WHO recommends lenacapavir as twice yearly injection to help prevent HIV
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
How we fell out of love with alcohol - and it's NOT just a Gen Z phenomenon: Map shows booze intake has plunged in Western Europe but risen 7-fold in one part of the world
Western Europe is falling out of love with booze – and it's not just a Gen Z phenomenon, leading experts say. Alcohol consumption in Britain has plunged 10 per cent since the millennium, with figures showing rates have dipped among all age groups. Nowadays the average UK adult sinks 10.11 litres of pure alcohol per year, ranking 25th highest in a world's league table. That equates to around 505 pints of lager or 112 bottles of wine. In 2000, Brits drank 11.18 litres a year – enough to sit 9th overall in the 2022 global rankings. Statistics held by the World Health Organization show the trend is mirrored across Western Europe, with alcohol intake having plunged even quicker in Ireland (29 per cent), France (25 per cent) and Germany (16 per cent). University College London 's Dr Melissa Oldham, who tracks drinking trends in the UK, told MailOnline: 'Declining youth alcohol consumption is something we are seeing across many high income countries. 'Similar reasons seem to underlie this trend, including changing attitudes towards alcohol and increased awareness of alcohol-harms, alongside changes in the way young people socialise.' Out of the 187 countries surveyed by the WHO, 92 consumed less alcohol in 2022. Syria saw the biggest fall since 2000 (93 per cent), although it recorded below one litre per person for both years. Of the countries which drank at least one litre, Venezuela fell 74 per cent from 7.7 to 2.02 litres. Eighty-eight nations drank more, however, including the US (up 14 per cent, to 9.41 litres per year, or around 470 pints). The US currently ranks 28th overall. Consumption rates have rocketed nearly 7-fold in Cambodia, 5-fold in Myanmar and 3-fold in Vietnam, the statistics suggest. Experts say this is down to economic growth, as well as an expanding middle class that can afford to purchase more alcohol. The trend has spooked health chiefs, who want a crackdown in south east Asia. Seven nations (Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan) saw no change, drinking zero litres in both years. The Czech Republic was home to the biggest drinkers. There, adults typically drink 12.99 litres of pure alcohol every year – equivalent to 649.5 pints of 4 per cent lager or 144 bottles of red wine. Rounding out the top three were Latvia (12.58) and Estonia (12.06). What adults are drinking has also changed. In Britain, wine consumption has soared 12-fold since the 1960s, partly fuelled by higher boozing rates among women. Beer intake, meanwhile, has more than halved since its heyday five decades ago – from the equivalent of 276 pints a year to 110. So, what's going on in Britain? Brits have a complicated relationship with alcohol, having earned an international reputation for binge drinking, 'lager louts' and the Great British pub. Historically this culture has been fuelled by students, boozing at sports events and house parties or bar-hopping in town centres both here and abroad. But studies suggest the tables have now turned, with society's youngest foregoing pints in favour of low and no-alcohol alternatives or even going teetotal. NHS data shows rates have fallen the quickest among the 16-24 year old age group, in trends that have seen them dubbed 'generation sensible'. Experts claim that this is due to a variety of factors, including them wanting to keep fitter and avoid the liquid calories, save money and avoid the dangers of excessive boozing. The NHS says there's no 'safe' drinking level, although anything above 14 units per week is considered dangerous. This itself has been watered down over the past few decades in light of studies illustrating the risks of alcohol. Decades of alcohol abuse can cause cancer and strokes, as well as heart and liver disease and brain damage. Dr Oldham said: 'Young people today have better education in schools on this topic. 'They've seen the impact of regular drinking on older generations and possibly even have negative experiences with older adults from their personal lives that can have a visceral impact on how they see alcohol. 'But awareness across Europe as to the dangers of alcohol causing life-threatening or harmful conditions are generally low.' Yet figures show it's not just Generation Z who are turning their back on booze. NHS figures collected before the pandemic showed consumption levels were on the decline among 20-somethings and middle-aged adults. Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, said: 'People are falling out of friendship with alcohol because they're not making better memories, improved energy, sleep or improved long-term health outcomes - all things they would want from the experience.' Britain's 'slow-burning crisis' Alcohol-related deaths reached a record high in 2023 at nearly 10,500. That's up over 20 per cent since the pandemic and nearly doubling since 2001. Covid-era curbs likely fuelled dangerous drinking habits, scientists think. Dozens of surveys have also found boredom, having more time to drink and anxiety fuelled worrying trends in alcohol consumption during lockdowns. Yet Dr Piper said the situation in the UK was akin to a 'slow burning crisis' as alcohol deaths continue to rise in spite of clearly shifting attitudes to consumption. The main cause in the spike in deaths in the wake of the pandemic, according to a study published in the Lancet Public Health earlier this year, was a steep rise in liver damage caused by alcohol. It can take years of heavy drinking for this to build up. Yet the total death toll is deemed to be the 'tip of the iceberg' because it only counts deaths wholly attributable to alcohol – not deaths where it likely played a contributory factor. Campaigners have called for measures such as minimum unit pricing, cigarette-style health warnings on labels and tighter advertising regulations. Dr Piper said minimum unit pricing – a system where products are priced based on the amount of units they have – would undoubtedly help tackle the crisis, by making cheaper, higher-strength drinks more expensive. Scotland and Wales already adopt the measure, fixed at 65p and 50p per unit, respectively. In England, there is currently no minimum unit price for alcohol meaning cheap drink is rife. In supermarkets today, a two-litre bottle of cider can be bought for under £3, which equates to 33p per unit of alcohol. 'Alcohol in the supermarket is now the most affordable it's been since 1970 and 70 per cent of alcohol is bought through that channel,' Dr Piper said. Harmful drinking levels are disproportionately seen in lower-income, more deprived areas, official figures show. There, so-called 'risky drinking' is far more common and that's what is driving up alcohol-related death rates, studies show. As well as minimum unit pricing, Dr Piper also wants companies to include 'switching language' when promoting zero per cent alcohol, a product which has boomed in popularity. Using Heineken as an example, this would mean have to include verbage like 'Switch to Heineken 0.0'. Dr Piper added: 'We are not for an alcohol ban but the "moderation is good for you" argument is kind of nonsense – a small amount of alcohol has never been good for you. 'We don't blame the alcohol industry because it's doing what it needs for their shareholders, but we need governments to stand up when there's market failure and there is absolutely market failure.' The rise of low and no-alcohol alternatives The IWSR, a drinks analytics consultancy formerly known as the International Wine and Spirits Record, says the 'no/low' sector is in a 'transformative' period of growth. Across ten key markets, including the UK, US and Brazil, the firm expects the global sector to swell by over £3billion by 2028. It also notes that booze purchases among no/low buyers are decreasing, particularly in the beer and wine categories. In the UK, sober curiosity has even been granted its own month, christened 'Dry January'. Marketed as a reset after the typically indulgent period over the December holidays, the idea was officially adopted as a campaign by Alcohol Change UK in 2013. Data provided by the organisation show that participation has more than tripled since 2019, with 4.2million in 2019 swelling to 15.5million people last year. And the popularity of the 'no/low' movement has extended far beyond one month of the year as a detox. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) noted that 27million pints of non-alcoholic beer were sold in June and July last year across the UK's off-trade – an uplift of 35 per cent in two years. And the body claims it expects a 20 per cent rise on that figure for 2025. A recent study by researchers at Oxford University found that Gen Z is embracing the non-alcoholic drinks movement in an act of rebellion, even deeming the choice as 'cool'. This has given rise to swathes of household brands in the no/low sector, such as non-alcoholic beer brand Lucky Saint and variants by big brewers such as Heineken and Peroni. Non-alcoholic spirits companies and wines, too, are booming as people seek to avoid the fear of missing out on fun from drinking alcohol. Craig Chapman, director of brands at drinks producer Global Brands, which owns iconic names such as alcopop VK and Hooch, told MailOnline that this FOMO is driving a part of their company strategy. 'Our research says this is the biggest factor for people looking to cut down but not feel like they're not a part of something,' he said. VK is synonymous with party culture among university and college students but the zero per cent variant hasn't done quite as well, Mr Chapman said. 'It's doing OK but hasn't set the world alight and we didn't think it would for us,' he added. 'We wanted to include the option for "zebra-striping" (alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) Gen Z-ers but it was never meant to overtake the core brand.' 'The days of having such a strong nightclub presence for us is gone because that side of the world has gone for now,' he added. Declining alcohol consumption is hitting alcohol producers the world over, coupled with regulatory headwinds and higher raw material and energy costs. The International Organisation of Vine and Wine, the main trade body for vintners, said in April that 2024 global sales fell to 214.2million hectolitres – the lowest level in 60 years. Wine production, too, fell to 60-year lows at just 225million hectolitres. The body's annual report said: 'Beyond the short-term economic and geopolitical disruptions, it is important to consider the structural, long-term factors also contributing to the observed decline in wine consumption.' This includes the average consumer paying roughly 30 per cent more for a bottle now than in 2019, alongside a 12 per cent decline in total consumption in the same time period. And it's not just wine that's taking a hit. A 2024 report from leading hops supplier BarthHaas shows a 0.6 per cent drop in beer production volumes across the world's largest brewers for the year. The findings note that 'many multinational brewers' are dropping ambitious or novel craft brewing investments to shore up core international brands amidst 'mounting' industry challenges.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
The 6 most common types of back pain and how to ‘cure' each one – plus when it's critical you see a doctor NOW
WE'RE living through a back pain epidemic. It affects 49million people in the UK and 619million globally, and it can wreak havoc on our everyday lives. 10 From sharp stabs to dull aches and even numbness, it can be crippling for some. 'This pain can be debilitating, affecting general day to day movement, stopping people from being able to work and even sleep,' physiotherapist and musculoskeletal specialist Clara Kervyn tells Sun Health. Back pain accounts for more than 12million days off work every year, and it costs the NHS nearly £5billion annually. But not all back pain is the same, and some types require very different treatment to others. So what's the reason for yours? From slouching at your desk to arthritis, experts share the potential causes - as well as treatments to help you feel more comfortable… 1. Slipped disc A herniated disc, known to most of us as a slipped disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like tissue found between the vertebrae in your spine pushes outwards. There are about five to 20 cases per 1,000 adults. 'It occurs most often in the lumbar spine (lower back) but can affect the cervical spine (neck) and in rare instances, the thoracic spine (central back),' says Mr Gordan Grahovac, consultant neurosurgeon at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital. The most common causes include age-related degeneration, where the disc dries out and weakens, improper lifting technique with heavy weights, sudden trauma or injury and/or a sedentary lifestyle. Genetics can also play a role. A sharp, burning or shooting pain may be felt down one leg, shoulder, arm, hand or around the chest or abdomen, depending on where the herniated disc is down your spine. Mr Grahovac says that most of the time, herniated discs do not require surgery and improve over weeks to months. But do visit your GP, who can advise you on the next steps. If non surgical treatments - such as stretching, core strengthening and medication like ibuprofen - don't work within six to 12 weeks, surgery may be an option. 10 'The most common is a microdiscectomy,' says Mr Grahovac. 'This involves the removal of the herniated portion through a small incision on the back.' Full recovery from surgery can take up to 12 weeks. Mr Grahovac says: 'Seek immediate help and call 999 if you experience a loss of bladder or bowel control, leg weakness which gets worse and/or a severe pain that's not responding to treatment.' 2. Arthritis More than 10million people in the UK have arthritis. Spinal arthritis is a degenerative disease affecting the facet joints, found on the back of each vertebrae in the spine, and the intervertebral discs. 'It's most common in the mobile spine, including the lower back and neck,' says Mr Grahovac. 'Early signs can include mild back or neck stiffness, especially in the morning; intermittent discomfort that worsens with activity; a 'grinding' or popping sensation when you move; and fatigue.' Later stage symptoms might include nerve impingement, which can cause numbness, tingling or weakness, and/or a decreased range of motion of your lumbar spine or neck. Your GP will be able to diagnose spinal arthritis by assessing your range of motion, any family history, as well as any tenderness over the affected area. Both pulled and torn muscles may lead to bruising, swelling and muscle spasms. You may feel a 'pop' or a tear Elyn MarwickPersonal trainer 'Your doctor may even refer you to a musculoskeletal physiotherapist who can organise further investigations,' Mr Grahovac says. 'An X-ray could point out any narrowing between joints, while an MRI scan can pick up any nerve involvement or degeneration of spinal discs.' There's no cure for arthritis, however symptoms can be managed. 'Losing weight can reduce stress on the joints,' Mr Grahovac says. 'Try regular low-impact exercise such as swimming, walking and yoga, as well as weight-bearing exercise to increase muscle strength. 'When you experience a flare up, heat or ice therapy can help to ease stiffness and pain, and ibuprofen and naproxen can help to reduce pain and inflammation. 'Surgery is rare and typically reserved for severe, disabling cases with nerve root or cord compression.' 3. Sciatica Sciatica is not actually a condition itself. Instead, it's a symptom of the sciatic nerve - the largest nerve in your body - being irritated or compressed. 'It typically results from issues in the lower spine,' says Mr Grahovac. 'The most common cause is a herniated disc. 'Sciatic pain is a sharp, burning, shooting, or electric-like pain. 'It starts in the lower back or bum and radiates down one leg. It can go as far down as your foot. 'It can also be accompanied by numbness, a pins-and-needles-like tingling or muscle weakness in the leg or foot, and it might become worse when you're sitting, coughing or sneezing.' Between 13 and 40 per cent of people experience sciatica at some point in their life. There are a few temporary self-help treatments you can try. 'For the first 24 to 48 hours, try cold packs and then turn to heat therapy,' says Mr Grahovac. 'Ibuprofen and naproxen can help, as can one to two days of rest - but avoid prolonged bed rest. 'Short, frequent walks are better than being sedentary.' What the location of your back pain really means BACK pain is a common affliction that affects millions of Brits. Aches and pains might feel like an everyday part of life, but where they occur might indicate a more serious problem that requires attention. The location of your back pain could indicate you are suffering anything from organ problems to pinched nerves. Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Online Pharmacy Chemist Click, said there are specific ways to treat each type of back pain, and some may need urgent attention. He said: 'You should also ask for an urgent GP appointment if your back pain is accompanied with a high temperature or if you've lost weight without trying to. 'You should also ask for one if there's a lump or swelling in your back or your back has changed shape. 'If the pain does not improve after resting or is worse at night the pain is made worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing, you should also contact them. 'Ask for an urgent appointment if the pain is coming from the top of your back — between your shoulders — rather than your lower back.' Sides - possible causes include kidney problems, pancreatitis, bowel inflammation, womb contraction Spine - possible causes include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, arthritis Lower back - possible causes include muscle injury, spasms, herniated discs Upper back - possible causes include pinched nerves Neck - possible causes include misalignment, low flexibility Try gently stretching the hamstrings and piriformis - a small muscle near your hip joint. A seated forward fold can help your hamstrings. Sit on the ground with your legs straight and reach for your toes. For your piriformis, try a figure-four stretch. Lie down and cross one ankle over the opposite knee before pulling both legs in towards your chest. A physio, either private or referred by your NHS GP, can guide you through other exercises that help to relieve pressure on your sciatic nerve. Core strengthening exercises also help to stabilise the spine. If after four to six weeks there's no improvement, visit your GP. You may be eligible for an epidural steroid injection. 'This is usually effective for rapid relief as it targets inflammation at the nerve root,' Mr Grahovac says. Permanent solutions to your sciatica will depend on the underlying cause; your GP can advise you. 'Surgery has high success rates for the right candidates, especially if there's leg weakness or a disabling pain,' says Mr Grahovac. 4. Muscle strains Muscle strains occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. 'They commonly happen in everyday life, when bending over, twisting during household chores or picking up bags of shopping,' says personal trainer Elyn Marwick. Overtraining without resting enough can also cause a strain. So can undertraining. 'Muscles that are inflexible or without strength due to lack of use can lead to strained muscles on ordinary use like walking,' adds Elyn. 'Both pulled and torn muscles may lead to bruising, swelling and muscle spasms. 'You may also feel a 'pop' or a tear during the injury and tenderness. Even at rest the muscle may feel painful.' Elyn recommends the PRICE technique - protect, rest, ice, compress, elevate, which can help relieve pain and inflammation during the first days of recovery. You can also try a product like Deep Freeze Cold Gel (£4.25, Boots). 'It works by reducing blood flow to a strained muscle, significantly reducing inflammation and swelling,' says Elyn. As the muscle starts to feel better, it's important to move it. 'A physiotherapist can offer help and advice. You can either self-refer or pay to see one privately,' says Clara. 'Consult your GP if the pain feels severe, lasts for more than a few days, worsens with time or if you felt a pop at the time of the injury.' Call 111 if you also have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, or if you develop numbness, tingling, sudden weakness or difficulty controlling certain muscles. 5. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weaker and more brittle, can lead to vertebral compression fractures, particularly in the spine, which may result in sudden or persistent back pain. 'These fractures can occur from minor falls, lifting or even coughing or sneezing,' says Clara. Osteoporosis, the most common type of arthritis affecting an estimated 8.5million people, often progresses silently and may go undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. 'Bone density testing is key for early detection, especially if you're at higher risk, such as postmenopausal women or those with a family history of the condition,' says Clara. Sitting slouched at a desk or looking down at a screen for extended periods may lead to tension in the upper and lower back, neck and shoulders Clara KervynPhysiotherapist Although osteoporosis can't be fully reversed, you can slow its progression, reducing the risk of fractures. Clara recommends increasing your intake of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin C and trace minerals such as copper, zinc and manganese, which can all support bone health. Try Holland & Barrett ABC to Z Multivitamins & Minerals tablets (£4.75), which contain all of these nutrients. Resistance-based exercises are also one of the best things you can do to help improve bone density. General movement, such as walking, will help too. Clara also suggests reducing alcohol and quitting smoking. 6. Poor posture Bad posture can place a lot of strain on muscles and soft tissues. 'Sitting slouched at a desk or looking down at a screen for extended periods may lead to tension in the upper and lower back, neck and shoulders,' says Clara. 'Leaning on one leg or having rounded shoulders can cause imbalances over time that contribute to discomfort. 'When sitting, use a chair with good back support to maintain the natural curve of your lower back. 'Sit upright and avoid slouching or leaning to one side. 'Keep feet flat on the floor and elbows at a 90-degree angle with your forearms parallel to the floor.' Get up and move around every hour and do some simple stretches to avoid stiffness and keep joints mobile. Try Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on Lotion (£5.85, Tesco) which helps to ease tight muscles. Clara adds: 'When standing, stand tall with shoulders back. 'Avoid slouching; instead, engage your core, gently drawing in your lower abdomen. 'Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and weight balanced on the balls of your feet, with knees slightly bent.' I was left on the brink of total paralysis after doctors dismissed by back pain as 'anxiety' By Katrina Turrill, Health News Editor A DAD-of-three was left fearing he'd never walk again after doctors repeatedly dismissed his excruciating back pain as anxiety. Mark Doe, 36, from Swindon, endured months of agony, pins and needles, and leg weakness, initially attributed to a small disc bulge. Despite his worsening symptoms, including needing a walking aid, a neurologist told him his issues were "all my anxiety" and upped his mental health medication without further scans. Mark felt "really let down and lost," believing he "just had to put up with the symptoms." The terrifying truth emerged three months later when a "pop" in his back left him unable to move, with radiating pain and a loss of bladder function. He recalled: "I couldn't move with the immense pain. I would scream out every time I moved." At the hospital, doctors suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome, a condition where nerves at the base of the spinal cord are compressed, which can lead to paralysis. An emergency MRI revealed the small bulge had "grown much bigger and was crushing my nerves." Mark was rushed into nearly five hours of surgery. His recovery has been "very difficult". He was bed-bound for six weeks and unable to hold his five-month-old daughter. He still suffers pain and may need further surgery, but he emphasises: "If the doctor I had for the second appointment had sent me for a scan, maybe this could have been prevented or not been so bad." Mark added: "Don't give up, keep on at doctors, don't do it alone."
Reuters
6 hours ago
- Reuters
China proposes new global AI cooperation organisation
SHANGHAI, July 26 (Reuters) - China said on Saturday it wanted to create an organisation to foster global cooperation on artificial intelligence, positioning itself as an alternative to the U.S. as the two vie for influence over the transformative technology. China wants to help coordinate global efforts to regulate fast-evolving AI technology and share the country's advances, Premier Li Qiang told the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday released an AI blueprint aiming to vastly expand U.S. AI exports to allies in a bid to maintain the American edge over China in the critical technology. Li did not name the United States but appeared to refer to Washington's efforts to stymie China's advances in AI, warning that the technology risked becoming the "exclusive game" of a few countries and companies. China wants AI to be openly shared and for all countries and companies to have equal rights to use it, Li said, adding that Beijing was willing to share its development experience and products with other countries, particularly the "Global South". The Global South refers to developing, emerging or lower-income countries, mostly in the southern hemisphere. How to regulate AI's growing risks was another concern, Li said, adding that bottlenecks included an insufficient supply of AI chips and restrictions on talent exchange. "Overall global AI governance is still fragmented. Countries have great differences particularly in terms of areas such as regulatory concepts, institutional rules," he said. "We should strengthen coordination to form a global AI governance framework that has broad consensus as soon as possible." The three-day Shanghai conference brings together industry leaders and policymakers at a time of escalating technological competition between China and the United States - the world's two largest economies - with AI emerging as a key battleground. Washington has imposed export restrictions on advanced technology to China, including the most high-end AI chips made by companies such as Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab and chipmaking equipment, citing concerns that the technology could enhance China's military capabilities. Despite these restrictions, China has continued making AI breakthroughs that have drawn close scrutiny from U.S. officials. China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu told a roundtable of representatives from over 30 countries, including Russia, South Africa, Qatar, South Korea and Germany, that China wanted the organisation to promote pragmatic cooperation in AI and was considering putting its headquarters in Shanghai. The foreign ministry released online an action plan for global AI governance, inviting governments, international organisations, enterprises and research institutions to work together and promote international exchanges including through a cross-border open source community. The government-sponsored AI conference typically attracts major industry players, government officials, researchers and investors. Saturday's speakers included Anne Bouverot, the French president's special envoy for AI, computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, known as "the Godfather of AI", and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab CEO Elon Musk, who has in past years regularly appeared at the opening ceremony in person or by video, did not speak this year. Besides forums, the conference features exhibitions where companies demonstrate their latest innovations. This year, more than 800 companies are participating, showcasing more than 3,000 high-tech products, 40 large language models, 50 AI-powered devices and 60 intelligent robots, according to organisers. The exhibition features predominantly Chinese companies, including tech giants Huawei and Alibaba ( opens new tab and startups such as humanoid robot maker Unitree. Western participants include Tesla, Alphabet (GOOGL.O), opens new tab and Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab.
