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Bridgeport, Regional Government Group Work On Hazard Mitigation Plan

by patch.com Leave a Comment

Politics & Government

The city and the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments will host a meeting on the matter next week.

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Information from the City of Bridgeport:

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The City of Bridgeport and the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments are pleased to host the first public meeting for Multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the Margaret E. Morton Government Center in Conference Room A and B, located at 999 Broad Street in Bridgeport. Bridgeport residents and businesses will be able to learn about the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and share their knowledge of, experiences with, and concerns about natural hazards, vulnerabilities, and opportunities for mitigation.

MetroCOG provides a range of diverse opportunities and methods for communities throughout the region to participate in the planning process. Resident input is crucial to the development of this plan, as community expertise will inform and guide priorities, goals, and actions toward creating a sustainable and resilient city and region.

In addition to the September 28th meeting, additional ways to participate are as follows:

For more information, please contact:

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Major energy supplier to slash bills after Martin Lewis demanded change to ‘morally hazardous’ charge

by www.thesun.co.uk Leave a Comment

HARD-UP households will pay less for their energy bills this winter thanks to a £40million support package.

EDF will roll back standing charges to pre-energy crisis levels for its most vulnerable customers.

A standing charge is a fixed amount that customers must pay on their energy bill regardless of how much gas and electricity they use.

The daily standing charges on a household energy bill have increased by 107% and 8.2% on gas for a direct debit customer since April 2021.

At the same time, current schemes like the warm home discount haven’t increased since before the energy crisis, despite energy bills being almost double.

However, EDF has now made a commitment to help struggling households by boosting its support for those in need by more than £15million.

Around £7.5million will be spent directly on rolling back standing charges for at least 260,000 warm home discount customers to their pre-crisis level for the first quarter of 2024.

The financial support will be applied to eligible customers’ accounts as a £30 credit in December.

This means standing charges will effectively be an average of 56p instead of 87p per day, covering the period from January through to March.

Additional funding will also be made available for its customer support fund, which provides debt relief and energy-efficient white goods to those in need.

What is a standing charge?

The charges make up around £300 of most households’ yearly energy bills.

Despite energy bills dropping by £426 a year at the start of July, the daily standing charges remained the same.

MoneySavingExpert and Martin Lewis have been campaigning for these charges to be lowered and Martin has previously described them as a “moral hazard”.

Speaking in June, he said: “It is outrageous that people have to pay £300/yr just for the facility of having gas and electricity even if they use none.”

He added: “Keeping the standing charge high means lower users can save proportionately less and less by reducing usage – that disempowers them.”

The current standard charges for a typical household are as follows:

  • 7.51p per kilowatt hour (p/kWh) for gas
  • 30.11p/kWh for electricity
  • A standing charge of 29.11p per day for gas
  • A standing charge of 52.97p per day for electricity

But from October 1, Ofgem will introduce the following new rates:

  • 6.89p per kilowatt hour (p/kWh) for gas
  • 27.35p/kWh for electricity
  • A standing charge of 29.62p per day for gas
  • A standing charge of 53.37p per day for electricity

What are other suppliers doing?

Not every supplier will be doing the same so it is best to check with your provider if they are offering any extra support.

For example, Utilita Energy is one of the suppliers who have no standing charge and this means that you won’t pay anything if you don’t use any energy.

Octopus has also recently announced it is taking a stand in the battle against standing charges with a £40m support package.

Dual fuel customers on Octopus’s standard variable tariff will receive a 4% reduction in standing charges compared to Ofgem’s price cap.

British Gas’ website states that they do charge customers a standing charge which will be as per the rates above.

Ovo has joined calls for the overhaul of standing charges and confirmed that it will not be passing on the increase as of October 1.

How can I get help with my energy bills?

There are other ways you can get help with your bills this winter.

A number of organisations are offering free cash to households that are struggling.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a pot of money that has been shared between local councils to help its most needy residents.

The cash can be issued as a direct payment or in the form of vouchers, and some councils may give help specifically with energy bills.

Each local council can decide its own eligibility criteria, but usually, help is handed out to those on a low income or benefits.

If you would like to know what you may be entitled to contact your local council.

If you are unsure who this is you can find out why using the government’s council locator tool on the website.

Customers on traditional or smart prepayment meters can usually get help in the way of ” emergency credit ” if they have no money left on their meter.

Do bear in mind that this is not free money, and it will have to be paid back eventually.

A number of providers offer an emergency credit option, including Scottish Power , Octopus Energy and British Gas.

But the amounts they offer differ, so you should contact yours to find out what you can get.

It might also be possible to get one-off top-up vouchers for your meter.

The help comes via the Fuel Bank Foundation charity and is offered through local organisations such as food banks and Citizens Advice.

Remember if you are struggling with your bills contact your supplier as soon as possible as they will be able to offer some advice.

Here’s why you should be extra careful while using spices

by economictimes.indiatimes.com Leave a Comment

Synopsis

Spices like nutmeg, myrobalan, and poppy seeds can become toxic when consumed beyond recommended limits, causing symptoms such as vomiting and accelerated heartbeat. Similarly, overconsumption of harad can lead to low blood sugar and skin bruising. Excessive consumption of poppy seeds can result in a slow heart rate and skin-related issues.

Everyday spices and plants in your home, which we often take for granted, can have adverse health effects when consumed in excessive quantities, experts said during a recent awareness event, ‘Discover Tox’, organized by the forensic medicine and toxicology department of King George Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow.

As per a TOI report, Dr. Ashutosh Kumar, one of the experts at the event, cautioned that spices like nutmeg (jaiphal), myrobalan ( harad ), and poppy seeds ( posta ), which are frequently used in our kitchens to enhance the flavor of dishes, can turn toxic when consumed beyond the recommended limits. Dr. Kumar said, “The safe limit of jaiphal consumption is up to 5 grams per day. Exceeding this limit can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting, hallucination, and an accelerated heartbeat.”

Similarly, Dr. Kumar highlighted the potential risks associated with small and big harad, commonly used spices in ayurvedic medicines. Overconsumption of harad can result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and skin bruising.

The experts also sounded a cautionary note about poppy seeds (khaskhas or posta), a staple spice in many culinary delights. Dr. Kumar warned that excessive consumption of poppy seeds can lead to bradycardia (a slow heart rate), pinpoint pupils, and various skin-related issues. He also added, “Even papaya and jatropha seeds, if ingested in large quantities, can cause distressing symptoms like dysentery and nausea. Papaya seeds are sometimes used to adulterate black pepper.”

Dr. Fatima Harsha, another expert, urged people to exercise caution with certain indoor and outdoor ornamental plants, specifically mentioning the sago palm plant. This plant contains a toxin called cytosine, which, when consumed, can result in gastric distress and even liver failure.

Furthermore, Dr. Harsha pointed out that various ornamental plants, including philodendron, dieffenbachia, arrowhead, monstera, pothos (money plant), jade, ZZ plant, peace lily, and anthurium, contain a toxic substance known as calcium oxalate. Ingesting parts of these plants can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth, oral paraesthesia, and gastric symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, it may lead to hypoglycemia and kidney damage. She also warned about the snake plant, which contains saponin chemicals that can cause swelling of the mouth and lips and gastric distress.

In light of these revelations, it’s essential for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers associated with seemingly innocuous items found in their homes and kitchens. Responsible consumption and handling of these substances can help prevent health complications.

Remember, moderation and mindfulness are key when it comes to these common household items.

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Print Edition Print Edition Thursday, 28 Sep, 2023

Experience Your Economic Times Newspaper, The Digital Way!

    Now, Tesla Rival VinFast Looks to Make in India Now, Tesla Rival VinFast Looks to Make in India

    Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast Auto – a deemed Tesla rival that emerged as the world’s third most valuable carmaker last month – is mulling setting up a manufacturing unit in India, multiple people aware of the development told ET.

    Festive Wave may Lift IIP Growth in Coming Mths Festive Wave may Lift IIP Growth in Coming Mths

    India’s industrial economy is expected to receive a festive bump, growing around 6% year-on-year in the next couple of months with improvement in monsoon rains, softening inflation, and election-related rise in spending adding to the festive sentiment.

    Desi Snack Packs are a $1b Bite for Haldiram’s Desi Snack Packs are a $1b Bite for Haldiram’s

    ​Traditional sweets and snacks brand Haldiram’s earned over a billion dollars from packaged snacks during FY23, as Indians prefer to munch more desi snacks instead of Western ones such as chips.

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Five jobs that put workers at higher risk of developing dementia as they grow older

by www.mirror.co.uk Leave a Comment

A new study has shown that physical activity during work can be linked to a greater risk of developing dementia later in life.

Researchers at the Norwegian National Centre of Ageing and Health , Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and the Butler Columbia Aging Center found an interesting connection between physically demanding jobs and the risk of memory problems as people age.

The study, published in the science journal The Lancet , looked at the data of 7005 people over the age of 70 and examined how much physical activity individuals engaged in through their work and how it impacted their memory as they grew older. According to the findings, people who spent their careers in physically demanding jobs were more likely to experience memory problems as they got older.

Simply put, the more physically demanding the job, the higher the risk of memory issues later in life. Five types of workers were specifically identified as those with the highest risk: salespeople — retail and other — nursing assistants, farmers, and livestock producers.

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A study has identified five occupations that are linked to increased risk of mind impairment later in life (

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Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The study authors wrote: “Consistently working in an occupation with intermediate or high occupational physical activity was linked to an increased risk of cognitive impairment, indicating the importance of developing strategies for individuals in physically demanding occupations to prevent cognitive impairment.”

The research, however, highlighted that the risk of memory issues was not uniform across all physically demanding jobs. Those who held positions that started with significant physical demands but gradually became less strenuous still faced a higher risk of memory problems compared to those with less physically demanding roles. However, their risk was lower than individuals in consistently physically demanding jobs.

Jobs that fell into the middle ground, neither too physically demanding nor too easy, were associated with the lowest risk of memory problems. This suggests that maintaining a balanced level of physical activity at work might be beneficial for long-term cognitive health.

The researchers said: “Higher occupational physical demands in later adulthood have previously been linked to smaller hippocampal volume and poorer memory performance. Similarly, individuals working in physically hazardous jobs or with high job demands – psychological or physical – combined with low job control have been found to perform poorer on cognitive tests in later age.”

The study’s lead author, Vegard Skirbekk, a professor of Population and Family Health at Columbia Public Health, said, per the Sun : “Our work also highlights what is called the physical activity paradox – the association of leisure time physical activity with better cognitive outcomes, and how work-related physical activity can lead to worse cognitive outcomes.”

He added: “Our results particularly underscore the need to follow up on individuals with high lifetime occupational, physical activity as they appear to have a greater risk of developing dementia.”

And concluded: “Future research should assess how occupational physical activity and interventions to reduce occupational physical activity or technological changes leading to altered activity, in combination with other characteristics of the job, relate to dementia and mild cognitive impairment risk in older ages. This will further our understanding of the association between occupational histories and cognitive impairment.”

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Cyclone’s pain highlights vulnerability of those relying on nature

by www.stuff.co.nz Leave a Comment

Any sort of farming or horticulture venture comes with built-in risks, most of them the whims of Mother Nature. Be it frost, drought or floods she always has something to say.

This month we have seen absolute devastation in the North Island with an unthinkably tragic loss of life, hundreds of homes ruined beyond redemption leaving thousands of people displaced. Many have lost everything they owned, and businesses have simply been destroyed.

Without minimizing the personal impact suffered by many, the impact on the horticulture and wine industry has been significant in Northland, Auckland, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.

As important growing areas many fresh fruits and vegetables will be in even shorter supply in coming months, spreading the pain suffered in the north around New Zealand and affecting export earnings. Loss of life and destruction aside, Cyclone Gabrielle is going to have a long economic sting in its tail.

READ MORE: Heavenly cherries straight from the garden of Eden Eyes on the pies to reprise successful food store Full extent of flood damage to vineyards won’t be known for days Rain and labour clouds in optimistic outlook for 2022 wine vintage

The once-a-year grape harvest is due to get underway in the next few weeks and almost ripe fruit is highly vulnerable to damage.

Seeing images of vineyards under water is an early indication wine production in these areas will be impacted hugely by Cyclone Gabrielle.Some vineyards will have been destroyed and will take years to recover while others with significant rain and surface flooding will recover sooner.

I’m sure there are also many vineyards that haven’t been impacted by flooding or winds but with fruit almost ready to harvest the quality of fruit is likely to be compromised, only time will tell what the final grape harvest in the North Island will deliver. One thing is for sure these premium grape growing regions that are a significant part of the New Zealand wine industry have been badly affected.

In the Nelson Tasman region grape growers are very familiar with the challenges of farming in variable conditions but so far this season they have escaped the worst of the inclement weather, but a lot can happen between now and when harvest starts in a few weeks. I had a chat with a couple of growers to find out what their crops are looking like as they head into harvest.

Located on the Waimea Plains is Brightwater Vineyards, co-owner Gary Neale says it has been a warm, moist summer so they have hardly had to irrigate their vineyards.

“With regular small amounts of rain it has kept everything green and growing, we have been doing lots of shoot trimming and there’s been a lot of weed and grass growth. We held off putting the bird netting on our sauvignon blanc vines until after Cyclone Gabrielle, with the predicted rain we want to be able to stay on top of our spray protection regimes.

“Despite the damp, humid weather we’ve had recently there’s very little disease in the vineyard but we’re keeping a close eye on it. Humidity is a significant threat for all growers.”

Gary also told me that fruit ripeness is tracking pretty much same as last year and at this stage they plan to start harvest in second week of March, “subject to weather of course, it’s still early days and as we all know things can change quickly.”

Out in the Tasman area, closer to the coast Blackenbrook Vineyards get lots of sunshine and a nice sea breeze to help dry the grapes on the vines after a rain event.

Co-owner Daniel Schwarzenbach says they are very happy with the current state of their vineyards but “it’s a very nervous time for growers. We’ve done everything we can to look after our vineyard but we’re at the stage all we can do is wait and hope we don’t have a significant rain event as we head into harvest.

“We have had more than enough rain to keep everything growing and the fruit is starting to ripen nicely, but we could do with a month of long, hot days without any more rain.”

Daniel told me the season has been a bit of a challenge because of the regular rain and slightly lower daytime temperatures. “We would love some hot days, without any cloud, and cooler nights to help with flavour development.

“At the moment we are trying to stay on top of our spray regime when needed to protect the fruit and keeping grass growth and moisture under the vines under control. We have also spent a lot of staff time opening the canopy to keep everything disease free. At this stage the fruit zone (where the grapes hang under the leaf canopy) on the vines is looking good.”

We talked a little about how the seasons have changed in recent years. It has been obvious to me that harvest has gradually started earlier and earlier. It wasn’t many years ago that the grape harvest didn’t start until the end of March and run through until late April and into May. Now we are seeing grapes ripening earlier so harvest is starting in mid-March, with some fruit for sparkling wines being picked in late February, and being done and dusted by early April in many areas.

Daniel says that since ex sub-tropical cyclones Gita and Fehi in 2018 we have had a number of subtropical storms affect the region “so it looks like being an ongoing thing.”

I think the earlier harvests, warmer sea temperatures and more significant rain events point directly to the effects of climate change, something that simply can’t be denied any longer.

So, while we all hope for some settled weather in the Nelson Tasman region spare a thought for those whose lives have been turned upside down, and in fact lost, in the North Island during cyclone Gabrielle. We have had our share of significant “rivers of rain” in this region but nothing compares to the devastation wreaked in Hawke’s Bay, the Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Northland.

If you are able to help I suggest you make a donation, small or large, to the Stuff relief fund. Every dollar will make a difference and all donations will go directly to help those in dire need as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle.