How to Cure a Broken Heart!

Hello everybody!  Fall is quickly approaching, and although it is still hot, we are all looking forward to cooler weather soon.   Until then, continue to take care of yourself and drink plenty of water.  Speaking of health, today we will explore an interesting medical phenomenon related to love and heartbreak.  

A broken heart is not just an expression. It is a real medical condition called takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The word “takotsubo” comes from Japanese, and it means a round pot used to catch octopuses. Doctors chose this name because the heart of a person with this condition changes shape and looks like that pot. The problem usually happens after strong emotional or physical stress, such as losing someone you love.

Researchers in Scotland tested a 12-week program to help patients with takotsubo syndrome. The program included weekly counselling and exercise, such as aerobics, cycling, and swimming. People who joined the program showed better heart function and stronger fitness. Doctors were surprised at how much the combination of mental and physical therapy helped.

This condition mainly affects women and can feel like a heart attack, with chest pain, tiredness, and trouble breathing. It can even double the risk of dying early. Scientists believe takotsubo syndrome shows how closely the brain and the heart are connected. Taking care of both the mind and body may be the best way to heal a “broken heart.”

What do you think of this research?  How can this information help us?  Please discuss this topic with your teachers when you come to BRIDGE again!  Take care and see y'all next time. 

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Maps & Misrepresentation

Hello, language learners. Although it is September and fall is quickly approaching, the temperature is still scorching in Nagoya!  I hope you all are surviving this intense heat and finding time to relax.  Personally, I wish I were in a cold place like Greenland right now.  

By the way, have you ever noticed how big Greenland looks on most maps?  It is very interesting how different areas around the world are represented, and today, we will discuss how leaders in Africa are trying hard to change the way the continent is shown on maps.  

The African Union (AU) is asking the world to stop using the Mercator map, which has been the most common map for hundreds of years. The map was first made in 1569 and later became the international standard for sailors in the 1700s. Even though it is still widely used today, the Mercator map does not show the true size of countries. Nations farther from the Equator, like Europe or Greenland, appear much bigger than they really are. Meanwhile, countries near the Equator, like those in Africa, look smaller. This makes Africa, one of the largest continents, seem less important.

Leaders of the AU say this is a serious problem. Africa is actually the world’s second-largest continent and has over one billion people, yet the Mercator map makes it look tiny. The AU supports a campaign called Correct the Map, which calls for designs that show Africa and other continents in their real size. A non-profit group called Africa No Filter agreed, saying the Mercator map has been “the world’s longest misinformation campaign.” This means people have been given the wrong idea about the size and importance of different places for centuries.

Other groups, like Speak Up Africa, believe people should use newer maps instead. For example, the Equal Earth map, created in 2018, shows the world more accurately. On this map, Africa looks 14 times larger than Greenland, which is the truth. By promoting maps like this, the AU and other organizations hope people will have a better understanding of Africa’s true size and importance in the world.

What do you think of this situation?  Please share your thoughts on this interesting when you visit BRIDGE again. 

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Matcha Boom!

Hello everybody!  I can't believe it's already August and time for Obon!  Will you visit your family or just relax at home?  Whatever you decide to do, please enjoy this special time and stay cool.  

Today, we will discuss the worldwide matcha boom and interesting details connected to this trend!  As almost all of you know, matcha is a special green tea powder from right here in Japan. Interestingly, people around the world are drinking it in lattes, smoothies, and using it in desserts. Recently, it has become so popular that there is not enough to go around. Most matcha is made in Japan, but very hot summer weather damaged the tea plants and reduced the harvest.

Because farmers picked fewer leaves, the price of matcha has gone up to the highest level ever. One farmer from Uji, Kyoto said he usually harvests two tons of tea leaves, but this year he could only get 1.5 tons. Last year’s extreme heat damaged the bushes, so they couldn’t harvest as many leaves.

Tourism is making the shortage worse. Many visitors to Japan buy matcha to take home, sometimes in large amounts. Social media has also made matcha more famous than ever. Some stores say demand has grown tenfold, and they often sell out quickly. Even traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are having trouble getting enough matcha.

On one hand, the popularity of matcha across the world is great for the preservation of Japanese culture and tradition. On the other hand, this growing interest in matcha has created a shortage and caused prices to sharply increase both inside and outside of Japan.  

What do you think about this situation?  Are you surprised by this matcha boom?  Please tell us what you think when you come to BRIDGE again.  Have a great Obon and take care. 

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