Coronavirus COVID19 mortality to reach 780000 deaths

 Coronavirus COVID19 is about to reach 780 000 deaths marks, hence reaching a pandemic severity of one (1) standardized mortality unit (SMU).

What is a standardized mortality unit (SMU)?

The standardized mortality unit SMU is a term introduced by the Global Health 2035. A value of 1 SMU means that 0.01 % of the global population has died because of that given pandemic.

The SMU is a value to define and evaluate the severity of a pandemic. Pandemics with a mortality severity higher than 10 SMU are considered as severe pandemics. When the mortality is between 1-10 the pandemic is considered as moderately severe.

What is the mortality severity of COVID19?

In the present case, the estimated global population is about 7,800,000,000 people. Considering the total deaths related to COVID19 (747 330 deaths, August 13, 2020) and the daily mortality (about 5 000 dead per day), Coronavirus COVID19 is likely to reach the 780 000 deaths threshold by August 20, 2020.

The figure shows a comparison of the mortality severity of COVID19 and other recent pandemics outbreaks.

The Spanish Flu is clearly the worst case. The Spanish Flu is considered as an outlier caused by unusual circumstances, including the co-occurrence of World War I. A study from Madhay (2013) suggests that a biological replica of the 1918 influenza pandemic would result in lower mortality rates than those that occurred in 1918.

It is important to note that although COVID19 has a lower mortality severity, its social and economical severity are as high as previous pandemics (or even worse).

It is important to note that in this post we are considering only outbreak pandemics related to respiratory viral. AIDS it is also a pandemic. About 33 Million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic.

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The coronavirus COVID19 pandemic has surprised the world. More than 13,476,803 (13 Million) cases have been reported in different countries. COVID19 unleashed an economic crisis that affected all economies regardless of income level.

Top 3 most sustainable cities in New Jersey

As the planet is becoming increasingly endangered, it is important to choose a city for yourself where you can live in a healthy, eco-friendly environment. This is why we have taken a look at the best sustainable cities in New Jersey. Energy and water consumption, the use of solar energy, the public transportation system, nature preservation - these are just some of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the degree of sustainability that these distinguished cities possess.

Jersey City

This is the second most populated city in the state, with only Newark having more residents. But, even with all those people, Jersey City is still one of the more eco-friendly cities in New Jersey. What's more, there are frequently new and updated programs aimed at making Jersey City as sustainable as possible. Where there once were brownfields, now there are parks. Agriculture within the urban core of the city is thriving and is now more popular than ever. Mass transit is increasing, as well as the use of solar energy and biking.

Jersey City is certainly one of the most sustainable cities in New Jersey.

 Many people are using public transportation to get to work - more than half of the city's population in fact. Some people are walking, while others are carpooling. All in all, not that many people are driving by themselves to work, which is good for the environment. However, driving a bike is not popular in Jersey City, which is an issue that will be looked into. 

Moreover, the quality of air is only moderate. While it is not necessary for a city to have air as clean as in Honolulu, the quality of air should at least be slightly better than average. It is interesting that one of the most sustainable cities in the world, New York, suffers from the same problem.

Newark

There are a lot of people in Newark. So much, in fact, that with 277,140 residents, this is the most populated city in New Jersey. However, that doesn't stop Newark from being one of the most sustainable cities in New Jersey. There were many programs recently implemented in Newark aimed at protecting the environment and making the city a more safe place where you wouldn't mind having your kids grow up.

Newark is both a beautiful and an ecologically-conscious city.

Neighborhoods are kept clean and toxins, that could otherwise have been dangerous, were removed in large quantities. New playgrounds are being introduced, and the ones already existing are being renovated. With lots of well-kept parks and playgrounds, there's certainly somewhere you can take your kids in order to have a nice time outdoors. With the truly beautiful natural attractions and abundant green spaces, Newark is truly a green city. A lot is being done to preserve the nature and help it through various community and city projects. Recently, there have been attempts to make the energy and water systems more efficient and affordable. With the work underway, we expect to see Newark among the best cities in New Jersey when it comes to utility efficiency. 

Elizabeth

Elizabeth used to be widely known as a thriving industrial city, but recently, it has become more ecologically conscious. This is the result of hard work, which was necessary in order to create a more sustainable lifestyle. Partnered with nonprofit organizations, the city is catering to its green spaces. Acres of new trees were planted in the last year, and in the vicinity of Elizabeth River, there is a great 2.25 mile hiking trail. This city is one of the best in the USA when it comes to recycling, with its recycling programs frequently winning awards and attention from the media, including an award from the distinguished magazine, Popular Science, which has placed Elizabeth among the greenest cities in the USA. 

Elizabeth is excelling when it comes to the number and efficiency of community programs. While the state is moderately supportive, a large number of all projects related to sustainability in this city are community-managed. They seek to prevent food injustice and to enhance the urban environment in terms of quality of life and eco-friendliness.

Paterson

Another formerly very industrial city, Paterson is now an exemplary New Jersey city when it comes to sustainability. The head of Passaic County, the city of Paterson and county officials are doing an impressive job pertaining to preserving the environment and creating a truly sustainable city. Eco-friendly architecture projects, frequent energy audits, environmentally responsible mass transit - these are just some of the projects that have recently made Paterson a more green city. So, if you want to move with ease and stress-free in Passaic County, and still have a green relocation, choose Paterson as your destination.

Paterson takes great care so as to preserve the environment.

The all-around status of other important city components related to sustainability in Paterson is rather positive. The use of solar energy is steadily increasing. In the next few years, approximately 10 percent of the population in Paterson will be using natural energy sources. The majority of the population is using public transportation, with others walking or biking, with an acceptable number of regular drivers.

Moving to one of the most sustainable cities in New Jersey

Once you have chosen a highly sustainable city in New Jersey that will be perfect for your needs, you will need to move there. Moving on your own is a rather hard and time-consuming process, which is why most people are relocating with the help of the professionals.

Instead of having to invest a lot of time, which will drain you of all free time, moving professionals like those from Gibraltar Van Lines will take you there without a hitch, eliminating the need for you to plan the logistics, pack your belongings, and complete other moving-related chores. Best of all, by letting professionals handle these tasks, you can minimize your impact on the environment. 

To conclude

Apart from these top sustainable cities in New Jersey, there are a few more places to choose from. Trenton and Camden, for example, can be commended in this aspect, but they are still no match for the four cities we have discussed. Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, and Paterson, are standing head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to the care that goes into their sustainability programs, as well as because of their immense dedication to keeping the environment healthy.

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam [Nile River Conflict Egypt vs Ethiopia]

A couple of weeks ago, Ethiopia concluded the construction of The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and it is ready to start filling the dam. However, this triggered serious tensions with neighbours Egypt and Sudan. In this post we will provide a short introduction of the reasons for this tension.

What is The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam?

This 155 m high dam with an installed capacity of 6.45 GW is the biggest hydropower dam in Africa,  and one of the biggest hydropower dams in the world. It will have an annual generation of 16 153 GWh that will not only fulfill the need of Ethiopia, but will also supply energy to some neighboring countries.

However, the dam will have impacts on the Sudan and Egypt. The dam will reduce the water availability in those countries, and will also reduce the sediment carried by the river, hence reducing the fertility of the lands and the Nile Delta, and reducing the agricultural capacity of the mentioned countries.

Why the controversy regarding Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam?

Right now, the main controversy is the filling policy. Ethiopia want to fill the dam in a period between 3-5 years. However, Egypt states that is should be filled in at least 20 years.

There are huge difference between those options. On one side, Ethiopia will have to wait another 20 years to enjoy the benefits of the dam. On the other side, Egypt and Sudan could severely affected by the reduced inflow.

We present a short comparisson of the scenarios filling the dam in 5 years vs filling the dam in 21 years (based on data from Aljazeera).

Filling the dam in 21 years

Egypt would reduce its annual water budget in 5%

Egypt would reduce its agricultural area in 2.5 %

Filling the dam in 5 years

Egypt would reduce its annual water budget in 50%

Egypt would reduce its agricultural area in 67 %

The Nile Delta current condition

The Nile Delta if the dam is filled in 5 years

The Nile Delta if the dam is filled in 21 years

Rainy season in Ethiopia and the Nile

The best moment to start filling the dam is during the rainy season.

The rainy season in Ethiopia is between July and August. Therefore, they must start filling the dam soon, otherwise, they will lose a whole year and will have to wait until the next rainy season. For this reason, it is critical for all the involved nations to reach an agreement.

Negotiations and previous Nile Water Agreements

The Nile basin initiative has been leading negotiations regarding this dam and for more than 10 years.

One of the key elements that stops any agreement is the current Nile Waters Agreements from 1929 and 1959. 

The 1929 agreement between Egypt and England (as representative of the other countries) recognized Egypt’s right to the waters of the Nile as well as the right to veto any irrigation projects that would affect its share of the river's water..

The 1959 agreement between Egypt and Sudan states that Egypt has the right to use 66% of the Nile waters, Sudan has the rights to 22% of the water, and the remaining 12 % is lost by evaporation.

Ethiopia claims that they also have rights on the Nile, especially because 85 % of the Nile water originates in Ethiopia (the so called blue Nile).

Nile River Water Use (Source: Aljazeera)

Ways households in California are going green

As the planet is becoming increasingly endangered, people all over the world are looking for ways to make the situation better. In California specifically, there are several ways that households are going green. At first, following these measures may be hard, but soon, they become second nature.

Unfortunately, a lot of people in California have grown accustomed to certain habits they should change. These changes may be hard, and they require dedication. However, those people who (rightfully so) care about the planet, will only need some patience and the will to go green.

While there are several ways to help the environment - for example, by having a green exercise routine - in this post, we will focus on what households in California are doing in order to go green. We hope that our readers will take note of the examples in this post, because every household counts!

Eliminate water waste

One way that Californians are going green is by trying to not waste any water unnecessarily. People don't usually think about water when it comes to their habits pertaining to eco-friendliness. However, this is an important factor that you should certainly be aware of. Throughout the history of California, there have been issues with water availability, so it should be almost a tradition for Californians to care about this issue.

If you are going green, you can’t waste any water!

First of all, making sure that there are no water leaks in the household is the way to go. Such leaks cause a very large amount of water to be wasted, which is something you should definitely avoid. Another, less obvious way to conserve water is to turn it off while you are washing your hands, brushing your teeth, etc. You may think that during this short period of time you can't waste a substantial amount of water, but in reality, the opposite is true, so don't let all that water go to waste.

Moving to a green community

Another way that Californians are going green is by moving to a green community. Such community households are dedicated to preserving nature and integrating with the environment in a way that isn't harmful. The idea is that, together, we can help the environment a lot more than we could do it individually. So, consider whether a move to one of the green communities could perhaps be the right thing for you. 

If you decide to move to a green community household in California, you should do so with the help of a moving company that cares about the environment. You’ll have to do a bit of digging to find one, but they’re out there (Mod Movers California certainly fit the bill, for example). What's more, reliable movers will save you plenty of time, and at an affordable price too, so in a huge majority of cases there really is no reason to move on your own.

Household changes to make when going green

There are some changes anyone can make inside their household in order to make it more eco-friendly. Installing particular light bulbs that don't use much energy is one of the things you can do. These light bulbs are not much more expensive than regular bulbs. In fact, they are rather affordable. Moreover, they will last longer than regular light bulbs, meaning that, in the long run, using such light bulbs pays-off, financially speaking. Given that using them is good for the environment too, this is a win-win situation.

Solar panels are just the thing – if you can afford them.

When it comes to energy, there is another option, albeit one that is too expensive for most households, Californian or otherwise - installing solar panels. These panels create energy and work wonders when it comes to the health of the environment. Eventually, they can generate enough energy that you can sell some of it, but it takes a long time before that becomes possible. Still, without doubt solar panels are the future, with solar farms becoming increasingly popular.   

Eliminate heat waste

The next thing to think about involves heating. Namely, similarly to preventing the waste of water, those households in California that are concerned about the health of Mother Earth are also looking to prevent the waste of heat. Unfortunately, many people have the tendency to accumulate unnecessary heat, by forgetting to turn off the heating when they do not need it. This way, energy is thrown down the drain, and with it, your wallet suffers too.

A very useful addition to any household in this regard is a smart meter. This is one of the modern technological marvels that make our lives much easier, and our homes much smarter. You can set-up smart meter devices so that they switch on only at certain times. So, for example, if you are leaving the household at 8 AM, you will not need the heating to be turned on at 7:30 AM. Instead of turning it off manually (or forgetting to do so), you can rely on the smart meter to do it for you. These devices can save you some trouble and help make the environment healthier.

Shopping and growing your own food

Buying whole foods can reduce the need for plastic containers.

Any household that is concerned with ecology is also concerned with the way shopping for groceries is handled. Namely, buying groceries usually comes with much ecologically dangerous waste.

So, instead of getting groceries in plastic bags, bring containers of your own that you can use again later on. Also consider jars and other items made of glass where you can store groceries right after buying them. Plastic is generally avoided in eco-conscious California households, and this goes for shopping, too. Also, when buying vegetables and fruits, it is good to buy such food whole, as chopped-up vegetables and fruits come packed in plastic. This involves some extra work with personally chopping the food, but it is certainly worth it.

Finally, California households that are going green may also have their own gardens. And this trend isn't reserved strictly for California; for example, one of the reasons why New York is one of the most sustainable cities in the world is precisely because of the many gardens its residents are growing. Having your own garden greatly lessens the danger of food waste. And in the time when people all over the world are in the danger of being confined to their homes, growing your own garden can be just what you need.

Healthiest places to live in Florida: Top 10 greenest neighborhoods

It often happens that we get reminded of important environmental issues only when the time comes for celebrating certain dates. Following the World Environment Day on 5 June 2020, we're pointing our attention not only to the specific theme it's dedicated to but to all the aspects of healthy and sustainable living. While such days are extremely useful to promote environmental awareness, they are only the 1/365th part of the year when most of us do so. We leave the biggest impact if our communities make our way of life more eco-friendly throughout the year. Many Sunshine State communities have done just so, and some of them are ranking high among the greenest Florida neighborhoods.

The greenest Florida neighborhoods

The warm and sunny Florida is a sufficiently attractive destination as it is, but even more so when it comes to green initiatives sprouting throughout the state. One can move and settle down in any part of the state and expect it is already a part of one, if not few, such initiatives. It doesn't mean that Florida is already a green haven. However, numerous communities are taking firm steps toward a healthier and more sustainable future of their residents.

1. Orlando

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Orlando is the oldest community in Florida dedicated to urban forestry management. For 42 years straight, the city has been planting trees as a part of the Tree City USA program, making its neighborhoods healthier and more attractive. But that is not all. Orlando offers its citizens access to reclaimed (recycled) water that can be used for watering gardens, for example.

Orlando is one of Florida cities, alongside Miami, Tallahassee, and Lakeland, which offers bike-sharing programs. Moreover, the city installs free bike racks at businesses to help reduce congestion and promote a healthier lifestyle. A network of more than forty miles of bike trails greatly helps.

2. Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is, next to Orlando, one of over 180 Florida communities participating in the Tree City USA program. Its 40-year-long membership has made it one of the greenest Florida neighborhoods. The Green Your Routine initiative is a part of the city government's inter-departmental Green Team's actions. They are focusing on climate resiliency, responsible development and land use, sustainable building and livability, green space expansion, natural resources preservation, transportation and connectivity, as well as recycling and waste reduction.

3. Babcock Ranch

Babcock Ranch is a planned town near Fort Myers, occupying land in both Charlotte and Lee counties. It is famous for being a town created together by environmental planners and developers. Also, it has the largest solar-plus-storage system in the states powering the town. Babcock Ranch is not a gated community, but a town combining advanced technologies with sustainable living. 

4. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a place of environmentally responsible living, seen especially in public transportation in the form of trolleys. Additionally, more than 22 miles of beaches are the center of attention and protection. Nature preserves and parks are common sighting spots of manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. For those who wish to enjoy warm Florida nights outdoors, beachside camping is an exciting and eco-friendly activity.

5. Tallahassee

The capital of Florida, Tallahassee is home to numerous parks offering not only a welcome respite and a breath of fresh air, but also environmental education to its visitors. Many of these parks have acclaimed conservation education centers promoting environmental protection and outdoor activities like hiking or birdwatching. The city itself shifts toward sustainable energy sources like solar energy and biofuel.

6. West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a perfect destination to enjoy lovely Florida weather as it is among the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the state. More and more restaurants meet the eco-friendly farm-to-table policy and provide meals made from local produce or Fair Trade products. A large number of green lodging and dining options and eco-friendly attractions make West Palm Beach excellent for all nature-lovers. All that's left to do is to contact a professional moving company such as State to State Move and start your new life by having an eco-friendly relocation.

7. Tampa

Tampa, the third most populous city in Florida, is one of the most walkable cities in the state. But it doesn't stop the city to favor bike-sharing, ferries, and the use of the historic streetcar system. The city is home to the University of South Florida and its vast gardens where they even produce honey on campus.

8. Sarasota

Sarasota is a town of environmentally conscious people who understand the meaning of sustainability. Hence, it doesn't surprise that Sarasota is one of the greenest Florida neighborhoods thanks to its residents. It is perhaps one of the rare communities where citizens are united around a common goal - healthier living for all. They are devoted to wildlife that surrounds them as much as to their own need to live in an eco-friendly community.

9. Miami

Miami is home to the pedestrian-friendly downtown and miles of beaches and boardwalks. However, the city is also famous for its numerous green initiatives that make a positive impact on the environment. The government has recognized the need for environmental planning and incorporates good practices, such as green building codes, for example, that can help make your house more eco-friendly.

As a growing number of environmentally conscious tourists shape that industry, many new hotels in Miami conform to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The city is implementing the Citi Bike program to popularize cycling and reduce car fuel emissions. Many popular bike trails are spread throughout the city. Moreover, Miami based Audubon Florida focuses on conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems and wildlife in Florida. 

10. Key West

The Keys are perhaps most famous for the wildlife and protection of endangered species in the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to a deer refuge, a bird sanctuary, and the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. For tourists, Key West arranges tours on the SQUID, a solar-powered, electric charter boat. Aside from electric car rentals, Key West is supporting cycling and is a pedestrian-friendly town.

Xe Nammov dam failure in Laos was caused by piping and percolation

On July 2018, the Xe Nammoy saddle dam (Laos) collapsed and devastatedseveral villages. Initially, local authorities blamed an extreme precipitation event and climate change for the collapsed, arguing that the saddle dam (under construction) was overtopped by the extreme event. However, a recent study based on site visit, gran size analysis and numerical simulations show that was not the case. 

How to have an eco-friendly international move

An average American moves almost 12 times in his/her lifetime. Each of those relocations leaves its mark on the planet that is becoming more vulnerable every day. Unfortunately, humans are the only ones to be blamed for this situation. But, the good news is that we are also the only ones who can prevent pollution from happening and make the Earth a better place for ourselves and the generations to come. If you are planning to move to another state or a country, but are worried about the outcome of such a process, we are here to help and show that you can have an eco-friendly international move only if you want to.

The coronavirus pandemic's (positive) impact on the environment

As we have heard and experienced for so many times, nothing in this life is completely positive or negative. While the whole world has been struggling fiercely to stay healthy and overcome the severe economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, it seems nature has finally got its chance to renew itself. Some great news has arrived from all over the world stating that the coronavirus pandemic's positive impact can be clearly seen if you take a closer look at the environment.

People living in some of the biggest, well-known cities in the world can finally observe the blue skies during the day and fascinating stars at night. Waters are clearer and wild animals are surprisingly pushing their boundaries and entering some densely populated areas. The lockdown that keeps people in their homes has given these animals a chance to enter cities more frequently and roam the streets freely without any fear of danger.

Unfortunately, these positive changes are only temporary. As has been witnessed so many times, the economy and the environment are unfortunately inversely proportional. When the economy thrives, the environment suffers, and vice versa. Hence, learning how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and live more sustainably is imperative if we want this situation to change. Now more than ever is the time to act and introduce some serious, permanent changes.

So, how has the coronavirus pandemic influenced the environment? Here is our answer.

Nitrogen dioxide emissions are significantly lower

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a toxic gas emitted from the engines of cars, buses, trucks, and from factories. When its concentration in the air is high, it affects our respiratory systems and causes breathing problems. In some cases, it can even cause asthma.

Now, due to the lockdown, everything has been put on hold. There are few or no vehicles on the roads, and many factories are closed. Consequently, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the air is significantly lower and many countries are reporting that, at the moment, it is much lower than it was in 2019. The biggest difference is detected in the countries most drastically affected by the coronavirus pandemic – China, Italy, Spain, and the USA.

Particulate matter 2.5 has been reduced

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) is one of the most toxic and most dangerous air pollutants. PM 2.5 actually represents tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility, can travel from your lungs into the bloodstream, and cause new or worsen existing medical conditions. PM2.5 causes a wide range of health problems - respiratory problems, eye, nose, throat, or lung irritations, cardiovascular issues, asthma, and bronchitis. Most importantly, it is among the group 1 carcinogens, which shows best how harmful this pollutant is.

With the reduction of PM 2.5 in the air, the visibility has improved considerably - people can now enjoy watching the sky even in big cities.

PM 2.5 particles come from vehicles and the processes that involve the burning of fossil fuels. They can be carried over extremely long distances and can cause problems hundreds of miles from their original source. Now, when the world economy has stopped, the concentration of PM 2.5 has been reduced worldwide. Judging by the official reports in China, at least 70,000 lives have been saved in this country only due to the reduction of PM 2.5 in the last three months.

A massive decline in carbon dioxide emissions

We all know that carbon dioxide is a great causer of climate change. Bearing in mind that the transportation sector greatly contributes to the high level of carbon dioxide in the air, it does not surprise that we can see the above mentioned massive decline in CO₂ emissions. Experts claim that this is the biggest decline since World War II.

Previously, all the economically developed countries took serious measures to reduce the concentration of CO₂ in the air and avoid serious consequences. Eco-friendly transportation solutions were sought for and many other strategies applied but without effective results. At this point when the coronavirus pandemic is still in progress, we can see clearly that CO₂ has stopped being a huge threat to the environment, at least temporarily. What ecologists fear the most is the practice countries will apply after the pandemic has passed. It will be necessary to work much harder due to substantial financial losses this pandemic caused to the economy. Will we be able to keep the emissions optimal and minimize air pollution or stop it in general? Not without a major change in our approach to the economy and manufacturing industry.

Reducing the emissions of CO2 will help us preserve the environment.

It is critical to find green solutions for everyday things, like storage, for example. Start with smaller changes and finally move on to the crucial ones. We need to utilize all of our means available to improve the protection of the environment and our health and decrease the negative effects of pollution.

Wildlife has also been affected by the lockdown

Lately, there have been numerous videos on social networks that became viral in which you can see wild animals in the streets of big cities. While it is true that this situation has been manipulated in many cases, there are still reports coming from all over the world where people claim they have noticed this unusual custom of wild animals entering densely populated, urban areas. This used to happen occasionally in the past as well, but it was much rarer and people did not pay attention to it as they do now. Why is the current situation different? Because the streets are empty due to the lockdown and animals can wander freely without being in danger.

Wildlife has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic as well.

Some of the examples proving the above-mentioned fact involve wild goats seen in a Welsh town, swans in Venice, Nubian ibexes in an Israeli resort, a wild puma lost in the Chilean capital, wild coyotes in the streets of San Francisco, and many more.

Final thoughts

When the coronavirus pandemic eventually passes, it is the responsibility of all the governments worldwide, as well as our own personal responsibility, to use this opportunity to opt for, promote, and insist on an eco-friendly lifestyle and the renewable energy industry. People should make their homes more eco-friendly, while governments should stop investing in those industries which are closely linked with fossil fuels. The current situation is our chance to improve the quality of our lives and we should make the best use of it. 

2D flood simulation HEC-RAS vs Mike21: Hydrodynamic flood simulation comparison

Two of the most popular 2D hydrodynamic models are HEC-RAS and Mike 21. A common question among users is: which one is better? 

As a matter of fact, both models solve the same equations. They use different numerical schemes, but they solve the same set of equations; thus, when properly applied, both provide good results. In this post we will present a real case 2D flood simulation comparison between HEC-RAS and Mike 21.

How to stay healthy during an international move

Dealing with international relocation during the coronavirus outbreak is difficult, to say the least. Not only do you have to tackle all the issues regarding a standard international move, but you also have to worry about staying healthy and safe throughout it. So, is it even possible to move safely during this outbreak? Well, it is. But, in order to stay healthy during an international move, there are a couple of things you need to take care of in advance. Therefore, to make your relocation safer, we are going to go over the necessary safety measures.

Strengthening your immune system

The biggest danger of COVID-19 is that it is highly contagious. While we still cannot give you the exact figures, since these things take years to test properly, we can safely say that it is far more contagious than the flu. Therefore, it is terribly difficult to avoid. This is why, in order to stay healthy during your long-distance move, your best bet is to first boost up your immune system. And, seeing that there are certain misconceptions about boosting one's immune system, we are going to give you a quick guide to how to make your immune system as strong as possible.

Food

Let's start off with food. After all, while it is possible for you to have a lean figure and eat poorly, you simply cannot keep yourself healthy and continue to do so. Therefore, if you want to stay healthy during an international move, you need to have a well-balanced diet. This means a well-balanced diet with proper nutritional value for your age and average daily activity. If you've planned on trying out a new diet, now is not the time to do so. Instead, you need to stick with something that is tried and true.

 

Having a well-balanced diet is essential for keeping a strong immune system.

Vitamins and supplements can help, but they are by no means a substitute for a proper diet. And, while coffee and sugar are quite common in our culture, we would advise you not to go overboard with them. Know that there will be times when you'll lack energy and when you'll need that extra bit to help you function. And the more caffeine you take on a regular basis, the less of an effect is it going to have. So, try to save it for when it counts.

Exercise

A similar thought process that goes for organizing your diet should go into organizing your exercise. Again, there is no substitute for having a well-rounded, regular workout regimen. Now, does this mean that you need to train like a professional athlete? Of course not. Instead, you need to find something that is fun and that helps your body feel well. Again, don't try something overly creative or new. The last thing you need is to get injured before your international move. Instead, stick with something that helps you lower stress and prepare for the difficult tasks ahead.

Sleep

Once you take a more in-depth look into it, you will see that it is quite hard to overstate the importance of sleep. Too many people nowadays are willing to forgo sleep in order to do extra work or simply have a bit more fun. In both cases, this is the wrong approach to have. A constant lack of sleep does not only inhibit your cognitive function, but also lowers your immune system. So, trust us when we tell you, get your 8 hours regularly before and during your international move.

Do not sacrifice your sleep unless you absolutely have to.

Preparing for the relocation

Now, unfortunately, not all people can simply stay healthy during an international move and keep the coronavirus at bay. If you are a person that has chronic health issues, or if you already have a compromised immune system, simply boosting it may not be enough. So, in order to stay healthy while moving during the coronavirus outbreak, there are a couple of extra measures that you need to put into effect. Furthermore, in order to keep your items safe, you might want to consult with an experienced international moving company like Easy Move KW.

Safety measures

In essence, there are two things that you should do in order to keep yourself safe.

1. Wash your hands regularly.
2. Wear a facemask while you are either outside or you are inside with other people.

Do that, and you will considerably reduce the risk of getting infected with COVID-19. Apart from that, you should practise social distancing and all the other measures that your state has recommended. But, since you are moving internationally, you may not be able to adhere to all of them. So, the two we've outlined should be always on your mind.

 

Only by wearing a facemask and by regularly washing your hands will you be able to stay healthy during an international move.

Should you disinfect your items?

Some of you may wonder whether you should distinct your items before packing them. Well, no. All things considered, this will only be a waste of time and disinfectant. You can disinfect your items after moving in, but even this will probably be redundant.

Packing procedure

When it comes to packing for an international move, you should probably leave it to your movers. While you may want to minimize your interaction with them as much as possible, having them pack you is the safest option. If they do so, they will be able to pretty much guarantee the safe transport of your belongings. Know that international moving can be quite unforgiving, and the more mishaps and oversights you manage to avoid, the better.

Final tips on how to stay healthy during an international move

The chaos of coronavirus has us all a bit startled and frightened. But, if you are a person that is usually healthy, you needn’t worry too much if you stay careful. Implement the measures we've outlined, hire a decent company that can help you pack, and plan your move on time. Do that, and you can rest assured that you will stay healthy during an international move.