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Stay Safe Both from the Virus and the Racism – Tricycle

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm

Many of us are experiencing heightened anxiety during this global coronavirus crisis. In response, Tricycle is offering free access to select articles to support your practice during this uncertain time.

On March 5, 2020 at 7:23 p.m., I receive a WhatsApp message from a close friend in Bangkok:

Hey guys I think youre either just about arriving in the States or already there; hope the journey went smoothly. Ive been seeing a number of news articles lately about coronavirus-related racism against Asians in the US so be sure to stay safe both from the virus and the racism!

My husband and I do indeed land safely in California. Were wearing face masks, as are the majority of our fellow passengers on both legs of the journeyBangkok to Taipei, Taipei to San Francisco. I expect as much. Over the past two months, noses and chins and cheeks had been disappearing with increasing regularity on my metro rides in Bangkok; Id taken to admiring the colorful coverings on the faces around me.

Arriving in America, I anticipate coronavirus questionnaires, screening stations, informative signs from the Centers for Disease Controlhaving encountered all of these when I arrived at Taiwans Taoyuan airport on a February trip to Taipei. I am met with none of these at San Francisco International Airport. Its disconcerting. The level of concern about the rapidly spreading coronavirus seems strangely low here.

I suddenly feel self-conscious in my mask.

Most of my relatives live in China. Thailand, where I had been living since October 2018, was the first country outside of China to confirm a case of the novel coronavirus. It was on my radar well before the World Health Organization coined the names for the disease and the virus on February 11: COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2.

On March 16, the US president started using his own termthe Chinese virus. Despite the widespread use of an existing appellation that doesnt besmirch a geographic location or an entire group of people. Despite the stigmatizing effects of his word choice and the corresponding rise in verbal and physical attacks against Chinese (and other Asian) Americans.

Still, after eight months abroad, its good to be back in the country where I grew up, the country whose primary language became my mother tongue after I immigrated here at the age of four. I greet my in-laws at the airport with elation but, just to be safe, not hugs. At their house, showering is the first order of business, followed by washing my fabric mask in the sink and replacing its charcoal filter. I fight the urge to fall asleep at 5:00pm. I go for a walk outside, greedily breathing in the cool, fresh aira scarce commodity in Bangkok.

both from the virus and the racism

Reading our Thai friends text, I feel my breathing constrict. I may not be able to speak the national language with ease in Thailand, but I enjoy a privilege there that I seldom access in the US: being a member of the racial and religious majority, as a person of Asian heritage and a Buddhist. I wonder if this is what it feels like to be a white Christian in Americanever having to give a second thought to whether the shape of your eyes or the religious icon around your neck makes you a target for harassment.

***

The unrelenting air pollution in Bangkok that ushered in the new year, compounded two weeks later by coronavirus fears that only increased with each passing day, kept me almost entirely homebound for the first two months of 2020. Finishing my book manuscript kept me occupied. Without realizing it, I was practicing what would soon be known as social distancing.

In those two months, I spent a lot of time on Angry Asian Buddhist. My late friend Aaron J. Lee started the blog in 2009 to counter the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Asian American Buddhists, who make up two-thirds of American Buddhists. Contrary to what his online moniker might suggest, Aaron was motivated to speak up out of love and concern for American Buddhist communities. His work inspired me to write a masters thesis on young adult Asian American Buddhists. Aarons death from cancer at the age of 34 impelled me not to give up in the struggle to secure a publisher for the book that emerged from that research project.

Contrary to some of his detractors accusations, Aaron did not hate white Buddhists. In fact, he often praised their efforts, as in an August 2011 blog post where he celebrated an essay by Soto Zen priest Alan Senuake titled On Race and Buddhism. In the essay, Rev. Senauke writes about how racism and white supremacy are rooted in seeing people as Otherand reminds us that American Buddhism is not free from these pernicious ideas, which are like a virus in society. Revisiting Alans words, I realize that SARS-CoV-2 is not the only virus we need to confront and protect ourselves against.

***

Eleven days after landing at SFO, our Bay Area county is placed under shelter-in-place orders. By March 19, all of California is under shelter-in-place orders. As the number of infections and deaths rise, and as the likelihood of my returning to Bangkok plummets, anxiety overwhelms me.

On March 22, I seek solace in a Zoom meeting for a recently established dharma circle for Buddhist practitioners of Asian heritage. The organizers had expected a handful of attendees, but there were fully eighteen of us on the call. After a lovingkindness meditation, each of the practitioners checks in one by one. I hear concerns about family members (How to make sure Mom and Dad and the in-laws stay safe? How to keep the kids entertained?). Aspirations to deepen Buddhist practice (How to meet empty shelves with greater equanimity? How to practice generosity when others are hoarding?). Someone relates her fear and frustration at the presidents repeated use of the phrase Chinese virus, and her hurt from an incident in which she was regarded with alarm and suspicion by a stranger on the street. Onscreen, heads nod in empathetic agreement.

At the end of our meeting, we read the Karaniya Metta Sutta together. For me, this moment of taking refuge in Buddhist teachingsand practicing with spiritual friendsprovides succor amid the panic.

This is what should be doneBy one who is skilled in goodnessAnd who knows the path of peaceLet none deceive another,Or despise any being in any state.Let none through anger or ill-willWish harm upon anotherThis is said to be the sublime abiding.By not holding to fixed views,The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision,Being freed from all sense desires,Is not born again into this world

***

Of course, you and I have been born into this world, with a host of desires that may be asserting themselves more acutely than usual during this pandemic (Who knew a mountain of toilet paper could provide such a sense of security?). The practice of lovingkindness, which involves not holding to fixed views and loosening attachments, is just that: a practice. The fear and uncertainty and xenophobia that COVID-19 have unmasked present a challenge to practicea challenge in the sense of both obstacle and impetus.

The day after the Asian American dharma circle, a headline appears in the New York Times: Spit On, Yelled At, Attacked: Chinese-Americans Fear for Their Safety. That day, March 23, the president refrains from saying Chinese virus at his press briefing, but doesnt publicly condemn the racist attacks. Many wonder if it is too little, too late. The Times article explains that Asian Americans are afraid to wear face masks for fear of being targetedthough those who arent wearing masks have also been attacked. As Chinese American high school student Katherine Oung puts it, Not only do we have to be afraid about our health, we have to be afraid about being ourselves.

Reading the statisticsChina having flattened its curve, Italy and Spain and the US failing to do soone might imagine a world in which it would be white people who are being spit on, yelled at, attacked. Not that this thought brings any comfort. More to the point, such reverse racism scenarios erase historical and systemic realities: as many scholars and activists have pointed out, anti-Asian discriminationthe concept of the yellow peril and the lumping together of Asians into a monolithic mass of perpetual foreignershas a long history in America. Yet the saddest part of the Times article may be the reported rise in gun sales to first-time Chinese American buyers. A gun shop owner recounts how one woman teared up upon being asked why she was there: To protect my daughter.

Even as a mother protects with her lifeHer child, her only child,So with a boundless heartShould one cherish all living beings

In this surreal time, we hold these timeless wishes to be safe and happy, protected and cherished. Time marches on. We tune in to the news with heavy hearts. Time stands still. We pause to reflect on how we might alleviate even the tiniest portion of this crush of suffering. Time circles back. We turn to faith and ritual and story and the other inheritances that we are stewarding for future generations, at once retaining them for posterity and adapting them to ever-changing circumstances.

***

On March 5, 2020 at 9:40 p.m., I receive a WhatsApp message from a dear friend in San Francisco. Id hoped to see her in person this coming weekend, but shes already sheltering in place. Being overseas, Id missed our ten-year college reunion the previous autumn. I was especially sad not to be there to open the time capsule a small group of us had been saving for the occasion. Among the treasures in the capsule was a letter from one of our dorm mates who died in 2016.

The Whatsapp message my friend sends is a photo of that letter.

For the first time, I feel like I am letting myself feel the weight of a major life change as it is happening

What will these next years bring?

How will I do in life?

My health?

My friends health?

Its a letter to herself, but its also a letter to all of us. On the bottom third of that single sheet of lined notebook paper, each of us gets a line, our names followed by a string of qualities: honesty, caring, vigor, sincerity, dedication. And then, the last line.

Me: scared, loving, sad, grateful.

I read in that whisper of a word, me, the collective voice of this world in limbo that she isnt here to witness. I allow myself to be racked by sobs. I let myself grieve.

***

There will be grief to come. There will be sickness and death, the loss of jobs and dreams and lives. But there will also be hope. There will be health and (re)birth. There will be new livelihoods and new visions. Destruction will not foreclose creativity, tears will not eradicate laughter. Suffering sows the seeds of change; what these seeds will yield depends on how each and everyone one of us chooses to conduct ourselves in body, speech, and mind.

If this novel coronavirus is a Chinese virus, we are all Chinese. More accurately, it is a global virus that has already impacted all of us. The American president declares us at war with an invisible enemy, but I prefer less martial metaphors.

The Buddha is often likened to a physician. He diagnosed the unsatisfactoriness of the human condition and revealed its cause. The Buddha was no doomsayer, however: his teachings were treatments that promised a cure, an ultimate freedom from that which ails us. SARS-CoV-2 is a truth-teaching virus. It has revealed to me a deep well of fear: of my loved ones dying, of dying myself (or, during more mundane moments, of running out of brown rice). More incisively, it has revealed societys disturbing inequities and gross iniquities, forcing us to confront the truth of how the most vulnerable among usthe poor, the disabled, the unhoused, and the otherwise marginalizedbear the brunt of this crisis.

I hope we do everything we can to support these vulnerable populations, and to demand that our elected officials do the same. I hope we remember to wash our hands thoroughly and often, practicing physical distancing and social solidarity with inspiration and joy. I hope we stand against instances of racism against Asian Americans and other racial minoritiesduring this crisis, and after it has passed. I hope we seek support in Buddhist (and non-Buddhist) friends and teachers, stories and rituals, art and music.

May we be free from the ills that plague us. May we find and make the refuges we need, not only to survive the difficult now, but to thrive in our yet-to-be-determined shared future.

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Stay Safe Both from the Virus and the Racism - Tricycle

‘Grief is difficult on a good day.’ How the coronavirus pandemic is reshaping the ways we mourn – The Almanac Online

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm

These days, death and the rites that come with it are quieter, more cautious affairs than before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Many factors have combined to make this a bad time for funerals, whether someone has died from the coronavirus or not. There's a shelter-at-home order in effect to deter travel, and a Bay Area-wide limit of 10 people for funeral services. Households that have been exposed to the coronavirus are expected to self-quarantine.

And yet, with 43 COVID-19 related deaths in Santa Clara County and 21 reported in San Mateo County, as of Tuesday, the need for funerary and mortuary services remains high.

Local representatives from cemeteries, mortuaries and funeral homes spoke about the difficult balance they must strike as they seek to help survivors grieve for their loved ones in traditional manners without jeopardizing anybody's health or safety.

Death in the age of coronavirus

When someone dies from the coronavirus, a whole network of agencies, all well-adapted to minimizing exposure to germs, springs into action.

At the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office, staff are following existing sanitation protocols, according to Chief Medical Examiner Michelle Jorden. The medical examiner's office requires staff members to wear personal protective equipment when examining those who have died and practice good hand-washing hygiene. Now, they've also implemented social distancing protocols.

The county's morgue can hold about 112 bodies, said Jorden, and the medical examiner's office does have a mass fatality plan in place. It is prepared to handle an increased number of deaths, she said in a statement.

For people who work in mortuary or funeral industries and regularly interact with the bodies of those who have died from the coronavirus, the latest guidance on personal protection and hygiene is more or less in line with existing best practices.

Taking precautions to avoid infectious diseases isn't anything new, said Matt Cusimano, funeral director at Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, which has been in operation in Mountain View since 1957.

During the peak of the AIDS epidemic, when people still had many questions and fears about the HIV virus, there were similar concerns about how to keep those who work with decedents who had the virus safe, he said.

The mortuary follows the practices laid out by the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau and takes what are called universal precautions. Embalmers wear personal protective equipment such as a respirator and face plate, double their gloves and wear a smock.

"We're very careful with every case. I would imagine that when we do get a person who's passed away from coronavirus, that's what we would use," he said.

If there were to be a large number of deaths in Santa Clara County, Cusimano said, he believes that local funeral directors would come together to serve families and help them make arrangements.

"It'd be a really unusual funeral director that wouldn't want to participate in something like that," he said. "We all know each other."

Right now is a hard time for families and communities, he said. "It's just tough on everybody."

For family and friends of people who die from COVID-19, though, the latest public health guidelines may be new.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the coronavirus is believed to be transmitted primarily through an infected person's respiratory droplets. Therefore, getting sick from proximity to a person infected with the coronavirus through this mode of transmission is not a concern after death.

However, the CDC is still figuring out how the virus spreads, and it may be possible to get it from touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching one's nose or mouth. It advises people who are at high risk of developing complications from COVID-19, such as seniors and people with underlying health conditions, to consider not touching a body that has died from the coronavirus.

"There may be less of a chance of the virus spreading from certain types of touching, such as holding the hand or hugging after the body has been prepared for viewing," the health agency reports. It also advises avoiding kissing, washing or shrouding the body.

"If washing the body or shrouding are important religious or cultural practices, families are encouraged to work with their community cultural and religious leaders and funeral home staff on how to reduce their exposure as much as possible. At a minimum, people conducting these activities should wear disposable gloves," it adds.

Grieving-in-place

In many situations, figuring out how to celebrate the life of the deceased is the next big challenge. And it's a challenge made more complex by a strict shelter-in-place order that limits the number of people who can attend funerals to 10. Grieving families are faced with another difficult decision: Who gets to attend the service?

Cemeteries like the Gate of Heaven in Los Altos are having to adjust their procedures and help people find new ways to grieve and mourn that don't increase the risk of spreading the disease.

"We were one of the first to have to figure out, 'What is this going to look like? What kind of procedures do we need to put in place?'" said Heather Gloster, director of cemeteries for the Catholic Diocese of San Jose, which operates the Los Altos cemetery.

A member of the diocese was the first person in Santa Clara County to die of the coronavirus, said Gloster. She was a woman in her 60s who died March 9 at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View.

"We have to protect ourselves and the community," Gloster said, which means making some changes to how faithful Catholics might minister to one another. "We can't provide the physical comfort of a hug, or really cry with the family, (but) we can still pray with them," she said.

In some situations, even a limited number of family members are barred from attending. For instance, if a person dies from COVID-19 in their home, rather than at a hospital, where they may have been in isolation for some time, immediate family members in that household may be directed to self-quarantine for weeks, Gloster said.

In those scenarios, the diocese may conduct a direct burial, in which nobody is present except for cemetery staff and a priest. Families can livestream the burials, she said.

The shift to virtual services has happened rapidly. It was only a few weeks ago, when gatherings for mass were canceled, that the diocese acted to quickly adopt Zoom and video conferencing to provide religious services to homebound parishioners, she said.

Other local mortuaries have yet to see their first death from COVID-19.

"We're worried about it," said Sarah Tapia, an administrator at Spangler Mortuaries, which has locations in Mountain View, Los Altos and Sunnyvale. "We're unsure of what to expect."

The mortuary has switched to making funeral arrangements remotely, which has made the logistical work of funeral arrangements more difficult, Tapia said. "It's easier for things to slip through the cracks."

In addition, the mortuary recently set up the technology to offer livestreamed services. According to one staff member, the facility was in the process of organizing a livestreamed Hindu funeral service, which would be able to be attended virtually by friends and family members in India.

Delayed grief

Not being able to gather to mourn the loss of a loved one, on top of so much community upheaval, Gloster said, may lead people to experience a delayed sense of grief.

Pointing to the concept laid out in Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, she said, people often need to have their basic physical needs met before they can move on to addressing their emotional and mental health needs. Many people who lose a loved one right now are already dealing with so many changes a lost job, financial stress. As a result, many are focused more on surviving than grieving.

"Hopefully it won't be that long, and our churches will open back up," Gloster said. "Until then, people are repressing it to kind of survive."

Without hugs, religious rituals or large gatherings where survivors can see their loved one's impact on the community, traditional bereavement practices are being interrupted, said Monica Williams, director of Catholic cemeteries for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, which includes Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties. The archdiocese also oversees the Holy Cross Cemetery in Menlo Park.

"We really need, as a people, rituals to say goodbye and help our grieving process," she said. "Grief is difficult on a good day. Grief is much more complicated right now."

As alternatives, she said, they're encouraging families that can't meet in large groups to consider gathering on FaceTime or Zoom at a specific time to share remarks, tell stories, pray, or to plan a gathering of family and friends at a later date to celebrate the deceased.

"We all need to support each other safely and kindly during these times," she said.

Resources and best practices

If you are feeling grief due to the loss of a loved one, or fears, worries and anxieties because of the coronavirus pandemic, Nick Arnett and Janet Childs of Kara, a local grief support nonprofit in Palo Alto, in a recent blog post offer people a few pieces of advice:

Know that you're not alone.

Make sure you're choosing good information sources and getting the facts, not rumors.

Be gentle with yourself and realize that forming new habits in response to change is difficult.

Understand that stress from the pandemic can trigger past trauma that can "cause you to notice and feel the weight of old injuries much more than before the world changed," Arnett and Childs write. That may mean a tendency to become grumpier and more irritable. You can help by being a safe person for others to talk to, talking to a supportive person who will keep your conversation confidential or writing in a journal.

People can also work on strengthening their physical, mental and/or spiritual strength and resilience by getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well, staying connected with friends and family, and thinking about one's values and priorities with a big-picture perspective. Gratitude and generosity help, too.

To request grief support services, call Kara at 650-321-5272 or fill out an online form in English or Spanish.

Find comprehensive coverage on the Midpeninsula's response to the new coronavirus by Palo Alto Online, the Mountain View Voice and the Almanac here.

Kate Bradshaw writes for the Mountain View Voice, the sister publication of The Almanac.

Read more:
'Grief is difficult on a good day.' How the coronavirus pandemic is reshaping the ways we mourn - The Almanac Online

COVID-19 101: How to stay safe, healthy, and eco-friendly – Greenpeace International

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm

We are currently living through some extraordinary times, where all of us are experiencing significant changes to our everyday lives.

But even in the face of such extraordinary times, we can make a conscious choice to make the most of this situation especially for those of us privileged enough to safely stay indoors at a place we can call home. Take advantage of this time to do some much-delayed house cleaning, expand your culinary mastery, or just bank more quality time with yourself or your loved ones.

On that note, I would like to share with you 5 simple tips taken from Greenpeace Hong Kongs COVID-19 101 booklet to stay safe, healthy, and eco-friendly through this global pandemic and beyond. Check them out below:

1. Buffer Zone vs Living Zone

Dividing your home into a Buffer Zone and a Living Zone can help lower the risk of bringing the virus into your house. Simply, the Buffer Zone is the area between the entrance and the living space (ex. entrance hall), and the Living Zone is the area you eat and live in (ex. dining room, bedroom). Be sure to remove any items that may have come into contact with the virus such as your shoes and outerwear in the Buffer Zone to prevent the virus being carried into your clean Living Zone. Consider placing a laundry hamper or a trash bin in the Buffer Zone for convenience.

Doing this little pre-planning means less areas to clean, which means using less cleaning products, which in turn means less negative impact on our environment. Win, win, win!

2. Be a responsible *paw-rent*

There have been a few reports of dogs and cats testing positive for COVID-19. But according to the World Health Organisation (WTO), there is not enough evidence of cats, dogs, or other pets transmitting COVID-19 to humans as of now. Regardless, be sure to give them a little extra TLC for both your and your pets safety! Get the lowdown from this helpful Q&A from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The most basic thing you can do is to wash your hands before and after caring for your pet, like when preparing their meals or giving a bath. After your pet does their doo-doo business, be sure to disinfect the area thoroughly to make sure your pooch or kitty does not accidentally lick up cleaning product residue.

Last but not least, this one is a no brainer: if youre feeling ill, its best practice to avoid close contact with your snuggle buddies. It is very important to keep physical distancing for everyones safety.

3. Choose to slow the spread

With the combination of frequent hand washing and physical distancing, wearing a face mask can help to slow the spreading of the virus, according to supporting research. Mask usage has become common practice in many Asian countries since the onset of COVID-19, and more recently, the US, France, and parts of Italy have also urged their citizens to wear alternative masks such as cloth face coverings.

If and when youre wearing one, here are some simple tips to properly wear your mask:

4. More veggies, please!

Physical distancing means more time at home, which in turn means more time to cook! Its the perfect opportunity to expand your culinary mastery and get on the healthy diet train by eating more veggies and less animal products. To learn why a plant-based diet might be the right choice for you, check out this interview.

A report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the agricultural and animal husbandry industries make up about 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with animal products making up about 58% of all carbon dioxide emissions from the food industry.

So for tonights dinner, try swapping out your meat with some vegetables and legumes, and kickstart that plant-based diet for yourself and our planet. If youre feeling extra inspired, here are some Greenpeace-approved recipes to jazz up your meals.

5. Lets get physical

Binging on your favourite tv show for uninterrupted hours accompanied by your delicious vice of choice can be glorious. But because were probably in this pandemic for the long-haul, dont forget to get up and move around once in awhile to maintain your health.

On top of eating healthier meals, there are plenty of ways to stay active at home. Perhaps its that time to get started on spring cleaning? Maybe youre ready to kick some major butt with that online kickboxing class. If youre lucky and have a yard, try your hand at gardening; you might have a green thumb! Or just take it easy and do some gentle stretching while binging on your show. Whatever you choose to do, your house is your oyster.

No one knows when this pandemic will be done for good. But for now, do your part: show love by keeping physical distance from those you care about; step out of your comfort zone to reach out to those who may need that extra support; most of all, express gratitude (digitally) to those who are on the frontlines every single day.

Last but not least, hit the pause button and take some time for self-care. You deserve it.

Read more here:
COVID-19 101: How to stay safe, healthy, and eco-friendly - Greenpeace International

Cooking During COVID-19: Family Meals And Fantasies Of Future Dinner Parties – NPR

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm

The resurgence of family meals is one of the "precious few good things" that's come from the COVID-19 pandemic, says food writer Sam Sifton. supersizer/Getty Images hide caption

The resurgence of family meals is one of the "precious few good things" that's come from the COVID-19 pandemic, says food writer Sam Sifton.

As billions of people around the world face stay-at-home orders because of COVID-19, family dinners and breakfasts and lunches are resurgent. Former New York Times food editor Sam Sifton calls the shift to family meals one of the "precious few good things" happening as a result of the pandemic.

"A lot of us are really experiencing the joys of eating together with family regularly," he says. "For me, it's been kind of joyful amid all the sorrow."

Sifton was recently promoted to be The Times' assistant managing editor, overseeing its culture and lifestyle coverage, but he continues to write about food and its role in helping people cope with the isolation of the pandemic. His new cookbook, See You on Sunday, was inspired by the idea that regularly gathering and feeding friends and family is psychologically and spiritually nourishing.

"We're gathering for the purpose of sustenance, for the purpose of an almost literal communion," he says. "If you do that regularly enough, you'll see a change in your relationship to both the cooking and the people and perhaps see a change in yourself and how you regard the world."

Sifton emphasizes that now is not the time for dinner parties. Instead, he's staying home, enjoying meals with his own nuclear family and fantasizing about the other side of the pandemic, when he can safely host a big Sunday dinner. His ideal post-coronavirus feast? A giant pot of steamed clams.

"Everyone crowded together around it when it's done, shoulders touching and people reaching over one another to get at the drawn butter and tearing off pieces of bread to dip into the broth," he says. "That's gonna be joyous when that happens."

On how people are cooking both adventurously and pragmatically during the pandemic

Sam Sifton's new cookbook, See You on Sunday, promotes the spiritual benefit of eating with friends and family. The New York Times hide caption

Sam Sifton's new cookbook, See You on Sunday, promotes the spiritual benefit of eating with friends and family.

This may be a time to be more adventurous. It's also, conversely, a time to be simple. At The New York Times and NYT Cooking (our recipe site and app), we're seeing that play out in real time in what people are searching for and what people are asking us about. You see people, on the one hand, trying to perfect their sourdough bread-making skills, and on the other asking for what the simplest, easiest way to get a can of beans on the table to feed the family is.

And I think that's kind of neat, actually, that we can hold these two things in our minds at once. These projects that we'll try and execute over the course of hours and days and then also: How am I going to do this fast and quick and cheap and with what's available? And I hope we can deliver answers to both.

On improvising with limited pantry items

I rely on these jarred magical potions which range from peanut butter, to pickled chilies, to soy sauce, to maple syrup to deliver notes of flavor on top of whatever plain-Jane things happen to be in the bottom of the refrigerator crisper.

Sam Sifton

I think it depends what's in the pantry. ... I'm not like a lot of my colleagues [who] are a true chef. I'm a pretty good cook and I can follow any recipe you throw at me. I could work for a chef, but I can't kind of close my eyes and conjure up amazing combinations and flavors as someone like [food columnist] Melissa Clark can do for The New York Times. Instead, I rely on these jarred magical potions which range from peanut butter, to pickled chilies, to soy sauce, to maple syrup to deliver notes of flavor on top of whatever plain-Jane things happen to be in the bottom of the refrigerator crisper. ... And sometimes it doesn't work.

On being open to substitutions

I think that many people me included write recipes, because if you follow them, you will get the result that I got and that I want you to get. But if you substitute along the way, you may end up with something that you like and that's even better. We joke about this a lot at The Times ... about people who say, "I tried the chicken, but I didn't have chicken, so I used sardines, and this is a terrible recipe." Your mileage may vary. But using the spices that you have or the flavors that you have on hand is more than perfectly all right. It's welcome. It's what we ought to do. It's in the nature of cooking often and being confident about what it is you're doing.

On the versatility of tinned fish

I'm loving the tinned fish right now. There's so many different things that you can do with those critters. If they're anchovies, I would use them like a condiment. They add this kind of salty umami pop to everything. I like sardines on crackers with a little mayonnaise and a little hot sauce. ... With tuna, there's so much you can do, particularly if the tuna is of good quality, then it can kind of stand on its own. If it's not, if it's just supermarket canned tuna, it's still pretty great. You mix it into a tuna salad with a little mayo, maybe with some curry powder if you have some going, a curried tuna salad is really terrific. ...

I find those canned fishes of all varieties to be hugely helpful in the manner of bringing variety to your diet and also a lot of good taste. I bet you, if you look deep enough, there may be a can of minced clams in the back [of the cupboard], and add that to a tomato sauce and spaghetti dinner is all the better this time for that addition.

On shopping infrequently because of the virus, and looking for ingredients that stretch

I try to go as infrequently as possible to the market to stock up, and when I do, I try not to shop like a panicky person. But I do want meals that stretch.

Sam Sifton

I think that we should be getting out to shop as little as possible. I think social distancing means ... that we shouldn't all be crowding into the store every night as if we were living in an imaginary Paris to pick up our daily baguette and a couple of duck legs for dinner. Life isn't like that right now. I try to go as infrequently as possible to the market to stock up, and when I do, I try not to shop like a panicky person. But I do want meals that stretch. If I can find a pork shoulder that can become four meals over the course of a week, well, that's great. If I can land starches and grains to put next to those various pork dishes, I'm happy. ...

We're cooking with a lot of cabbage right now. I think that's because I like cabbage for its ability to be many things, including once you get rid of those outer leaves ... you've got all that tender, fresh, clean, perfect cabbage flesh inside that makes a beautiful, crunchy, raw deliciousness thing on your plate at a time when sometimes fresh vegetables are few and far between.

On how the pandemic has impacted the restaurant industry

Our reporters are laser-focused right now on this issue, and they came back to the paper with a report ... that suggested that it would not be insane to think that 70% of independent restaurants in the United States could be closed by the coronavirus pandemic. And that's a staggering number. The size of the restaurant industry in the United States the restaurant industry outside of the fast food industry is gigantic. And it has ripple effects across the country with small farms, with larger farms, with fishermen, with wine salesmen, with all manner of related businesses that are going to suffer.

We had a story that spoke ... with a woman whose business is providing flowers for restaurants. That's gone. You think of the laundry services gone. It's really scary. ... If a restaurant can't make payroll, it can't make rent. How long can they stay socially isolated and return in the same form? Everything is gonna be different on the other side of this everything.

On the importance of communal eating even if it's just at home with your family

I wrote a book saying invite as many people [as you can], and you can always welcome the stranger. I believe that passionately. But that's not something that we can do right now. But I warrant that my argument holds true for those of us who are stuck at home right now: that it's not always easy to put that meal on the table at night these days, because it happens every single night.

But there's something about the repetition. There is something about the practice of doing it that I think is going to bring a measure of something good to those who can see it for what it is: which is an act of giving to others that the making of the food is important, because you are serving others, even if the person you are serving is super annoying right now because you've been living with them for four weeks.

Sam Briger and Mooj Zadie produced and edited the audio of this interview. Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper and Beth Novey adapted it for the Web.

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Shedding light on Vitamin D: Is there a connection to COVID-19? – SCNow

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm

Lifestyle CoachSome people have little or no symptoms from COVID-19 and others, young and old, are dying all around the world. We know one protective factor is a strong immune system. What helps create a strong immune system?

While many factors are at play, including age, overall health, good nutrition, exercise, adequate rest and managing stress effectively, there are current theories circulating about what other factors might help fight this deadly virus. Since COVID-19 research is rapidly changing, this discussion is more of an interest in how nutrition and specifically Vitamin D may play a part. Discovered in 1920 as a cure for rickets, Vitamin D is now well known for aiding in absorption of calcium from the gut, maintaining bone health, brain function, a strong immune system and reducing inflammation. Studies also indicate that low levels of Vitamin D are associated with higher risk of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma and is also linked with decreased lung function, which might make the lungs more vulnerable to infection especially in older adults or those with lung issues.

Should we be concerned? Maybe. According to a 2006 and follow-up American study in 2012, approximately 40 percent of 5,000 random adults in both studies were insufficient in Vitamin D, classified as less than 50 mmol/L in a blood test.

People at risk for Vitamin D deficiency include older adults, people with limited sun exposure, people with dark skin, people with gut issues that make it harder to absorb Vitamin D (such as Crohns and celiac disease) and people who are obese or have had gastric bypass surgery.

Sunlight is the best way to get vitamin D, as it turns a chemical in your skin to Vitamin D3, which is then transformed to active Vitamin D in the body.

Many people dont get outside enough, and sunscreen might block some of the light to prevent absorption. If you do want to get Vitamin D from the sun, guidelines from the Vitamin D Council suggest 15 minutes per day for lighter skinned people and as much as 120 minutes per day for darker skinned people. Current advice is for people to stay in the sun for half as long as it takes their particular skin type to burn before covering up and seeking shade. This should give adequate vitamin D without increasing the risk of skin cancer.

What about food? Most foods dont contain a significant amount of vitamin D naturally, but it is found in fatty fish, like salmon and tuna, eggs, mushrooms and fortified foods. Fortified foods provide the most Vitamin D in the American diet and is added to cows milk, many plant milks, cereals and some brands of orange juice, yogurt, margarine and other food products.

The amount of Vitamin D is required on the nutrition facts panel of food products, so check the label for Vitamin D. The daily reference intake requirement for Vitamin D is in International Units, or IUs, and for 0-12 months is 400 IUs, 600 IUs for ages 1 to 70 and 800 IUs above age 70.

Supplements are another form of Vitamin D and can be found in fish oils or sold alone as a supplement. Vitamin D3 is better utilized in the body and is the preferred form to take. How much do you need to take? Talk to your provider about any supplements you might be taking.

If you are significantly deficient, your provider will recommend 50,000 IU taken on a consistent basis until the levels are normal and usually will recommend a maintenance dose of 1,000 to 4,000 IUs daily. Most experts do not recommend taking more than 5,000 IUs per day, and levels need to be checked as Vitamin D can build up over time and become toxic.

While there is no current evidence that Vitamin D deficiency is linked to COVID-19, it is important to consider that optimal levels in the body are one aspect of keeping the immune system strong and protecting the lungs. Easy steps are eating foods fortified in Vitamin D, getting out in the sun safely and talking to your provider about bloodwork and supplementation.

For more information on adopting healthier lifestyle changes, contact Kitty Finklea, a lifestyle coach, registered dietitian and personal trainer at McLeod Health and Fitness Center, at 843-777-3000.

For more information on adopting healthier lifestyle changes, contact Kitty Finklea, a lifestyle coach, registered dietitian and personal trainer at McLeod Health and Fitness Center, at 843-777-3000.

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Shedding light on Vitamin D: Is there a connection to COVID-19? - SCNow

Cancer and COVID-19: What You Should Know About Increased Risk – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, one thing has been clear: People with a compromised immune system are at increased risk. And this population includes people dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

Cancer specialist and Director of Breast Medical Oncology Halle Moore, MD, offers insights about the coronavirus and cancer, and recommendations for how you can stay safe.

A: There are three reasons cancer may raise yourrisk:

A: We dont know yet. Reports from China suggest that people with cancer had worse outcomes compared with the general population. But the information doesnt account for the different types of patients. It is possible they were older, smoked or had other factors that raised their risk for severe complications.

We believe people with active cancer, or those receiving immunosuppressive treatments, have the highest risk. Those who have undergone a bone marrow transplant may be at particularly high risk. Cancer survivors without evidence of active cancer and who arent receiving immune-suppressing treatments may have a lower risk.

A: In general, yes, but not always. Cough andshortness of breath are common symptoms of COVID-19 infection and would beexpected to be common in cancer patients with the infection as well. But peoplewith cancer may not develop the high fever due to immune-suppressingtreatments. So if a person has cancer and develops a cough and otherrespiratory symptoms, even without a fever, they should contact their provider.

A: They need to take the same precautions and beextra vigilant. Family members or anyone they are exposed to while isolating mustalso follow the precautions, which are:

A: It is vital for people who have cancer to prioritizehealthy habits, such as:

A:Patients need to discuss individual treatment plans with their provider. Thereare instances where treatments can be delayed, but if doctors deem a treatmentnecessary, then they will find ways to deliver it safely. Doctors and cancercenters are using innovative approaches, such as:

A: The uncertainty is one of the challenges weredealing with we dont know if this is going to last for weeks or months. Cancercenters are actively developing guidelines to ensure that we can safely delivertreatments. We wont withhold treatment from newly diagnosed patients who needit; our patients health and safety is our top priority.

Doctors will consider many factors, including the stage andtype of cancer (some are slow-growing), to determine the next steps of yourcare. Theyll also make adjustments they feel are safe. For example, yourdoctor may delay surgery and instead use a non-immunosuppressive treatment, orchoose an oral chemotherapy drug to limit your trips to the cancer center.

Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have. We wantyou to feel confident and safe in your care.

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This Outdoor Meditation Is Great For Those With Limited Access to Nature – POPSUGAR

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm

Staying home can mean lots of screen time and not a ton of fresh air this sort of imbalance could be contributing to that tension headache, anxiety, and stress you may be feeling. If your space safely allows, a quick way to recoup is connecting with nature for a few minutes, but you can maximize the physical and mental benefits of being outside by meditating at the same time, too.

"To prepare for this specific meditation, find a quiet space outside maybe your backyard or front porch. If you're in a city, get outside for a walking meditation if you can," said Nina Endrst, a reiki master and holistic healer and the creator of The SoulUnity.

For those without an outdoor space or who don't feel comfortable being in a public setting, open a window so you can feel the fresh air on your skin, Endrst said.

If your eyes are open because you are walking or reading, that's OK do your best to breathe and stay present with yourself as you follow along with Endrst's outdoor meditation.

Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.

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Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Now Available in Innovative Single-Serve Stick Packaging – Yahoo Finance

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm

MUSCATINE, Iowa, April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener, the first commercially available food and beverage thickener and America's number one-selling retail brand for dysphagia, is now available in new, innovative stick packaging in mildly thick and moderately thick consistencies. Fast-mixing and easy-to-use, starch-based Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Single-Serve Packets safely thicken hot or cold beverages and pured foods to desired consistency without altering flavor.

Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener, the first commercially available food and beverage thickener and Americas number one-selling retail brand for dysphagia, is now available in new, innovative stick packaging in mildly thick and moderately thick consistencies. Fast-mixing and easy-to-use, starch-based Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Single-Serve Packets safely thicken hot or cold beverages and pured foods to desired consistency without altering flavor.

Created to improve quality of life for patients with swallowing disorders and their caregivers, Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Single-Serve Packets are convenient for mixing at home or on the go. The flexible and narrow packets are discreet, and each serving is preportioned making them also perfect for facility use, where healthcare professionals and kitchen staff can quickly and safely thicken food and drinks with no additional measurement required.

Packaging for Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Single-Serve Packets complies with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), of which the Thick-It brand is a gold sponsor. Packets are available in IDDSI Level 2 Mildly Thick, or nectar consistency, and IDDSI Level 3 Moderately Thick, or honey consistency. The single-serve packets are sold by case; each case contains eight boxes, and each box contains 25 packets.

Shop the way that's best for you online, in store, or by phone. For more information and to find other Thick-It products near you, visit thickit.com and follow the brand on Facebook at Facebook.com/ThickIt, on Twitter at @ThickIt_PFI and on LinkedIn at Thick-It Nutrition Innovation for Dysphagia.

About The Thick-It BrandThick-It is a registered trademark of Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc., based in Muscatine, Iowa. We are committed to researching, innovating, and educating on dysphagia nutrition products. The Thick-It product line includes xanthan- and starch-based food and beverage thickeners, ready-to-drink beverages, and ready-to-eat pured foods made from real food ingredients, available online and at pharmacies nationwide as well as for foodservice and facility use through North American and international distributors. For more details, visit thickit.com.

Thick-It is a registered trademark of Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc., based in Muscatine, Iowa. We are committed to researching, innovating, and educating on dysphagia nutrition products. The Thick-It product line includes xanthan- and starch-based food and beverage thickeners, ready-to-drink beverages, and ready-to-eat pured foods made from real food ingredients, available online and at pharmacies nationwide as well as for foodservice and facility use.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thick-it-original-food--beverage-thickener-now-available-in-innovative-single-serve-stick-packaging-301036270.html

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GROCERY GOSSIP: Paying it forward over the holidays – Toronto Sun

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:48 pm

Were in the midst of the holiest time of year Good Friday and Easter Sunday are just a few days away, Passover started April 8 and ends in the evening of April 16, and it seems the whole world is holding its collective breath as we wait for the next shoe to fall regarding the current COVID-19 state of affairs.

Yet, what Ive noticed coming out in abundance, along with our spring flowers and sightings of robins and cardinalsis kindness. People helping others, even if its through the phone or online. Companies reaching out to first responders or front line workers to offer everything from free meals to virtual hugs. And companies like Walmart Canada and its dedication to helping food banks, even Hershey Chocolate is making sure those utilizing Ronald McDonald House have chocolate Eggies to bring a smile to those in need.

Lets look forward to crushing the curve together! In the meantime, lets take life one day at a time, and appreciate the little things for the greatness that they are.

NUTRITION IDEAS FOR LOCKED-DOWN SENIORS

While were all safely in our homes, waiting out the pandemic, meal buying and meal planning can bring out the best or the worst in everyone. But for seniors who are impacted, the idea of grocery shopping and then cooking and creating can be equally daunting. Natures Emporium well-known family-owned health food market with four locations throughout the city, has recently partnered with Ecosparkle to offer free home delivery for seniors 65 plus in order to provide shut-ins with a safe way to get groceries. Company officials say this service has been created as a helping hand to seniors.

As an essential service provider, we want to keep our seniors safe, and make sure they have a way to get what they need without worrying about their health and well-being, said company co-founder and president, Joe DAddario.

Seniors can either order online or, if they dont have a computer, can call 905-898-1844 to place an order. The delivery person will knock on the door/ring doorbell upon arrival and will then step back 2 metres so that the customer can answer the door, leaving groceries on the doorstep. Customers who require help bringing in groceries can indicate this at time of delivery and are asked toprovide the delivery person two metres of space while groceries are brought in. The delivery teams will be equipped with masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to ensure deliveries are made as safely as possible Deliveries must fall within a 10 km. radius from one of companys four locations.

The company is also offering nutritional tips and meal ideas as well. Miranda Malisani, registered nutritionist and director of health and wellness for the company recommends getting these key nutrients into your diet for optimal health and wellbeing:

Quercetin Rich Food: Early clinical research has shown that this plant phytochemical has broad antiviral effects. Reach for more grapes, berries, apples, onions, broccoli, kale, buckwheat and tomatoes.

Vitamin C Rich Foods: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that provides anti-inflammatory, and immune supportive benefits. Reach for more kiwis, red peppers, lemons, Brussel sprouts, papaya,strawberries and oranges.

Nutrient Dense Soups, Stews and Bone Broths: Look for jarred, ready-made offerings with simple ingredients. These are easy warm meals that provide protein along with other vitamins and minerals.

Protein Rich Snacks: Reaching for protein at meals and snacks can help maintain energy levels and support the immune system. Add these protein rich foods. Smoked salmon, nut and seed butter, nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, baru seeds), healthy meat jerky, boiled eggs and a good quality plant-based protein powder.

Vitamin D Supplement: Vitamin D has important immune enhancing effects. Seniors often have suboptimal Vitamin D levels. Low levels have been shown to increase the risk of upper respiratory infections. You can find Vitamin D in oily fish, eggs and liver, but supplementing is recommended especially in cases where seniors are cocooning and not getting any sunlight.

Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement: Taking a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement as a nutritional safety net during this time could be a good option to help support seniors health.

For additional details, check out Naturesemporium.com.

KUDOS TO SECOND HARVEST

As the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, an unprecedented number of Canadians are worrying for the first time about how they will afford to put food on the table.

Second Harvest, considered Canadas largest food rescue organization, is rolling out $4.5 million in new funding to community groups who are feeding vulnerable Canadians during this crisis. The beloved organization is connecting small non-profit agencies with large producers of perishable food, providing these grants through their FoodRescue.ca, which is a free donation platform that connects business with food surpluses to charities and non-profits in their own backyard. The new grants will aim to empower local community organizations from across the country to ensure food makes its way to Canadians who need it most.

Our country needs to fight through this pandemic together. We thank the Government of Canada for helping us on our mission that no Canadian be left behind, said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest. We know well-established charities and non-profits can access resources that smaller organizations local groups, shelters, local meal programs, and others simply cannot. Money for these groups means food on the tables of hungry families across Canada. Without these groups, we risk whole communities and vulnerable populations falling between the gaps of our social safety net.

While the organization is working with food donors such as Starbucks, Sysco and Loblaws, there are other food businesses, for example, farms who need to find a home for their crops, small community stores we can get them connected within their own communities and they could make a real difference.

Food waste is a real issue in our country. During this crisis in particular, when so many people risk going hungry, we cant afford to let good food go to waste, said Domenic Padula from MetroWorks Halifax. FoodRescue.ca allowed us to enhance our weekly care package for community participants by adding quality, healthy food. It also gives a second life to food that could otherwise go to the landfill.

For additional details, check out FoodRescue.ca, information on Second Harvest check out Secondharvest.ca.

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GETTING READY FOR EASTER

Getting ready for Easter is going to be quite different this year, but that doesnt mean we cant celebrate with ourselves, and with family. Heres a selection of menu tips courtesy of Derry-Anne Perog, head of culinary innovation at M&M Food Market, (mmfoodmarket.com) that can help guide you to the perfect repast.

Top Tips for Easter Meal Prep courtesy M&M Food Market

1. Make it easy: Save on time with online ordering and pick up, so you can shop for your groceries online, schedule a pick-up time, and get back to focusing on other important stuff. Avoiding leaving home? Use delivery.

2. Delight in the small things: We suspect menus and tables will be less full this year, but families can switch things up and consider offering holiday menus buffet-style no fuss, and still delicious. Consider video-chatting at the table with loved ones who cant be with you this year.

3. Make it new: With the new normal were all living, consider reinventing family favourites, or starting new traditions for these unique times. Consider brunch instead of lunch, breakfast instead of dinner leftovers are great for the evening.

4. Make it a meal kit: Easy to assemble, easy to cook, bake and create. Consider this years meal out on the grill.

5. Play with colour: Give people food options that represent the full spectrum of colour. Think red, orange and yellow veggies, green salads, blue fruits or edible flowers, in addition to the usual pinks, reds and browns of a main course protein.

6. Healthy sides: Green beans and Brussel sprouts, or perhaps a root vegetable medley will make your holiday menu.

7. Plan Ahead: In case you cant find fresh, fruits and veggies are frozen at peak freshness and theyre easy to buy in advance and usewhen you need them. Prep as much of your meal ahead of time.

8. Dont forget about peoples preferences: Include vegetable and vegan options, as well as those who have dietary issues.

9. Dont forget the appetizers: The perfect charcuterie board is easier to create than you might think and things like crackers, spreads, cheese and meat are always favourites. Start with a dazzling wooden serving board and build from there with a selection of favourite deli meats with different cheeses at both sides, finished with fruits, nuts and perhaps a frew springs of fresh, edible flowers.

rdemontis@postmedia.com

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Running A Mile A Day: The Pros And Cons For Your – Women’s Health

Posted: April 9, 2020 at 5:47 pm

Whether you don't have access to gym equipment like dumbbells right now or just ~need~ a break from the day-to-day and are looking for a solo form of exercise, there's never been a better time to set a running goallike running a mile a day.

As long as you have a pair of sneakers and a safe place to put one foot in front of the other, you're just minutes away from basking in all of the endorphins (and hopefully the sun) that come with a good run.

Even if running has never been your thing, working toward a daily mile is totally doable. "Most peopleincluding kidscould safely run or walk a mile per day with little to no risk of injury," says Steve Stonehouse, CPT, USATF run coach, and director of education for STRIDE. (Yep, walking breaks are totally acceptable, guys!)

Even seasoned runners should consider running a mile every day. "If you already have a regular running routine, increasing up to daily runs could improve your stamina and mood, too," adds Rebecca Kennedy, CPT, Peloton Master Tread Instructor.

So, yeah, if you needed a little extra push to get moving, this is it. But before you set that daily reminder to get out there and log that mile, there are a few things the pros want you to keep in mind.

As long as you do it safely (more on that soon), running a mile a day is a great way to support your overall health and fitness.

"You get all the benefits of running in general, like supporting cardiorespiratory fitness and bone health, without the volume of mileage that can potentially cause injury," says Stonehouse.

It's also a great way to guarantee you spend some time outdoors every dayand exercising outside has been shown to have greater psychological benefits, like a boosted mood and feeling calm, than sweating indoors, according to research from the American Psychological Association. (If you log your mile on a tread, though, even looking at nature scenes on a screen enhances your run's happiness-inducing effect, found a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.)

The average 150-pound person burns about 370 calories in 30 minutes of running at a 10 minute/mile pace, according to Harvard Medical School. Run a single mile at that pace and you'll burn about 123 calories.

While that's definitely something, it's likely not going to keep you progressing toward your goals long-term. "Your body is an incredibly adaptive machine and will adapt to the stresses of running a mile a day relatively quickly," explains Stonehouse.

If weight loss is your ultimate goal, you'll want to focus on training that helps you burn fat efficiently and build muscle. Which is why, ultimately, just running a mile a day won't do much to move the needle towards your long-term weight-loss goals; it simply doesn't burn enough calories. (Need a little inspo? Try one of these top calorie-burning exercises instead.)

Though logging a daily mile can be a great way to get moving and support your health and fitness goals, whether or not it supports muscle growth, too, depends on how you run it.

"Low-intensity cardio does not lead to muscle gain, a.k.a. hypertrophy," says Kennedy. If you run a mile at an easier or more moderate pace, you rely on type I (a.k.a. slow-twitch) muscle fibers, which support endurance exercise. (Picture a marathon runner.)

However, "sprinting is a great way to focus on muscle gain," Kennedy says. Sprinting recruits more muscle fibers, specifically type II (a.k.a. fast-twitch) muscle fibers, which support power production.

A surefire way to build that muscle? This equipment-free workout sculpts your lower body from home:

That said, sprinting just a total of one mile a day likely isn't enough to make noticeable muscle gains, says Kennedy. "In order to really put on muscle, you need to lift weights, eat enough to support muscle tissue breakdown and protein synthesis, and get adequate recovery."

Ultimately, can sprints support your progress? Totally. But will they do the job on their own? Not so much.

Before you vow to lace up your running shoes seven days a week, consider this: "If you don't run regularly and begin running every day, the steep increase in stress and impact puts pressure on your joints and ligaments. This could lead to potential injury," Kennedy says. So, if you don't have a current running routine, start with just one day of running per week and work yourself up to every day over the course of several weeks, she recommends.

Still, though, "running daily is not for everyone, just like power lifting every day isn't advisable," Kennedy says. So don't feel like if you haven't tried running a mile a day that you're missing out. There are plenty of other ways to reap similar benefits.

One of the biggest things to keep in mind is that, while you can totally build a tolerance to daily runs, switching up how you move from day to day can keep you feeling fresh, both in body and in mind.

Kennedy says her go-to way of incorporating a one-mile run into daily exercise is as a finisher. "It's an incredible way to feel accomplished at the end of a workout," she says. Whatever gas you've got left in the tank, burn through it in that mile.

Or, if you take your daily mile at an easier pace, it works well as a warm-up, too.

The bottom line: Running a mile a day can support your overall fitness and cardiovascular health, but don't expect it to build major muscle or eliminate the need for other types of exercise.

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