War in Ukraine: the plight of students left to fend for themselves

In Ukraine, foreign students live the war to the rhythm of Ukrainians. Many of them have no news from their embassies. Isolated, with no evacuation plan or emergency number to contact, they are experiencing the situation very badly and are calling on their governments to organize their repatriation. 

Many students feel lonely in their apartments in the big industrial city of Kharkiv. The city has not fallen to Russian troops, but intense fighting continues in the area, according to the Pentagon. They have received no sign from their country's authorities since the start of the Russian invasion

They feel isolated because they have no news from their embassies. Some of these embassies have told them that if they go to the border with Poland, in Lviv, they will be taken care of there but there is nothing yet.

For two days, the daily life of the students has turned into a nightmare. During the night from Wednesday to Thursday, at 4 a.m., the shaking of the windows of their buildings and the bombings aroused them from their sleep.

Before that, everything was calm. They didn't know that they could wake up like that, overnight, with a lump in their stomachs.

The stations and the banks are closed, the metros are at a standstill, the buses too. The bombardments take place at one end of the city. People have been sleeping in the subways for two days, their parents are so scared  and they don't know what will happen the next day. After being woken up by bombardments, they expect just about anything.

On a WhatsApp conversation group, students of all nationalities exchange advice and experiences by hundreds of messages. Everyone wants to get out of the country, but in most Ukrainian cities, renting a car or finding a taxi has become a real obstacle course. 

The problem in Poland is that a lot of people are already trying to cross the border. They therefore do not know when they will be allowed to cross it. All appeal to their governments to organize their repatriation.

War in Ukraine: what economic consequences?

Commodity prices or envisaged sanctions… What are the economic consequences of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia? What could be the consequences of a country's isolation on the world economy and on Russia?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has and will have repercussions on the global economy, notably on the price of raw materials, but also following a potential exclusion of Russia from the Swift network and possible economic isolation. Russian. Consequences all the more serious as it could be the most important conflict to take place on European soil since the Balkan wars in the 1990s.

Raw materials

 

Vladimir Putin chose to launch the offensive at dawn, Thursday, February 24, 2022. Around 5 a.m., Russian soldiers entered Ukrainian territory. The markets were still sleeping. At the opening, the price of raw materials soared.

The Russian economy depends on the export of raw materials. The sector represents 60% of Russian exports. Russia is the world's largest producer of wheat (Ukraine is fifth), one of the largest oil exporters, provides about 40% of European gas and produces large quantities of metals. The country is the leading producer of palladium, used for the construction of catalytic converters for cars in particular, the second largest producer of aluminum and nickel, and the seventh largest producer of copper in the world. Ukraine, on the other hand, is the world's largest producer of maize.

 

The barrel of oil exceeded 100 dollars per barrel, the ton of wheat reached a record level at 344 euros per ton and the price of natural gas jumped 40% in one day. Paradoxically, this is an advantage for Russia, because we have not stopped importing Russian raw materials for the moment. Germany, for example, is heavily dependent on Russian liquefied natural gas. Once an alternative to Russian raw materials is found, this excessive economic dependence will inevitably turn against the country.

 

However, it is currently difficult to do without Russian raw materials, especially gas. If Russian gas does not come to Europe, there is a real subject of gas prices in Europe. In other words, Europe currently has no immediate solution to replace gas imports from Russia.

Operating a Water Heater

The choice of a type of water heater is directly dependent on your domestic hot water, but also of your heating system. The operation of the water heater is not the same if the unit is to produce instant hot water or storage in electric power or gas.

Energy of water heater: electrical, gas, solar...?

Electric water heater can have one or two heating elements according to the hot water needs of the home and can be installed in any room of the house if the installation rules are followed. The gas water heater can produce hot water with a low energy cost. There are different types. The solar water heater can be of different types and their purchase price as well as their installation remains a high cost. However, it is possible to benefit from subsidies and tax reductions. The heat pump water heater is a direct alternative to solar water heater while ensuring all hot water needs of a household, it incorporates a heat pump.

Hot water production

There are two types of devices for the production of domestic hot water:

* Hot water balloon or accumulation apparatus: hot water is stored.

* Tankless water: hot water is available immediately. It produces hot water "on demand". It has no storage tank and is reserved principally for one or two water points away from the main source of hot water production.

Usage of the water heater: domestic hot water, swimming pool...?

The hot water production can meet different needs such as:

* Domestic hot water: the choices available to you to generate domestic hot water should match not only your needs but also your heating system if applicable to the energy available in the housing configuration and your region.

* Pool water heater: you want to use your pool all the year, extend the summer, your water is too cold for you? You can warm the water in your pool, various heating systems exist, but costs as well as their effectiveness vary widely.

* Camper water heater: if you own an RV, you want to have a hot water quantity that meets your needs and at the right temperature.

Temperature of the water heater: power, thermostat...

The temperature of the water heater is an important element to adjust the hot water at the right temperature. For this, it will pick a suitable power of water heater. Then it is the thermostat that adjusts the temperature. The contactor day/night, can take advantage of off-peak hours:

* Power of the heater: for your needs in hot water, you need water heating appliances. In gas, electric or solar, it must determine the power and capacity of your devices.

* Temperature of the water heater: well set the temperature of the water heater, it is saving on the bill and it ensures ease of use in everyday life.

* Water heater thermostat: regardless of the energy used, the thermostat allows you to set the output temperature of water from your water heater.

* Day night switch of heater: Reserved for electrical installations, the day night switch can be provided for the design, but also connected to an old facility. It can trigger your water heater option "off hours" under condition of a compatible electric subscription.

Installing the water heater: location and connection

Whatever type of your water heater, implementation and installation rules are different, but all must comply with the regulations. They must be connected to the mains and sanitary water.

Water heater implantation: mini, vertical or horizontal?

There are three types of implantation for a water heater: the Mini heater is small and compact, it installs easily anywhere closer to the outlet points, even in the most complex cases. The vertical water heater is small and compact, it installs easily also. horizontal water heater is to choose if you can not do otherwise. It must have at least 50 more than the vertical water heater to identical hot water needs.

What connections to the water heater: electrical, plumbing...

During installation, a water heater must always be connected to the mains and sanitary water:

* Diagram of the water heater: how to connect your cumulus?

* Plumbing and water heater: what are the rules to follow?

* Buffer balloon: it stores your water avoiding temperature variations across the hot water circuit. 

This is an isolated balloon, it can be used for all types of energy, but especially for the CAP, solar.

* Pressure reducer for water heaters: installed after the water meter, it reduces the pressure of water and avoids problems on your system in general and on your water heater in particular.

Solar water heaters: in kit or make your own?

To install a solar water heater at home, two solutions are available to you. The solar water heater kit contains everything you need to install your solar water heater. The composition of the kits is not always the same; it depends on your needs. Building a solar water heater is a more difficult solution to implement than the kit, you must be a good handyman, select each element and know to implement them. Although cheaper than the kit, the solar water heater "homemade" is amortized in about 8 years against 12 years for the kit.

Maintenance of the water heater: Drain and descaling

The maintenance of the water heater is essential to keep it in good working order and save money on your bill. It passes through the drain of the water heater. This is simple to perform and allows you to achieve energy savings while extending its good working order. It also requires the scaling of the heater. The cleaning of your water heater heating element guarantees the safety of your plant while avoiding over-consumption or failure.

Parts of the water heater: how to replace them?

If, despite regular maintenance, your water heater fails or malfunctions, it is perhaps a defective part:

* Thermocouple: This is a security organ of your water heater. It checks whether the pilot flame is lit and cut the gas when needed. If your water heater is often off and eventually stops working, it may be time to clean or replace.

* Resistance of the water heater: It can heat the water in your water heater. Over time, the resistance will calcify, it takes more energy to heat the water and sometimes it longer performs its function, you can change it.

* Anode water heater: This is an element of protection against corrosion of your tank. It degrades slowly. It is changing every 5 years, sometimes 10 years if your water is not too hard.

* Water heater Security Group: your water heater security group is an essential organ since it ensures the safety of your home in case of overpressure of your tank. It maintains and changes easily.

Water heater problems: what works?

Usually, there is nothing else to provide than regular maintenance of your water heater. However, it is possible to occur a fault or failure. You can intervene without calling a plumber:

* Leaking water heater: It may happen that a leak occurs, if that is the case, where the leak is located determines the type of repair and possible solutions.

* Troubleshooting water heater: Renters and homeowners each have obligations when it comes to repair or maintain the water heater.

The prices of water heaters: according to the type of device

The prices of water heaters vary depending on the type of water heater selected, its capacity, its power. They start at about US$ 100 and can go up to US$ 3,500. Do not hesitate to call a professional to get a quotation, it will fully evaluate your needs and the cost of your installation.

Buy water heater: what criteria of choice? where to buy?

Buy your heater requires to ask you some questions such as the choice of energy, your domestic hot water, the configuration of your home and of course your budget. There are water heaters in large stores of crafts and specialty shops.

Find a heating engineer for your water heater

For your installation and maintenance of the water heater in your home, contact a plumber/heating engineer, both professions are often linked. Go through a heating engineer offers many guarantees.

10 Natural Painkillers Against Cough

Sleep and mood disorder, cough can become a nightmare. Fortunately, natural remedies relieve and treat effectively. In addition, good reflexes and a healthy lifestyle are also very good.

Honey

Best solution in every sense of the word, honey is also effective against cough that it pleasants on

the palate. Rather than force­feed you drugs in high doses can be dangerous, opt for a tablespoon of honey before going to bed.

The benefits of honey:

=> natural antioxidants that reduce infection;

=> sugar that soothes the pain.

Prepare an infusion with honey:

=> Brew a lemon tea bag in boiling water.

=> Remove the bag and fill with a teaspoon of honey.

Ginger

Eat more ginger. Ginger is an excellent treatment against dry cough and productive cough.

Eat raw or grate ginger in a cup of boiling water to make a tea. You can relieve your cough and throat significantly by consuming ginger throughout the day.

Onions

Simple, good and economic, onions easily replace a cough syrup and other medicines. Here you are already on the road to recovery!

Indeed, substances in an onion hold anti­inflammatory and anti­infective properties. It thins the secretions to speed healing, the dose of vitamin C that it contains will give you pep.

Onion Syrup against cough:

=> Mix honey with chopped onion.

=> Steep 12 hours in the refrigerator.

=> Retrieve the syrup and discard the onion.

Hot lemon juice

The body spends more vitamin C when we are sick. It is therefore essential to consume more!

You will find vitamin C in fruit juices, to consume without moderation!

Fruits juices rich in vitamin C: Blackcurrant / Kiwi / Strawberry.

Antitussive tea

The heat and the benefits of the combined plant calm and soothe the throat and help sleep.

What infusion to choose:

=> Thyme: expectorant and sedative.

=> Marshmallow: protect and repair the irritation.

=> Licorice: reduces the intensity of cough.

=> Horehound: calm coughs.

=> Cloves: naturally relieve irritations of the throat.

Tip: To complete the treatment, add honey or lemon in your tea.

Homeopathy

Some plants relieve cough and other symptoms still as sore throat or respiratory tracts obstruction.

=> The belladonna: plant indicated in cases of nasopharyngitis causing high fevers.

=> The sundew: quiet irritating cough and treats bronchitis.

=> The cuprum metallicum: particularly recommended for intestinal problems.

House syrup

Beware of syrups sold in pharmacies! If they do not suit your cough, an adverse effect will occur: irritation of the extended throat.

Thanks to a few specially selected ingredients, you concoct a homemade, natural syrup.

=> Mix a teaspoon of honey with lemon juice.

=> Add a pinch of pepper and stir well to mix.

=> Enjoy.

The winning combination:

=> Honey: calms and soothes the throat.

=> Lemon: heals irritation and infuses a dose of vitamin C.

=> The pepper: speeds healing.

Inhalations

Essential oils are used to clear the respiratory tracts and soothe irritations.

=> The essential oil of sandalwood: quiet bronchitis due to its antiseptic properties.

=> The absolute benzoin: stop coughing.

=> The essential oil Myrten: for congested nose.

They do not consume, but inhale, the following process:

=> Mix in a bowl essential oils of eucalyptus, cedar or pine.

=> Add hot water.

=> Place a towel over your head and gently breathe fumes for 15 min.

Good to know: cough allows the lungs to eliminate the superfluous. Taking a deep breath and

coughing very hard, you will be undisturbed for several hours.

Moisten his room

A cough may be caused by too dry room air. However, moisture prevents the appearance of dryness in the throat and relieves coughing.

Thus, to avoid suffering incessant cough that will prevent you from sleeping, install a manual or electric humidifier. It creates a cool, moist atmosphere in the room.

Good to know: you can also place a bowl of hot water or a wet cloth on the radiator of the room.

Candies

The sweets are effective only in the moment. And this is usually sufficient!

=> They contain sugar which promotes salivation and thinning respiratory tracts.

=> They relieve the respiratory tracts, giving a fresh feel.

The star of candy against colds:

=> For coughs: horehound.

=> For dry cough: slippery elm, mint or lemon.

Eating Well And Diet

The well-being of the body is through diet. Physical health is a prerequisite for balanced diet.

The saying "you have to eat to live and not live to eat" is a dietary truth:

=> Proof of this is that people who eat too much or eat poorly, have all kinds of problems: cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, skin problems, etc. ;

=> when we eat poorly, the risks to our health are many, but in industrialized countries, people run more risk because of the excess rather than the wants. Obesity is also steadily increasing.

The balance on our plate: eat well, what is it?

Eating well everything in reasonable quantities

It sounds simplistic. Yet, we have all that is good for our health without necessarily having to resort to substitutes, drugs, and other capsules, although some people can use it for reasons relating to:

=> age;

=> fragility (disease);

=> or a temporary condition (pregnancy, lactation).

The key to a healthy adult, is:

=> Know compose his meal of the day according to the standards of dietetics: that is to say, in accordance with the quantities of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals essential to our daily balance.

=> Limit excesses: eating too much, eating too fast, jump one or more meals, drink too much alcohol and too little water...

=> Do not make too restrictive diets: beware of plans that inherently eliminate all fats and all sugars (which harm respectively in skin elasticity and functioning of the brain that needs glucose). Diets should always be followed by a registered dietitian or a doctor and must remain exceptional.

Eating well and emotional balance

Eating well is not just to please our bodies, stay physically healthy and keep the line.

Eating well is also:

=> run your taste buds and take pleasure in tasting flavors;

=> a social process that allows us to maintain relationship with friends or with family and closer it over a meal;

=> a moment of relaxation after a hard day: hence the importance of smelling and tasting dishes in a moment of serenity while ignoring our problems and family and social conflicts;

=> eat slowly and take your time. Do not eat in a hurry. By eating slowly, in a quiet environment:

=> taking time to chew food you get faster at a satiety state;

=> conversely: swallow without chewing does not stall us enough and we eat twice as much.

Body well-being in its environment

The body well-being requires an adequate nutrition that is to say, a kitchen respecting the DIET rules and is rich in essential nutrients and essential vitamins for our balance.This healthy food life can be supplemented by natural methods such as phytotherapy or aromatherapy. Indeed, plants and essential oils have natural beneficial properties to humans and can enable them to achieve well-being.

Habitat and decoration are now considered as important elements to our well-being. Organize the house under the rules of health program or add plants to clean up the atmosphere while leaving plenty of room to light, may be means to achieve it.

To be well in its environment, specialists can be found:

=> Dietician: his role is to provide advice on nutrition;

=> Naturopath: advices on different aspects of lifestyle in order to restore a balance;

=> Herbalist: doctors by plants;

=> Therapist: his role is to avoid stress, depression, overwork...