November 6, 2023
The Big Dark
A recent economic study reviewed the effectiveness of the global vaccination efforts. It was the biggest public health campaign in history. More than 2 billion people were vaccinated in 8 months in 141 countries, an amazing effort. They found that it prevented 2.4 million excess deaths, saving $6.5 trillion. 640,000 more could have been saved if the vaccine had been distributed more equitably. The authors suggest a global vaccine distribution policy for future pandemics.
Their analysis show that vaccines were more effective than lockdowns and mask mandates. We were lucky that scientists were able to respond with effective vaccines quickly. The next time we may not be so lucky if the pushback against vaccines and funding for future pandemics continues.
XKCD shows it well in this recent comic:
Anti-Vaxxers
On another note, we have officially entered “The Big Dark,” that time of year in the Pacific Northwest when the days are shorter, the sun is lower in the sky, and the cloud cover decreases the strength of the light. Not everyone hates it. I tolerate it because in early summer we have the opposite: long glorious days.
I also have my light box, or “Happy Light.” I use it 30 minutes each morning to help with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Makes such a difference. The cost of Light Therapy Lights has come way down. You can get one now for about $40. Important to get one that is at least 10,000 lux, Lux is the measure of light intensity. You only need to sit in front of it for 30 minutes first thing in the morning. Drink your tea or coffee and then get on with your day. Don’t give yourself a blast of light later in the day because it may interfere with your sleep.
Vitamin D and long walks help too. Best reason to have a dog. Barlow expects his daily walks. Good for me too. Getting outdoors helps. Forest bathing and awe walks help with connection to the earth and mindfulness. Remember: there is no bad weather, just bad clothing (easier when the weather is cold and wet, harder in the heat.)
Even not considering the lack of light, we all need help with our stress and anxiety these days. Getting outside helps with the “doom scrolling.” So much going on in the world we can’t control, so be sure and be kind to yourselves and patient with others.
A gentle reminder that I am now writing more regularly because I’ve committed to doing so by turning on Paid Subscriptions. Read about it here in this post: A Special Message. Most of my writing will remain free. Pay only if you wish to and are able to. The cost is $5/month, $50/year, $100 Founding Member, bonus is ability to post and other content. Think of it as tipping for a busker. Thanks to all who have paid already!
https://www.nber.org/papers/w31812
https://www.futurity.org/covid-19-vaccines-viruses-2993552/
https://www.futurity.org/covid-19-vaccine-distribution-2412272/
https://xkcd.com/2806/
https://verilux.com/collections/happylight-therapy-lamps-boxes
https://www.prevention.com/health/mental-health/a25940709/happy-light-lamp-therapy/
https://www.cnet.com/health/best-sad-light-therapy-lamp/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/10/30/aging-health-strength-mind-heart/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://www.npr.org/2023/08/22/1195337204/a-guide-to-forest-bathing
https://www.mindful.org/how-to-take-an-awe-walk/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/well/move/an-awe-walk-might-do-wonders-for-your-well-being.html