Naloxone Vending Machine Saves 900+ Lives from Overdoses

Daily Upsider on January 2, 2024

In a realistic move to tackle opioid overdoses, naloxone vending machines are proving effective in various U.S. locations. Cincinnati-based nonprofit Caracole initiated the effort in Ohio, installing a 24/7-accessible vending machine outside its building in February 2021. The machine, designed for rapid opioid overdose reversal, has saved 960 lives in under two years, as per a University of Cincinnati study.

Naloxone nasal sprays work by delivering the medication directly into the nasal cavity, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. The medication then rapidly reverses the effects of opioids by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of other opioids. This can quickly restore normal breathing and consciousness in individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. While this self-service system is not widespread in the U.S., it takes inspiration from successful European practices.

Encoura by success in Cincinnati, Dr. Arendt and Caracole are collaborating with other organizations to expand these vending machines nationally. Cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, New York, and Indiana have recently adopted similar programs, providing accessible naloxone and fentanyl resources as part of harm reduction strategies.

Suzanne Bachmeyer, Caracole’s director of prevention, underscores the vending machines’ role in harm reduction by offering around-the-clock access to life-saving supplies, empowering individuals to manage their health.

As these initiatives gain momentum, the presence of naloxone vending machines is growing, representing a practical stride in overdose prevention and harm reduction efforts across the country.

Housing Market Turning

Daily Upsider on January 1, 2024

In recent months, the housing market has seen a surge in new home construction as builders work to meet the growing demand for housing. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, residential new construction rose 14.8% in November 2023 compared to the previous month, reaching an annual rate of 1.56 million new homes being built. This increase in new home construction is a positive sign for the housing market, as it indicates that builders are feeling optimistic about the future of the industry.

One of the driving factors behind the increase in new home construction is the decline in mortgage rates. As rates have come down, more people are able to afford to buy a home, which has led to an increase in demand for new homes. This, in turn, has spurred builders to ramp up construction in order to meet the growing demand.

In addition to the decline in mortgage rates, the increase in new home construction can also be attributed to the rise in housing permits. In November 2023, the number of housing permits issued rose 6.6% month-over-month to 1,453,000 completions. This increase in permits is yet another good sign for the housing market.

Despite the increase in new home construction, the housing market still faces some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the high cost of building materials. The cost of lumber, for example, has risen significantly in recent months, which has made it more expensive for builders to construct new homes. In addition, the ongoing labor shortage in the construction industry has made it difficult for builders to find the workers they need to complete projects on time.

Despite these challenges, as more homes are built, it will help to ease the shortage of available homes for sale and provide more options for buyers. This, in turn, could help to keep home prices from rising too quickly and make it easier for people to find a home that they can afford.

Veggie Farm Thrives in Desert!

Daily Upsider on December 30, 2023

In Aqaba on Jordan’s Red Sea coast, the Sahara Forest Project practices innovative farming amid extreme water scarcity. Despite Jordan importing 98% of its food this farm found a way to plant crops like cucumbers, peppers, and passion fruit.

This sustainable farm relies on solar power and seawater, using evaporative systems and salt-tolerant plants. The project aims to reverse land degradation by enriching soil through waste recycling. With a successful track record, the project is expanding, replacing seawater trucks with a pipeline and aiming to absorb more carbon than it emits. It has created good jobs in the area and provides training of sustainable farming methods, offering a model for sustainable agriculture amid the challenging arid climate.

Jewel’s #NotAloneChallenge

Daily Upsider on December 30, 2023

Jewel Kilcher, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter, recently released her new album, “Freewheelin’ Woman,” in 2023. The album has garnered significant attention for its empowering themes and catchy melodies. Along with the album release, Jewel also launched the #NotAloneChallenge in partnership with iHeartRadio to raise awareness for mental health and provide resources to those in need.

The #NotAloneChallenge aims to bring together a coalition of over 120 mental health advocates, including leaders in technology, media, finance, entertainment, sports, and more. The campaign’s mission is to remind people that they are not alone during challenging times, offer free mental health resources, and raise funds to make mental health support available to those in need.

Jewel has been open about her own struggles with mental health and her experiences growing up in a difficult environment. She has used her platform to inspire others and provide tools for self-improvement through her music and her non-profit organization, “Inspiring Children”.

Social Media’s Latest Craze – The 9-Month Ultimate World Cruise!

Daily Upsider on December 29, 2023

The Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-night journey on the Serenade of the Seas by Royal Caribbean Cruises, became a TikTok sensation just two weeks into its nine-month global expedition. Departing from Miami on Dec. 10, the cruise promised travelers visits to over 60 countries and nearly a dozen world wonders. Passengers shared their experiences on TikTok, with the #UltimateWorldCruise tag amassing over 54.8 million views.

The cruise spans four legs, covering North and South America, the Pacific, the Mediterranean and Middle East, and Europe. Prices for the entire journey started at $53,999, but passengers had the option to book shorter durations or individual segments.

Some passengers shared their reasons for being on the Ultimate World Cruise with “TODAY.” Some mentioned celebrating wedding anniversaries, while one traveler, Angie Linderman, revealed she went on the journey due to her higher risk of developing cancer. Linderman stresses the importance of seizing the opportunity to check off bucket list items while still in good health.

“Retirement age is not a guarantee. And so (there is) an emphasis on just doing all of the things I can do now while I’m healthy, while I’m able, instead of putting them off in hopes that I can do them later, when in reality that may not happen,” she said.