Latest news with #123RF
Sinar Daily
26-05-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Dengue, chikungunya may soon be endemic in Europe
Roughly half the world's population is already at risk of contracting the two diseases, which were once mainly confined to tropical regions. 25 May 2025 08:00pm Photo for illustration purpose only. - File photo by Bernama PARIS - The feverish diseases dengue and chikungunya could soon become endemic in Europe as the tiger mosquitoes that transmit these viruses spread farther north due to global warming, according to new research published recently. Roughly half the world's population is already at risk of contracting the two diseases, which were once mainly confined to tropical regions. Photo for illustrative purposes only - 123RF photo Both viruses cause fevers and can be deadly in rare cases, spread by the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The latter, which is known as the tiger mosquito, is venturing further north as the world warms because of human-driven climate change. The new study, published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal, analyses the impact a number of factors including the climate have had on the spread of the two diseases in Europe over the last 35 years. The frequency and severity of outbreaks have increased since 2010 as temperatures have risen, according to the study. Yet just over 300 cases of dengue were recorded in the European Union in 2024 -- the hottest year on record -- compared to 275 over the previous 15 years. Dengue outbreaks have now hit Italy, Croatia, France and Spain. "Our findings highlight that the EU is transitioning from sporadic outbreaks of Aedes-borne diseases towards an endemic state," it said. The higher temperatures soar, the greater the risk of outbreaks caused by tiger mosquitoes, the European research team said. Under worst-case climate change scenarios, outbreaks of both diseases could rise to five times the current rate by 2060, they projected. Outbreaks have been more common in wealthier areas, suggesting that better testing is able to spot the virus -- and that cases could be going undetected in poorer areas, the study suggested. The French Indian Ocean island of Reunion has recently endured a deadly outbreak of chikungunya. Tiger mosquitoes can also transmit the zika and West Nile viruses, which were not studied in the latest research. - AFP More Like This
Sinar Daily
25-05-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Hypertension remains major public health challenge in South-East Asia
Hypertension remains a leading contributor to premature mortality from heart attacks and strokes in our region. 24 May 2025 01:01pm Photo for illustration purpose only. - 123RF file photo GENEVA - Hypertension continues to be a major public health challenge - a silent killer that affects over 294 million people across the WHO South-East Asia Region, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. ''Modifiable behavioural risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, high salt intake, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and mental stress continue to drive its prevalence,'' said WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed. Hypertension continues to be a major public health challenge - a silent killer that affects over 294 million people across the WHO South-East Asia Region. - Bernama file photo She said this in a message on the World Hypertension Day recently, to raise awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection and control. This year, on its 20th anniversary, it is being observed with the theme, "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!' ''Hypertension remains a leading contributor to premature mortality from heart attacks and strokes in our region. Worryingly, the unmet need - defined as the gap between those with high blood pressure and those adequately diagnosed, treated, and controlled - remains as high as 88 per cent. "This indicates that nine out of every 10 people with hypertension are not receiving optimal care,'' Wazed added. ''With strong political will, community engagement, and innovative approaches, we can reduce the burden of hypertension and move closer to achieving our global goal of reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030,'' she added. ''On this World Hypertension Day 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to act strongly and collectively. Let us work together to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life-free from the preventable complications of hypertension,'' she urged. - BERNAMA-WAM
Sinar Daily
20-05-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Two in three Malaysian men at risk of erectile dysfunction
Based on the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), 31.6 per cent of Malaysian men aged 18 and above were found to have moderate to severe levels of ED. 20 May 2025 04:06pm Photo for illustration purpose only. - 123RF file photo PUTRAJAYA - Two out of three Malaysian men are at risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni revealed today. He said that based on the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), 31.6 per cent of Malaysian men aged 18 and above were found to have moderate to severe levels of ED. "Erectile dysfunction is a condition that is rarely discussed, but it is becoming a serious issue among Malaysian men. "Data shows that 69.5 per cent of men aged 40 and above are currently experiencing or have experienced ED,' he told reporters after launching the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction here today. ED is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Meanwhile, Lukanisman said the CPG was developed to ensure that ED patients receive the best possible care from healthcare practitioners equipped with relevant knowledge and skills, in line with the recommendations provided in the guidelines. "This CPG was developed over the course of several years and has now been shared with clinical professionals, universities and associations as a reference for delivering comprehensive treatment for ED,' he said. He also encouraged individuals suffering from ED to seek treatment at Health Ministry (MoH) facilities promptly, noting that nearly 70 per cent of ED cases are believed to be a contributing factor in divorces. "Men should not feel ashamed, and women also play an important role in learning about ED and supporting their partners in seeking help,' he added. Separately, Lukanisman said the MoH, through the Pharmaceutical Services Division, is currently working with e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada and TikTok to monitor and restrict the sale of ED-related medications. "I want to emphasise that ED is a medical condition that should be treated just like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. "Don't treat medications (sold online) as tools to enhance sexual performance or stamina,' he said. - BERNAMA More Like This
NZ Herald
20-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Willis damps down talk of a huge depreciation change
BusinessDesk 20 May, 2025 08:00 AM Quick Read KiwiSaver funds are invested in the stockmarket, the value of which rises and falls. Photo / 123RF
NZ Herald
17-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Kiwi economic refugees are fleeing NZ in droves
Kiwi exodus to Australia grows as pay gap widens. Photo / 123RF THREE KEY FACTS Given such matters are in vogue, I hereby request a pay equity claim. Rather than race or gender, the presence or absence of one's C-word, this claim seeks to compare the wage of a New Zealander with that of his/her/its Australian equivalent. The sad but inevitable trend
