9-27-25 The Healing Power of Music: Helping People with Brain Damage

Are you ready for a symphony of healing because music is not just a form of art; it’s a powerful therapeutic tool, especially for those recovering from brain damage. Whether caused by a stroke, traumatic injury, or neurodegenerative diseases, brain injuries often lead to cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges. Research has shown that music can play a significant role in rehabilitation, helping both children and adults recover lost abilities and improve their quality of life.

How Music Supports Brain Recovery

1. Activation of Multiple Brain Areas

Music stimulates various brain regions responsible for memory, motor control, emotions, and cognition. This widespread activation supports neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to reorganize itself - helping patients regain lost functions.

2. Improvement of Motor Skills

For individuals with brain injuries affecting motor function, rhythm-based music therapy, such as drumming or rhythmic exercises, can improve coordination and movement.

3. Cognitive and Emotional Healing

Music therapy has been shown to enhance memory, attention, and speech. It also promotes emotional well-being by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.

Research Backing Music Therapy

Here are some studies that show the effectiveness of music in rehabilitation:

1. Music Rewires the Brain After Traumatic Brain Injury (2022)

Researchers used brain scans to track changes in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries after 3 months of music therapy. They found that music helped rebuild brain connections - especially in areas linked to decision-making, attention, and movement. Patients also showed better performance in thinking and problem-solving tasks.

2. Music Boosts Prefrontal Brain Function (2020–2021)

In this study, 40 patients with brain injuries received regular music therapy twice a week. After 3 months, brain scans showed growth in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that controls planning, decision-making, and self-control. These patients also scored better on tests of executive function, like task switching and attention.

3. Even Long After Stroke, Music Can Still Help (2024)

A very recent study tested an “enriched music-supported therapy” program for people who had strokes years earlier. Participants still experienced improvements in movement, thinking, and emotional health, showing that it’s never too late to benefit from music-based rehab.

4. The MsSICCA Technique: A Revolutionary Approach

Developed by researchers in the early 2000s, the MsSICCA (Music-supported Sensory Integration Cognitive and Communicative Activities) technique integrates music with sensory and cognitive exercises to stimulate brain activity and recovery. Developed to aid brain injury rehabilitation, it focuses on:

• Multisensory Stimulation: Combining auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli through activities like playing instruments or listening to specific types of music.

• Cognitive and Communicative Exercises: Using music to support speech recovery and memory tasks.

• Rhythmic Coordination: Helping patients regain motor skills through rhythmic activities.

• Emotional Regulation: Leveraging music’s emotional power to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

These studies affirm that music therapy including the MsSICCA technique can significantly enhance recovery even long after the injury occurred.

This means that there’s hope for those with brain damage. Music supports cognitive, emotional, and physical recovery by engaging the brain in unique ways. As research continues to grow, music proves to be a powerful ally in neurorehabilitation, helping individuals reclaim lost abilities and improve their overall well-being.

So…a one...a two…a three…a four, and away we go!!!

Mitochondria - The Key to Boosting Cellular Energy

Mitochondria are located in each of our cells and are often called the powerhouses of our cells, and for good reason! They are tiny, but mighty, and are responsible for generating the majority of the energy your cells need to function. 

However, like any system in the body, mitochondria can experience wear and tear, especially under stress. And when they start to malfunction, energy production takes a hit, potentially leading to fatigue, aging, and various health issues.

But here’s the good news: research is showing that we can actually help “turn our mitochondria back on,” boosting their function and even creating new, healthier mitochondria. 

So, if you're feeling sluggish or are simply looking to improve your overall vitality here are a number of ways to increase mitochondrial performance and support your cellular health.

1. Exercise: Your Mitochondria’s Best Friend

Let’s start with exercise because it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use. Whether you're running, swimming, cycling, or engaging in a daily walk, aerobic exercise is a game-changer for your mitochondria.

What exercise does is it triggers the production of 2 proteins called PGC-1α and AMPK which are involved in the creation of new mitochondria. Not only does exercise make your existing mitochondria more efficient, but it also helps you produce new ones, keeping your energy levels up and your metabolism humming.

Research suggests that doing High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can help increase mitochondrial density and efficiency, even if you're short on time.

2. Nutritional Boosts: Fueling Your Mitochondria from Within

What you eat plays a crucial role in mitochondrial health. Here are some nutritional strategies to help your mitochondria function at their best:

• Ketogenic Diet: By drastically reducing carbohydrates and increasing healthy fats, the ketogenic diet shifts your metabolism to burn ketones for energy instead of glucose. This can boost mitochondrial efficiency, particularly in conditions like neurodegenerative diseases.

• NAD+ Precursors: Let me explain what this means. NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is essential for mitochondrial energy production. As we age, NAD+ levels decrease, leading to sluggish mitochondria. Supplements like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) can help replenish NAD+ and restore mitochondrial function.

• CoQ10: This antioxidant is integral to the electron transport chain in mitochondria, aiding in the production of ATP, which is your cells' energy currency. If you're feeling fatigued or have a history of mitochondrial dysfunction, supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 might be worth experimenting with.

• Polyphenols: Resveratrol, which is found in red wine and grapes, is one of the most well-known polyphenols that can promote mitochondrial health. It activates a pathway called SIRT1 that plays a key role in mitochondrial function.

3. Caloric Restriction and Intermittent Fasting: Resetting Your Mitochondria

Both caloric restriction and intermittent fasting (IF) have been shown to activate pathways that encourage mitochondrial rejuvenation. These approaches trigger cellular stress responses that can help improve mitochondrial function by promoting the removal of damaged mitochondria through a process called autophagy and then the creation of new ones.

What happens when you fast your body enters a state of energy scarcity, signaling your cells to become more efficient and repair themselves. During fasting or caloric restriction, the body activates two proteins called AMPK and SIRT1. These proteins not only boost mitochondrial function but also promote healthy aging.

What if you don’t want to fast. Good news, even a slight reduction in calorie intake can stimulate these beneficial pathways without causing major disruptions to your daily routine.

4. Supplements for Mitochondrial Health

There are also several supplements that can directly target mitochondrial function. While a balanced diet is always the first priority, some of these compounds may offer extra support:

• MitoQ: It’s a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant that helps protect your mitochondria from oxidative damage. This supplement may be particularly useful for aging individuals or those with mitochondrial diseases.

• Pterostilbene (nope, I don’t know how to pronounce it): It’s similar to resveratrol. Pterostilbene is thought to promote mitochondrial health and function by activating key pathways involved in energy production.

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): Its’s known for its antioxidant properties, ALA helps support mitochondrial health by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing ATP production.

5. Cold Exposure: Stimulating Mitochondria with the Chill Factor

Cold exposure, whether through ice baths or cold showers, may sound intense, but it's actually a powerful way to kick-start mitochondrial health. Exposure to cold activates the production of brown adipose tissue (brown fat) which is around your belly and is also rich in mitochondria and plays a role in energy metabolism.

Cold exposure also stimulates heat shock proteins (HSPs – I didn’t know they existed). HSPs help repair damaged proteins and promote mitochondrial resilience.

6. Heat Exposure: Sauna for Mitochondrial Health

On the flip side, heat therapy—like using a sauna—can also provide mitochondrial benefits. Heat stress activates HSPs, which are involved in protein repair and cellular resilience, including mitochondrial repair.

If you can add sauna sessions into your routine it can help boost mitochondrial function by improving the overall cellular environment, reducing oxidative stress, and encouraging efficient energy production.

7. Manage Stress and Get Quality Sleep

Chronic stress and poor sleep can wreak havoc on your mitochondrial health, so it’s important to prioritize stress management and rest.

• Chronic stress leads to higher levels of oxidative damage in cells, which can reduce mitochondrial efficiency over time. Practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help mitigate the impact of stress on your mitochondria.

• Sleep is when your body repairs itself, including your mitochondria. Lack of sleep can impair mitochondrial function, so getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night is essential for optimal cellular health.

So…Energize Your Mitochondria and Surprise…You’ll Energize Your Life

Keep in mind that you don’t have to do all of these things. Just start with one area and then expand into another and see how you feel when your mitochondria start to kick in!

Can Nature Help Heal Pain? Good Question and the Science Says Yes, But…

In our tech-heavy, fast-paced lives, the idea that nature could reduce pain might sound a bit like wishful thinking. But science is beginning to validate what many instinctively feel: time in nature can actually help relieve pain — both physically and emotionally.

Nature and Pain Relief: What the Research Says

A recent Discover Magazine article summarized a study by Austrian researchers showing that viewing natural landscapes (even virtually) led to measurable reductions in pain sensitivity. The study went beyond simple self-reports and tracked physiological responses — offering harder evidence that nature might ease pain at a biological level.

There are other studies looking at Forest Bathing that back this up:

• Forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) is what it sounds like. You go into a forest for a period of time. It’s been shown to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and ease chronic pain symptoms.

• People with chronic pain conditions report feeling less pain and anxiety after these nature therapy sessions.

• Even using virtual nature (VR or imagery) can reduce discomfort, especially in hospital or clinical settings.

Here’s the But Part…

Not all the data is glowing. Some studies show inconsistent effects — especially on physical measures like blood pressure or long-term pain outcomes. The quality of research varies, and benefits often fade quickly once people return to everyday environments.

Plus, not everyone has access to safe green spaces, and people with allergies, limited mobility, or PTSD may find natural environments triggering rather than healing.

So…How to Get the Benefits of Nature for Pain Relief

It’s simple since nature is a low-risk and a free option to support healing for most people. Here's how to start:

• Take a short walk in a park or green space — even 15 minutes can help.

• Use nature sounds or videos if you’re indoors or mobility limited.

• Engage your senses: smell the air, listen to birds, feel the breeze.

• Try mindfulness or light stretching while outdoors.

Final Thoughts

So…whether it’s better to walk in nature or not (a variation from Shakespear)? Nature won’t replace medication or therapy, but it’s a powerful supplement — one that’s accessible, affordable, and backed by growing evidence. Whether you’re managing chronic pain or just trying to lower daily stress, a little green energy (and not from dollar bills) might go a long way to heal you.

The Growing Concern About Light Pollution. It’s Impacts on Health and What You Can Do About It

Light pollution is simply the excessive or misdirected artificial light that disrupts the natural night environment. It also is a problem that tends to get overlooked. However, with over 80% of the world’s population living under light-polluted skies, I think it’s time to address its impact on health and the environment.

What is Light Pollution, anyway?

Light pollution can actually be from a number of sources. Let me give you some examples.

• Skyglow – This is brightening of the night sky that’s happened over cities. You might be lucky if you can even see a few stars. Most people living in cities have never seen in real life the Milky Way Galaxy.

• Glare:-  This is when you are under intense light that even causes discomfort.

• Light Trespass – An example of this is when the light from streetlights or advertising signs spills into the spaces in your home, such as, a bedroom.

• Clutter: This occurs in cities with lots of bright billboards, illuminated signs, streetlamps, and floodlights all shining at once, the result can be a blinding, disorienting glow. The problem with this is as cities grow, this issue worsens. 

According to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), over 99% of people in developed countries are affected by light pollution.

Health Impacts of Light Pollution – 

Light pollution is not a passive event that you don’t have to be concerned about. It can also have health effects such as:

1. Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Exposure to artificial light at night suppresses melatonin, a hormone that is essential for sleep. A Current Biology (2017) study found that disrupted sleep can lead to long-term health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

2. Increased Chronic Disease Risk: Studies, such as one in Environmental Health Perspectives (2013), have linked artificial light at night to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer, due to this disruption of melatonin production.

3. Mental Health Issues: A study in The Lancet (2020) found that prolonged exposure to light pollution contributes to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. This study really  demonstrates how poor sleep can harm a person’s mental well-being.

4. Wildlife Disruption: Light pollution doesn’t only affect humans. It also disrupts nocturnal animals, including birds and sea turtles by affecting migration and nesting. 

What Can Be Done?

You’re not helpless or hopeless when it comes to making a lighting difference in your environment. Here are a number of things you can start doing.

Better Lighting Design: This would have to be up to companies and governments to require changes, such as installing downward facing which shields lights so that unnecessary light spill is reduced. These groups both may respond to citizen pressure.

Several cities have already made strides in this direction. For example, the city of Los Angeles recently replaced over 100,000 streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights that are shielded and emit warmer tones, helping to reduce both energy consumption and light pollution. Pretty good…2 outcomes for the price of one!

1. Raising Awareness: Public education about light pollution can encourage individuals and cities to adopt practices that minimize light use.

2. Creating Dark Sky Areas: These protected spaces reduce artificial lighting to preserve natural darkness, benefiting both humans and wildlife. The International Dark-Sky Association has designated over 100 dark sky places. These places have become tourist destinations as this lets people see the real night sky!

3. Technology Solutions: Smart lighting systems that adjust to human activity and natural light can reduce nighttime energy consumption and light pollution. As an example, motion-sensing lights in public spaces and residential areas can ensure that lights are only on when needed.

4. Personal Adjustments: On an individual level, using blackout curtains, reducing screen time, taking melatonin (3 to 5 mgs) about an hour before bedtime, and opting for dim lighting at night can help you maintain a healthy sleep cycle.

Conclusion

Light pollution is more than just an eyesore; As you can see (or maybe I should use the word tell?), it can have serious health and environmental impacts. By improving lighting design, raising awareness, and making small lifestyle changes, we can all contribute to minimizing its harmful effects. 

So…you know what you can say…Turn the Damn light off!

Sip & Purify plus Health Benefits, too: How Drinking Tea Might Be Filtering Heavy Metals and Benefiting Your Health

Most of us think of tea as a comforting ritual or a source of antioxidants—but emerging research shows it may serve another surprising function: acting as a mild, natural filter to reduce heavy metals like lead, chromium, cooper, and cadmium in water.

The Science Behind the Brew

A study published in ACS Food Science & Technology in February 2025 from Northwestern University (it’s where I went to Law School) systematically examined how different teas and brewing methods affect the removal—or adsorption—of heavy metals from water.

Key findings include:

• Heavy metal ions like lead, cadmium, chromium, and copper adhere (adsorb) to tea leaves, effectively removing some of those contaminants from the water.
• Under typical conditions—one mug of water and one tea bag steeped for 3–5 minutes—the brew removed about 15% of the lead, even when starting concentrations were as high as 10 parts per million.
• The longer the steeping time, the more effective the metal removal—extended or overnight steeping (like when you’re preparing iced tea) could aid in the recovery of most or  all the metal from the water.
• Finer surface area boosts adsorption: finely ground black tea performed slightly better than whole leaves, due to increased area for heavy metal ions to latch onto.
• Material matters: even empty cellulose tea bags, which are made from wood pulp, can absorb significant amounts of metals, while cotton and nylon bags perform poorly plus, they may release microplastics and nanoparticles.

As Dr. Benjamin Shindel, lead author of the study, wrote: “Any tea that steeps for longer or has higher surface area will effectively remediate more heavy metals.”

While drinking tea is not a replacement for certified water filters, you can look at the filtering that goes on as a plus to the health benefits which are below.

Health Benefits of Green and Black Tea

Let’s plus the filtering benefits by looking at the health benefits from drinking green and black teas.

First of all, both green and black teas come from the same plant—Camellia sinensis—but they are processed differently. Green tea leaves are steamed or pan-fired (preserving more antioxidants), while black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a bolder flavor and different bioactive compounds.

Let’s look at how each tea can boost your health:

Green Tea Benefits

• Rich in Catechins: Especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), known for anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and fat-burning properties.
• Heart Health: Regular consumption linked to reduced LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lower blood pressure.
• Brain Boost: Improves alertness (from moderate caffeine) and protects brain cells via polyphenols.
• Weight Management: May increase metabolism and assist with fat oxidation during exercise.
• Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest reduced risk of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
• Anti-aging & Skin Health: Antioxidants fight free radicals, promoting healthier skin and slowing signs of aging.

Black Tea Benefits

• High in Theaflavins and Thearubigins (good luck pronouncing this word!): These polyphenols give black tea its color and may support heart and gut health.
• Cardiovascular Protection: Regularly drinking black tea is associated with lower risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Improved Gut Microbiome: Polyphenols support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Energy and Focus: Higher caffeine than green tea (but less than coffee), provides a mild energy lift.
• Blood Sugar Control: May help regulate glucose levels after a-meal, potentially lowering diabetes risk.

What Does This Mean for You?

Drinking tea may:

• Offer a natural, while partial solution, for heavy metals in water.
• Provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to support your health.
• Be a safe, comforting daily ritual - with science-backed benefits.

Whether you sip green tea for clarity or black tea for boldness, you're giving your body more than just warmth - you're giving it a little detox and health defense with every cup. So…sip away.

Creatine: The Unsung Hero for Health Across the Ages

When you hear the word “creatine,” what’s your first thought? How about…what’s that? Well, for many people heavily into certain sports, it's the go-to supplement for powerlifters and sprinters. It turns out this definition is way too narrow since creatine is emerging as a potent ally for healthy aging and vitality. Let’s take a closer look at all the benefits (and there are a lot!)  

1. Powering Muscles Beyond Youth

Creatine helps regenerate ATP which supplies the body with rapid energy, especially during short, intense efforts like lifting or sprinting. While this makes it a trusted staple for athletes, what’s it doing for older folks?

Meta-analyses have demonstrated that combining creatine supplementation with resistance training in older adults leads to meaningful gains in lean tissue mass (about 1.3–1.4 kg) and both upper- and lower-body strength compared to doing resistance training alone. Another review confirms these effects by showing enhanced lean mass and strength when creatine is added to resistance training programs. The benefits are especially critical in battling sarcopenia which is an age-related decline in muscle and function.

2. Stronger Bones & Lower Fall Risk

Age often brings a decrease in bone density and an elevation of the risk of falls and fractures. In steps, creatine and when combined with resistance training, has shown potential in positively influencing bone remodeling and even reducing the fall risk in older individuals.

3. Brain Benefits: Sharper Mind with Time

Now, let me see…what was I going to cover next? Oh, yeah… (a joke)…there’s emerging evidence that has linked higher dietary creatine intake to better cognitive performance in older adults. In aging or even sleep-deprived individuals, creatine supplementation improved memory and mental processing. So, it’s not just physical energy that creatine impacts - it may help power your mind too.

4. Energy, Recovery, and Metabolic Health

Fatigue is common among older adults, especially during and after physical activity. Creatine helps replenish ATP more efficiently, reducing muscle and mental fatigue and supporting better recovery. This means it’s helpful for sustaining daily activity and exercise routines. Some studies also suggest benefits for glucose control and metabolic health in older or diabetic adults, though these findings call for further study.

5. A Boost Against Inflammation, Frailty, and Oxidative Stress

Creatine may go beyond affecting just muscle and bone by acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. It reduces markers of inflammation, promotes muscle and bone anabolism, and protect against oxidative damage which are factors deeply intertwined with frailty and aging. Though clinical trials looking at frail older adults are still limited, early evidence is promising on this impact.

6. Safe, Affordable, and Simple

The bottom line is creatine monohydrate is well-researched, affordable, and generally safe for healthy individuals which includes older adults. On the plus side, long-term use hasn’t been linked to kidney or liver damage in healthy populations.

Typical dosage: 3–5 g daily for the younger folks and 5 g per day older adults when they’re doing resistance training.

Final Thoughts

Creatine is more than a gym staple. It's a versatile, evidence-backed supplement that offers physical, cognitive, and metabolic support—not only for athletes but, importantly, for older adults striving to age with strength and mental clarity.

So…you want to consider taking 3–5 g daily when you’re doing resistance training This is the key to unlocking most of its benefits.

One warning: anyone with health concerns, especially kidney issues, should consult a healthcare provider before starting to take Creatine.

The bottom line…creatine is a way to increase longevity, vitality, and a sharper mind…what’s not to LOVE about that!

Destruction of Environmental Protections is Putting All of US at Risk

You may not be aware of it, but my first job after I passed the Bar Exam was being hired as an attorney by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. I worked in the Division of Air Pollution Control and was involved in suing companies for air pollution violations.

We were so effective that industry hated us. This caused the State Attorney General Bill Scott to take our trial power back and forced us to have to go through his Assistant AGs to file cases against polluters. Guess what? They started holding up filing cases. It got to the point that I’d have nothing to do all day. 

That’s when I left and started to move into what I do now – helping people! So, at one level, thank you Bill Scott for my speaking career.

However, the same type of thing is happening now with the Environmental Protection Agency, but it’s much, much worse.

I don’t usually write about politics; however, this situation is going to have a direct effect on everyone’s health and well-being if it’s not stopped. So…I hope you’ll indulge me and read on.

Since his confirmation as EPA Administrator on January 29, 2025, Lee Zeldin has swiftly moved to dismantle what many see as critical environmental safeguards - moves that have been sharply criticized by numerous environmental groups. 

It’s Deregulation on a Grand Scale

In March, Zeldin unveiled plans to roll back 31 major environmental regulations, in what he called the “largest deregulatory announcement in U.S. history.” These include roll backs to limits on air toxins, carbon emissions, climate pollution from vehicles and power plants, and protections for water bodies under the Clean Water Act.

They are also rollbacking back the mercury and Air Toxics Standards, tailpipe pollution rules, methane limits, and national soot standards which are rules that were created to save lives and reduce illness. 

Getting An Exemption to Pollute by Sending an Email

He’s enabled petrochemical and coal operations to apply for a presidential exemption from pollution safeguards. All they needed to do is send an email request – No Proof Necessary!

So far, almost 70 coal fired power plants have gotten this two-year free pass to ignore federal standards so they can pollute the environment. After 2 years, they can just email to renew the waivers.

Industry groups representing some of the country’s largest polluters – the American Chemistry Council and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers - have even asked Zeldin for a blanket exemption for more than 200 facilities.

The EPA is also refusing to announce who is applying and who is receiving these exemptions.

If you’re old enough, remember when many cities were totally covered in a layer of smog. Well, guess what’s coming back!

Undermining Climate Science

Let’s go one step further in this horror story – just a couple of day ago, Zeldin announced his intention to repeal what’s called the Agency’s 2009 “Endangerment Finding”, which declared greenhouse gases harmful to human health. This Finding underpins nearly every federal climate regulation since then, including tailpipe emission standards for vehicles.

The rollback is expected to trigger legal objections and has drawn strong criticism for defying decades of scientific consensus, while undermining federal authority to regulate carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases.

Attacks on Environmental Justice and Science

Zeldin has also slashed the EPA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and moved to eliminate offices focused on environmental justice, dismantling the agency’s decades-long efforts to address pollution in historically marginalized areas. A quick example - how would you like to live next to a coal fired power station and a petrochemical refinery? You’d probably say no thanks. Well, there are lots of people who can’t say – no thanks – and they need to be protected from these harms.

The budget for that DEI department was slashed by around 65%, and internal dissent was met with administrative leave for 139 employees who signed internal declarations opposing agency policy - actions the EPA justified as not disciplinary but illustrative of its unwillingness to tolerate dissent.

What’s to Come

No doubt we are going to have more toxic chemicals, cancer, asthma attacks, and other severe health harms—especially impacting children, pregnant women, and low-income communities. 

Former EPA administrators—including Republicans—have echoed the alarm. They have called Zeldin’s rollbacks “catastrophic” and warn they endanger current and future generations by abandoning core EPA values in favor of deregulation. 

Hopefully, legal challenges by the states and environmental groups suing to stop this outrage will succeed, and, doubly hopefully, that the Supreme Court will agree to stop this in its tracks.

If not, we may need to change the name of the EPA from Environmental Protection Agency to EDA - Environmental Destruction Agency!

So…now’s the time to call your Congress Person and US Senators to complain about these changes. You can also donate to groups like the Environmental Defense Fund and NDRC that have been in this fight for decades.

That’s the end of my rant. If you finished reading this, thanks!