Latest news with #BluePacific

ABC News
4 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Could conches put snoring to bed?
Andy Park: Well, it's a distinctive sound usually found on the salty trade winds of the Blue Pacific, which may replace the far more infuriating sound of your partner's night-time snoring. Yes, one bizarre sleep apnoea study released this week suggests blowing on a conch, yes a conch shell, may be the key to night-time happiness for everyone. And let's face it, people have probably done worse in the search for a good night's sleep. Myles Houlbrook-Walk reports. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: Could this be the answer to ending this? On the streets of Sydney, those living alongside snorers are open to all sorts of solutions. Opinion: Very distracting. I don't think I could sleep with anyone that snores. There's a 12 person room, there's at least three people though snored. The person above me and the person next to me snored. And for doing like 25,000 steps a day in Europe, walking around and getting like no sleep because of snoring, it was rough. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: A new study released this week by the European Respiratory Society and carried out by a research institute in India, looked at 30 people with obstructive sleep apnoea. It required them to play a conch seashell, specifically a shunk in this instance, for 15 minutes a day, five days a week. The study found those who practice shunk blowing as a low cost breathing technique were less sleepy during the day and had better quality sleep at night. The findings were especially exciting to Karen, who's not keen on using a sleep apnoea machine. Karen: And the doctor actually suggested one of those, you know, breathing machines. When you've been married 40 years, that would be like the icing on the cake for the death-knell of the marriage. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: I think hearing something like that, would you ever be willing to practice? Karen: I don't know. I've got a conch shell at home. Maybe I'll give it a go. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: You're kidding. Karen: Yeah, I've got a little one from the islands when I did used to sail back in the, in the eighties. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: You know how to blow into it and all that? Karen: Not really, but I'm sure I could try. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: Do you think if you suggested it to your husband, he'd be, Karen: he'd think I've completely lost the pot. I'd have a crack at it. I think anything that, that helps, you know, um, tried pillows. I've tried loads of different things, but yeah, I'm just a mouth mouth breather snorer. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: Dr Kat Lederle is a sleep therapist in the United Kingdom. She told the BBC, this study fits in with other data around improving respiratory muscles. Dr Kat Lederle: So what that probably does is it strengthens the muscles in the face, in the sort of firings in the thoracic area. And it's really, it's the regular practice. And there are other similar studies looking at other instruments and looking at other exercises that all involve basically the face and sort of the neck, the muscles there to strengthen them and to then stop them from collapsing at night. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: Dr Moira Junge is the CEO of the Sleep Foundation and was not involved in the study. She says it's a novel idea. Dr Moira Junge: It is curious. I've never, um, hadn't heard of this before, even though I have heard of ancient healing things like, you know, with Buteyko methods and things like that. So we don't have standard guidelines or it's not a validated part of therapy for sleep apnoea at this stage at least. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: But she warned the sleep industry can be prone to solutions that are not yet substantively proven to be effective and recommended pursuing other means of treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Across the board, Dr Moira Junge says practising good sleep hygiene is crucial. Dr Moira Junge: Consistent sleep patterns, being very aware of the light and the dark. So being in really bright light conditions when you want to be alert. So during the day and in the night-time, plunging yourself into dim light conditions and less stress, unwinding, unplugging before bed. And that doesn't mean just phones and screens. It's like unplugging from your busy mind, unplugging from responsibilities. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: She says more research needs to be done before this can become a promising alternative. Andy Park: Miles Houlbrook-Walk there.

RNZ News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 2 July
Sitiveni Rabuka met with Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. Photo: Fiji Government Facebook Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is leading a delegation on a high-level visit to Australia this week. The Fiji government said Rabuka will meet with the Fijian diaspora in Canberra and Brisbane and tour some significant Australian institutions and sites that reflect the ties between the two nations. As part of the visit, discussions would focus on strengthening border and ports capabilities, deepening security cooperation, and reinforcing regional solidarity in support of a safe, stable, and resilient Blue Pacific. On Tuesday, Rabuka met with Sam Mostyn, governor-general of the Commonwealth of Australia, where they reaffirmed the enduring strength of the renewed and elevated Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership. Rabuka also reiterated Fiji's support for Australia's bid to host COP31. Vanuatu's Parliament has passed an amendment to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, exempting all decisions made by the Council of Ministers (COM) from public disclosure. The amendment, introduced during the first ordinary session of Parliament this year, has drawn concern from civil society leaders, media organisations, and transparency advocates. Vanuatu Daily Post reported a major concern for critics is the delay in releasing the Citizenship Report from the Commission of Inquiry, recently submitted to Justice Minister Job Andy. A government source warned shielding Cabinet decisions from scrutiny could damage public confidence, adding that when decisions are made behind closed doors, without accountability, it opens the door to abuse of power. In New Zealand, the Official Information Act allows people to request government documentation, including correspondence. In Samoa, a church leader has called on the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) to only give 1000 tala (US$366.28) to babies whose parents are married - and not to babies born out of wedlock. Preaching at the HRPP manifesto launch in Savai'i last week, Reverend Tuigamala addressed their proposal to give money to every newborn baby. He said such promises must be carefully reviewed through a spiritual lens. HRPP deputy leader Lauofo Fonotoe acknowledged the reverend's comments and confirmed that the party has taken note of his concerns. Tuigamala also raised concerns about the state of Samoa's prayer buildings, urging for their restoration as a sign of national spiritual alignment. Dynamite and a detonator normally used by mining companies have been found on a farm in Sigatoka, Fiji. The dynamite stick, mining blast cables and detonator were found by a farmer at the weekend. Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, said they were found inside a water tank about 200 metres away from his house. The scene has been cordoned off and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces have been asked to investigate.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ketone Labs & Blue Pacific Flavors Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive Innovation in goBHB Powered Functional Beverages at Expo West 2025
Anaheim CA - March 4-7, 2025 CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketone Labs, a leader in beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) innovation, has partnered with Blue Pacific Flavors, a premier expert in natural flavor solutions, to pioneer goBHB-powered functional beverages & nutritional products. These groundbreaking non-stimulant energy beverages featuring goBHB, offer clean, sustained energy without caffeine or taurine. The innovative beverage concept products are designed to support: - Brain Health – Since goBHB fuels cognitive function and improves mental clarity & focus- Gut Health- By being formulated to align with microbiome-supportive ingredients, and- Metabolic Energy- By providing a rapid efficient fuel source to enhance endurance & performance. This partnership brings together Ketone Labs' patented goBHB technology with Blue Pacific's deep expertise in flavor science and beverage formulation, creating cutting-edge solutions tailored to modern consumer demands for metabolic health, cognitive performance, and sustained energy. Experience the Future of Functional Ketones at Expo West- Booth #4373 to sample a groundbreaking non-stimulant energy beverage featuring goBHB. Several exclusive unique & innovative flavored products, developed by Blue Pacific Flavors will debut at Expo West 2025, showcasing how science-backed formulation meets best-in-class taste for superior consumer experiences. Industry veteran Donald F. Wilkes, Founder & CEO of Blue Pacific Flavors, will be at Expo West 2025, along with his team, to guide attendees through these latest advancements in functional beverage innovation. "In my 40+ years in the industry, I have never seen a technology as transformative as goBHB®," said Wilkes. "It's a game-changer in metabolic health, offering a science-backed, clean-energy solution that fits today's functional beverage landscape. Our partnership with Ketone Labs allows us to deliver the next generation of delicious, effective, and innovative products." Rob C. Rogers, Founder of Ketone Labs, echoed this excitement: "goBHB® is revolutionizing the industry, and our partnership with Blue Pacific Flavors is a pivotal step in unlocking its full potential. By merging our expertise in goBHB® formulation with Blue Pacific's mastery of flavor and beverage innovation, we are setting a new gold standard for functional nutrition." Why goBHB®? goBHB® is a scientifically validated, efficient energy source that is reshaping the health and wellness space. Its key benefits include: - Sustained Energy & Endurance – A clean fuel alternative for athletes, biohackers, and active individuals.- Cognitive & Mental Performance – Supports brain function, focus, and clarity.- Weight & Metabolic Management – Encourages ketosis without strict dietary restrictions. About Ketone Labs - Ketone Labs is a global leader in BHB production and innovation, pioneering patented goBHB® technologies and specialized formulations that power the next generation functional beverages and metabolic health products. About Blue Pacific Flavors - For over 32 years, Blue Pacific Flavors has been a trusted provider of natural, functional, and clean-label flavor innovations, developing world-class solutions for leading food, beverage, and nutrition brands. Join us at Expo West – Booth #4373 to experience the future of goBHB® and flavor innovation firsthand! For more information, press only: Courtney Key Adrian Lopez courtney@ adrian@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Blue Pacific Flavors