#long-term

[fortuneaday]

[A white fortune cookie paper with black text on the front and an icon of a bee. It reads: Focus on your long-term goal. Good things will soon happen.]

[integral-triangle-ovipositor]

[davidstortebeker]

Hügelkultur - Sheetmulching Raised to New Heights

In my last post I discussed mulching as an effective way to help the water retention of your soil, while providing lots of nutrients over an extended time. Today I want to keep raising this technique to new levels, quite literally, in the form of Hügelkultur. Hügel means Hill in German (and I bet you can guess Kultur!), so this gardening method is often called hill or mound beds in English. Essentially they are advanced forms of lasagna beds, which also includes thick logs and other large-scale organic debris, and can rise up to shoulder high above ground level.

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Multiple Benefits of a Hügel Bed

Just as in the case of sheetmulching, the ground is covered with various layers of compostable materials. Unlike with simple sheetmulching, the logs and branches inside a Hügel will take several years to decompose, offering your plants many seasons of nutrients. Since the bulk of the mound is made up of wood, the decomposing material will become more and more porous, which can soak up more and more water. Due to the constant decomposition inside the bed, and the elevated planting area above the level of ground frost, the Hügel is also likely to extend your growing season. This is especially true if you build it in a horseshoe form, opening towards the South, creating an effective suntrap. The elevated planting beds also come in handy for gardening work you don't have to bend down for.

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Building Your Hügel-culture

A Hügelkulture can be built from the ground up, or you may dig a trench underneath if you're counting on plenty of water. The rule of thumb is always to put the material that takes the longest to decompose on the bottom, and build your way up from there. Recently cut logs, heartwood, or hardwood go way down below, followed by wood that is already rotting away happily. On top of the thicker logs you place layers of thinner branches, twigs, woodchips, then continue with straw, leaves, compost, and finally a good layer of fertile soil that you can plant into right away. Around the leaves and straw you may also include a layer of manure, cardboard, lawn clippings, kitchen compost, or whatever organic wastes you may have lying around. Just make sure they are well covered. And don't forget to water each layer to give your Hügel a good head start.

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Is All The Extra Work Really Worth It?

Granted, compared to a regular lasagna bed, a Hügelkultur involves a lot more work: Logs, branches, and sticks need to be cut and moved into place, then covered in several layers, which due to its hill shape will require a lot more material, while at the same time the benefits of a Hügel are pretty much the same as in sheetmulching: water retention and long term release of nutrients. Still, I would say the difference between the two is immense, since the Hügel does all that much better, and over longer time periods. So if you have the material available - and what else would you be doing with so much rotting wood? - I would say it's definitely worth the effort.

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Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

[wishesmsg]

Acromegaly

Overview

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder that results from excessive production of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. This condition usually develops slowly over several years and is often not diagnosed until later stages. In most cases, acromegaly is caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, called pituitary adenoma, that produces too much GH. Rarely, acromegaly can also be caused by tumors in other parts of the body that produce GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) or by non-tumor-related causes. The excess GH in acromegaly leads to an overgrowth of bones and tissues in the body, especially in the hands, feet, face, and internal organs. This results in a range of symptoms that can include: - Enlarged hands and feet - Coarse facial features - Increased sweating - Fatigue - Headaches - Joint pain - Carpal tunnel syndrome - Sleep apnea - Vision problems - Hypertension - Diabetes mellitus Acromegaly can also increase the risk of certain health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and colon polyps. Treatment options for acromegaly include surgery to remove the pituitary tumor, medications to reduce GH production or block its effects, and radiation therapy. Treatment can improve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of long-term health problems. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are important for managing this condition.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acromegaly can vary widely from person to person and can develop slowly over several years. Some of the common signs and symptoms of acromegaly include: - Enlarged hands and feet: The bones in the hands and feet grow larger, and the fingers and toes become thicker and wider. - Coarse facial features: The bones in the face, especially the jaw and forehead, become more prominent, and the nose and lips may also increase in size. - Increased sweating: People with acromegaly often experience excessive sweating, particularly at night. - Fatigue: People with acromegaly may feel tired or lack energy, even after a good night's sleep. - Headaches: Chronic headaches are a common symptom of acromegaly, and they can be severe. - Joint pain: The growth of bones and tissues can cause joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hips, knees, and shoulders. - Carpal tunnel syndrome: The growth of tissues in the wrist can compress the median nerve, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. - Sleep apnea: Enlargement of the soft tissues in the throat can cause sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops briefly during sleep. - Vision problems: The enlarged pituitary gland can press against the optic nerves, causing vision problems or even vision loss. - Hypertension: Excessive growth hormone can cause high blood pressure. - Diabetes mellitus: The excess growth hormone can also cause insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of diabetes mellitus. It's important to note that not all people with acromegaly experience all of these symptoms. Some people may have mild or no symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for an evaluation.

When to see a doctor

If you have any symptoms of acromegaly, it's important to see a doctor for an evaluation. Some of the common symptoms include enlarged hands and feet, coarse facial features, excessive sweating, fatigue, chronic headaches, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, vision problems, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In addition, if you have a family history of acromegaly or have a condition that increases your risk of developing this disorder, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or Carney complex, you should talk to your doctor about screening for acromegaly. Early diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly can prevent or minimize the development of complications associated with this disorder, such as heart disease, stroke, and colon polyps. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have acromegaly, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can order blood tests to check for elevated levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which are markers of acromegaly. Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be ordered to visualize any pituitary tumors. Treatment options for acromegaly are available and can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Causes

Acromegaly is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland, which is a small gland located at the base of the brain. The excess GH is usually caused by a benign tumor, called a pituitary adenoma, that grows on the pituitary gland and produces too much GH. In rare cases, acromegaly can also be caused by tumors in other parts of the body that produce GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce GH. These tumors are usually found in the pancreas, lungs, or adrenal glands. Other less common causes of acromegaly include: - Familial acromegaly: In rare cases, acromegaly can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that a person only needs to inherit one copy of the abnormal gene from one parent to develop the disorder. - Non-tumor-related causes: In very rare cases, acromegaly can be caused by certain medical conditions, such as McCune-Albright syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder that causes abnormal bone growth and hormonal imbalances. Acromegaly usually develops slowly over several years, and the symptoms may not be noticeable for a long time. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications associated with this disorder. If you suspect that you may have acromegaly or have a family history of the disorder, it's important to talk to your doctor about screening and testing for this condition.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors associated with the development of acromegaly, including: - Age: Acromegaly can occur at any age, but it is more common in middle-aged adults. - Gender: Acromegaly affects both men and women equally. - Family history: People with a family history of acromegaly or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or Carney complex have an increased risk of developing the disorder. - Medical history: People who have had radiation therapy to the head or neck or have a history of pituitary tumors are at an increased risk of developing acromegaly. - Genetics: Some genetic mutations have been associated with an increased risk of developing pituitary tumors, which can lead to acromegaly. - Insulin resistance: People with insulin resistance, which can occur in conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes, may be at an increased risk of developing acromegaly. It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop acromegaly. However, if you have one or more of these risk factors, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of acromegaly and to talk to your doctor about screening and testing for the disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications associated with this disorder.

Complications

Acromegaly can lead to a number of complications if left untreated or poorly managed, including: - Cardiovascular disease: Excess growth hormone can cause the heart to work harder, leading to an increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. - Diabetes: Acromegaly can lead to insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. - Sleep apnea: Enlarged soft tissues in the mouth and throat can obstruct breathing during sleep, leading to sleep apnea and poor quality sleep. - Joint problems: Excess growth hormone can cause bones and cartilage to grow abnormally, leading to joint pain and arthritis. - Carpal tunnel syndrome: Enlarged bones and tissues in the hands can compress the median nerve, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and wrists. - Vision problems: Enlarged pituitary tumors can compress the optic nerve, leading to vision problems and even blindness. - Colorectal polyps and cancer: People with acromegaly are at an increased risk of developing polyps in the colon, which can lead to colorectal cancer if left untreated. - Increased risk of infections: People with acromegaly are at an increased risk of developing infections due to the effects of excess growth hormone on the immune system. - Psychosocial problems: People with acromegaly may experience depression, anxiety, and social isolation due to the physical and emotional effects of the disorder. It's important for people with acromegaly to receive early and appropriate treatment to prevent or manage these complications. Treatment options for acromegaly may include surgery, radiation therapy, and medication, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the disorder. Read the full article

[rpmatchmaker]

Looking for long term Attack on Titan roleplay

Hello! 21 year old looking for a long term roleplay partner for Attack on Titan. I do mostly Eren x Levi or Erwin x Armin, and I usually play Armin or Eren. I can play top or bottom.

You must be 18 or over, and a literate, detailed, and well-written roleplayer.

I enjoy fantasy AUs, historical AUs, mythological creatures, and folklore. I'm very friendly, and I love to brainstorm and come up with intricate worlds! I like to talk about things outside of roleplay too. Please feel free to message me here or on Discord at ArminArlert#4415

Hope to see you guys soon!

[theemotionmachine]

Create A Progressive Timeline To Better Envision Your Goals

Reflect on your goals and create a rough timeline of what you want to accomplish within the next day, week, month, year, and decade. A great exercise for introspection and planning your future!

Click here to read more!

[wisdomfish]

Some people would like to have an open-door relationship with God, in which they come to Him when they feel they need Him without making any long-term commitment. But God doesn’t enter that kind of relationship. God makes covenants. He says, “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God” (Exodus 6:7).

Colin Smith