Category Archives: conversations

Technology Support for Mental Health, Wellness & Well-being

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July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

In this episode of The Wellness Connections Podcast I talk about the late Bebe Moore Campbell and the formidable work and commitment she did, which supported underrepresented communities. In addition a description of the digital platforms and APPs that are available for the support of Mental Health Wellness for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), QTBIPOC (Queer and Trans) Mental Health.

I introduce Katara McCarty’s website where she talks about the Exhale APP. She created the APP to support the Emotional well-being for BIWOC (Black, Indigenous, Women of Color). Her website has BIWOC Resources for your use.

A brief description of Health In Her HUE, a digital platform that connects Black women and women of color to culturally competent and sensitive healthcare providers, and their TEAM goal to “empower women of color, and their allies, to share, learn and innovate around the health issues that disproportionately affect them” is provided.

When you have a free moment listen to my podcast to learn how these websites can be used for your well-being journey. The source links are provided for your easy access to information and APPs.

JULY IS BIPOC MENTAL HEALTH MONTH (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, AND PEOPLE OF COLOR)
 Download the 2021 BIPOC Mental Health Month Toolkit | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)

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SPF (Sun Protection Factor) Technology Apps

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Have you ever thought about using a sunscreen app?
Learn Sun Care Basics | Reapply App

These Free Apps Will Help You Avoid Sunburn (lifehacker.com)

SunSmart App | Cancer Council

A recurring theme on my blogs for June 2021 is the importance of using sunscreen SPF (sun protection factor), for anyone who finds themselves “under the sun“. Summer months are a period where you may find yourself spending more time on the beach or just outside for long periods of time. It is ESSENTIAL that you protect yourself and other family members. Babies could use a hat also on the beach.

Those of you who follow my blogs are aware of the fact that I search the web to find the best information that I feel worthwhile sharing. Such is the case for this quote from the Better Health Channel. It is one of the most popular health and medical websites in Australia. In fact, it’s their No. 1 health and Medical website. Below is a quote from their website:

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It may appear as a new spot or as a change in an existing mole or freckle. Over 95 per cent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if they are found early. If untreated, melanomas can spread to other parts of the body and may not be curable. Melanoma – Better Health Channelhttps://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au › health › melanoma

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I hope these APPs will help you enjoy your summer safely.

Sources:

REAPPLY: Sunscreen Timekeeper on the App Store (apple.com)

5 Sun Safety Apps for Monitoring UV Index (dailyburn.com)

14 Best Sunscreens of 2021, Recommended by Dermatologists – Top Sunblock for Your Skin (goodhousekeeping.com)

Free photos: Pexels.com and Pixaby.com

The COVID-19 Vaccine PassPort Conversation

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Vaccination proof for travel outside the USA is not a new requirement. However, since there are people who object to vaccination requirements, I am curious enough to ask “what is the down-side?” On the other hand, what are your thoughts on having travelers arrive in the USA who have no “proof” of negative response to the COVID-19 infection with them? I wonder whether that works for us in the USA healthwise.
For your information, some businesses are already accepting the New York – Excelsior Pass, which is “digital” proof of vaccination and “virus-tested” passport. In fact, Madison Square Garden used it recently to allow admission. Is it disconcerting to you when businesses use this option as a way of assuring their clients/customers that some attempt at protecting them from COVID-19 infection has been made?

At this writing, New York is, to my knowledge, the first US State to have a “digital” version of vaccination proof, which can be accessed on a mobile device. The Excelsior Pass is valid for 180 days after the final dose of the vaccine. When it expires, a new Pass can be activated. The COVID-19 PCR Test pass is valid until midnight on the third day after a test. After it expires – it can still be seen on your device in a dimmed format.

I am pleased to report, that I was able to download the free Excelsior App to my iPhone. After scanning the QR (Quick Response) code that is assigned once a vaccine or test is given, I was able to retrieve my information onto my mobile phone. As a result, I have “digital” proof of my vaccine history and a recent COVID-19 PCR Test. I do not have to print out a copy of my credentials. All I have to do is provide a photo ID.

If you want to, you can also use Excelsior Pass at the website, and print a paper pass without using the mobile app. Read more about it at this link: NY State Excelsior Pass

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Celebrating Black History Month & Tech

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Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

During Black History Month on Tech4Boomers I like to call attention to what is happening with African Americans in the field of Technology.

This month, I am eager to share news about Blacks In Technology (BIT), which was founded by Greg Greenlee.  Greenlee has over 17 years of experience in Information Technology. BIT  focuses on what they refer to as “Stomping the Divide“, providing resources, guidance and establishing standards, which are geared toward technical excellence for Black people in the technology industry. The organization was established in 2012.  In addition, BIT is expanding to include member organized chapters throughout the United States.  It is a formidable support organization available for your use.  If you would like to learn more about BIT and how your city can be involved click this link.
Blacks In Technology – Chapter Registration Form (google.com)
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Great Sustainability App & Website

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What resolutions have you made for this 2021 year? Maybe you are not sure where to start, or even if it’s realistic you can keep them?

I was having a conversation with myself about being more responsible for those who come after me on planet Earth, to do my part in taking some interest and responsibility in finding out solutions to assist those doing the hard work in addressing sustainability issues.

Just as I was thinking about sustainable issues that confront our entire planet, someone asked me what to do with used batteries. By the way, what do you do with yours? Do you feel guilty when you just put them in the garbage, or are you saving them until you figure it out?

Did you know that after batteries are collected, they are sorted first by type, and then by chemistry? It’s a complicated process, which I will not detail here. However, below are ways to get started with doing your part to help the planet with guidelines from Recycle Nation.

Source: The Importance of Battery Recycling For Our Future – RecycleNation

Recycle Nation

1– Place batteries in their original packaging for quick identification.
2– Tape the ends with clear packaging tape, place them in clear bags, and bring them to one of the recycling facilities found in their list
3– All batteries can be recycled. Where you go for the different types may differ. If possible, look for a drop-off center that takes them all and sorts them into types for you.

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Real Conversations about Microsoft XP Operating System

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canstockphoto12220399Microsoft’s deadline for the support of the Microsoft XP Operating System is the month of April 2014.  That gives all XP Operating System (OS) users one month to decide what  OS they will upgrade to (Windows 7 or Windows 8). Continue reading →

Passwords Conversations

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OK, let’s be honest with each other. How many passwords do you have?  For myself,  I’ve lost count.  Seriously, do you know where all your passwords are?  Maybe you have them on a  post-it, or two.  Chances are it’s becoming more and more difficult for you to keep track of them; especially since experts recommend passwords should be changed at least every six months.

Things To Do

A. You can read about a password generator app (Wolfram)  from iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wolfram-password-generator/id479550619?mt=8

B. Symantec suggests that we use mnemonic phrases to create passwords. Examples of  mnemonic phrases might include a phrase spelled phonetically, such as ‘ImaKat!’ (instead of ‘I’m a cat!’) or the first letters of a memorable phrase such as ‘qbfjold*’ = “quick brown fox jumped over lazy dog.” You can read more at http://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/simplest-security-guide-better-password-practices

C. If you’re running out of ideas about how to keep up this very important responsibility, you may want to use an App to help you organize/protect your passwords. This method may be a little difficult for Baby Boomers to embrace; however, I have learned recently that Echo Boomers use their smartphones to do all kinds of things. Two examples are banking and paying the check at the restaurant.  And yes, some of them think that the use of Apps to protect their identities is the best way to handle this important chore.  That brings me to an article I read about Apps that manage all of this information in one place. Below is a brief summary of available Apps you can use to help you with passwords.  You can click the link below to read the article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/17/technology/personaltech/apps-to-protect-your-array-of-passwords.html?_r=0

D. Password Security Suggestions:   1) Use a different password for the websites that you visit frequently. 2) Use a Password Manager.

E.Password Managers:
1password. Read a review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2408348,00.asp

Lastpass.  Free! Read a review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426798,00.asp

Onesafe.  ios App.  Read a review at: http://webapprater.com/reviews/onesafe-ios-app-provides-full-security.html

Keeper. Free! Read about it at:  https://keepersecurity.com/

I hope this is helpful! 🙂

Tech4Boomers Conversations

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Tech4Boomers has added a new category to the blog: “Conversations”.  Sometimes in the past I’ve written and/or researched a topic only to find out that a week or so later there are newer, and in some cases, better choices for you to consider. In future posts when encountering this kind of opportunity, I’ll add a heading indicating the most recent information on the topic.

In addition, I’ll add topics, which are not the “hottest” Tech news, but cover devices/or newer techniques actually in use.  Examples of such a topics could be ‘passwords”, or the Nook.  Nook: although the Nook device has not been reviewed in this blog, I have discovered there are very useful features, which can make it a quite powerful tablet.  I consider this good news for those people who have invested in the Nook, and are concerned about its future utility.

Tech4Boomers is looking forward to more technology ‘Conversations’ with you.