SA researchers involved in breakthrough HIV treatment approved for use in the US
Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Start your FREE trial now Show Comments ()
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
In this inventive novel, a long-dead poet narrates from beneath Arctic ice
How do you depict the world? For millennia, the learned, the intrepid, the righteous and the confident have used folk tales, religious treatises, philosophical concepts, political theories, mathematical equations and a long series of increasingly detailed maps. Maps name and guide; they describe and inspire; they reflect our knowledge of the world, and our ignorance. 'A map,' the Dutch novelist Donald Niedekker writes, 'wants to be put to the test.' And if it fails that test, then 'those who trust it pay a price.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
13 Ways To Show Up For Friends In Crisis (When Words Aren't Enough)
In the unpredictable theater of life, crises can strike without warning, leaving even the most eloquent words feeling hollow. When your friends face these seismic shifts, it's often the unsaid gestures that carry the most weight. This isn't about grandiosity or dramatic revelations; it's about tangible, thoughtful actions that underscore your commitment to their well-being. Here's how to truly be there when words fall short. Sometimes, your mere presence can speak volumes. Just being there, without the pressure of conversation, can be a soothing balm to someone grappling with turmoil. Clinical psychologist Dr. Meg Jay suggests that "showing up" can be more powerful than trying to say the right thing, as it reinforces your support without the pressure of verbal interaction. Let them lead the way in terms of what they need to express or discuss. Remember, not every silence needs to be filled. Your willingness to share quiet moments can provide a comforting sense of normalcy. It's in these silences where deep connections often flourish, allowing your friend to process their emotions at their own pace. By being a silent presence, you're offering them the space to breathe, think, and feel. In the throes of crisis, everyday tasks can quickly become overwhelming. Offering to lend a hand with mundane chores is a simple yet profound way to lighten their load. Whether it's picking up groceries, walking the dog, or tidying up, these gestures can provide relief and mental space for your friend. It's not about taking over, but about easing their burden just enough so they can focus on healing. Approach these tasks with sensitivity and respect—ask what would be most useful rather than assuming. By doing so, you communicate your willingness to support their autonomy while still being a steadying presence. Remember, the goal is not to fix everything, but to create small pockets of relief throughout their day. These small acts of service can speak louder than any words of consolation. Setting up a judgment-free zone can help your friend feel safe to express themselves. Offer your home or a neutral space as a sanctuary where they can vent, cry, or simply exist without fear of judgment. Research by Dr. Brené Brown emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and being able to share without fear of repercussions. This doesn't mean solving their problems, but allowing them to be seen and heard. Encourage them to be as open or as reserved as they feel comfortable with. Offer gentle prompts if they seem stuck, but always let them set the pace. Your role is to listen actively, which means paying attention without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. By providing a safe space, you're giving them the invaluable gift of acceptance. Consistency can be incredibly reassuring in times of uncertainty. Checking in regularly, even with a simple text or call, shows your friend that you care and are thinking of them. It's a reminder that they are not alone, even if physical distance separates you. Make these check-ins part of your routine, but be mindful of their need for space. Gauge their responses to determine the appropriate frequency and method of communication. Everyone processes crises differently, so customize your approach to fit their unique needs. Express genuine interest in their well-being without prying into details they're not ready to share. Your consistent presence can be a source of stability amidst chaos. While it's tempting to jump in with solutions, sometimes restraint is key. Offering solutions should be done sparingly and only when explicitly requested. According to relationship expert Esther Perel, unsolicited advice can often feel dismissive and invalidating.. Instead, focus on listening and understanding the nuances of their situation. When you do offer advice, frame it as a suggestion rather than a directive. Use language that empowers them to make their own decisions, such as 'Have you considered…' or 'What if you tried…?' This invites collaboration rather than dictation. Remember, your role is to support, not to commandeer their path to healing. Laughter and lightness can be potent medicine, even amidst despair. Be sensitive to when your friend might welcome a break from their heavy emotions. Share a funny story, watch a light-hearted movie, or engage in an activity that brings joy. These moments can offer a temporary escape and remind them of life's multifaceted nature. It's crucial to follow their cues and ensure that your actions are appropriate to the moment. Sometimes, what they need most is a reminder of the world outside their crisis. However, ensure your attempts at levity don't come across as dismissive or trivializing. The goal is to offer a momentary reprieve, a small ray of sunshine cutting through the clouds. Even with the best intentions, it's essential to respect your friend's boundaries. Crises can leave people feeling vulnerable, and pushing too hard can lead to retreat. Dr. Henry Cloud, in his work on personal boundaries, emphasizes the importance of respecting the limits people set to protect themselves (source: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No). Approach your friend with empathy, and be willing to take a step back when necessary. Boundaries are not a reflection of their feelings towards you, but a necessary part of their healing process. Let them dictate the terms of what they're comfortable sharing or doing. This respect for their personal space shows that you value their autonomy and trust their judgment. By honoring their boundaries, you provide a foundation of trust and respect. Sometimes, the most supportive thing you can do is encourage your friend to seek professional help. Therapy or counseling might provide the tools they need to navigate their crisis more effectively. Frame this suggestion as an option rather than an obligation, and offer to assist in finding resources if they're open to it. A gentle nudge in the right direction can be more effective than a forceful push. Highlight the benefits of professional support, perhaps by sharing a positive personal experience or a compelling success story. Let them know it's a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek help when needed. Encourage them to view therapy as a valuable tool in their arsenal, rather than a last resort. Your support and understanding can make the decision to seek help less daunting. In the midst of a crisis, small victories can often go unnoticed. Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate these moments with your friend. Whether it's getting out of bed, completing a task, or simply making it through the day, these achievements deserve recognition. Your acknowledgment can boost their morale and reinforce their progress, however incremental. Celebrate in a way that feels natural and not forced. A simple 'I'm proud of you' or a small token of celebration can be meaningful. Focus on their resilience and strength, highlighting the courage it takes to move forward. By celebrating these victories, you're helping to build a foundation of hope and positivity. Healing from a crisis is not a linear process. It requires time, patience, and understanding from both you and your friend. Accept that there will be good days and bad, and that setbacks are not failures but part of the journey. Your patience can be a calming force, providing a steady hand to guide them through the ebbs and flows. Avoid setting expectations for how or when they should 'move on.' It's crucial to recognize and respect their timeline, even if it differs from what you anticipated. By practicing patience, you demonstrate unwavering support and give them the freedom to heal at their own pace. Your continued presence is a testament to your enduring commitment. Sometimes, the best way to support a friend in crisis is by providing a brief escape from their reality. Offer distractions that are engaging and enjoyable, such as a walk in the park, a cooking class, or a road trip to a nearby town. These activities can provide temporary relief and remind them that life still holds beauty and promise. It's about creating moments that allow them to step outside their troubles, even for a short while. Choose activities that align with their interests and comfort level. The aim is to offer a change of scenery and a mental break, rather than to overwhelm them with new experiences. Be attuned to their energy levels and be ready to adapt if needed. Your willingness to share these moments can create lasting memories that serve as a beacon of light through darker times. In a crisis, misinformation can exacerbate stress and confusion. Be a source of reliable information by helping your friend navigate through the noise. Assist them in identifying credible sources and provide accurate updates relevant to their situation. Whether it's understanding medical advice or legal rights, your guidance can arm them with knowledge and confidence. Avoid overwhelming them with too much information at once. Break down complex topics into digestible pieces, and be available to answer questions or offer clarifications. Emphasize the importance of making informed decisions and how knowledge can empower them during uncertain times. Your role as an informed ally can provide clarity and reassurance. Supporting a friend through a crisis requires emotional resilience and self-awareness. Reflect on your own well-being to ensure you're able to provide sustained support. It's important to recognize when you need a break or when to seek help yourself. Your health and well-being are vital in maintaining the strength and clarity needed to help others effectively. Engage in self-care practices that replenish your energy and spirit. Be honest with your friend about your limits, as this transparency can help maintain a healthy, supportive relationship. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup—your well-being is crucial in offering genuine, long-term support. Taking care of yourself not only benefits you but also strengthens your capacity to be there for your friend.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
9 Plants You Should Never Grow With Tomatoes
Some plants help tomatoes grow, while others can steal nutrients and compete for moisture. Avoid plants that attract the same pests and diseases and any that may inhibit tomato growth. Choose companion plants that help manage pests and disease, control weeds, and keep the soil are one of the most rewarding plants to have in the garden. They're relatively easy to grow, which makes them great for beginning gardeners while still offering a challenge to established green thumbs. If all goes well, they produce gorgeous fruit to eat in sandwiches or throw on before you start cooking and eating your harvest, you must get your plants to grow. Just like surrounding them with the right companion plants can help with soil enrichment and management of pests and diseases, some plants can harm their growth. We've rounded up a list of plants you should make sure to avoid planting with your tomato plants to ensure they're fruitful. Planting a member of the brassica family, like cabbage, can stunt the growth of your tomato plant because they out-compete them for the same nutrients. Cabbage and tomato seeds both need a lot of nutrients to thrive, so the competition makes one plant suffer—and that's usually the tomato. In this case, tomatoes may not produce buds, resulting in no fruit and a wasted harvest. Corn and tomatoes may be great when combined in the kitchen, but not when planted together. This is because they both attract the same sort of pests and fungal infections. Moth larvae feed on both corn and tomato crops, which can destroy any possibility for growth. Putting the vegetables near each other in a garden makes them doubly attractive to bugs, and that will cause double the problems for a gardener hoping for a big harvest. Broccoli, another vegetable in the brassica family, isn't a good choice for planting alongside tomatoes. That's because tomatoes are notoriously hungry for nutrients, and broccoli will compete for the same selection of nutrients in the soil. Both plants are heavy feeders, so planting them separately is your best bet if you want them to thrive. Like brassicas, fennel will inhibit the growth of tomatoes. Fennel isn't a good companion for most garden vegetables and should be grown in a little patch or pot by itself. "Don't plant near bush beans, kohlrabi, or tomatoes because it inhibits their growth," according to the Colorado State University Extension Service. This licorice-scented plant may work well with other vegetables in your recipes, but not in the garden. While many herbs grow well with tomatoes, dill is an exception. Young dill plants can actually do quite well next to tomatoes because they are known to help repel aphids, a tiny pest that affects many plants in the garden. However, when dill matures and is ready to seed, the herbs can inhibit tomato plant growth. The mature plants can easily damage the roots of the tomatoes and stunt their future development. Tomatoes and potatoes are both members of the nightshade family, meaning they need the same nutrients to grow. According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research & Extension Service, "Potatoes resemble tomatoes more than the other family members and often share the same disease and insects." If planted together, they will compete with each other, which doesn't benefit either species and can actually make them susceptible to the same diseases. These diseases can spread through the soil and ruin both plants if one is affected. Also, the proximity of these two plants matters as tomato roots can be damaged when harvesting. Like potatoes, eggplant is in the nightshade family, which making them a competitor to tomatoes. Eggplant is also susceptible to blight, a fungal disease that can rapidly spread through a harvested area via spores blown by the wind. Planting them together makes any tomatoes planted nearby more vulnerable to blight. When sudden browning, yellowing, spotting, or dying leaves appears on crops, this is a potential sign of blight. Choosing to plant tomatoes near a walnut tree may also negatively affect your crop. Walnut trees release chemicals in the soil that stunt the growth of surrounding plants. According to the NC State Cooperative Extension Service, "Tomatoes might grow successfully in the vicinity of a black walnut tree for a while but as the tree grows, so do its roots and eventually the roots will reach the garden." Once walnut wilt strikes, it won't take long for the disease to affect the tomato's fruits, and then the entire plant. This is another brassica to avoid when seeking out companion plants for your tomatoes. Cauliflower and tomatoes both feed heavily on the soil's nutrients. If they're planted close together in the garden, their competition for nutrients will likely result in smaller, less healthy plants. Keep them separate to ensure more opportunities for plant growth and produce development. Asparagus and tomatoes are the dynamic duos of the garden. With the help of the chemical solanine, tomatoes deter obnoxious asparagus beetles, which, can do harm to asparagus plants. According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, "The common asparagus beetle and the spotted asparagus beetle feed on asparagus spears and cause browning and scarring." A symbiotic relationship exists between the two plants, because asparagus plants, in turn, repel nematodes in the soil. An infestation of nematodes can harm the plants by attacking tomato roots and inhibiting their growth. Not only are chive plants delicious herbs to have in the garden, but they can repel aphids, nematodes, and mites, making them excellent companion plants for tomatoes. They are members of the allium family and can help keep your tomatoes safe from pests by emitting a strong onion-like fragrance. According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, "Chives thrive in full sun and well drained soil rich in organic matter. Their grass-like hollow leaves have a mild onion flavor and are common in salads and dips." If you're planning a garden that will provide you with salad stuffs, you're in luck, because lettuce and tomatoes are happy companions in the garden. When you plant lettuce near tomato plants, you will create a ground cover that will help keep the soil moist and cut down on weeds (and weeding). In return, the shade cast by rising tomato plants can help provide some protective cover for the lettuce and stop it from bolting (flowering, which turns the leaves bitter and dry) during the heat of summer. The bright blooms of marigolds attract insects like bees and ladybugs, which are good for a garden, but they also keep away pests like aphids, slugs, tomato worms, and snails, all of which love to munch on your growing tomato plants. These helpful plants also help keep the soil healthy for tomatoes. According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, "A few studies show that basil and marigolds can be effective at reducing thrip populations in tomatoes in both field and greenhouse conditions." Basil and tomatoes are friends in the kitchen, and they can be chums in the garden too. "Basil is a great indicator plant for tomatoes," as described by the TexasA&M AgriLife Extension Service, "Basil will show powdery mildew and other diseases before it shows on a tomato plant. It may be too late to spray if you wait until the disease shows up on the tomatoes." According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, "Intercropping with basil may even help to promote tomato growth." Read the original article on Southern Living
