Tag Archives: Bicultural Healthy Living

How Seaweeds Fuel Nutrition, Medicine, and Sustainability

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Seaweeds—brown (Phaeophyceae), red (Rhodophyta), and green (Chlorophyta)—are earning major attention for their health and sustainability benefits. Nutrient-dense and naturally low in fat, they provide vitamins (A, B-complex, C, D, E, K), essential minerals (iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc), fiber, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Just as important, seaweeds are rich in bioactive compounds—fucoidan, laminaran, alginate, phlorotannins, fucoxanthin (brown); carrageenan and agar (red); and ulvan plus antioxidant pigments (green)—that show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and other promising properties in research.

These bioactives already power everyday applications: carrageenan and agar as food and pharma gelling agents; alginates in wound dressings, coatings, and texture systems; phlorotannins and ulvan in cosmetics and skincare for moisturizing, UV protection, and anti-aging; and even emerging roles in antivirals, nutraceuticals, and material science (edible films, bioplastics, biofuels). Seaweeds also support health indirectly through agriculture—used as biofertilizers, they enrich soils and crops without harsh chemicals, strengthening food systems while reducing environmental load.

Looking ahead, integrating seaweed extracts across food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors can accelerate healthier products and cleaner supply chains. Continued research is essential to identify and characterize more bioactive molecules, optimize safe, effective use, and ensure benefits for human and animal health. In short: seaweeds unite high nutritional value with powerful bioactives and sustainable applications—making them a compelling ally for personal well-being and a resilient, future-ready economy.

Reference:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8232781/

Standing Up Against Bullying Starts With Awareness

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Did you know that nearly one in five students experiences bullying each year? Bullying can take many forms—verbal, physical, social, or online—and its impact goes far beyond hurt feelings. Victims may struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, and in severe cases, it can affect academic performance and emotional health. Recognizing the signs early—such as sudden withdrawal, changes in mood, or reluctance to go to school—is the first step in helping those affected. Awareness is the foundation for change.

When we notice someone being bullied, our response matters. Encouraging victims to speak up, seek help from trusted adults, and connect with school counselors or support lines can make a big difference. Even small acts of kindness—listening without judgment, offering to walk with someone between classes, or including them in group activities—can remind victims that they’re not alone. Building a network of empathy and support empowers students to stand stronger together.

Preventing bullying starts with creating environments where respect and compassion thrive. Schools and communities can foster inclusion by promoting kindness campaigns, encouraging bystander intervention, and setting clear anti-bullying policies. Teaching empathy, celebrating diversity, and practicing open communication can help transform school culture into one of safety and acceptance. Together, we can make every classroom and hallway a place where all students feel seen, valued, and protected.

Jarrelle ( 杰遨 – Jieao ) Barton

Filipino American History Month 2025

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Since 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) has led the celebration of October as Filipino American History Month (FAHM) across the United States. Recognized by Congress in 2009 and first honored at the White House in 2015, FAHM celebrates the deep roots and powerful contributions of Filipino Americans. This year’s theme, “From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration and Movement,” commemorates the 90th anniversary of the 1935 Filipino Repatriation Act and the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act—two pivotal moments that shaped the Filipino American journey from exclusion to belonging.

In 1935, the U.S. government passed the Filipino Repatriation Act, a policy designed to reduce the Filipino population by offering one-way passage back to the Philippines under the condition that those who left could never return. Though framed as a benevolent opportunity, it reflected the era’s deep anti-Asian sentiment and exclusionary practices. Only a small fraction of the Filipino population accepted this offer, and the law ultimately failed thanks to community resistance. Thirty years later, the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act transformed the landscape, abolishing discriminatory quotas and opening the doors for thousands of Filipino immigrants—nurses, teachers, engineers, and more—to build lives and multigenerational communities in the U.S.

Today, over 4 million Filipino Americans continue to enrich the nation through social activism, healthcare, education, technology, and the arts. As immigration debates persist, this year’s theme reminds us that migration is not only about crossing borders but also about the ongoing movement toward justice, dignity, and belonging. The Filipino American experience stands as a testament to resilience and solidarity—showing that when marginalized communities unite, they have the power to challenge injustice, reshape policy, and expand opportunity for future generations. As we celebrate FAHM 2025, may we honor the past while continuing the work toward equity, remembrance, and liberation for all.

Reference:https://www.fanhs-national.org/filam/filipino-american-history-month-2025?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExaVNqRWdmMmlyVE9DWmoxYwEeVkbGToIrl_vGQi2a5rQd4gyJsF4RIUao6MzbATdDC7FjcR_0LnqBPwUyWg0_aem_QxHHBBd56fPEOhtn0s0DoA

Traditions Reimagined in Modern Spaces

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Cultural traditions are often seen as fixed in the past, but for bicultural artists, they are living sources of inspiration. Across communities, ancestral practices like calligraphy, weaving, or folk dance are finding new life in contemporary art forms. A brushstroke once reserved for poetry may now appear in street murals, or a textile pattern once worn at ceremonies may inspire modern fashion designs. By reimagining these traditions in fresh ways, artists show that heritage is not static—it evolves with each generation.

When bicultural artists reinterpret traditions, they do more than preserve them—they make them accessible to wider audiences. A performance that blends traditional instruments with modern beats can resonate with young people who might not otherwise connect with cultural history. Similarly, a gallery installation that incorporates ancestral symbols into modern digital media can spark conversations across cultures. These creative reinterpretations allow traditions to thrive outside their original contexts, ensuring that they remain relevant while honoring their roots.

The beauty of reimagining traditions is that it proves culture is both timeless and adaptable. Bicultural artists show us that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning heritage, but expanding it. In modern spaces—whether on stage, in galleries, or online—traditions are not only remembered, but transformed into tools of expression, healing, and connection. By blending the past with the present, these artists ensure that traditions remain powerful, inspiring, and deeply meaningful for generations to come.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Honoring Wisdom Across Generations

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In BIPOC families, elders hold more than memories—they carry the stories, traditions, and practices that root us in who we are. Learning from them means gaining access to a living archive of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether it’s through oral histories, recipes, music, or rituals, elders pass down traditions that remind us of our collective strength and the journeys of those who came before us.

When we sit with our elders, we aren’t just hearing lessons—we’re experiencing culture firsthand. Simple acts, like learning to prepare a family dish, hearing a lullaby in an ancestral language, or practicing a craft handed down through generations, become moments of connection and continuity. These traditions are often survival stories wrapped in beauty, showing how communities endured and thrived despite hardship. They remind younger generations that culture is not just preserved in museums—it’s alive in daily life.

The beauty of learning traditions from our elders is that it gives us the tools to shape our future with roots firmly planted in the past. For BIPOC families, this knowledge ensures that identity is not lost but carried proudly into new spaces. By listening, learning, and practicing these traditions, we keep our cultures vibrant and evolving, honoring the sacrifices of our elders while building bridges for the generations to come. In this exchange, we discover that tradition is not just about the past—it’s a gift for the future.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Strings of Identity: The BIPOC Experience Through the Guzheng

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As a Black guzheng artist, I live at the intersection of multiple identities. The guzheng, with its thousands of years of history rooted in Chinese culture, became my voice. Each performance is a reminder that identity is layered: I am both carrying the traditions of an instrument not born of my culture and expanding what it means to represent Black artistry in America. My journey has been about more than music, it’s been about reclaiming space, creating belonging, and showing that culture is not a wall, but a bridge.

The BIPOC experience is defined by resilience and adaptation. For me, learning the guzheng meant stepping into rooms where I was often the only Black person, asked again and again to explain my choice of instrument. At times, the pressure to “justify” my art was heavy, but that very tension also shaped my perspective: identity is not confined by expectation. The guzheng’s voice—at once delicate, powerful, and infinite—mirrors the complexity of BIPOC existence. We carry histories of struggle, yet we transform those stories into art, sound, and healing. My fingers on the strings are not just playing notes, but weaving together threads of ancestry, survival, and hope.

To be BIPOC in the arts is to confront stereotypes while also rewriting narratives. Every performance is my way of saying: we belong everywhere art is made. The guzheng in my hands represents possibility—proof that boundaries can be crossed, cultures can be shared, and voices once silenced can be amplified. As a Black guzheng artist, I don’t just play music; I embody the resilience of my community, the shared dreams of BIPOC artists, and the promise that our voices whether spoken, sung, or strummed across strings, will continue to shape the world.

Jarrelle （杰遨） Barton

Friendship Over Fear: Building Kindness and Ending Bullying in Our Schools

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Friendship is one of the most important foundations of a positive school environment. When students feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. A good friend can make school feel safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable, creating a sense of belonging that every student deserves.

On the other hand, bullying damages that sense of belonging and can leave lasting emotional scars. Being excluded, teased, or targeted can make students feel isolated and fearful, which impacts not only their confidence but also their ability to learn. Bullying undermines the very spirit of community that schools work so hard to build, replacing trust and safety with fear and division.

That’s why it is so important to encourage kindness, empathy, and inclusion in every classroom. By promoting friendships and teaching students to stand up for one another, schools can create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. Each act of friendship—no matter how small—has the power to change someone’s day, and together, students can create a culture that says no to bullying and yes to kindness.

Inspiring Words for Students

  • Show kindness every day, because even small acts can make a big difference.
  • Treat everyone with respect, no matter how different they are from you.
  • Include others so no one feels left out or alone.
  • Practice empathy by trying to understand how others feel.
  • Be courageous and stand up for yourself and for others.
  • Support your friends and classmates when they need help.
  • Remember that everyone deserves to belong and feel safe at school.
  • Work together in unity to build a school community that cares.
  • Celebrate friendship—it makes school brighter for everyone.

Friendship has the power to transform schools into safe, supportive, and joyful places for everyone. When students choose kindness over cruelty and inclusion over exclusion, they help create a community where no one feels alone. Bullying may cause harm, but strong friendships can heal, uplift, and inspire. Together, students can build a culture of respect and unity—one where every voice matters, and every person belongs.

If you are in need of crisis support contact the text line by texting MN to 741741

Jarrelle ( 杰遨 ）Barton

What Is Acute Stress? And How to Tell If You’re Experiencing It

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Traumatic experiences can leave lasting impressions far beyond the initial moment of impact. Whether it’s a sudden car accident, a violent assault, a serious injury, or another life-threatening event, the body and mind often respond with shock, confusion, and a flood of emotions—or in some cases, a complete lack of them. While some people feel their reactions immediately, others may notice the effects days later in the form of numbness, sleepless nights, or persistent anxiety. These kinds of intense, short-term reactions to trauma are not uncommon, and in many cases, they may point to a condition known as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). Understanding what ASD is, how it shows up, and why it matters is an important step toward recognizing the hidden effects of trauma and supporting recovery.

Key facts to know about ASD:

  • Timing: ASD symptoms last from 3 days up to 1 month after a traumatic event. Beyond that, symptoms may indicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Prevalence: Studies show between 11–40% of people experience ASD after violence-related injuries.
  • Symptoms: Signs can be emotional (numbness, irritability, distressing memories), physical (rapid heartbeat, panic, nausea), or psychological (nightmares, hypervigilance, detachment).
  • Risk factors: Prior trauma, existing mental health conditions, avoidant coping strategies, or trauma from assault can increase the likelihood of developing ASD.
  • Impact: ASD can interfere with work, relationships, and overall health—sometimes leading to negative coping behaviors such as substance use.

While acute stress is a natural response to danger, untreated ASD may lead to more severe conditions like PTSD. Professional support, trauma-focused therapy, medication (when necessary), and understanding from loved ones all play an important role in recovery.

Traumatic events can shake anyone’s sense of safety and stability, but recovery is possible. Recognizing the signs of acute stress and seeking timely support can help turn a painful experience into the first step toward healing and resilience.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/acute-stress-8736065?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=19433671-20250915&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=091525&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

More Than a Game: The Cultural Legacy of Mahjong Parties

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Mahjong, a traditional Chinese tile game, is far more than a pastime—it is a living piece of cultural heritage. Played for centuries, mahjong represents a blend of strategy, memory, and intuition that reflects values of patience, adaptability, and resilience. At gatherings, the rhythmic clicking of tiles is as iconic as the laughter that fills the room. For many, hosting or joining a mahjong party is not simply about competition, but about honoring tradition and celebrating cultural identity in an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity.

Beyond its cultural significance, mahjong serves as a powerful tool for connection and community. A mahjong table invites intergenerational bonding, with grandparents teaching grandchildren not only the rules of the game but also lessons in patience and respect. Friends and neighbors find camaraderie through shared stories between rounds, reinforcing trust and belonging. In a world where many feel isolated, mahjong parties become a safe space where people can laugh, learn, and experience the joy of collective play.

Importantly, mahjong also holds healing potential. Research has shown that engaging in mentally stimulating games like mahjong can reduce stress, sharpen memory, and support emotional well-being. For older adults, it can help delay cognitive decline; for anyone, the sense of rhythm and flow can be grounding and restorative. Mahjong parties offer a ritual of mindfulness disguised as play: when the tiles are shuffled, worries can fade, and what remains is a circle of connection, laughter, and cultural continuity. In this way, mahjong is both medicine for the mind and nourishment for the soul.

Jarrelle ( Jieao- 杰遨 ) Barton

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Papaya Regularly

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Papaya is more than a delicious tropical fruit—it’s a nutritional powerhouse with wide-ranging health benefits. In addition to being fat-free, papaya is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and enzymes that support overall wellness. Eating papaya regularly can improve digestion (thanks to papain and fiber), boost immunity (with nearly a full day’s vitamin C in one cup), support healthy vision (from lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene), help manage blood sugar, and even reduce cancer risks. It also protects the skin, lowers inflammation, and promotes cardiovascular health with antioxidants, potassium, and fiber.

Key Facts:

  1. Improved Digestion – Fiber + papain enzyme aid in gut health.
  2. Stronger Immunity – Vitamin C fights infections & free radicals.
  3. Better Vision – Lycopene, lutein & zeaxanthin protect eyes.
  4. Diabetes Support – Low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar.
  5. Cancer Protection – Lycopene, lutein & zeaxanthin show anticancer effects.
  6. Healthier Skin – Vitamins A & C boost collagen & skin elasticity.
  7. Reduced Inflammation – Antioxidants fight free radicals linked to chronic disease.
  8. Heart Health – Fiber & potassium lower cholesterol and blood pressure.


Papaya is a simple yet powerful addition to your diet that can enhance health from the inside out. Whether enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, or added to salads, this fruit offers daily nourishment for digestion, immunity, vision, skin, and heart health. Adding papaya to your routine is a small step with big benefits.

Advocate for the Federal Food Service Guideline and Wellness Policy through sharing nutritional information and encouraging healthy dietary choices.

Reference:https://www.verywellhealth.com/papaya-benefits-11769169