A buzz is in the air – but it is not the buzz of a cheerful bee contentedly pollinating a flower. In recent years, bees have been embattled – faced with a myriad of deadly diseases that threaten their very existence. These diseases have decimated the bee population around the world and the consequences could be dire for humans. This is the story of bees and their battle with disease.
1. A Buzz-Worthy Crisis: The Struggles of Bees
The world is buzzing about the concerning decline of our planet’s bee population. These once abundant pollinators are integral to the health of the world’s ecosystem, providing a crucial and irreplaceable link within the food chain. Yet world-wide, their numbers are drastically dwindling. The experts agree: the loss of this species is a crisis.
Causes of Bee Decline
Climate change, environmental toxicity and the use of herbicides can significantly weaken bee populations. One of the major identified killers is Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD, a mysterious phenomenon that leads to the sudden and drastic disappearance of bees from their colonies. Its cause is still unclear, yet it sure has an effect – leaving researchers scrambling for answers.
The agricultural industry is also to blame in part, as our reliance on monocultures reduces the variety of plants on which bees can feed. Lack of habitat is another concern; with urban sprawl and deforestation on the rise, much of the land with which bees could once thrive has become scarce.
- Climate Change
- Environmental Toxicity
- Herbicides
- Colony Collapse Disorder
- Monocultures
- Lack of Habitat
Implications of Loss of Bees
The effects of bee disappearance are wide-reaching. Beyond a reduction in honey production, the loss of bee populations will have an overall effect on our food supply, as these pollinators are essential to produce more than one-third of food crops worldwide. It also impacts climate regulation: bee populations help maintain the health and diversity of plant species, which in turn keeps carbon dioxide levels delicatey balanced.
2. The Rise of Ailments Affecting the Buzzing World
In recent times, physical, mental & emotional ill-health, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and other related issues have been on the rise both in adults and youth, affecting the buzzing world. Overworking and stress are the leading factors contributing to this.
That’s to be expected when one dedicates all hours to the pursuit of success, or seeks to be defined by their career. We take extra shifts, go off a holiday, and overlook our physical as well as mental wellbeing, completely overlooking the importance of taking breaks and allotting time to self care.
- We work endlessly and endlessly, leading to exhaustion, fatigue and lack of productivity
- We let routine and monotony take over, leading to arising mental illnesses
- We let the need to fit in or ‘make it’ define our lives and pressure us.
Often, the society we live in trivializes mental health issues associated with stress, making it difficult for people to approach the issue and seek support. We forget that it is only natural for us to experience a wide range of feelings, it’s responding to those feelings in a considerate and careful way that is more important. We live in a world with much to do and that too with responsibility – but that doesn’t mean that we forget about our health needs.
3. Soldiers of Pollen: The Reliant Role of Bees
Bees are important pollinators in our world, playing a crucial role in the pollination of flowers. These hard-working insectoids have been around for millions of years, and they are some of the most efficient pollinators on the planet. But what about the soldier bee? It’s often forgotten in the pollinating buzz, but it plays an equally important role.
The soldier bee does exactly that: protecting the flower as it closes shop for the night. This species are the most valiant fighters out there, emerging from the dark night and convincing the would-be nectar robbers to back off. Without their courageous efforts, the flowers would fail to attract proper pollination.
This provides us with an invaluable service. Even after the flower piles in its pollen, the soldier bees stay on guard and protect the flower’s newly stored pollen until their shifts are done. It’s a fantastic way of ensuring that the flowers are safe from any nectar robbers, and that they can open the next morning with a higher chance of nutrients.
The pollinating abilities of the bee soldier are invaluable. Without them, much of the world’s produce would fail. But without their protective role, much of that abundance would never be able to reach us. They are an integral part of the pollination process, and without them, much of the crops and trees we depend on would not survive.
4. Combating Disease: The Challenges of Survival
Diseases are a constant and ever-present risk to our health and wellbeing. Fortunately, advances in medicine and healthcare have made it possible to ward off many illnesses. But the challenge doesn’t end there. The fact is, as we continue to progress by leaps and bounds, diseases such as cancer, AIDS and malaria are still looming large for many people, despite our better efforts in some cases.
In order to ensure the survival of a population, it’s essential to tackle and manage the risk of diseases. To accomplish this, there are numerous strategies and plans in place. One of the main ones is vaccination. Vaccinating against certain diseases contributes to the mitigation of their impact, thus helping to reduce their spread.
In addition, governments can aid by providing health services to monitor the spread of a disease. Treatment of preventable diseases is available to individuals in need. Prevention is always priority, but good quality medical care can also elongate lives and mitigate the mortality rate.
Lastly, research and development can help find treatments and cures for deadly illnesses. By studying pathogens and understanding their behavior, medical science has already found cures and treatments for several diseases. It’s therefore crucial to invest in research in order to develop more treatments and prevent the spread of existing diseases.
5. A Decline in Health: What Can We Do?
It’s no secret that health has been on a decline over the decades, so it’s clear that something needs to be done. Fortunately, there are definite steps that individuals can take to immediately improve their own health and, eventually, the health of the world.
- Increase Your Activity Level – Studies involving thousands of participants concluded that regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses by as much as 50%. Even starting with just a few minutes of exercise a day can go a long way in bettering our collective health.
- Eat Better and More Nutritious Foods – This is an important step for any health journey. Cutting out processed foods, sugary snacks, and fried foods can have an incredibly positive impact on our health. Eating more vegetables and lean proteins is an excellent way to improve digestion, reduce a number of health risks, and even boost your mood.
- Get Proper Amounts of Sleep – Sleeping well can help the body repair itself and stay strong. Try to get at least 8 hours a night and avoid the temptation of coffee and sugar to keep you awake during the day.
When we take the initiative to improve our health, we see the results. It’s not just about making ourselves feel better, it’s also about making positive progress for the world. Making the individual commitment to bettering our health is a worthwhile endeavor and will have a lasting impact on the people around us.
6. Investigating the Beehive: Diagnosing the Problem
When it comes to diagnosing and solving problems at the beehive, being intentional with investigation is essential. Every beekeeper can take 6 key steps to ensure they get to the root of the problem quickly and efficiently:
- Observe the hive from afar. Look for any abnormalities in behavior of the bees, movements, or number of bees flying. This is quickly done with a pair of binoculars or even just the naked eye.
- Examine the frame of the hive just before sunset and consider the appearance of the bees to assess the potential problems. In particular, note the strength of the population, how many helpful or damaging pests have infiltrated the hive, and check the food availability.
- Treat with a diversity of products and methods to alleviate any pests or illnesses. Many of these products can be purchased from beekeeping supply shops or online stores. Be sure to conduct research and read labels before use, as some products require special attention.
- Assess the hive’s behavior changes. The best way to determine if the hive’s problem has been solved is by observing them over a period of time.
In addition to these steps, beekeepers can consult with local experts and undertake courses that provide specific knowledge about bee behavior. Through diagnose, treat, assess, and, if needed, repeat, you can be sure that you have accurately investigated the issue at hand.
7. Taking Action: Options for Prevention and Cure
One of the best and most effective ways to prevent and cure any illness is to take action. The following are some of the steps you can take to help reduce your risk and improve your overall health.
Taking preventive action:
- Maintain a healthy diet – Eat foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and sugar.
- Take regular exercise – Exercise can help you keep healthy and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Reduce stress – Find ways to relax and manage your stress.
- Stop smoking – Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death and illness.
- Seek medical help when needed – Don’t put off going to the doctor or seeking medical advice when you feel ill.
Treating existing conditions:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your particular condition.
- Take prescribed medication – Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking your medication.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle – Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and managing stress can all help to keep you healthy.
- Monitor your condition – Keep track of changes in your condition and alert your doctor if anything changes.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Taking steps to improve your lifestyle and reduce your risk of illness can help you stay healthy for longer.
8. An Apian Mission: Saving Our Pollinators
The world’s population of pollinators including bees, butterflies and some species of birds, has been dropping over the past years. It is estimated that a third of the world’s food supply relies on bee pollination for production.
Fortunately, we can come together for an apian mission and do our part to help save our pollinators. Here are some steps that we can take to bring back sections of bee populations that have been declining:
- Create a bee-friendly habitat: Plant bee-friendly flowers and shrubs that produce a large, nutritious variety of pollen and nectar, and avoid the use of insecticides.
- Become a Beekeeper: Becoming a beekeeper allows you to contribute to the conservation of bee populations in your own backyard.
- Protect and Restore Habitats: Work to preserve and restore bee habitats from degradation and urbanization, such as farms, meadows, and forests.
- Educate the community: Enhance knowledge of bee conservation and management measures among the public to help with the preservation of pollinators.
We can make a world of difference for our pollinators and bring back their populations if we come together as a global mission. In doing so, we can preserve and maintain bee populations for the benefit of our environment and for the future of food production.
While the days of wiping out our beloved bees may be far beyond our reach, the issue of bee disease is nevertheless an important one to pay close attention to. As beekeepers, farmers, and environmentalists work to find a solution to the challenge of keeping our bee populations healthy and safely pollinating the world around us, the future of bees and other pollinators lies with us. May we rise to the challenge and keep the bees safe and healthy for generations to come.