A volcano in southwest Iceland erupted again on Tuesday, after a brief pause of eight months, spewing lava and smoke into the air. The eruption occurred in the Fagradalsfjall volcano, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the capital Reykjavik, and near the Keflavik Airport, the country’s main international hub.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said the eruption was small and did not pose a threat to aviation or public safety. However, it warned people to stay away from the site, as there may be high levels of volcanic gases and poor air quality in the vicinity. The IMO also advised people to monitor the air quality in their area and follow the instructions of the health authorities.

The eruption was preceded by a series of earthquakes that shook the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the volcano is located, for several days. The seismic activity indicated that magma was moving close to the surface, and scientists had anticipated an eruption somewhere on the peninsula.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano had previously erupted in March 2021, after nearly 800 years of dormancy. The eruption lasted for six months and attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, who came to witness the spectacular lava flows and fountains. The eruption was considered a “tourist eruption”, as it was relatively harmless and accessible.

However, the new eruption may have a different impact on the tourism industry, which is already struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some tour operators have canceled their trips to the volcano, citing safety concerns and uncertainty. Others have resumed their tours but with stricter measures and precautions.

The eruption may also affect the air quality in the region, especially if the wind direction changes and carries the volcanic plume toward populated areas. The plume contains sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause respiratory problems. People with asthma, heart disease, or other chronic conditions are more vulnerable to the effects of volcanic gases.

The IMO said it will continue to monitor the eruption and provide updates on its website and social media. It also urged the public to respect nature and the environment, and not to leave any traces or litter behind when visiting the volcano.

The post Volcano in Southwest Iceland Erupts Again, Raising Concerns Over Air Quality and Tourism appeared first on Good News!.

The 2023 Global Peace Index released its annual ranking of the most peaceful countries in the world.

The Institute for Economics and Peace 2023 study measured a country’s level of negative peace using three domains of peacefulness:

• Ongoing domestic and international conflict
• Societal safety and security
• Militarization

Overall the index found that the world is a little less safe than last year, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic — which is unchanged from the 2022 survey results.

While the United States ranked 131 on the list, seven out of the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world are in Europe.

Denmark is the second most peaceful country in the world.

Envato Elements

No. 1 most peaceful country in the world: Iceland

Iceland has remained the most peaceful country in the world since the study was first released in 2008.

It also ranks as the third happiest country in the world, after Finland and Denmark.

More than 60% of the country’s population lives in the capital city of Reykjavik, according to National Geographic,

In Iceland, school is free for all Icelanders through college, and every student is taught to speak Danish and English.

Top 10 most peaceful countries in the world

1. Iceland
2. Denmark
3. Ireland
4. New Zealand
5. Austria
6. Singapore
7. Portugal
8. Slovenia
9. Japan
10. Switzerland

The second country on the list is Denmark.

Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is home to institutions such as the Copenhagen Stock Exchange and serves as a hub connecting Northern Europe with the rest of the world, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Although people living in Denmark pay some of the world’s highest taxes, up to half of their income, it is for a reason.

Due to the high taxes, Denmark can offer its citizens most healthcare options with no fee, university students pay no tuition and receive a grant to help cover expenses while studying, childcare is subsidized, and the elderly receive pensions and are provided with care helpers who visit them at home, according to the country’s website.

Ireland rounds out the top 3 most peaceful countries in the world.

Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty Images

Ireland rounds out the top three.

After Great Britain, Ireland is Europe’s second largest island. Ireland is known for its lush, green fields hence its nickname, Emerald Isle, according to National Geographic.

Ireland’s population has increased by 10 percent in the last decade, according to a report released by the Central Statistics Office. According to the report’s author, the country’s population growth is among the fastest in the European Union.

DON’T MISS: Want to be smarter and more successful with your money, work & life? Sign up for our new newsletter!

Get CNBC’s free Warren Buffett Guide to Investing, which distills the billionaire’s No. 1 best piece of advice for regular investors, do’s and don’ts, and three key investing principles into a clear and simple guidebook.

Original from https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/04/global-peace-index-safest-countries-world.html

The post Iceland is the No. 1 most peaceful country in the world appeared first on Good News!.

Iceland videos, Submitted by Karen Mok.

The post Iceland videos, Submitted by Karen Mok appeared first on Good News!.

Portrait of happy woman wearing bathing cap and snorkel, lake in backgroundYou may be happy to hear that the United States is inching its way up on the world happiness scale. But Denmark is still “smiles” above us as the happiest nation.

The UN’s World Happiness Report 2016 Update lists the U.S. as the 13th happiest country. That’s two spots ahead of last year. Holding steady in the top five are:
Denmark
Switzerland
Iceland
Norway
Finland
The researchers found people are happier in places where folks spread good cheer evenly. So despite the cold, Scandinavians have warmed up to sharing their happiness. Their societies boast strong safety nets, which seem to boost happiness.

Happiness measures may mean better public policy
Though the topic may seem lighthearted, it’s no joke. Societies worldwide are paying attention to data on happiness and well-being. It helps them embrace policies that support better lives. And researchers say measuring happiness tells them more about how well a society lives than other factors, such as income and education.

This New York Times article has more on the World Happiness Conference.

img Get high quality care from our special network

Grandson holding flowers behind his back for his Grandmother sitting on a sofaOver the years gastric bypass, cardiac surgery and knee replacement surgery have become fairly common.

But all surgery carries some risk. So it’s important to choose a hospital known for providing quality care.

To simplify your choice, we’ve put together a network of hospitals that specialize in these procedures. We call these facilities the Aetna Institutes of Quality.

What makes these facilities different?
To become part of Aetna’s Institutes of Quality® (IOQ) network, facilities must meet strict standards for care, quality and efficiency. We measure many factors. Everything from level of care to how often patients return to the hospital after surgery.

For complete information on the selection criteria visit the IOQ fact book at http://www.aetna.com/individuals-families-health-insurance/document-library/aetna-ioq-factbook.pdf.

How to find the Institutes of Quality
Log in to your secure member Aetna Navigator® website at www.aetna.com. And search for Institutes of Quality. You can also call the phone number on your ID card. Confirm benefits and ask if your plan covers travel and lodging benefits.

img Your mental health matters

Couple sitting on sofa with a laptop discussing a billMay is Mental Health Awareness Month. We’re working to overcome the stigma around mental health challenges. We do this by providing support and education.

Join the conversation on social media
Throughout the month, you’ll find information and resources on our social media channels. Look for us on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and LinkedIn. You can share how you stay emotionally healthy on social media with the hashtag #mentalhealthmatters. And be sure to join use for a live Twitter chat on May 26 from 2 – 3 p.m. ET by using #mhmchat. Together, we can raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Helpful resources on our website
You’ll find:
Depression and anxiety self-assessments
Quick tips to improve your mood
Information about mental health conditions
?It only takes a minute’ videos showing how others stay healthy
Just visit us at www.aetnabehavioralhealth.com.

There’s no health without mental health. Come celebrate with us this month!

img Know someone who is at risk for opioid overdose?

Couple holding hands Opioids include pain killers prescribed by your doctor and illegal drugs such as heroin. Opioid overdose can occur when someone misuses these drugs. It should not occur when taken as directed by your doctor.

Did you know?
Since 1999, the number of prescription painkillers prescribed and sold in the U.S. has nearly quadrupled.1
Opioid overdoses tripled between 2001 and 2013.2,3
About 15 million people suffer from opioid dependence. But, only 10 percent who need treatment are getting it.4
Naloxone (brand name Narcan®) is an inexpensive medicine and may help. If administered early, it may reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. And, it can prevent deaths due to an overdose.

You can reduce the risk
Get help to quit and stay clean.
Find out how to obtain naloxone for those likely to go through an opioid overdose.
Receive support, resources and training.
Learn when and how to use naloxone as a life-saving medicine.
Help is available
Our clinicians work with providers to screen those at risk. They promote education and treatment for you, your loved ones, caregivers and health care providers. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions. And you can call the member services number on your ID card to check your benefits for naloxone.

Resources
Opioid overdose prevention toolkit
Opioid overdose information
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/
2Beletsky LB, Rich JD,Walley AY. Prevention of fatal opioid overdose. JAMA. 2012;308(18):1863-1864.
3National Institute on Drug Abuse, Overdose Death Rates, Revised February 2015, https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
4World Health Organization (November 2014), http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/information-sheet/en/

img Get help for depression and substance abuse

Make the most of your health care budgetWoman laying on sofa looking off into distance
It’s hard to know where to turn when you or a loved one is struggling. If you have depression, it can interfere with daily life and cause pain for both you and those who care about you. Many people with depression can also have an alcohol or drug problem.

Help is available
If you ignore these conditions, they can get worse. An assessment may help you and your doctor decide if you need treatment. Both depression and substance abuse are treatable conditions. If you think you need help, just talk to your doctor. Or find one in your area.

Simply log in to your secure member Aetna Navigator® website at www.aetna.com. It’s an important first step on the road to feeling better.

Check out these resources
You can:
Find tips to boost your mood and assess your well-being
Look up facts about common drugs of abuse
Call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit the lifeline online
Let us help you take care of your mind, body and spirt.

Find more information at https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/mental-emotional-health.html.

https://www.isp.com/blog/lgbtq-youth-online-resources/

The post Your mental well-being matters! appeared first on Good News!.