Daily Archives: May 23, 2020

In late March, Washington state officials launched an online portal to report non-essential businesses operating despite Gov. Jay Inslee's order that they close.

But some people have received threats and harassment after filing reports and having their personal information released by the state.

Among the complaints to the state:

A Kirkland woman reported on March 30 that an alternative medicine business was open and advertising an intravenous drip that could supposedly boost ones immune system against the coronavirus.

A man, concerned about a Redmond coffee shop inside a QFC that remained open, filed a report using the portal a day later.

And in Seattle, a business owner watched as customers visited a spa next door to his yoga studio, which hed closed to clients. He submitted a report, he told KUOW, because he thought the longer non-essential businesses remained open, the longer the Covid-19 pandemic would persist.

These reports were among thousands submitted to the state regarding the alleged operation of non-essential businesses, against Inslees stay-at-home order. The measure is intended to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

These three individuals told KUOW they didnt realize their names and contact information would be subject to public disclosure. A fourth person said she didnt believe anyone besides state officials would go through the trouble of obtaining the complaints.

Related: Violate stay-at-home order and risk arrest or having business license revoked, state officials say

Many discovered that wasnt the case when they received a mysterious email on May 6, warning that their personal information was being circulated online. The email was sent by treamaiden@gmail.com, which appears to now be defunct.

You may or may not have recently sent a complaint to Jay Inslee of Washington state," the email reads. "Recently I came across your information by what I believe may have been a leak of everyone who turned in a business.

Ten minutes later, harassing phone calls came rolling in for the Kirkland woman, who asked not to be named in this story, citing concern for her personal safety. Kirkland was the first hot spot identified amid the U.S. coronavirus outbreak.

Some of the emails and voicemails were mean-spirited, others threatening.

I just got news that you knocked on my business," said a male caller with a seemingly affected New Jersey accent. "You got 48 hours to get the f--- out of Washington, or Im coming for you and your loved ones.

Warning: This voice record includes offensive language.

You liberal f------ c---, I hope you choke on the f------ virus, said a woman with the cadence of someone who might live in northern Washington. Im so glad its public disclosure.

Warning: This recording includes offensive language.

Those who reported potential violations found themselves on what would become known as the snitch list. The document, which contains names, phone numbers, email addresses, and the complaints themselves, was shared within politically fueled Facebook groups.

KUOW is not naming the complainants in question, as they have requested not to be identified out of concern for their safety.

It was a lot. It was really scary and stressful, the Kirkland woman said, recounting the numerous voicemails and emails that she received. I was just trying to be a good person. I thought my information was protected.

By reporting businesses to the state, these complainants unwittingly found themselves in the middle of a conflict between right-wing groups advocating against business closures and state officials who argue the shutdown is necessary to curb the pandemic.

The "snitch list" was requested 19 times before the warning email was sent to the Kirkland woman on May 6. Several media outlets, individuals, and people who listed themselves as lawyers asked for the document using public disclosure requests.

The document is now housed on a website run by conservative activist Glen Morgan, who lives on a farm in Thurston County. On his website, Morgan calls the document the list of Inslees informant army.

Within the first four days of it being posted, 6,500 people downloaded the spreadsheet containing the complaints and contact information of those who filed them. Morgan said he posted the list as a matter of transparency and habit.

"I will never write an article unless I absolutely have to that doesn't have the original source-linked documents that I'm referencing," he said. "If you look at the other articles that I write, I mean I put up hundreds of original source links usually government documents on a monthly basis."

Morgan told KUOW he doesnt condone the harassment that has resulted from the list circulating online. He said the culprits behind the intimidation should be identified and exposed. Still, he doesn't intend to remove the list from his website.

When asked if he would feel responsible if someone on the list were to be harmed, Morgan said No but I think the state should be.

As he sees it, state officials created a hostile situation.

"It's certainly not a good way to build the harmony in the community or, you know, really achieve anything other than just pitting neighbor against neighbor," Morgan said.

I mean, that's something that you would find more in like an Eastern Germany spy novel, you know or China, he said.

Today, the online complaint portal gives this warning: All of the information collected at this site is considered public information. All of the information collected at this site is public information that will be publicly released in a public records request per RCW 42.56.

This disclaimer had been on the website, which linked to the form, but not on the form itself. This meant that people who Googled the form, or accessed the form through a media outlet, would not have seen the disclaimer.

Governor's Office spokesperson Mike Faulk said officials "strongly condemn" the harassment resulting from the circulation of complainants' personal information.

"The treatment people have been subjected to is unacceptable and repugnant," Faulk said by email. "It is extremely troubling that people who were trying to keep their communities healthy were subjected to this."

He said the harassment has not discouraged people from submitting complaints through the online portal, to the surprise of state officials. However, more of the reports are being filed anonymously now.

Meanwhile, the Seattle yoga studio owner said he's not satisfied.

"I support what our governor is doing," he said. "I'm very disappointed in him just kind of brushing this aside when ... people being threatened is also a matter of public health. "

The harassing phone calls and emails the Kirkland woman received have died down for now. But the experience has left her shaken.

I would never provide contact information ever again for anything, she said. I literally thought this was completely anonymous and Im trying to be a good person. And now Im afraid for my life.

Read more:

'Snitch list:' Trolls harass those who reported Covid-19 business violations in Washington state - KUOW News and Information

Immunity booster drink: Alkaline water may provide many health benefits.

Highlights

The current Coronavirus pandemic has left everyone searching for answers. While the world struggles to find a medicinal solution, it is clearer than ever that we must focus on boosting our immunity- a seemingly simple yet one of the most effective preventive solutions against any infection or flu. While reading umpteen number of articles on different 'superfoods' and supplements that can boost our immune system, what we generally miss considering is probably the most essential part of our day-to-day existence - alkaline water.

While consumers in general have become more health conscious over the years, many of them are still not aware if the water they drink daily is fit for consumption. Majority of the households seem to be satisfied with a simple Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifier in their homes, which in turn, drains water of many minerals that are essential for the body, lowers it pH and thus renders it acidic leading to a bitter tasting, corrosive water that is unfit for drinking.

The solution lies in relooking at water purification in its entirety. To be more precise, it is time to turn to Alkaline Water- a significant step towards boosting the immune system.

(Also Read:How To Make Mint Water For Healthy Weight Loss And Good Immunity)

Alkaline water helps boost immunity and enhances hydration.

To begin with, alkaline water when introduced in the body neutralises the acidic toxins present in the body. Overabundance of these toxins essentially means that the body must work overtime to maintain healthy functions- resulting in lethargy and overall weakness. Alkaline water, which is easily absorbed in the body allows for a more efficient system of flushing the toxins and harmful substances out of the body. Alkaline water is also known to improve the performance of one's circulatory system, which means better blood quality and more oxygen to vital organs.

Additionally, drinking alkaline water hinders the growth of free radicals in the body that can fasten the ageing process. As per a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, a significant difference in the whole blood viscosity of participants was observed after consuming alkaline water as opposed to regular water after a strenuous workout. According to a study published in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, alkaline water provides higher longevity in terms of "deceleration aging factor" as it increases the survival functions.

(Also Read:How to Make Alkaline Water at Home)

Alkaline water is fortified with a range of essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and trace elements like copper, zinc etc. that are essential for maintaining body's metabolism. A study published in the Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine showed that consumption of alkaline water may prevent osteoporosis and protect pancreatic beta cells with its antioxidant effects. Yet another study published in Public Library of Science (PLOS) said that drinking alkalised water enhances hydration, improves acid-base balance and anaerobic exercise performance. People who drink alkaline water claim that it provides greater hydration than regular water. Since many people suffer from dehydration, especially so in warmer climates, drinking alkaline water may be an effective way to keep the body well hydrated.

There are many other known benefits of drinking alkaline water, such as stronger bones and weight loss. All the benefits above collectively prepare the immune system to battle foreign pathogens and protect you from many diseases and health issues.

Dr. Suresh Sisodia is Sr. Vice President at Havells India Ltd. He is a veteran in the water purification industry with an experience stretching over three decades. Prior to joining Havells as Sr. Vice President (Water Purification) in 2016, he was associated with brands such as Aquaguard, AquaSure, Forbes, Livpure and Euroclean. His educational qualifications include a doctoral degree in Pollution modelling of Upper Ganga basin' from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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Alkaline Water: How It Is The Key to Boost Your Immunity - NDTV Food

Reading Time: 3 minutesLeft to right: Steven, Zavier, Charli-Rose, Zachary and Kristy

KristyKeesing-Goldsmith relishes being mum to three-year old Charli-Rose and one-year-old twins Zavier and Zachary.

Five yearsagoshe thought she thought she would never have children of her own.Having sufferedPolycystic Ovarian Syndromefor yearsand four miscarriages, she was told by two doctors that her only option was IVF. The IVF doctor she consulted told herthe clinic would not be able to helpuntil she had lost weight, which she struggled to do.

That was really hurtful and discouragingto hear becauseI really wanted to be a mother, MrsKeesing-Goldsmith toldThe Catholic Weekly.

An encounter with Blacktown GP Dr Van Nguyen after contracting a strain of the common flu opened up the alternative of restorative reproductive medicine, a field thats growing alongside the IVF space with great results for womens health and fertility but is much less known.

Im so grateful and I honestly believe that more doctors should be studying this

After learning to chart her monthly cycle and with clinical support from Dr Nguyen, she fell pregnant within a month with Charli-Rose. She is convinced that without Dr Nguyens support throughout both of her pregnancies they would not have succeeded.

Im so grateful and I honestly believe that more doctors should be studying this and providing this to people because it does work, she said. I tell all my friends that have PCOS and things like that it doesnt mean you cant have a baby.

The couple are amongmany who have found hope in fertility awareness methodswith the three main ones being the Billings Ovulation Method,Sympto-Thermal Method and CreightonFertilityCaremodel.They each promote womens overall health and, particularly the Creightonmodelwhich is integrated with medical care,offerwholisticalternatives to IVF that are respectful of the couplesrelationship and any newlife.BlacktownFertilityCarepractitionerVinettaLobo eKakodkarsaid that its method of charting enables a woman to monitorher monthly cycle from which trained practitioners and doctors can gainvaluable information topromote awomens reproductive and gynaecological healthand help couples toachieve pregnancy or avoid or spacepregnancies.

[In cases of infertility] it gives us an wholisticunderstanding of what is happening with thecouple, andhelps the doctor to diagnose and then treat the underlying problem accordingly, she toldThe Catholic Weekly. And it is not only about womens health and fertility but promotes relationship bonding as well.North Ryde couple Amanda and Noah Silveira are expecting their first child this month.They are convinced that using the Creighton model of fertility awareness helped them to achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy.Mrs Silveirawas prompted by a family friend tolook intothe methodafter she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) and failed to find asolution from GPs exceptto take the birth control pill.

I was looking for something more natural, she said. Then when I got marriedwe were also looking at using it forachieving and avoiding pregnancy.

Mrs Silveirasaid she learnt inone or two sessionshow to track and record her monthly cycle, andit tooka month of practice to becomeconfident in using the method.

With the integrated care of Merrylands Dr VeronicaOConnellshe was able to alleviate the effectsof her disease and after using it to try to fall pregnant was successful after the first month. Like MrsKeesing-Goldsmith she wascarefully monitoredby her GPthroughout the nine months.

Mr Silveira said the results were pretty impressive and that he had learnt a lot about his wife throughout their fertility journey.

For more information about FertilityCareseewww.fccau.org.auorcall Vinetta Lobo e Kakodkar on0430509890.

An online course will be held next month to train medical professionals in the management ofinfertility.

The FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management) course will be run from 5-7 June by Professor Pilar Vigil, an international expert on fertility, infertility and natural family planning.

The course has the support of the Australasian Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine (AIRRM), and the institute has invited Professor Vigil to speak at its biennial National Fertility Conference in 2021.

This October AIRRM will hold a live-streamed day conference open to anyone who is interested in natural fertility management.

For information see http://www.airrm.org.au.

Related articles:

Wisdom drives online natural fertility courseLife to the full despite infertility pain

Excerpt from:

Couples conceiving an alternative to IVF - The Catholic Weekly

Before Mackenzie Kennedy became a volleyball star for Andover High and Endicott College, doctors wondered if her health would allow her to live a normal life, let alone play sports.

And even as she excelled for the Golden Warriors and Gulls, Kennedy was waging a battle to remain on the court.

I suffer from a neurological condition that causes seizure-type episodes, said Kennedy. Given that the seizures are caused by my autonomic nervous system, Im not considered an epileptic because the episodes cant be triggered in a clinical setting. The unique diagnosis made the treatment and management difficult.

With my illness, there was a lot of doubts if I would be able to participate in any sport, let alone collegiate athletics. My college sports medicine staff worked tirelessly with me to ensure that I obtained and maintained eligibility to play.

Now, inspired by those that allowed her to follow her dream, Kennedy (Endicott class of 2020) is pursuing a career in sports medicine. She is scheduled to begin work as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at California State University in the fall.

I decided on sports medicine as a career goal because of my struggles with illness, said Kennedy (AHS, 16). My college sports medicine staff was always so kind to me and supported me in my endeavors, no matter how challenging the road got. They were my lifeline.

Without them, college volleyball probably would not have been a possibility for me. I know how much it meant to me for them to be there. Now, I so desperately want to be that resource for someone else.

EARLY STRUGGLES, ANDOVER STAR

I first started suffering with my illness during middle school, said Kennedy. The condition escalated quickly during high school before doctors were able to get it under control. For a while. I couldnt attend public school for liability reasons.

While my doctors worked tirelessly to figure out medications and treatment that my body would respond to, I became hyper sensitive to my lifestyle habits that I could modify to help limit the episodes. I focused on hydration, nutrition, sleep, acupuncture, and other forms of alternative medicine to help control my disorder. Having sports taken away from me so abruptly gave me a new appreciation for the game.

A two-year captain for Andover High (2014-15), Kennedy moved from libero to setter as a senior and earned All-MVC honors. She averaged team highs with 9.0 assists and 3.8 digs while leading Andover to the Division 1 state title game.

Playing for Andover High was one of the highlights of my adolescence, she said. Though the state championship didnt go our way, beating a powerhouse like Barnstable, in a gritty, home, five-set (regular season) match was incredible.

ENDICOTT, CHOOSING PATH

Kennedy continued to star on the court at Endicott as a defensive specialist. As a senior this past fall, she was Commonwealth Coast Conference Libero of the Year, first team All-CCC and National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American.

While it was often a challenge to keep going, Kennedy said her passion only grew, both on the court and off. I was playing not only for myself and my love for the game, but I was also playing for all of the kids I met during my medical workups that wouldnt have the chance to pursue the same opportunities, she said.

I learned how challenging sports medicine is, and how creative and important these medical personnel are. Seeing the amount of investment the staff had in the athletes, and the relationships they built with them during challenging times was amazing. My first-hand experience truly inspired me to pursue the sports medicine field.

WORKING AT BC

Andovers Mackenzie Kennedy, an athletic training major at Endicott College, spent the fall and winter as an intern with the Boston College athletic program.

I knew that I wanted to work with a Division 1 program, she said. I reached out to the Boston College sports medicine staff on my own. I went after the mens ice hockey, mens basketball and football teams because of the level of challenge associated with the sports. Not only was I dealing with high injury sports and athletes much larger than myself, I also was stepping foot into sports that do not commonly carry female athletic trainers.

My days consisted of leaving Endicott at roughly 4:30 every morning and going into BC for 5:45 a.m. treatment and a 7 a.m. practice. I would then drive back to Endicott around noon to go to class, then and the practice or games for my own sport (volleyball).

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TWITTER: @DWillisET

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Inspired by her health battle, Andover's Kennedy pursuing career in sports medicine - Andover Townsman