleep By- Riya Patel What is sleep? Have you ever wondered what happens to our brain and body when we’re asleep? How do we wake up randomly? How do we sleep for that many hours? Well, I have. Sleep is a state where your acknowledgment of environmental stimuli is diminished. Nerve signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters run whether we are asleep or awake by acting on different groups of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain. Neurons in the brainstem, which connect the brain with the spinal cord, create neurotransmitters such as serotonin that keep some parts of the brain active while we’re awake. Other neurons of the brain begin signaling when we fall asleep. These neurons materialize and emerge to turn off the signals that keep us awake. Studies and research also indicate that a chemical called adenosine builds up in our blood while we are awake and causes sleepiness and drowsiness. This chemical eventually breaks down while we sleep. What are the stages of sleep? There are known to be five stages of sleep. Stages one to three are known to be non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, known as silent sleep. Stage four is rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, also known as paradoxical sleep. NREM stage one consists of transition periods between wakefulness and sleep which usually last around 5-10 minutes. NREM stage two is when the body temperature drops and your heart rate begins to get slower. Your brain also begins to produce sleep sounds and this stage usually lasts approximately 20 minutes. NREM stages three and four are when your muscles relax, causing your blood pressure and breathing rate to drop., This is also when the deepest sleep occurs. Lastly, REM stage five is when the brain becomes more active, your body becomes relaxed and immobilized, and dreams start occurring producing that rapid eye movement. What happens to our brain when we’re slumped? As the brain starts to unwind and calm down, it ignites the alpha waves. When this transition happens in deep sleep, you may sense strange and realistic sensations, known as hypnagogic hallucinations. Some examples are the feeling of falling or hearing someone call your name. It's frightening when this occurs because you're less aware of your surroundings. The brain also begins to create bursts of accelerated, steady brain wave activity known as sleep spindles. They are known to be a feature of memory comprehension, also known as when your brain collects, processes, and filters new memories you seized the day before. What's the best position to sleep in and how many hours should you sleep? The top 3 best positions to sleep in are flat on your back, fetal position, and sleeping on your side. Sleeping on your back gives you the most health benefits and protects your spine, while also relieving hip and knee pain. The fetal position is great for your lower back or if you're pregnant, and it's also known to help reduce snoring. Sleeping on your side also helps reduce snoring, but it's also great for your digestion and could even reduce heartburn. The worst, but most comfortable position to sleep in would be laying on your stomach. It's known to add a lot of unnecessary pain to muscles and joints. This is why you might end up waking up sore and tired. As for the amount of sleep, humans over 65 should get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night and adults should get between 7 to 9. Babies, kids, and teens need even more sleep for their growth and development.

Future of us Matcha and Mental Health By- Riya Patel What is Matcha? Matcha is a type of green tea that is made by taking tea leaves and grinding them into a green powder. Then depending on how you like your tea, you would either whisk it with hot water or even add some cream and ice. Matcha leaves are grown in a unique and different way. The green tea bushes are kept under shade because the shade increases the amount of chlorophyll (a natural compound present in green plants that gives them their color) in the leaves. The origins of matcha can be lead all the way back to the Tang Dynasty in China. The history behind this is very fascinating. It all goes back to the 8th century, when the new method was making powdered tea from dried up tea leaves. That is also when a Buddhist monk, Myoan Eisai , discovered it and brought it to Japan. Although it originated from China, matcha has been a piece of the Japanese culture for over 800 years. What are the benefits of drinking Matcha? Matcha has recently become very popular everywhere: from ice creams to lattes. But what most people don't know is that matcha is actually very healthy for you and your body. It is high in antioxidants, meaning it helps stabilize dangerous free radicals, which are compounds that can harm cells and cause complications. Matcha may also help protect your liver. Since the liver is vital to health and plays a major role when purifying nutrients and getting rid of toxins, a study has shown that drinking green tea has decreased the risk of liver disease. It's known to also boost brain function because it contains something called L-theanine, which has shown to increase alpha wave activity in the brain, which helps influence relaxation and decrease stress levels. Numerous experiments have been done proving that matcha may help prevent cancer, promote heart health, and help you lose weight. How much should I consume? Even though there are numerous benefits of consuming matcha, it's never good to take in too much. You should only be putting in 1 or 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into your cup and it's best to stick to 1-2 cups a day. Consuming too much matcha may give you some side effects. Even though they aren't significant, you may experience headaches, insomnia, diarrhea and even irritability. Although matcha tea is relatively safe to consume, drinking too much in a day could be dangerous. Conclusion Overall study and research has shown that matcha has been shown to improve memory attention and as well as reaction time. Matcha contains L-theanine and caffeine which improves various functions of the brain.