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Vision Loss, Blindness, and Smoking

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Smoking harms your eyes just as much as it harms the rest of your body, increasing your risk of serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Two major threats to your eyesight are macular degeneration and cataracts. Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affects central vision, which is essential for tasks like reading, recognizing faces, and driving. AMD starts in its dry form but can progress to the wet form, causing rapid vision loss if untreated. Cataracts cause blurry vision that worsens over time, and without surgery, they can result in severe vision impairment. The best way to protect your eyes from smoking-related damage is to quit or never start smoking.

Symptoms of Eye Diseases Related to Smoking

Symptoms of AMD may include:

  • Blurred vision or a blurry spot in your central vision
  • The need for more light to read or do other tasks
  • Straight lines that look wavy
  • Trouble recognizing faces

How Does Smoking Affect Your Eyes?

Smoking causes changes in the eyes that may result in vision loss. If you smoke:

  • You are twice as likely to develop AMD compared with a people who do not smoke.2,8
  • You are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared with a people who do not smoke.

Smoking not only harms your overall health but also puts your vision at serious risk, leading to conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. By choosing to quit smoking, you can protect your eyes and your health, ensuring a clearer, brighter future. Take control of your well-being today—embrace a healthier, more mindful lifestyle, and make the choice to live tobacco-free. Your body, mind, and eyes will thank you.

**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/vision-loss-blindness.html

Marijuana and Lung Health

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Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug, with its health effects largely determined by how it’s consumed. It can be smoked using pipes, bongs, joints, blunts, and vaporizers or consumed through products like e-cigarettes, candy, brownies, beverages, and capsules. While this discussion centers on marijuana and lung health, it’s crucial to recognize other health concerns, such as neurological and cognitive effects, as well as public health issues like accidental pediatric poisonings from edible marijuana products. Smoke from marijuana combustion contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke, posing potential harm to lung health. Although marijuana smoke is less carcinogenic than tobacco smoke, its toxins may still pose risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like children. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of secondhand marijuana smoke.

Key Facts on Lung Health and Marijuana Smoke

  1. Impact on Lung Health: Smoking marijuana damages the lungs, causing chronic bronchitis, injuring airway cell linings, and leading to chronic cough, phlegm production, wheeze, and acute bronchitis.
  2. Air Pocket and Air Bubble Risks: Heavy marijuana smoking has been linked to air pockets between the lungs and chest wall, as well as large air bubbles in the lungs, especially among young to middle-aged adults.
  3. Immune System Effects: Smoking marijuana suppresses the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to fight infections and potentially increasing the risk of lower respiratory tract infections.
  4. Defense Mechanisms: It reduces the lungs’ ability to defend against infections by killing cells that remove dust and germs and increasing mucus production.
  5. Radiographic Findings: Marijuana-only smokers exhibit greater airway thickening, inflammation, and emphysema compared to both nonsmokers and tobacco-only smokers.
  6. Opportunistic Infections: Marijuana smoking may heighten the risk of opportunistic infections and transmission of viral infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV.
  7. Aspergillus Mold Exposure: Marijuana can harbor Aspergillus mold, which may cause lung disorders when smoked, though it rarely affects healthy individuals.
  8. Vaping and “Dabbing” Concerns: Limited research suggests that inhaling marijuana via vape pens or dabbing cannabis concentrates could pose similar respiratory health risks as e-cigarette use.

In light of the significant respiratory and immune system risks associated with smoking and inhaling marijuana, it’s essential to approach its use with caution, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions or compromised immune systems. The damage to lung health, increased vulnerability to infections, and potential exposure to harmful molds underscore the need for further research and public awareness. As methods of consumption like vaping and dabbing grow in popularity, understanding their long-term effects becomes increasingly critical. Prioritizing health and making informed choices about marijuana use can help mitigate these risks and protect overall well-being.

Reference: https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/marijuana-and-lung-health

Strings, Stories, and Dumplings: A Cross-Cultural Artistic Journey

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Growing up as a Black artist deeply immersed in AAPI communities, I’ve had the unique privilege of learning from traditions that have enriched my life and artistry. My Chinese godmother from Beijing played a profound role in shaping my understanding of culture through the art of cooking. I still remember standing by her side in the kitchen as she showed me how to wrap dumplings with care, explaining the significance of each ingredient. Her stories about the dishes she grew up with connected me to a heritage that wasn’t my own by birth, but one that became a part of me through shared meals and loving mentorship. The kitchen became a sacred space where culture, history, and love blended together, teaching me the value of preserving traditions.

Another important influence in my life was an elder from the AAPI community who introduced me to the art of guzheng, the Chinese zither. The first time I touched the strings, I felt an immediate connection to its hauntingly beautiful tones and the centuries of history it carried. My teacher’s patience and dedication were inspiring as he guided me through the techniques and the cultural stories behind the music. Through this practice, I not only learned to play an instrument but also became a custodian of an art form that deserves to be celebrated. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the ways in which traditional arts can bridge cultural gaps and preserve histories that might otherwise be lost.

As a Black artist based in Minnesota, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional arts can build understanding and nurture creative expression. I encourage Minnesotans to engage more actively with BIPOC art forms, whether it’s attending a local Guzheng performance, joining a cooking workshop led by immigrant elders, or participating in collaborative art projects. By creating spaces where diverse traditions are honored and practiced, we not only preserve cultural legacies but also cultivate a thriving community of creativity and respect. Invest in these traditions, not just for their beauty but for the stories and connections they bring to our lives.

Jarrelle （杰遨 ）Barton

Healing Through Heritage: How BIPOC Creators are Reclaiming Ancestral Narratives

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Art has always been a lifeline for BIPOC creators—a way to reach back across time and reclaim the stories of our ancestors, stories often erased or distorted by colonization and oppression. For many, creating is not just about making something beautiful; it’s a way of finding their place in a lineage, exploring questions of identity, displacement, and belonging. Each brushstroke, verse, or frame becomes a thread in the larger tapestry of our heritage, woven anew for a modern world. This process is deeply personal, a journey of healing and reconnection that carries their roots forward into the future.

We see this vividly in the work of filmmakers like Ava DuVernay and Taika Waititi, who use their art to challenge mainstream narratives and center the voices of their communities. Their films are more than stories—they are acts of cultural preservation and defiance. Similarly, visual artists turn to the symbols and practices of their ancestors, using them to honor their lineage while creating something entirely new. Musicians, too, are keeping traditions alive, blending traditional rhythms and languages with contemporary sounds to craft music that feels both timeless and revolutionary. Their work bridges the gap between past and present, a testament to the resilience and creativity of cultures.

But this creative reclamation isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about shaping the future. By sharing our heritage through art, we empower our communities, especially younger generations, to see the beauty and strength in their identities. They remind us all that culture isn’t something static or stuck in history—it’s a living, breathing force. It evolves, expands, and takes on new life through the hands of those who dare to remember and reimagine it. Through their work, these creators aren’t just keeping traditions alive—they’re making space for the next chapter to be written.

Jarrelle Barton (杰遨- Jieao)

10 Green Tea Benefits

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Green tea, rich in antioxidants and caffeine, offers several potential health benefits, including alleviating anxiety and stress, enhancing memory, and reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol. Drinking a few glasses of green tea daily can further boost your health, making it a simple yet effective addition to your routine. Available in various forms such as beverages, dietary supplements, and topical ointments, green tea can be easily incorporated into your lifestyle. Keep reading to discover more about its benefits, risks, and how to include it in your diet.

  1. Alleviates Anxiety and Stress
    Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps reduce anxiety and stress, promoting relaxation. However, the amount in tea is lower than in supplements, so consult a healthcare provider before starting high-dose L-theanine supplements.
  2. Helps Protect Against Cognitive Decline
    Drinking green tea may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, thanks to its high antioxidant content that helps prevent cell damage.
  3. Supports Bone Health
    Green tea may reduce the risk of osteoporosis by enhancing bone formation and preventing bone mass loss, making it beneficial for postmenopausal individuals at higher risk.
  4. Improves Longevity
    Green tea’s polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, may have anti-aging effects, such as reducing inflammation, minimizing oxidative stress, and decreasing signs of aging.
  5. Lowers Cholesterol
    Consuming green tea may help lower LDL (“bad”) and total cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  6. Enhances Memory
    The L-theanine in green tea may improve working memory and brain function, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.
  7. Manages and Prevents Type 2 Diabetes
    Green tea’s antioxidants may help reduce insulin resistance, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, making it a potential aid in managing and preventing the condition.
  8. Lowers Stroke Risk
    Moderate daily consumption of green tea may reduce stroke risk by at least 21%, possibly due to lifestyle factors associated with green tea drinkers.
  9. Supports Weight Loss
    Green tea’s catechins may increase metabolic rate and fat breakdown, aiding in weight loss, though its effects are likely minimal without a balanced diet and regular exercise.
  10. Reduces Blood Pressure
    Green tea may lower blood pressure, especially in those at high risk of heart disease, by reducing inflammation and dilating blood vessels to improve blood flow.

With its numerous health benefits, from reducing anxiety and supporting memory to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, green tea is a simple yet powerful addition to your daily routine. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall well-being or just want a moment of calm in your day, enjoying a glass of green tea can be a refreshing way to support your health. So why not pour yourself a cup and experience the soothing effects of this ancient remedy? Your body and mind will thank you!

Reference:https://www.health.com/nutrition/benefits-green-tea

Bridging Cultures and Spirit

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To be beautiful means to be yourself.You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself. When you are born a lotus flower, be a beautiful lotus flower, don’t try to be a magnolia flower. If you crave acceptance and recognition and try to change yourself to fit what other people want you to be, you will suffer all your life. True happiness and true power lie in understanding yourself, accepting yourself, having confidence in yourself.

Thich Nhat Hanh

The teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh are deeply rooted in mindfulness and compassion, offering profound resonance for our BIPOC communities that are navigating the complexities of bicultural identities. Thay’s concept of ” interbeing”, the understanding that all beings are interconnected, serves as a powerful foundation for embracing and honoring our cultural heritage within spiritual practice. For BIPOC Buddhists, these teachings provide a path to harmonize cultural identity with our spiritual journey, bringing about a sense of wholeness and acceptance. This approach encourages us to find strength in our unique backgrounds, cultivating a deeper understanding of ourselves and others through mindfulness and compassionate action.

The friendship between Thich Nhat Hanh and Martin Luther King Jr sets an example of how love and nonviolence can unite people across cultural and national boundaries in the pursuit of peace. Their shared vision to ending violence and promoting peace during the civil rights movement in the United States had given rise and connected it to the global struggle for world justice. Thich Nhat Hanh’s advocacy for nonviolent resistance and Dr. King’s commitment to civil rights created a powerful alliance that continues to inspire many today. Their partnership demonstrated that peace and social justice are deeply intertwined, and that true liberation can only be achieved through understanding, compassion, and nonviolent action.

The legacy of Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a key part of American BIPOC history, offering wisdom and inspiration for generations. Their work together highlights the power of cross-cultural solidarity in the fight for justice. For BIPOC Buddhists, our legacy isn’t just a historical milestone; it’s a living guide for facing today’s challenges. By embracing Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, BIPOC communities can draw strength from our roots while working toward a more just and peaceful world, staying true to the vision of these two great leaders.

Jarrelle

Reference: https://plumvillage.org/articles/thich-nhat-hanhs-friendship-with-dr-king

Cultivating Compassion Amidst Struggle

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As BIPOC Buddhists, we navigate a world where systemic racism, oppression, and trauma are daily realities. In the face of such adversity, it’s easy to be consumed by anger, pain, and resentment. But there is a transformative power within us—an ancient, yet ever-relevant practice that can help us rise above the suffering we endure. This power is metta, or loving-kindness. Metta is more than just a feeling; it’s an active force of compassion that we cultivate towards ourselves, our communities, and even those who perpetuate harm. In a society that often devalues our very existence, the practice of metta becomes an act of radical self-care and empowerment.

Metta allows us to confront our pain and the injustices we face with a heart full of compassion rather than bitterness. When we practice loving-kindness, we are not denying the harsh realities of systemic racism or minimizing the trauma that has been inflicted upon us. Instead, we are choosing to approach these challenges with a mindset that seeks healing and connection, rather than division and despair. By sending metta to ourselves, we affirm our own worth and humanity in a world that often seeks to strip us of both. By extending metta to others, even those who oppose us, we break the cycle of hatred and violence, refusing to let it take root in our hearts.

In the BIPOC Buddhist experience, metta serves as a powerful tool for resilience. It empowers us to hold space for our own suffering while also maintaining a sense of hope and possibility for the future. Through the practice of metta, we can transform our pain into a source of strength, our trauma into a wellspring of compassion. In this way, metta becomes not just a personal practice, but a revolutionary act—a way to reclaim our power, heal our communities, and create a world where loving-kindness can thrive in the face of adversity.

“Irrigators channel waters; fletchers straighten arrows; carpenters bend wood; the wise master themselves.” Buddha

Jarrelle (杰遨）

Ancestors and Zen: Words from A Black Buddhist

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Africa and Asia both share a rich history of indigenous practices that are deeply rooted in the reverence for nature, life, culture, and one’s own ancestors. These traditions have always emphasized respect for one’s lineage and the offering of food and prayers to those who have transcended this world. Unfortunately, both African and Asian indigenous faiths have often been misunderstood and labeled as pagan, satanic, or evil by outsiders who view them as foreign. Despite this, these ancient practices have been pillars of strength for communities, providing healing, nourishment, and hope to those in need. In the journey of self-discovery as BIPOC individuals, recognizing these shared traditions can be a profound way to connect, heal, and embrace our cultural heritage. As someone who has studied Mahayana Buddhism, a branch from East Asia, I’ve found a deep connection to these principles through my visits to temples, teachings, and extensive readings. The grace and peace of the monasteries have touched me deeply, resonating with my own cultural roots.

Many people may not realize it, but the act of giving offerings is a powerful form of medicine that helps heal the traumas of war, slavery, and oppression. It allows us to be present with ourselves and our ancestors, offering a space to grieve and celebrate their lives. When we give offerings, we not only honor our ancestors but also pray for all victims of injustice. As a Black man, this practice resonates with me profoundly. Every time I give offerings, I think of my ancestors, envision them, and surround them with love and light. In doing so, I mend a part of my heart that has been broken. Buddhism, which has gained significant popularity in the West, is known for its peace and non-violence teachings. Figures like Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama have introduced many to these life-saving teachings. Even the iconic Tina Turner found solace in Buddhism during her darkest moments, embracing the Buddha’s teachings as a gem. Buddhism encourages acceptance of cultural differences and provides mindfulness and compassionate approaches to solving complex issues, offering a path that aligns with indigenous practices of honoring one’s roots and embracing love.

Despite making up just 3% of the American Buddhist community, according to the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life, Black Buddhists are finding a meaningful connection with Buddhism. It is my hope that in the future, more Black seekers will explore meditation, engage with the Buddha’s sutras, and build a community founded on peace and love. The teachings of Buddhism not only align with the values of our ancestors but also offer a spiritual path that encourages unity and understanding across different cultures. As more individuals from diverse backgrounds discover the beauty of these teachings, there is potential for a harmonious blending of traditions that honors our shared history while providing community and healing in our multicultural world.

一切唯心造 – Everything is created by the mind.

Bao Jieao (Jarrelle)

Healthy Eating

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Cultural foods, or traditional dishes, are a delicious representation of the traditions, beliefs, and practices of different regions, ethnic groups, and religions around the world. These dishes often reflect a community’s culture and can include unique ways of preparing and using specific ingredients. Passed down through generations, cultural foods are central to our identities and family connections. They also play a big role in religious celebrations and bring people together. Take Asian traditional dishes like sushi, dumplings, and curry, for example; they highlight the rich flavors and diverse customs that show just how important food is to culture.

In the U.S., people often follow the USDA guidelines to eat healthily, which recommend eating a variety of fruits and veggies. While they do mention some cultural foods like bok choy, taro leaves, mung beans, and lotus root, there’s still a lot of room to explore the diverse selection of healthy foods from different cultures. Food is a big part of culture, and it plays an important role in all communities. By incorporating traditional cultural foods into our diets, we not only enjoy a wider range of flavors but also gain the health benefits that come with eating a variety of nutritious foods. Eating this way can help keep everyone healthy and connected to their cultural roots.


Incorporating a variety of cultural foods into our diets not only adds exciting flavors but also provides a wealth of health benefits. While Western health websites often spotlight foods like kale and quinoa, traditional foods such as Gailan, water spinach, rice, and soybeans offer similar nutritional value. Embracing these diverse, nutritious options highlights the importance of food in cultural identity and community well-being. By expanding our healthy eating guidelines to include more traditional cultural foods, we can promote better health for everyone and celebrate the rich culinary heritage that different cultures bring to the table.

Reference:https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/DGA_2020-2025_CustomizingTheDietaryGuidelinesFramework.pdf

The Art of Asako Hirabayashi

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Born in Japan, Hirabayashi began her musical journey at the age of 7, composing and playing the piano. She later graduated with a degree in composition from a Japanese college. During her studies, she discovered the harpsichord, an instrument that suited her small hands and her passion for rare instruments. In the 1990s, she moved to the United States to further her education in harpsichord performance and composition at the Juilliard School. Hirabayashi earned her doctorate from Juilliard with a dissertation focused on “Ornamentation in the Harpsichord Music of William Byrd.”

In the early 2000s, Hirabayashi moved to Minnesota, becoming an active member of the Japan America Society of Minnesota. She performs locally, nationally, and internationally, while composing and teaching. Her notable compositions include an opera, a Concerto for Four Harpsichords and Strings, and various solo harpsichord and chamber pieces. Hirabayashi’s interest in historical instruments led to her collaboration with violinist Margaret Humphrey, resulting in the formation of the duo Cerulean Fire in 2012, dedicated to high-quality music and increasing public appreciation for historical instruments. In 2014, she began producing the “Music and Flower” show with the Sogetsu Ikebana Group, a project initiated by her friend Eiji Ikeda of the Minnesota Orchestra. Regularly performing at the Baroque Room in Minneapolis and other global venues, including Japan, Carnegie Hall, and London, Hirabayashi collaborates with various string players and performers. She also teaches at her studio in the Saint Paul Conservatory.

Awards

  • Multiple McKnight awards
  • Minnesota Arts Board grants
  • 2004: Solo Category Winner of the Aliénor Harpsichord Composition Competition
  • 2008: Honorable Mention for the Duo Category Winner of the Aliénor Harpsichord Composition Competition
  • 2010: CD The Harpsichord in the New Millennium was selected as one of the five best classical CDs of the year
  • 2018: Gold Medal Award from Global Music Awards 2018

Asako Hirabayashi’s music is a testament to the power of artistic storytelling, where light and refreshing melodies blend masterfully into a vivid musical painting. Her compositions, including an opera, a Concerto for Four Harpsichords and Strings, and various solo harpsichord and chamber pieces, showcase her ability to creatively use sound to tell a story. Influences from her rich background and collaboration with historical instrument enthusiasts, such as her duo Cerulean Fire with violinist Margaret Humphrey, add depth and nuance to her work. Through her performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Baroque Room in Minneapolis, and her teaching at the Saint Paul Conservatory, Hirabayashi inspires AAPI creatives by demonstrating how cultural heritage and innovation can harmoniously intersect to produce powerful, evocative music.

Reference:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQLLdG7j2p4 https://www.asakohirabayashi.com/bio