Latest news with #AwarenessWeek
BBC News
06-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Important' to care for Surrey hedgehogs, say conservation groups
Surrey wildlife groups are urging people to make sure their gardens are welcoming to Awareness Week, an annual campaign by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, runs until 10 Brummer, founder of Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue in Windlesham, said hedgehogs "get to know an area really well so it's really important that we look after the hedgehogs in our local area".Oliver Fry, of Surrey Wildlife Trust, told BBC Radio Surrey hedgehog numbers "are down substantially" in recent years. Hedgehogs can be supported by ensuring gardens are not "too tidy" as they like to hide in leaves, foliage, and under sheds, said Mr added that cutting small holes in the bottom of fences will "enable the prickly little characters to move around unimpeded, and they'll help you out by eating your slugs as they go about their business". 'What's not to love?' Ms Brummer said native flowers can attract food for hedgehogs as can places for them to drink, but that it was important to make sure hedgehogs have a means of escape from water if they fall uncovered drains, and gardening tools can all be hazards for hedgehogs, she added."It's important to look after them because they are really cool," she said."They only do good to our garden, they get rid of all the slugs and bugs and things that gardeners don't like in there, and they are just the most beautiful little things you can imagine. What's not to love about them?"Mr Fry added: "They are wonderful creatures and it is such a pleasure to see them in your garden."
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Syphilis cases drop statewide but rise in Baton Rouge, LDH says
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — As part of STI Awareness Week, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) released updated data showing a statewide decrease in early syphilis cases from 2023 to 2024, but Baton Rouge is bucking that trend. According to LDH's fourth-quarter surveillance report, the total number of early syphilis diagnoses in Louisiana dropped from 1,857 in 2023 to 1,557 in 2024. That includes both Primary & Secondary (P&S) syphilis and early non-P&S syphilis. P&S syphilis diagnoses fell from 1,082 to 843. Early non-P&S syphilis diagnoses decreased from 775 to 714. While New Orleans saw its share of statewide cases decline from 25% in 2023 to 17% in 2024, Baton Rouge's share increased from 20% to 23%. LDH said STIs 'continue to have a significant impact on the health of Louisiana residents,' particularly among young people and communities of color. 61% of those diagnosed with early syphilis in 2024 were Black, up from 59% the year before. People aged 13–34 made up the majority of cases in both years. Those aged 13–24 accounted for 23% in each year, while those aged 25–34 increased from 35% in 2023 to 38% in 2024. Report: Louisiana has high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis Men made up the majority of early syphilis cases both years (66% in 2023, 65% in 2024). The most commonly reported risk factor for early syphilis was heterosexual activity, rising from 62% in 2023 to 66% in 2024. Reported drug use among those diagnosed remained steady at 36%. The percentage of those identifying as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men dropped from 38% in 2023 to 33% in 2024. LDH urges residents to get tested for STIs every three to six months, particularly those who are sexually active with new or multiple partners. 'The most common symptom of an STI,' the department noted, 'is no symptom at all.' For more information on STI prevention and testing, visit the Louisiana Health Hub's website. MLB ump leaves game after foul ball hits him in the face Fed chair sounds alarm about tariffs Md. senator seeks return of wrongly deported man Syphilis cases drop statewide but rise in Baton Rouge, LDH says Is Zoom down? Thousands report issues accessing software Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
