A Brief Look at Sustainable Urban Planning

 Based in San Diego, California, Douglas Austin is an architect with several years of experience. He is also the chairman and CEO of AVRP Studios in San Diego. Douglas Austin studied urban retail planning at Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

As the effects of climate change become more apparent, there is a need to ensure that land, water, and living spaces are put into sustainable use. The United Nations, in its 1987 report, defined sustainability as any form of development that addresses present needs and does not reduce the chances of future generations meeting their own needs. Therefore, sustainable urban development is a form of urban development that prioritizes protecting the environment and conserving environmental resources so that future generations can access them.

With sustainable urban development, cities are planned in ways that are friendly to the environment. Fewer funds will be spent on massive infrastructure like highways. Instead, the government will spend money constructing walkways, bike lanes, recreational parks, etc. Furthermore, the government will prioritize infrastructures like metro systems, underground railways, and electric trolleybuses.

What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

 A graduate of St. John's University with a BS in pharmaceutical sciences, Ellen Scharaga has worked for many pharmaceutical businesses over the course of her career. Ellen Scharaga serves as an operational consultant with Alegria Specialty Pharmacy, where she helps the company develop and deliver innovative specialty medications for chronic illnesses like HIV, hepatitis C, and multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that originates in the brain and spinal cord but is caused by a malfunctioning immune system. The immune system in a healthy person fights infection by attacking foreign invaders (bacteria or other harmful cells) before they can cause health complications or illnesses. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks and destroys the protective layer around brain cells (neurons). This protective layer is called the myelin sheath.

The myelin sheath is not a foreign invader - rather, it is an integral element in the nervous system that helps brain cells communicate with each other. Cells that are abnormally deprived of these sheaths lose the ability to relay information across the brain and spinal cord. The consequence of this phenomenon is a reduced level of function in the brain and the areas of the body the brain communicates with.

The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) vary in type and intensity. Often, multiple sclerosis is presented with a combination of two or more symptoms that may include muscle paralysis, chronic fatigue, vision loss, loss of balance and coordination, and sexual dysfunction. In some people, MS results in cognitive decline and bladder problems. At present existing treatments for MS focus on managing the symptoms, since the disease cannot be cured.

Advice for Supporting Somebody Who Has Cancer

 Estimates published by The American Cancer Society state that approximately 1.9 million people received a cancer diagnosis in 2021. It’s possible that somebody you know was one of them. It’s also possible that a person you love may receive a diagnosis at some point. As a friend or loved one, you’ll want to support this person as much as you can. Here are some tips to help you support those with cancer.

First, prepare for mood changes.

The treatments for cancer, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can be physically and mentally taxing. Couple that with other medications that may have side effects. It is also likely that your loved one will experience mood changes. Depression, fatigue, anger, and anxiety are all common emotions for somebody who has cancer. By understanding these mood changes may come, you can gird up yourself with the patience to deal with them rather than losing your temper because your loved one isn’t acting like they usually do.

Second, offer practical support wherever you can.

In addition to being mentally and physically draining, many cancer treatments place significant demands on a person’s time. Furthermore, the physical effects may leave somebody unable to complete their daily tasks. By offering to help with practical tasks, you relieve some of your loved one’s burdens. Examples of tasks include cleaning, gardening, babysitting, cooking meals, and picking children up from school.

Consider setting some boundaries to ensure you only do what you’re able to. For example, ask directly if your loved one needs somebody to pick up their children from school rather than asking them if there’s anything you can do. This approach ensures you can still focus on yourself while helping your loved one.

Third, learn to listen.

Cancer is such an overwhelming condition that it’s unlikely your loved one will be able to think about anything else. Often, they’ll need somebody to act as a sounding board for their concerns and frustrations. This is especially the case if they’re trying to make a treatment decision. Providing your loved one with the space to verbalize their thought process means you learn more about what they’re going through. You may also be able to contribute suggestions or questions for the person to ask their doctor.

Advice is not always necessary, particularly if you have limited experience with cancer. Sometimes, just offering a sympathetic ear is all that your loved one needs from you.

Fourth, understand how important your visits are to the person you’re supporting.

Always call before you visit your loved one. This call gives them the choice of whether they want to see you. Be understanding if they don’t. Your friend may want some alone time to think about what they’re going through.

Assuming your loved one wants you to visit them, consider scheduling. Short and frequent visits are often preferred to long and infrequent ones. Shorter visits still provide you with the time needed to offer support without being so long that the visit feels draining for your loved one. Begin and end each visit with physical contact, such as a hug or a handshake. Allow your loved one to determine what you do during the visit. Also, make references to your next visit, so the other person has something to look forward to.

Finally, recognize that supporting somebody who has cancer takes a mental toll on you as well. You’re seeing somebody you love go through a tremendously difficult experience. Make time to support yourself, so you’re better able to help the person you love.