How Seaweeds Fuel Nutrition, Medicine, and Sustainability

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

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/

Filipino American History Month 2025

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

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

Honoring Wisdom Across Generations

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

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

Posted on September 28, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

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

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

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

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

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

100 Words of Encouragement for Any Situation

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Encouragement is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to make a difference in someone’s life. A few genuine words can help a friend through a tough time, motivate a coworker, comfort a child, or strengthen the bond with your partner. As Kristin Wilson, MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT, Chief Experience Officer at Newport Healthcare, explains, encouraging others offers motivation, boosts confidence, builds a sense of security, and reinforces a person’s worth and capabilities. Whether you’re offering a cheer, a kind compliment, or simply reminding someone that you see their effort, encouragement is a gift that leaves lasting impact.

Key Facts

Encouragement motivates people to take action and believe in themselves.
Recognizing effort matters just as much as outcomes.
Specific and authentic praise strengthens emotional bonds.
Adults and children alike thrive when reassured and supported.
Encouraging words can improve both workplace performance and academic success.
Encouragement builds resilience and helps people through challenges.
Offering genuine encouragement reinforces trust and connection.

Words of Encouragement for a Coworker

Great work!
Your hard work is paying off.
The passion you bring to your work is inspiring.
You’re a true team player.
Thank you for going above and beyond on this project.
The way you handled that task was impressive.
Your contributions to the team have been really helpful.
Your commitment to this project is commendable.
Your knowledge and expertise in this area have been invaluable.
Your ideas are refreshing, keep them coming!
Your work is making a huge impact.
You have a strong work ethic that I really admire.
Your can-do approach is really motivating the rest of the team.
Your positivity and optimism are contagious.
Your attention to detail is flawless, keep it up!
Your leadership inspires confidence.
We’re lucky to have you on board.
I trust your ability to handle this project.
I have confidence in your decision-making skills.
I’m seeing a significant improvement in your performance.
Thanks for working on the feedback I shared, I can see the difference.
Your professional and personal growth have been significant.
Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, you can do this!
Even though the deal fell through, it was not for lack of your effort.
Your calm and collected approach was really helpful during the crisis.

Words of Encouragement for a Friend

Good luck! You’re going to do great.
Break a leg! Go out there and wow them.
You killed it! That was amazing.
Congratulations, I’m so happy for you!
You had the courage to follow your dreams.
You stuck to your guns, good for you!
Shine on!
One step at a time, you’re almost there!
Don’t worry, you can do this!
Keep at it, you’ve got this!
I have no doubt that you’ll be great at this.
This is tough, but you’re definitely tougher.
It sucks that you have to go through this, but I know you can do it.
Things will get better, hang in there!
Whatever the universe has in store for you is going to be amazing.
Trust the process, it’ll work out.
Good vibes coming your way.
Sending you big hugs and happy thoughts.
You’re in my thoughts today.
I’m here for you no matter what.
Just pick up the phone if you need me.
Your friendship is important to me.
You have a heart of gold.
You’re such a pure soul.
You make the world a better place.

Words of Encouragement for a Child

Good job!
There you go!
You’re doing great.
Keep up the good work.
You’re such a smart cookie.
You’re so brave.
I’m so proud of you.
You’re awesome, you can do this!
Good luck today!
Go for it!
Be good today.
Make me proud.
I know you’ll do the right thing.
Try, try, try!
You can do anything if you put your mind to it.
You can be anything you want to be.
The sky’s the limit.
I love you no matter what.
It didn’t go well, but you learnt something important today.
Mistakes are part of the learning process. Don’t beat yourself up.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Tomorrow will be a better day.
Hang in there!
Don’t give up, you can do this.
Do your best, leave the rest.

Encouragement doesn’t need to be elaborate—sometimes the simplest, most heartfelt words are the ones that matter most. Whether it’s telling a coworker “great job,” reminding a child “I’m proud of you,” or reassuring a partner “we’re in this together,” these words create lasting impact. Small gestures of support remind people they are valued, capable, and not alone. Start today: look around, notice the effort of those you love, and let them know you believe in them. Your encouragement could be the spark that lights their way forward.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/words-of-encouragement-8549207?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=19165985-20250824&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=082425&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

What Is Confirmation Bias?

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Confirmation bias is one of the most common — and often unnoticed — mental shortcuts that shapes how we think, make decisions, and interact with others. It’s the tendency to favor information that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring or downplaying evidence that challenges them. Whether it’s interpreting news, forming opinions about controversial issues, choosing friends, or making investments, confirmation bias subtly influences how we process the world. Psychologist Peter Wason’s 1960s experiments first illuminated how people naturally seek confirmatory information, and since then, research has shown this bias affects memory, attention, and interpretation. Key signs include ignoring contradictory evidence, remembering only supportive details, and seeking information from like-minded sources. It shows up in politics, relationships, and everyday decisions — and though it can offer a sense of comfort and confidence, it often hinders objectivity and critical thinking. The good news? With conscious effort, we can reduce its effects by staying open to opposing views, welcoming new information, and being aware of our own cognitive blind spots. In a world full of information, curiosity and humility are powerful tools to overcome bias.

Key Facts:

Confirmation bias causes us to seek and interpret information that supports our existing views.
It impacts attention, memory, and how we perceive information.
It shows up in personal decisions, politics, news consumption, and relationships.
There are different types: biased attention, biased interpretation, and biased memory.
Awareness, seeking diverse perspectives, and openness to new evidence can help mitigate it.

While we can’t fully eliminate confirmation bias — it’s wired into how our brains function — we can learn to recognize it and challenge its grip on our thinking. The more we practice intellectual humility, seek out opposing viewpoints, and stay open to new information, the closer we come to seeing the world as it really is — not just as we wish it to be.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-confirmation-bias-2795024?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=18887911-20250805&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=080525&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

Rising Together: Breaking Barriers in BIPOC Communities

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

Breaking barriers in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities is about more than overcoming individual struggles—it’s about dismantling systemic inequities that have persisted for generations. From limited access to quality education and healthcare to underrepresentation in leadership and the arts, these challenges affect daily life and long-term opportunities. Yet despite these barriers, BIPOC communities continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and leadership, paving the way for meaningful change.

Representation is a key part of progress. Studies show that when BIPOC voices are included in leadership, policy, and cultural spaces, outcomes improve for entire communities. Health disparities, wage gaps, and limited access to resources remain pressing issues, but community-driven initiatives have proven to be some of the most effective solutions. Whether through grassroots organizations, cultural arts programs, or advocacy for equitable healthcare, BIPOC leaders are reshaping narratives and building stronger support systems for the future.

True change comes when we all recognize the importance of equity and take action. Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses, investing in education, amplifying diverse voices, and advocating for policy reform are steps everyone can take to help break down barriers. By standing together, we not only honor the strength and resilience of BIPOC communities but also build a society where every voice is valued and every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Jarrelle (jieao-杰遨) Barton

Can’t Focus? Same. These 5 Tips Will Cure Your Brain Fog Stat

Posted on July 27, 2025 by Jarrelle Barton

After becoming a parent to twins, sleep became a luxury I could no longer afford—three non-consecutive hours was considered a win. Between midnight feedings, a preschooler’s tantrums, and a demanding full-time job, I was functioning on caffeine and sheer willpower. But what truly made life unmanageable was the relentless brain fog: that spacey, “buffering” feeling that made simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain. Brain fog isn’t just tiredness—it’s a cognitive haze marked by forgetfulness, slow thinking, poor focus, and feeling mentally “off.” According to psychiatrists like Dr. Simon Faynboym, causes range from sleep deprivation and poor diet to stress, illness, and hormonal changes. I once left my wallet at the bank and even mixed up my twins. Yep, it was that bad. But over time, I made small changes—better sleep hygiene, limiting caffeine, walking daily, and being kinder to myself. It didn’t happen overnight, but eventually, the fog began to lift.

Key Facts at a Glance:

Brain fog includes forgetfulness, sluggish thinking, and confusion.
Common causes include sleep deprivation, stress, dehydration, poor nutrition, hormonal shifts, and medical conditions.
Mental health issues like anxiety and depression often contribute.
Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, therapy, medical care, or supplements.
Prevention includes hydration, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep.

Top 5 Tips to Beat Brain Fog:

Prioritize Sleep: Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and aim for 7–8 hours of quality rest each night.
Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle nearby and sip regularly—dehydration can dull your brain.
Eat Smart: Fuel your brain with omega-3s, leafy greens, lean proteins, and complex carbs.
Move Your Body: Even short walks or stretching breaks can boost clarity and circulation.
Declutter Your Mind: Use to-do lists, practice mindfulness, or journal to stay grounded and focused.

If you’re stuck in a mental haze, know that you’re not alone—and that brain fog is more than just being scatterbrained. It’s a signal that your mind and body need support. Whether it’s tweaking your daily routine, reaching out to a doctor, or just giving yourself grace, there are ways forward. Be patient with yourself, take small steps, and trust that clarity can return—even after the stormiest seasons of life.

**Maintain a positive mindset-รักษาทัศนคติเชิงบวก**

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/brain-fog-8722143?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=18623214-20250725&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=072525&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input

Bicultural Healthy Living

A Balanced Approach to a Bicultural Healthy Life

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