Latest news with #AlexanderSmith
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Being active in nature can help people with chronic back pain, researchers say
Millions of Americans are living with chronic back pain, with more than a quarter experiencing lower back pain. It is the sixth-most costly condition in the U.S. and can be incredibly debilitating, making even standing up or sitting at work a struggle. Now, researchers say people may find relief from these and other negative effects of the condition by heading outdoors. Nature offers an escape from the pain, in addition to enabling them to connect with others on a social level, researchers claim. Furthermore, the natural features, including the sound of running water and fresh air, helped to give them a feeling of tranquillity that relieved the stresses and anxieties created by their pain levels. 'Our research showed that those able to get out into nature saw the benefits of doing so, both from a physical and a mental perspective,' Dr. Alexander Smith, a researcher in the University of Plymouth's School of Psychology, said in a statement. Smith is the lead author of the small study which was published Tuesday in the Journal of Pain. The study, which is the first of its kind, asked people experiencing chronic lower back pain – in some cases for nearly 40 years – about the role nature plays in their coping strategies. Its conclusions were based on interviews with 10 people who had experienced chronic lower back pain for between five and 38 years. The research follows previous work highlighting the benefits of nature in fighting stress and promoting mental health. Another study showed that exposure to nature can regulate the sympathetic nervous system in as little as five minutes. Mindfulness-based therapy has also been shown to be effective. 'This means that we can get an almost immediate benefit from stepping outside,' Mayo Clinic nurse practitioner Jodie Smith explained. And doing so on a recurrent basis may prevent cumulative effects from stress, which could mean a lower risk for chronic disease, illness and mortality.' But, people with chronic back pain may need to be more cautious when heading out on a hike. Hiking with an incorrect technique and with improper equipment, such as an ill-fitted backpack, can have a detrimental impact, Dr. Eric Freeman, an interventional spine and pain specialist at Redefine Healthcare in New Jersey, warned. Still, it can also fortify the health of people with back pain. 'Hiking is a good activity for those who suffer from back pain because it helps increase muscular circulation, which improves soft tissue flexibility in the spine as well as other large muscle groups. Hiking also helps strengthen the muscles that support your spine and improves flexibility and posture, resulting in minimized osteoarthritis pain,' he said. Uneven terrain was a factor the study participants said they were commonly worried about, but walking on such terrains can also contribute to improved balance and muscle activity. Based on these findings, the researchers said they recommend that people with chronic lower back pain and their doctors give greater consideration to the role nature can play in their health and wellbeing. They also recommended that natural spaces become more accessible. 'Simple changes, such as better paths and seating, and technological innovations including virtual reality may help make those benefits accessible to everyone. But we hope our findings open the door to greater exploration of how that might be achieved,' Dr. Smith said.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
St. Sabina Church hosts peace carnival to promote smart choices among Chicago's youth
CHICAGO — Through basketball, bounce houses and food, the youth of St. Sabina Church came together to encourage young people to make smarter choices this summer. 'This isn't just about keeping kids off the street, but this is about teaching kids to make a positive impact in their communities,' Alexander Smith, St. Sabina Academy alum, said. On Saturday, youth leaders hosted a Memorial Day weekend peace carnival to give young people a place to go during the holiday weekend. 'The streets don't give you anything. No goals, no growth. Just distractions,' an attendee said. They are urging Chicago's youth to stay away from teen takeovers. 'To the teens, we have to start making safe and smart choices,' Zariah Boykien said. Earlier this week, the Chicago City Council postponed a vote on using 'snap' curfews to control teen takeovers. The ordinance would allow the police superintendent to call for a 'snap' curfew anywhere in the city, with a half-hour notice, if a group of 20 or more teens poses a threat to the public. Previous: Council postpones vote on controversial ordinance addressing 'teen takeovers' Many alders and community groups have expressed deep concern that the proposed substitute ordinance is not a path towards a solution. 'That curfew does not give us places where we can be safe but places where we cannot be,' Boykien said. Parents say they don't support the curfew for concern it would unfairly impact minority groups. They would rather see more investments in youth programs and are encouraging families to get involved. 'Reach out to your church. Reach out to your community. Reach out to your alderman. Reach out to your senators. That's why we advocate,' Tracy Smith, a parent, said. WGN INVESTIGATES: Is a summer of street takeovers ahead for Chicago? Father Michael Pfleger hopes the city's decisionmakers are listening. 'I hope they understand that the youth know what they want, the youth know what they're looking for, and the youth can be the ones that make the difference,' Pfleger said. The organizers of the carnival say this is the first of several events planned throughout the summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
St. Sabina teens host peace carnival, criticize push for "snap curfews" in Chicago
With summer right around the corner, some Chicago teenagers on Saturday were calling out city leaders over a plan to allow police to impose so-called "snap curfews." Although a final vote has been delayed until next month, the City Council has advanced an ordinance that would allow Police Supt. Larry Snelling to declare temporary curfews anywhere in the city for up to 3 hours on as little as 30 minutes' notice in an effort to stop teen takeovers. Police could declare the curfews when any gathering of 20 people in public "is likely to result in, substantial harm to the safety of the community or others, or substantial damage to property, or substantial injuries to a person, including participants, or in a manner that otherwise presents or causes, or in a manner that is likely to present or cause, substantial harm to public health, safety, or welfare." Critics have said the ordinance is unconstitutional, and would subject Black and Brown teens to over-policing, and open the city up to lawsuits and police misconduct payouts. The BRAVE Youth Leaders, an anti-violence youth program at St. Sabina church, said the city instead should provide more extensive youth programs instead of focusing on tightening curfew laws. St. Sabina Academy alum Alexander Smith said youth curfews "may seem like an easy answer to the problem of youth violence, but in reality they are a temporary solution; one that only addresses the symptoms, but not the cause of the issue." "What truly makes a difference is meaningful community engagement. We need to invest in youth programs that have mentorships, that teach youth life skills," he said. St. Sabina was hosting a "peace carnival" and youth basketball tournament over the Memorial Day weekend. Organizers said such events give teens a place to safe place to gather and interact with positive role models.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hattiesburg unveils ‘Right Down Broadway' plan
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The City of Hattiesburg is moving forward with its 'Right Down Broadway' master plan, which is an effort to revitalize the Broadway Drive corridor leading to the downtown area. At the latest hearing, city leaders discussed rezoning and a possible overlay project to guide future development. 'Any time there is some improvement in Hattiesburg, I think it helps all of the community. And when there's some investment that's going to be made, I want to be a part of that investment and find out what's going on,' said Alexander Smith, a Hattiesburg resident. Dozens of people showed up to hear the latest updates, including zoning changes aimed at expanding housing and business opportunities. The plan also opens the door for more mixed-use development along the corridor. Experience Twilight Nights at Hattiesburg Zoo this summer 'There were a lot of businesses that left the area. So if you can improve the area to bring back businesses, to make it more attractive for other businesses to come and then to support the businesses there, I think it brings growth,' said Smith. Some local business owners are not sold on the idea. They're concerned that potential industrial development could disrupt smaller shops. They're asking the city to focus on supporting and investing in existing businesses along Broadway Drive. 'When you have other business owners that come in that are not, they don't mix well with the businesses that are already there. It creates a conflict for the business owners who are already there. And we could potentially lose revenue,' said Annie Williams, a local business owner. While some support the plan's economic potential, they're urging the city to address increased traffic concerns, including the possibility of roundabouts. The master plan aims to make Broadway Drive more pedestrian and bike-friendly, with added outdoor spaces to enhance downtown appeal. Resident concerns and suggestions will be discussed during the May 19 City Council meeting. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Europe free from both bird flu strains hitting US dairy cows, France says
Neither of the two strains of bird flu that have infected dairy cows in the United States have been detected in the European Union or Britain, a French food safety agency official said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday confirmed a Reuters report that U.S. dairy cattle had tested positive for a strain of bird flu that previously had not been found in cows. "To date, none of the serotypes that have been isolated in cattle in the United States or in poultry, and which have caused human cases, have been detected in Europe and therefore in France, including the recent case in the United Kingdom," the official said on Thursday in a briefing on bird flu in France. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called bird flu, has spread around the globe in recent years, leading to the culling of hundreds of millions of poultry. Its spread to dairy cows in the U.S. and the death of a person in Louisiana have raised concern that the virus could mutate into one that can be transmitted between humans. France has recorded 19 outbreaks of bird flu in poultry so far this season, from 10 in 2023/24. A sharp drop from an average of 400 in previous years was due to the vaccination since October 2023 of ducks, which are the poultry most sensitive to the virus, officials said. The United States and Canada recently eased bans on certain French poultry imports linked to bird flu vaccination. (Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Alexander Smith)
