Facts about waste water

World Water Day is held on March 22nd to raise awareness of the importance of freshwater. It helps bring attention to a crisis faced by millions around the globe – limited access to fresh, clean water.

This year's theme is 'why waste water' and focuses on getting people to stop wasting the valuable resource.

It is estimated that 663 million people live without access to safe water close to their homes. Instead, they must travel long distances or queue for hours to get it. Many also have to cope with contaminated water – and the associated health problems.

The United Nations General Assembly officially designated March 22nd as World Water Day in 1993. Since then, campaigns have focused on improving water quality and access to freshwater for people around the world. In 2015 – and as part of the Sustainable Development Goals – a UN Initiative set a target to make sure everyone on the planet has access to safe water by 2030.

It is estimated that by 2030, the demand for water will have increased by 50% – most of which will be from people living in cities. As a result, World Water Day organisers are calling for new approaches to wastewater management.

Facts about waste water:
- At present, more than 80% of wastewater produced is pumped back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused.
- Despite most of the world's population being expected to live in cities by 2050, most – especially in developing countries – do not have the infrastructure or resources needed to manage wastewater.
- 1.8 billion people (more than a quarter of the world's population) use a source of drinking water that is contaminated by faeces. This places them at risk of a host of deadly diseases including dysentery, cholera and polio.
- It is estimated that unsafe water and poor sanitation kills 842,000 people every year.
- An area of land roughly equivalent to the size of Sri Lanka is irrigated with wastewater or polluted water. This causes health problems in the farmers working on the land, and eventually the people who consume the products they produce.
- Water, sanitation and hygiene could prevent 9.1% of the global disease burden – and an estimated 6.3% of all deaths.
- Improved water sources reduces the number of deaths from diarrhoea by 21%, while improved sanitation can reduce it by 37.5%.
- According to the USGS, the average person uses up to 100 gallons of water per day. 95% of this goes down the drain – meaning each person wastes between 76-95 gallons every day.
- Despite most of the planet being covered by water, most of it is not available for human use. If the Earth's water fitted into a four litre jug, just one tablespoon would be available freshwater.

How Bilingualism rewires your brain

Around the world, more than half of people – estimates vary from 60-75% – speak at least two languages. Many countries have more than one official national language – South Africa has 11. And you thought Switzerland had a lot with four?! People are increasingly expected to speak, read and write at least one of a handful of “super” languages, such as English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish or Arabic, as well.

Multilingualism has been shown to have many social, psychological and lifestyle advantages. Moreover, researchers are finding a swath of health benefits from speaking more than one language, including faster stroke recovery and delayed onset of dementia.

Did you know that as a bilingual your brain is continually processing information in both languages?

“Bilinguals are a really a model of cognitive control,” Pennsylvania State University cognitive scientist Judith F. Kroll told Quartz, citing bilinguals’ ability to both hold two languages in their head and expertly switch between them at the right times.

New Year's Resolutions 2017

Time for New Year's Resolutions... Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Why not find a unique New Year’s resolution that can actually transform your life? And, maybe you’ll even have a chance of sticking to it? Something that is more interesting will naturally keep your interest.

So, here are a few unique New Year’s Resolutions that you chould try. Pick one, two, three, or all four.

A Daily Act of Kindness
One of the best new year resolution ideas is to resolve to make at least one person’s life better each day. It can be as simple as buying someone’s coffee in line behind you to donating something to the local food bank. These happen a lot during the holidays, but not much afterwards.

Learn Something New
Can you design a web page? Want to play the guitar? Wish you could be an author? Always hoped to speak Italian? We all have things skills we wished we had or things we’ve always wanted to learn. The coming of the new year should remind you that you aren’t getting any younger. Resolve to actually learn a new skill or develop a talent. Be specific about what you want to learn and write down concrete steps to achieve it. For example, if you want to write a book, research the publishing process and maybe take a class on writing.

Get Involved In A Charity
Was your old year primarily focused on yourself? There’s nothing wrong with making yourself happy. However, selfish people rarely live meaningful and truly happy lives. That’s why, if you’re not already involved in charitable work, it could be a unique year’s resolution.
If you’re unsure what to choose, find what you care about. Maybe it’s mental illness, the homeless, animals, or another topic. Whatever it is, find a reputable charity and donate your time and energy to making a difference. You’ll help others and feel better yourself.

Make time for your physical health first
You spend many hours at the office or running around for others and there’s so much on your plate that you can’t even think about taking care of yourself? That needs to stop! No matter how busy your schedule gets or how much you want to accomplish in this world, you have to make time for your own physical health first. Eat healthier meals (and eat regularly), get enough sleep every night and exercise at least a few times a week. Keeping yourself in better physical shape will keep you in better mental shape.

Which resolution will yours be in 2017?

Clean Up Day 2016

It's Clean Up Day!

This Friday and Saturday join the Clean Up Day action organized by the city of Lugano. Volunteer to remove trash, recyclables, and other litter across the city to help reduce the amount of pollution that goes into the local ecosystem.

Did you know that every year, 20 million tons of garbage is added to our oceans, 80% of it from mainland waste. That’s like dumping over 710,000 Boeing 737 airplanes into the ocean…each year?

Together with the event organizers, you can volunteer collecting litter from the sidewalks and grass areas, in the spirit of the international initiative called “Let’s Do It”, a civic-led mass movement that began in Estonia in 2008 when 50,000 people united together to clean up the entire country in just five hours. Since then, Let’s Do It! has spread this model—one country in one day—around the world. To date, 113 countries and over 16 million people have joined us to clean up illegal waste.

Venue: Clean Up Day 2016

Where: City of Lugano

When: Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th, 2016

For more info contact: +41 58 866 77 17 or email: cleanupday@lugano.ch

National website: http://www.igsu.ch/fr/actualits/clean-up-day/#action-de-cartographie

Yoga at the bagno pubblico

What better way to see out the month of July than to enjoy a relaxing yoga session with a spectacular view onto the lake of Lugano?

Join Kat Walser as she practices yoga al fresco along the lake tomorrow morning at the Bagno pubblico!

Bring your mat and soak in the beauty of nature in front of you: the lake, the mountains, the sky… while Yoga Roof’s beautiful teacher guides you in a peaceful and regenerating practice.

All levels are welcome.

Spread the news, bring a friend: this is a great opportunity to try yoga and enjoy the practice in unbeatable surroundings.

Venue: Yoga al fresco
Where: Bagno pubblico Lugano, Riva Caccia , 6900 Lugano
Date: Sunday, July 30th, 2016
Time: 9:00 - 10:00
Price: CHF 6.- for Riva Caccia entrance, the yoga class is free!

World Population Day 2016

World Population Day is a great event being celebrated all through the world annually on July 11th. It's goal is to increase the awareness of the people towards the worldwide population issues. It was first started in the year 1989 by the United Nations Development Programme and was exalted by the interest of the public when the global population became near about five billion in 1987.

Today’s generation of young people, those aged 10 to 24, accounts for around 1.8 billion of the world’s 7.3 billion people. In 1950, there were only 721 million people in this age range.

These young people are the future. Their choices, ideas and innovations will transform the world – but only if they are equipped with the right skills and opportunities.

This year's theme is 'Investing in teenage girls.'

Teenage girls around the world face enormous challenges. Many are considered by their communities or parents to be ready for marriage and motherhood. Many are forced from school, damaging their future prospects. Even among girls who stay in school, access to basic information about their health, human rights and reproductive rights can be hard to come by, leaving them vulnerable to illness, injury and exploitation. These challenges are exacerbated among marginalized girls, such as members of ethnic minorities or those living in poverty or remote areas.

Yet when teenage girls are empowered, when they know about their rights and are given the tools to succeed, they become agents of positive change in their communities.

We already see this happening. Since 1999, the number of countries with severe gender disparities in primary education has been cut by more than half. But girls continue to lag behind in secondary education: By 2012, out of all countries with data available, 63 per cent had yet to achieve gender parity in secondary school enrolment.

Walking Lugano 2016

"Walking Lugano" is one of the most important Swiss appointments for walking and Nordic walking fans. You can choose from six different itineraries (from 6.6 to 18.6 Km), all extremely attractive in terms of landscape and well-suited for all sorts of fitness levels. There are longer and more demanding itineraries for those who want to test their endurance and  “softer”, more level itineraries of just a few kilometres for others. The most original itinerary is the 8.2km “Lake and Walking” which also includes a boat trip from Lugano to Gandria.

All you need to do is choose a trail and sign up in Piazza Manzoni as of 9 am on Sunday morning. For more info click here: http://www.walkinglugano.ch/

Relax – 7 km
Melide – 8.2 km
Panorama – 10.7 km
Fitness – 16.2 km
Challenge – 18.7 km
Lake and Walking (with boat ride) – 8.2 km
Brè City Trail (competitive) - NEW!

And for those of you who do not feel like competing there are lots of other activities offered down town throughout the day. Just have a peak here: http://www.walkinglugano.ch/

Have fun and stay healthy!

Calling for Wellness Warriors in Lugano

Anyone else feeling this zesty spring energy?! If you're ready for an 8 week boost, Courtenay and Amy are launching Wellness Warriors: a unique, total health program blending fitness & yoga with nutrition & healthy living to offer a new & complete approach to wellness.

Located at the new HORIZON club with stunning views over Lugano this 8-week course empowers you with the knowledge, motivation & support you need to enjoy life with ease & energy.

As a Wellness Warrior, you will receive:

- Free 20 minute phone consultation with Courtenay or Amy
- Welcome Pack
- Personalised Nutrition & Lifestyle Analysis
- 2hr weekly WELLNESS sessions with Courtenay & Amy
- Weekly Goal & Habit setting
- 8 weeks of home workouts & yoga practice
- Nutritional Guidance & Support
- 8 weeks of continual support & coaching in a powerful community

The Wellness Warrior Course begins Wednesday, April 6. What are you waiting for? Contact either Amy or Courtney for more details at: amyker@amykfit.com or courtenaymastain@gmail.com or click here to see the flyer. For more info check out: Mytree Yoga.

This is your chance to meet a fun community of like minded women! Namaste!

World Water Day

Today is World Water Day!

On World Water Day, people everywhere show that they care and that they have the power to make a difference. They get inspired by information and use it to take action and change things. This year many will focus on the power that water and jobs have to transform people’s lives. Nearly all jobs are related to water and those that ensure its safe delivery. But today, millions of people who work in water are often not recognized or even protected by basic labour rights. This needs to change.

World Water Day is an opportunity to learn more and be inspired to tell others. Read reports, watch videos and download teaching material from the international water community: http://www.unwater.org

Switzerland is often called "Europe's water reservoir". Want to learn more about the Swiss power of water?

An funky smoothie recipe for the winter

How about some extra vitamine C that your kids are gonna loooove.... ever heard of Orange Julius? As a nod to this frothy, orangey drink, which remains one of the best takes on a smoothie ever, I have stumbled onto this recipe, a fancier homemade version of the original.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
1/3 cup coconut milk
3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 medium lime)
Ice

Preparation:
1.) Place all the ingredients in a blender, then add ice to the 3 1/2 cup mark.
2.) Blend on high speed until smooth and frothy, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Easy peasy and, ohhh, so sweet!!! Enjoy!

Get involved with GoEco App

Current mobility patterns are dominated by car use, even though a number of alternative and energy-efficient mobility options are already available. So why don’t you go to work by bike more often? Why don’t you use public transport, find yourself some car pooling partners or apply for a car sharing program? You don’t know how to best do it? The GoEco! app created by SUPSI & ETH can help you make this transformation happen. Become more sustainable: GoEco!

GoEco! seeks to overcome traditional awareness-raising approaches and, by taking advantage of the wide acceptance of smartphones and tablets, proposes an innovative, community-based approach, directly addressing citizens and their everyday mobility choices.

GoEco! will conduct a study with 800 users from Canton Ticino and the City of Zurich. By taking part in their study, you will have the opportunity to test the GoEco! smartphone app which helps you to make your mobility lifestyle more sustainable. The GoEco! app tracks your trips and uses game elements to challenge you to modify your mobility behavior. You will learn how to become more sustainable and you can even compete with your friends to find out who is the best.

If you wish to get the GoEco! app click here: http://goeco-project.ch/index.php/en/get-the-app/

The GoEco! app experience nudges you to:
- understand how you travel,
- define your personal goals for change and get personalized suggestions;
- see your progress week after week;
- share your experience with friends and other users and compare your performances with them.

If you are interested in joining the GoEco! experience, please fill in the "Get involved" form.
Click here for more info: http://goeco-project.ch/index.php/en/ and become a GoEco! citizen!

A simple 5 min. morning routine

The mornings are becoming darker by the day. In two days autumn will begin and soon the sun will be rising after us.

Take five minutes to recharge and refresh after your long slumber, it will awaken your inner drive and - hopefully - motivate you to tackle your day more easily. This routine can be done before you even leave your room, so go ahead and let the sun shine in your heart if not your room.

1.) Turn off your alarm (30 seconds): Place your alarm out of reach, away from your bed, so you have to get up to turn it off. Smile as you walk, which releases hormones that create happy feelings. Tell yourself it's going to be a good day — out loud!

2.) Let in morning light (10 seconds): Wake up with some natural light, it will instantly elevate your mood and send the signal to your brain that it's morning.

3.) Do a sun salutation (one minute): Spend one minute moving your body. You can do jumping jacks, sit-ups, or a body-energizing sun salutation.

4.) Meditate on your day (one minute): Take one minute to visualize your day and imagine how meetings will go, the things you need to remember, and happy outcomes of important conversations and interactions with others.

5.) Be grateful (30 seconds): Say out loud what you're grateful for. Starting the morning on an appreciative note sets you up for a day of caring, understanding, and thoughtfulness.

6.) Make your bed (one minute): Tidying your bedroom psychologically gets you motivated to leave your room. And it's so nice to come home to a bed that's already been made. Use any extra time to pick up clothes or clear side tables.

7.) Sing along! (remaining 50 seconds): Turn on a wake-up song and sing along as you dance out of your room. Singing releases endorphins, which naturally elevate your mood and energize your body.
You're all set for your day — and ready for anything!

A challenging hike on the Gotthard Pass

Looking for a place with a view? Beware, it is also a bit of a challenge.

The ridge path from the Gotthard Pass to the Bedretto valley is outstanding and has wonderful views onto the Tessin mountain world. The panorama ranges from Val Piora to the Cristallina region. The old Gotthardpass road, which winds its way in numerous curves up the Tremola ravine, is also impressive. A perfect getaway for hot, sweltering summer days. the hiking time is about 4 hours, however, it is an experience you won't forget.

The hike begins at Gotthard Pass and leads first of all along the main road, going South. The view into Tremola ravine is most impressive during the stretch along the road gallery. At the end of the gallery there is an ascent to Strade dei Banchi. After Costoni di Fieud, views of Leventina and Val Bedretto become visible. The ridge path leads past the alpine pastures of Pian Secco and Fibbia before it reaches its highest point at the alpine hut Rosso di fuori. The valley of Bedretto with its charming villages lies far below. The descent winds its way via Alpe di Vinei and Alpe di Cavanne down to Ronco.

Technical information
Begin of tour: Gotthard Hospiz bus stop
Access starting point: Journey from Airolo to Gotthard Pass by postal bus
Point of arrival: Ronco bus stop
Access point of arrival: Return trip by bus from Ronco
Hiking time: 4 h
Physical fitness: challenging
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Difference in elevation: 720 m

Here's the map: http://www.myswitzerland.com/

Comparis: Switzerland's favourite comparison service

June is the season of departures and arrivals for Expats. If you are arriving in Ticino, I have just the app for you: Comparis Property Switzerland. You'll find the all listings of the largest property portals at a glance, it searches all listings on comparis.ch, Homegate, Immoscout24, Newhome and other Swiss portals simultaneously.

Comparis is the leading Swiss Internet comparison service. On www.comparis.ch, consumers can easily and quickly compare rates and services. The site had almost 60 million visitors last year and thus counts among the most widely used Swiss websites.

The Property App allows you to quickly and easily check out the current offers on the real estate market throughout Switzerland. There is also a Car App, an health Insurance App and a Mortgage App.

The Car Market App allows you to quickly and easily check out the current offers on the car market wherever you are.

With the Health Insurance App you can compare the premiums for 2015 from all Swiss health insurance providers and save plenty of money.

The Mortgage App always keeps you up to date on the daily interest rates. With the help of push notifications you can additionally create a personal interest alarm.

For more info click here to enter Comparis site: https://en.comparis.ch

For a better healthier you! 5 a Day

We've all heard about the five portions of fruits and vegetables we are suppose to eat per day to stay healthy.

Here's a little help via "5 a Day", a national health promotion campaign aimed at boosting your fruit and vegetable consumption. The objective is better health and well-being for the population of Switzerland. "5 a Day" shows you how to increase your personal consumption of fruit and vegetables – variety with a lot of fun and pleasure.

Eat five portions of vegetables and fruit every day. This depends on how you feel and without having to weigh each portion.  A portion equals about a handful of vegetables or fruit. Here’s how to determine the appropriate portion:  For children, it’s 70 gr of vegetables or 100 gr of fruit.  For adults, it’s 102 gr of vegetables or fruit. How and when the portions are eaten during the day is not as important as the versatility in choice of vegetable and fruit varieties; because in each fruit and vegetable there are a range of substances that are good for our bodies. The more colourful, the better!

Need a little help, just check out their site: 5 a Day.
The site also gives you the info for every vegetable and fruit you can find at the market.
Looking for some kids friendly explanations, click here for the Nutrition Disk or the Food Pyramid.

There's even a logo "5 a Day" that provides helpful guidance when selecting vegetables and fruit enriched products.

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution 2015

In line with yesterday's post about Neapolitan cooking, today I am posting a video that has been making the rounds on the net. Yes, it's him! He's back: Jamie Oliver. This time with a new petition called "Food Revolution Day"!

Can you imagine what he is up to!?!

Well, he urgently needs your help to make a real difference. We are currently facing a global obesity epidemic, with 42 million children under the age of five either overweight or obese across the world. The bottom line is the next generation will live shorter lives than their parents if nothing is done to rectify these alarming stats.

So Jamie is asking that you do two simple things – first, please sign this petition to show your support for compulsory practical food education in schools across the world, then, most importantly, share it via your social networks.

The utterly brilliant Ed Sheeran has written us a Food Revolution Day song! Incredibly talented artists on the music track include Sir Paul McCartney, Alesha Dixon, Jazzie B, Professor Green, Jamie Cullum, George The Poet, Us The Duo, Che'nelle, DJ MK, Mr Hudson, The London Youth Choir and Hugh Jackman!

Over a million people have joined our Food Revolution, to try and make sure every child gets the basic skills they need to lead healthier, happier lives through food education in schools.

Join Lugano's road runners

There is no excuse! It is time to get fit and make new friends at the same time!

Amy's motto is: " RUN TO A HEALTHIER, SEXIER, MORE CONFIDENT YOU!"
Running is the best energy boosting, heart pumping, calorie blasting workout you can do anywhere, anytime with anyone! It's the perfect stress reliever, confidence builder and total body workout that'll literally take you to new places while you have some fun (hopefully in the sun!) too!

Road Runners will hit the road every Tues (pm), Thurs (pm) and Sat (am) for the next 8 weeks. The programme is designed to take you from 0-5km in just 8 weeks. Sessions will be one hour long (not ALL running!) including:
- Body Pumping warm up
- Lugano Lake run focused on that week's goal
- Strength training/Active cool down. ​

​The programme will begin with a Run/Walk balance to build up stamina, gradually increasing "time on feet", eventually changing the focus to build mileage. Finishing with your successful completion of a 5km run! Non-Stop :)

Sound too good to be true? Nope, just click here and sign up now!
For more info call call Amy at 079/588'05'26, e-mail her at amyker@amykfit.com or check out her website here.

Road Runners begins 04.05.2015 (first group session Tues 5th May).

Ladies' night at the Splash&Spa

Today one of my friends suggested a I join her for a ladies night out. What I didn't realise is that it does not only include good company but also sublime pampering.

Forget your work schedules, commitments and everyday demands. Treat yourself to an evening of complete relaxation and wellbeing with your girlfriends.

Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, from 17.30 until 22.00, Splash & Spa will pamper you with different themed activities.

- Facial mask
- Ritual infusions with face and body peeling
- Turkish bath with Rhassoul therapeutic mud
- Healthy culinary delights

To top it all, a wellness expert will be at your service during the evening to answer all your questions. The entrance to the Splash area is included in the offer of Chf 65.- per person.

All the sauna areas are reserved exclusively for women. The Hamam area and all the other SPA attractions are accessible to everybody.

So what are you waiting for, go ahead and make your reservation now.

Venue: Ladies Night
Where: Splash & Spa, via Campagnole 1, 6802 Rivera-Monteceneri
Date: Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Time: 17:30 to 22:00
Book here: http://splashespa.ch/en/ or call 091/936'22'22

Walking Lugano 2015

"Walking Lugano" is one of the most important Swiss appointments for walking and Nordic walking fans. You can choose from six different itineraries (from 6.6 to 18.6 Km), all extremely attractive in terms of landscape and well-suited for all sorts of fitness levels. There are longer and more demanding itineraries for those who want to test their endurance and  “softer”, more level itineraries of just a few kilometres for others. The most original itinerary is the 8.2km “Lake and Walking” which also includes a boat trip from Lugano to Gandria.

All you need to do is decide which trail you want to walk and sign up here: http://www.walkinglugano.ch/

Relax – 6.6km
Melide – 8.2 km
Panorama – 10.6 km
Fitness – 15.6km
Challenge – 18.6 km
Lake and Walking (with boat ride) – 8.2 km

Have fun and stay healthy!

Beautiful is a great word...

Dove is known for its powerful, inspiring ad campaigns, and can be credited as one of the first major companies to shift the conversation and spotlight onto real women. The result? Videos that are viral sensations and strike a serious emotional chord with audiences. This latest endeavor might be the iconic beauty brand's most moving effort yet.

For its "Choose Beautiful" campaign, Dove highlighted five cities across the globe — San Francisco, Shanghai, Delhi, London, and Sao Paulo. Women in local shopping areas were filmed as they walked up to one of two doors; each entrance was marked with a bold sign reading "average" or "beautiful." The camera followed the women as they entered through their chosen door, where they were asked to explain their thought process, and to define the term "beautiful."