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6 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Helping Tropical Forests Recover

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The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) could be seen as a move away from nature, but in reality, AI isn’t a threat but a powerful ally.

A recent study[1] showcased the role AI can play in preserving our planet, particularly tropical forests. September 2022 went down in history as a record-breaking month for deforestation in the Amazon, the world’s largest and most important rainforest.[2]

At Vavista, we prioritise the preservation and restoration of natural environments to offset our carbon footprint. In fact, we plant a tree for every policy sold! We work with the company Ecologi and have planted over 300,000 trees already. So, if you want to buy car insurance and help the planet, then get a Vavista quote today.

Camera view looking up at tropical rainforest trees

Here are 6 ways artificial intelligence is helping tropical forest recovery.

1. Monitoring and Detection:

AI helps by using satellite imagery and drones to fly over forests and get an ariel view, to monitor and detect deforestation and illegal logging.

This information is vital for understanding the state of the forest and planning effective recovery strategies.

2. Detecting future threats:

AI can analyse historical data to predict future trends in deforestation, like the impact of climate change. This helps conservationists and policymakers use their money and time where it will be most needed against potential threats to tropical forests.

3. Automated planting systems:

AI-driven robots and planting systems can make replanting more efficient in reforestation projects. These technologies can automatically tell where the right types of trees are planted for optimal biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. This maximises the success of tree planting initiatives.

Hummingbird in tropical forest. 6 Ways AI Helps Forests.

4. Wildlife conservation:

AI can analyse images taken by cameras placed in traps that monitor and protect wildlife in tropical forests. This helps conservationists track endangered species, identify poaching threats, and put targeted conservation measures in place.

5. Community engagement and social media:

AI can process and analyse data from social media, monitoring what people are most interested and engaged with. For example, finding out what local people think of the current conservation initiatives. This can help raise funds, get the community involved and spread effective messages.

6. Fire Prevention and management:

AI-driven early warning systems can analyse weather patterns, historical data, and satellite imagery to predict and prevent forest fires. These early warning systems enable rapid response and intervention to protect tropical forests from fire-related damage.

By harnessing the power of AI, researchers, conservationists, and policymakers can make more informed decisions in super quick time. These technological advancements contribute to the overall goal of achieving sustainable and resilient ecosystems in the face of environmental challenges.

Love this blog? Learn some more and check out our other blog on Regenerative Farming!

At Vavista, we’re not just about insurance. We want to care for you and your planet too! That’s why we plant a tree for every policy we sell to help offset your carbon footprint.

Want to be more eco conscious with your car insurance?

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[1] Müller, Jörg, et al. “Soundscapes and deep learning enable tracking biodiversity recovery in tropical forests.” Nature communications 14.1 (2023): 6191.
[2] https://earth.org/deforestation-facts/
Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

A Guide to Battling Blue Monday

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“Blue Monday”, usually falls on the third Monday of January. It’s often dubbed by the press the “most depressing day of the year.”

The scientific validity of this claim is debatable – in fact, the concept comes from a travel company, who later admitted you should probably ‘ignore’ the study. [1]

This alone could make you feel better about the day, but there’s no denying that the post-holiday season can take a toll on our well-being. Lack of sunlight, post-Christmas detoxes and a need to pinch in finances can get some people feeling blue. Instead of succumbing to the gloom, let’s explore effective ways to combat it and boost our mood. Here is our guide to battling “Blue Monday”.

Get yourself out in the daylight

As the days grow shorter, exposure to natural light reduces and some people can suffer from a lack of vitamin D and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). To tackle this, you could try:

  • Opening your curtains wide during the day
  • Taking short walks outdoors
  • Taking vitamin D supplements
  • Consider investing in a light therapy lamp. These lamps mimic natural sunlight and can help regulate your circadian rhythm, promoting a better mood and quality of sleep.[2]

Before you try a SAD lamp, ask your GP if it’s right for you. The lamps are very bright and may not be suitable for those with certain conditions, such as light sensitivity, eye damage, and bipolar affective disorder, as well as people on certain medications.

Stay Active

Exercise can be a great mood enhancer. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifting hormones like dopamine.[3] Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class, or a gym session, find an activity you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine. Check out some of our fitness blogs for inspiration here.

Reach out to friends and family

Friends sat chatting on sofa

In 2021, 7,2% of adults in the UK said they ‘often or always’ felt lonely.[4] Social connections can be vital for our mental health. If you feel down, reach out to friends, family, or colleagues, and have a chat. Consider organising a virtual get-together if in-person meetings are not feasible. Connecting with others provides support and can alleviate feelings of loneliness.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation can help calm the mind and reduce stress. Mindfulness involves focusing on the current moment through practices such as meditation, breathing, and yoga. This enhances our awareness of thoughts and emotions, allowing us to effectively manage them rather than feeling overwhelmed. [5] Dedicate a few minutes each day to mindful breathing or guided meditation. Apps such as Headspace and Calm and other online resources offer a variety of sessions catering to different preferences and experience levels.

Woman enjoying peaceful cup of tea to help battle blue Monday blues

Set Realistic Goals

The start of the year is usually when we bring in resolutions that involve depriving ourselves or ambitious goals. While it’s great to plan for personal growth, setting realistic and achievable goals can prevent setting yourself up for failure. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, celebrating each accomplishment along the way. We have a blog on how to keep your New Year resolutions which can help with this right here.

Practice Gratitude

Focusing on the positive aspects of life can shift your perspective. Keep a gratitude journal and jot down three things you’re grateful for each day. Many benefits of gratitude also support heart health. Improving depression symptoms, sleep, diet and exercise reduces the risk of heart disease. [6]This simple practice can foster a more positive mindset and remind you of the good things in your life, even during challenging times.

Indulge in Self-Care

Treat yourself with kindness and prioritise self-care. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a warm bath, or enjoying a hobby, allocate time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. After the demanding nature of looking after everyone else and hosting at Christmas, taking care of your well-being is essential for battling the winter blues.

Plan Exciting Activities

Combat the post Christmas slump by planning activities that excite you. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a new hobby, or attending events, having something to look forward to can break the routine and infuse positivity into your life!

Cyclist enjoying outdoor bike ride

While “Blue Monday” may cast a shadow over January, it’s essential to recognise the power we have to combat the blues. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can navigate the challenges of the season and emerge brighter. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s a vital component of maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

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[1] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7006564/Ignore-most-depressing-day-of-year-says-Blue-Monday-psychologist.html
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/#:~:text=The%20light%20produced%20by%20the,hormone%20that%20affects%20your%20mood).
[3] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/exercise-and-mental-health#:~:text=Exercise%20causes%20your%20brain%20to,you%20from%20negative%20thought%20patterns.
[4] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-06/MHAW22-Loneliness-UK-Report.pdf
[5] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-look-after-your-mental-health-using-mindfulness#:~:text=Mindfulness%20is%20a%20way%20of,better%20able%20to%20manage%20them.
[6] https://www.uclahealth.org/news/health-benefits-gratitude#:~:text=Several%20studies%20show%20that%20a,your%20heart%20exerts%20between%20beats.
Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

Healthy Christmas leftovers

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Tucking into the vast choice of leftovers in the fridge is almost as much part of our Christmas indulgence as Christmas Day lunch itself.

Want to know how you can make healthy Christmas leftovers?  You’ve come to the right place.  If we’re not careful, that ‘special day’ indulgence becomes a week or two of calorie-laden feasting. It may feel great at the time but New Year’s Day soon looms, leaving so much work to be done on getting back into shape!

At Vavista we are all about enjoying our favourite foods: we would never discourage a turkey curry, a stuffing sandwich or a quick bubble and squeak.  Moreover, we certainly wouldn’t recommend throwing food away.  So here are some quick tips to improve the health of your Christmas leftover meals.

Healthy Christmas Leftovers

Turkey and Vegetable Soup

Turkey and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

  • Turkey leftovers
  • Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Kale or spinach
  • Herbs and spices

Method 

Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. Add minced garlic and turkey. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then simmer. Add leafy greens and season with herbs like thyme and rosemary. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Quinoa and Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Quinoa and Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients

  • Bell peppers
  • Cooked quinoa
  • Shredded turkey
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Salsa
  • Cumin
  • Chilli powder
  • Shredded cheese (optional)

Method

Mix together quinoa, turkey, black beans, corn, salsa, and spices. Cut bell peppers in half, remove seeds, and stuff with the mixture. Bake until peppers are tender. Top with cheese if desired.

Cranberry Turkey Wrap

Cranberry Turkey Wrap

Ingredients

  • Whole-grain wraps or tortillas
  • Leftover turkey
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Spinach
  • Small amount of goat cheese (optional)

Method

Lay out a wrap, spread a thin layer of goat cheese, add turkey, spinach, and a dollop of cranberry sauce. Roll it up and slice into pinwheels.

Christmas Turkey Salad

Christmas Turkey Salad

Ingredients

  • Chopped leftover turkey
  • Mixed salad greens
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Avocado,
  • Light vinaigrette dressing (mix extra virgin olive oil, lemon, dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar)

Method

Toss together all the ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with a vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Sweet Potato and Turkey Hash

Turkey & Sweet Potato Hash, with fried eggs

Ingredients

  • Diced sweet potatoes
  • Leftover turkey
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Garlic
  • Your choice of herbs and spices
  • Fried Egg (optional)

Method

Sauté diced sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until tender. Add in chopped turkey, garlic, and seasonings. Cook until everything is heated through and well combined. If required, add a couple of fried eggs on top!

Festive Quinoa Salad

Festive Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

  • Cooked quinoa
  • Leftover roasted vegetables
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
  • Light lemon vinaigrette

Method

Mix quinoa with vegetables, pomegranate seeds, and nuts. Drizzle with a dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

And Puddings?

Is there any way to improve the health value of those lovely, rich dessert leftovers?  Well yes!  Why not make up a big fresh fruit salad and then have a portion of leftover pudding with it?  Now, you’re cutting down on your portion of the sugary leftovers and topping up on your fresh fruit and vitamins!

Figs and Berries

Remember to adjust these recipes based on your specific leftovers and personal preferences. Enjoy your healthy and delicious Christmas leftovers!

Get a quote from us here at Vavista and see if we can save you money.

Creating Healthy Habits Over the Christmas Holidays

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Christmas is a wonderful time of year filled with festive celebrations, delicious food, and quality time with loved ones. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and indulge in all the treats and traditions.

It’s also an excellent chance to establish and maintain healthy habits. In this blog, we’ll explore how creating healthy habits over the Christmas Holidays can make sure you enjoy the season and come out feeling as good as ever.

Mindful Eating

The abundance of holiday dishes can be enticing, but it’s a good idea to practice mindful eating during the Christmas season.

Mindful eating means paying full attention to the experience of eating, rather than eating something just because it’s there. Ask yourself: Are you actually hungry? Is your stomach full? Can you appreciate the taste and texture of what you are consuming?

Here are some tips to help you enjoy the festivities without overindulging:

  • Portion control: Pay attention to portion sizes and use smaller plates to help manage your serving sizes.
  • Balanced plate: Try and include plenty of vegetables and lean proteins alongside your holiday favourites for a balanced meal.
  • Savour each bite: Slow down and pay attention to the flavours of your food. This not only enhances your dining experience but also allows your brain to register fullness.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink water between meals to help control your appetite and counter any salty snacks.
Stay Active

Maintaining an active lifestyle during the holiday season can be fun! Why not try the following ways to bring some physical activity into your Christmas routine:

  • Outdoor Activities: Organise outdoor games like snowball fights and scavenger hunts. Ice skating, or hiking is a lovely way to enjoy the winter and burn off some calories. Even a long dog walk if you have one or can borrow a dog to walk will get you some fresh air.
  • Family Workouts: Encourage your family to participate in group workouts or yoga sessions to stay active together. Here’s some super simple at home exercises you can incorporate into your day.
  • Dancing: Dance is an excellent way to keep moving, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved. Kitchen dancing for the adults and a game of musical statues for the kids!
  • Stay Consistent: If you already have a workout routine, try to stick to it, even during the holidays.

Skater on ice rink

Plan Ahead

Planning is key to maintaining healthy habits during the Christmas holidays. Here’s how you can prepare for success:

  • Meal prep: Plan your meals and snacks in advance, so healthy options are easily available, reducing the temptation to reach for unhealthy treats.
  • Healthy swaps: Explore healthier alternatives to traditional holiday recipes. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white, or opt for unsweetened applesauce in baking.
  • Indulge mindfully: If you can’t resist your favourite Christmas dessert, have a small portion and make healthier choices in your other meals.
Prioritise Self-Care

The holiday season can be stressful, so don’t forget to prioritise self-care to maintain your overall well-being:

Woman meditating

Stay Accountable

Having an accountability partner can be incredibly helpful in maintaining healthy habits.

  • Share your goals with a friend or family member and support each other in making healthy choices.
  • Keep a food or exercise diary, so you can really see how much you are consuming and balance things out if you need to.

Creating and maintaining healthy habits during the Christmas holidays doesn’t mean depriving yourself. Instead, it’s about finding a balance that allows you to enjoy the festivities while still prioritising your health and well-being. By practicing mindful eating, staying active, planning ahead, prioritising self-care, and seeking support, you can enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season. Remember that the most important gift you can give yourself is the gift of good health.

Need car insurance? Remember Vavista plants a tree for every policy you buy! Get a quote today.

Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

I only had a few drinks last night, am I OK to drive today?

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Did you know…

If you are driving the day after consuming alcohol, you could be over the legal limit?  Recent statistics reveal a concerning trend. During one Christmas season, the police forces of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire made 55% of all drink-drive arrests between 5 am and noon. This data emphasises the real risk of being over the legal alcohol limit the day after consuming alcohol.

The consequences of a conviction

Driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to severe penalties. In the UK, the fine is up to £2,500, and you could face a one-year driving ban, and possibly serve a prison sentence of up to six months. However, the ramifications extend beyond the legal penalties:

  1. Employment: You could lose your job, especially if you drive as part of your employment. Finding future driving-related work can also become exceptionally challenging.
  2. Insurance Costs: Your car insurance premiums are likely to increase significantly, making it more expensive to keep your vehicle on the road.
  3. Criminal Record: A drink-driving conviction will result in a criminal record, which can impact various aspects of your life, including travel plans. Certain countries, such as the USA, may deny you entry without a visa.
  4. Refusal to Provide a Specimen: Refusing to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample can lead to even harsher consequences, including a six-month imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban of at least one year.
  5. Potential Harm to Others: Most importantly, you risk harming or even killing someone, causing profound devastation for their families and yourself.

Imagine the frustration of adhering to your drink limits and consciously deciding not to drive after a night out, only to find yourself over the legal alcohol limit the next day.

Are the police taking special measures at Christmas?

Law enforcement agencies always treat drink-driving seriously, but they intensify their efforts during the festive season. For example, the Avon and Somerset Constabulary have launched Operation Tonic, a month-long campaign aimed at tackling drink and drug driving through high-visibility and covert patrols.

Superintendent Andy Williams, Head of Road Safety in Avon and Somerset Constabulary, emphasises their approach:

“Our approach to Op Tonic promotes education over prosecution where possible, and our ultimate aim is to reduce deaths, serious injuries, and crime related to drink and drug driving. The campaign highlights the serious consequences of getting caught by police while driving under the influence. Driving is a liberty; it’s your choice to drink and drive, and in doing so, you risk losing that liberty. Even being ‘slightly over’ the limit will still land you with a penalty if you’re caught.”

The message is clear

It’s crucial to consider various factors, including metabolism, food intake, and your physical size, when evaluating your ability to drive after consuming alcohol. Don’t assume that being larger means you can handle more alcohol or process it faster than someone smaller. Moreover, it’s essential to recognise the impact of alcohol on your sleep quality. While alcohol may help you fall asleep, it often impairs sleep quality. Combining a late night, poor sleep, and lingering alcohol in your bloodstream is a dangerous mix that can affect your concentration and reaction time.

Ultimately, the message is simple: make responsible choices, consider the potential consequences, and prioritise safety above all else. Drinking and driving is not worth the risk to your life, the lives of others, or the legal and personal repercussions that may follow.

You can find further information and resources at Drink Aware

Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

What is the Ghost Broking Scam? What You Need to Know About Fraudulent Insurance Policies

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In the world of insurance, scams are on the rise. Possibly as a result of the cost-of-living crisis or the increase in buying online. One of the latest scams we have come across is ‘Ghost Broking’, leaving unsuspecting customers severely out of pocket and without valid insurance.

In this blog, we look at the scam called ghost broking, and offering ways to spot it and avoid it.

Hands arch over a white car

What is Ghost Broking?

Ghost broking is a scam related to car insurance. Here’s a simple explanation:

Ghost broking is when someone poses as a legitimate insurance broker and sells fake or invalid car insurance policies to unsuspecting individuals. These “ghost brokers” often target people looking for cheaper insurance deals.

Here is an example:

A Ghost Broker will tell you they are setting up a policy for you and take a years’ premium payment. They then only pay the insurance company for a month and disappear with the rest of the money. The insurance policy will lapse from lack of payment, and you will be left with no policy and no way of getting the money back.

Instead of providing genuine policy documents, they may use various tricks, like fake documents or stolen identities, to make you think you have a legitimate insurance policy.

In essence, ghost broking is a con where scammers pose as insurance brokers to sell fake insurance policies. It’s important to be cautious and verify the authenticity of any insurance broker before purchasing a policy.

How to spot a Ghost Broker Policies

They Offer Unbelievably Low Premiums: Ghost brokers tempt you in with unbeatable low insurance premiums. Prices that are too good to be true usually are. With the cost-of-living crisis, it can be very tempting to grab a bargain. However, if the price is significantly lower than any of the brands you know – it could be a fraudulent scheme.

Strange or Non-Functioning Contact Information: Legitimate insurance brokers will have a physical office, a valid phone number, and a professional website and social media. Ghost brokers may provide contact details that are difficult to verify or lead to non-existent offices.

Using Quick Transactions and Pressure Tactics: Ghost brokers usually pressure potential clients into making decisions on the spot. They might say ‘this is an extremely limited time offer’ or get you to transfer as much money as they can in the next hour for example. Legitimate brokers understand the importance of getting the best policy for you and shouldn’t rush you into buying a policy.

Provide No Physical Documents or Policy Details: Legitimate insurance policies should come with proper documentation, detailing coverage, terms, and conditions. There is usually an option to have your physical documents posted to you, or an online portal where you can access them and print them off. Ghost brokers, however, may provide vague documents that don’t seem real, like a simple written email, or they may provide no documents at all.

What are the Consequences of Ghost Broking?

Void Policies: Victims of ghost broking often discover too late that their insurance policies are void, leaving them without the protection they thought they had.

Loss of Money: Needless to say, once you have transferred money to a ghost broker, it’s extremely difficult to get back.

Legal Consequences: Participating in a ghost broking scheme can lead to legal consequences for both the fraudsters and those who unknowingly purchase fraudulent policies.

How To Protect Yourself from Ghost Broking

Research: Before purchasing any insurance policy, thoroughly research the broker and the insurance company. Check for reviews online. You can even contact the insurance company directly and verify the broker’s credentials.

Beware of Unrealistic Deals: If an insurance premium seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of prices significantly lower than the market average.

Review Documents: Insist that you receive detailed policy documentation. Legitimate brokers are transparent about the terms and conditions of the policies they sell.

Man writing on clipboard with a toy blue car next to it

Ghost broking policies pose a serious threat to people seeking reliable insurance coverage. By staying informed, conducting thorough research, and being vigilant for red flags, you can protect yourself.

At Vavista, our innovative approach to car and home insurance helps you to protect against risk while also improving your health and wellbeing.

Get a quote today.

Warming, waistline-friendly winter snacks

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Looking for some waistline friendly winter snacks?  At the end of a long wintry day, you just want to sink down on the sofa, TV remote in hand, and reach for that ‘sharing’ packet of crisps, or your favourite chocolate – we’ve all been there!

The problem with these oversize snack bags (aside from their typical sky-high calorie content) is that, unless you’ve got the willpower of a saint, getting through an entire pack in one sitting is all too easy – and getting into the habit of this can wreak havoc on that healthy eating routine you’ve worked so hard on!

So what do we do when we want a treat, but a piece of fruit just isn’t going to do the trick? Finding healthier alternatives to your favourite snacks can help you to indulge in your evening treat, without the high fat and calorie contents!

Here are a few of our favourite healthy alternatives:

DIY Popcorn

Popcorn isn’t necessarily the most immediate thing that comes to mind when we think of healthy eating. But we’re not talking about the traditional kinds, coated in toffee or swathed in butter and sugar – some of these bags can reach a whopping 800calories for a 200g serving! But when you take it back to basics, popcorn can indeed be a low-calorie, healthy alternative to snack on.

How to: Drizzle a little olive oil in a large saucepan and heat on high. Pour in your popcorn kernels (50g of kernels will make around a litre) and pop the lid on the saucepan. Wait a few minutes, and you’ll soon begin to hear those tell-tale popping sounds. Wait a couple of minutes and when the popping begins to slow down, take off the heat. At this stage, you can take the lid off, but be wary of stray kernels popping out at you!
To add some flavour, sprinkle over some grated dark chocolate, and freeze-dried raspberries for a sweet indulgence, or try peppering with a tsp of smoked paprika for a warming, spicy treat.

Baked Apples

Warm apple pie is a British winter favourite. But for those of trying to eat a little healthier, the high calorie and fat content in your traditional pie-crust spells disaster. But what’s to say you can’t indulge in those same flavours, without the sky-high calorie content. This Baked Apples recipe does just that.

How to: Simply peel and thinly slice a couple of good-quality cooking apples and pop in the oven until browned. When they’re done, take them out, sprinkle with some cinnamon, and serve up with a good dollop of natural yoghurt. All the flavour, and just a fraction of the calories!

Kale Chips

If your cravings tend to be more savoury than sweet, then these kale chips make a tasty alternative to your usual bagged crisps.

How to: Wash and dry one bag of prepped kale. Remove any of the very thick stalks, and scatter the remainder in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spritz or drizzle lightly with olive oil (or any flavoured oils if you prefer). Next, sprinkle with some sea salt or black pepper to your taste preferences. Finally, pop into the oven at 190 degrees C, for around 7-10 minutes until crisp. Keep an eye out though, as kale can quickly burn and turn bitter!

Frozen Banana Ice-cream

This ice-cream alternative is perfect for those of you with an ultra-sweet tooth – and a great idea to serve up for your kids as an after-dinner treat! With just two base ingredients, this one’s also something you can whip up in a moment’s notice – we recommend keeping a couple of bananas in your freezer at all times, for when those sugar cravings hit.

How to: Pop your frozen bananas (1-2 per person) some unsweetened almond milk (1 tablespoon per person) into your food processor and blitz until you get that ice-cream consistency. For added flavour, try adding some frozen berries, or a handful of dark chocolate chips.

Baked Vegetable Crisps

Here at Vavista HQ, we love the idea of vegetable crisps, but are always a little underwhelmed with most store-bought packs, which often pack a little too much salt and oil for my liking. Instead, we’ve taken to making our own baked versions at home, which help satisfy our cravings for crisps, without the high fat and salt levels:

How to: Choose which vegetables to use – carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes and beetroot all make great baked crisps! Peel and slice up enough of your picks to layer a baking sheet. Spritz with a little olive oil spray or drizzle lightly. Pop into the oven for around 20 minutes at 200 degrees C until golden, keeping an eye out to avoid them burning. Take them out and pop onto a paper towel to cool. Sprinkle with your flavouring of choice: salt and pepper, chilli flakes, and paprika all work really well, but feel free to experiment with your flavours. Pop into a bowl and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

 

What Is Movember? A Month of Moustaches for Men’s Health

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November isn’t just about the leaves changing and Christmas preparations. It’s also the time when you might notice more moustaches sprouting on the faces of men around you.

This phenomenon is no coincidence; it’s all part of Movember, a global movement aimed at raising awareness about men’s health issues. In this blog, we’ll explore what it is and why it’s such an important initiative.

Movember’s Origins

Movember, a hybrid of “moustache” and “November,” originated in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003. A group of friends decided to grow moustaches for a month to support and raise awareness about men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer and depression. Inspired by the idea, they created the Movember Foundation, which has since grown into a worldwide movement with a significant impact.

The Movember Challenge

The primary goal of Movember is to encourage men to embrace their facial hair and start conversations about often overlooked men’s health issues. To participate, men around the world are encouraged to start with a clean-shaven face on the first day of November and then grow a moustache throughout the month. The moustache becomes a talking point, allowing participants to discuss men’s health with friends, family, and colleagues.

Raising Awareness

Movember aims to raise awareness about several crucial men’s health issues, including:

  1. Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. Globally, more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year [1]. Early detection and intervention are vital for improving survival rates.
  2. Testicular Cancer: Testicular cancer is most common among young men, typically between the ages of 15 and 44. It is highly treatable when detected early.
  3. Mental Health: Movember emphasizes the importance of mental health, particularly in men, who may be less likely to seek help for conditions like depression and anxiety.
  4. Suicide Prevention: Tragically, men are more likely to die by suicide than women. The rate is alarmingly high, with 3 out of 4 suicides in the UK by men [2].  Movember strives to reduce this statistic by encouraging open conversations about mental health.
Fundraising

Movember isn’t just about growing moustaches; it’s also about fundraising to support men’s health initiatives. Participants and supporters can donate to the Movember Foundation, and the funds raised go towards research, education, and support programs. These efforts help improve men’s health and the quality of life for those affected by the conditions mentioned earlier.

Group of men with moustaches

Movember is more than just a fun excuse to grow a moustache; it’s a powerful movement that raises awareness and funds for critical men’s health issues. By sparking conversations and breaking down stigmas, Movember encourages men to take charge of their health and seek the support they need. So, if you see men sporting moustaches during November, remember that they’re not just embracing a new look; they’re part of a global movement that’s making a positive impact on men’s health worldwide.

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Sources:
[1] Movember – About Us – Prostate Cancer Action, Innovation & Collaboration
[2] Movember – About Us – Men’s Mental Health Projects & Impact

Unlocking the Future of Travel: A Comprehensive Guide to SMART Tourism

Posted on by Vavista

What is SMART Tourism?

The concept of SMART Tourism has gained a lot of attention. But what exactly does it mean?

SMART tourism is all about using technology and innovation to make your travel experience better. It means things like using apps to book your trip, using virtual reality for interactive tours, and using data to personalise your travel plans. It also focuses on being eco-friendly and responsible in your travels. In a nutshell, SMART tourism is about making your trips smarter, more convenient, and more eco-friendly with the help of technology.

What do the letters in SMART Tourism stand for?

SMART tourism means using technology to make tourism better in five main ways:

  1. Sustainable: It’s about being kind to the environment and local communities, so tourism doesn’t harm them.
  2. Mature: It uses both existing and new tech like apps and virtual reality to give tourists great experiences.
  3. Authentic: It helps tourists connect with local culture and people for more meaningful and real experiences.
  4. Resilient: SMART tourism plans for emergencies and can recover from problems like natural disasters or economic issues.
  5. Technology-driven: It uses technology to improve everything in tourism, from booking trips to making your visit more enjoyable.

Overall, SMART tourism aims to create a more sustainable, efficient, and enjoyable tourism experience by integrating technology, promoting responsible tourism, and enhancing the overall quality of travel.

Woman using Virtual Reality for Travel

What can you do through SMART Tourism?

Gone are the days of heading to a travel agent and relying on them to sort everything for you. SMART Tourism is all about using technology to deliver seamless and connected travel experiences. This can include using our phones or laptops for:

  • Booking your hotel, based on which is the most ecofriendly, cheapest or the closest to the station.
  • Finding your way around via digital maps to an organic café or the nearest vegan restaurant.
  • Immersive experiences through virtual and augmented reality, like a walking tour or digital museum guide.
  • A digital travel guide that uses your data and analyses it for tailored recommendations.
  • A train or bus timetable with live updates, prices and quickest routes. [1][2]

Travelers can simplify their journeys by using smartphones for things like paying for taxis, ordering meals, checking queue times, and accessing destination or attraction information—all through the simple scan of a QR code.

How is SMART Tourism good for the environment?

SMART Tourism and sustainability go hand in hand! By reducing carbon footprints, embracing eco-friendly practices, and considering the needs of host communities, tourism stakeholders can make a positive impact.

If you want to off set your carbon footprint when you travel, there’s an app for that. Travel planning app TripIt is an itinerary generator and flight tracker that lets you calculate the carbon footprint of your flight and offers practical ways to offset it from planting trees to donating to recycling projects. There are lots more where that came from, check out this great list here.

There are also certifications you can look out for

Estonia, for instance, champions the Green Key initiative, proving the eco-friendly practices in the hospitality industry are up to scratch.[3]

For any hotel or tourist establishment to be part of the Green Key Initiative, they need to adhere to certain practices. These can be things like:

  • Serving free tap water and using rainwater to flush toilets.
  • Banning single use plastic.
  • Having the option for guests to reuse towels and sheets to save water.
  • Using eco friendly cleaning products to not pollute the local environment.
  • Encourage guests to use means of transportation other than cars and taxis, where feasible and safe, like local transport, shuttle busses or walking alternatives.
  • Provide electric car charging points.

There are Green Key sites all over the world, if you want to find one, head to their website.

Forest of trees with cut out of a plane

In conclusion, SMART Tourism tries to enhance the overall experience for travellers by using technology and connectivity. By embracing SMART Tourism, destinations can grant visitors easier access to offers, streamline booking procedures, and personalised experiences.

Want to learn more about the environment? Find out how to wash your car in an eco-friendly way.

Here at Vavista, we firmly believe in the power of choices that prioritise the environment.  We plant a tree for every quote that you buy!

If you want to do your part for the environment, then you can take out a Vavista Insurance policy. We plant a tree for very policy you take out and we are a carbon offset company. Get a quote.

Sources:

  1. Tourism Teacher – What is smart tourism and why is it so BIG?
  2. Publicis Sapient – What is Smart Tourism?
  3. Green Key – Unlocking sustainability in the hospitality industry
Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

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