Latest news with #HAN
Business Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Times
Singapore chef of Michelin-starred restaurant sheds over 30kg: How he and others sustain their weight loss
[SINGAPORE] Han Li Guang, chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Labyrinth, is used to eating good food. A lot of it. 'In the past, my wife would always scold me when we went overseas. I'd book two fine-dining meals a day. We'd barely finish one, and go for dinner already. And I always over-ordered – rich, fatty food,' he says. 'Nowadays, I book only one fine-dining meal once every two or three days while on holiday.' And for a top chef, his meals today are downright repetitive – revolving around rice, chicken breast, eggs and prawns. His commitment to his cause – triggered just before his 2022 wedding – led to his weight falling from a peak of 94 kg to a low of 62.5 kg earlier this year. Hitting the gym six days a week, he also brought his body fat down to just 9.5 per cent, but he is now on a bulking phase to gain more muscle mass. It may sound like too much of a challenge, but for Han and others like him, traditional weight-loss methods involving diet, exercise and sheer determination beat any quick fixes. Chef Han Li Guang when his weight loss was stagnating at around 80 kg (left), and after he started working out with a personal trainer. PHOTO: MATTHEW LU/ABDUL TSAQIF/INSTAGRAM/HAN_LG Feeling healthier, happier and mentally stronger are just some of the benefits these adherents gain. They also learn about nutrition and correct common misconceptions about food and exercise. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Injectables good, lifestyle changes better The Singapore 2021/2022 National Population Health Survey found that about one in nine residents (11.6 per cent of the population) aged 18 to 74 were obese, up from about one in 10 (10.5 per cent) in 2019/2020. Obesity was more common among males, and highest among adults aged 40 to 49. Injectables using glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists (GLP-1s) – Ozempic is an example – are drugs for treating Type 2 diabetes, but have been making headlines for successfully kickstarting weight loss by suppressing appetite. GLP-1s such as Saxenda and Wegovy have been approved for weight-loss treatment in Singapore. But patients have to meet certain criteria and can get these drugs only through prescriptions from licensed medical professionals. Boxes of Ozempic and Wegovy. PHOTO: REUTERS It is important to know that these are not lifestyle products or quick fixes for those seeking to slim down. The findings of a meta analysis of 11 studies of older and newer GLP-1 weight loss drugs by the University of Oxford, presented at the European Congress on Obesity this month, noted that users regained all the weight they lost within two years of cessation. Of course, there is still an important role for these medications. There is now a better understanding of how complex weight loss is and why certain individuals are more susceptible to being overweight, making weight-loss for them an uphill battle, says Dr Joel Foo, medical director at ATA Medical. This is why drugs like GLP-1s are game-changers for patients, especially in the control of blood sugar levels in diabetics. 'Weight loss at its crux is really about the treatment of metabolic syndrome, nothing more,' says Dr Foo. After some time, drug-induced weight loss typically plateaus. To make weight loss sustainable, behavioural changes involving exercise and eating habits are pivotal, especially when the patient is coming off GLP-1s. 'That's why the use of such medications really requires a lot of hand-holding,' adds the doctor, who says he used to be 'a fat kid' put through the now-defunct weight-loss Trim and Fit programme in school. What is unknown about the use of GLP-1s is how exactly they affect muscle loss and changes in body composition, says Dr Naras Lapsys, chief clinical officer and senior dietitian at Chi Longevity. He has a doctorate in molecular genetics and spent the first decade of his career studying obesity before becoming a consultant dietitian. 'Taking these medications alone without thinking about your resistance exercise, protein intake and the risks they may have on your body composition are probably some of the many issues that need to be addressed,' he says, noting that losing muscle mass is detrimental. Personal trainer Titus Toh points out that a calorie-deficit diet will cause weight loss, but an 80 kg male with 5 per cent body fat looks 'wildly different' from one with 25 per cent body fat. 'You lose fat by building muscle and there are many benefits to that, but the obvious one is that metabolism is increased, so the body can sustain itself better. People always look for the quickest or most convenient method, but whatever is built to last is often not achieved quickly.' Slow and steady – with accountability Han admits the first three months of his weight-loss journey were the hardest, especially when it came to eating: 'Fifty per cent of the battle is won in the gym, and the other 50 per cent, outside of it.' But once he got the hang of his diet – planned by Toh – and understood the science behind food, 'it was easy' building it into his lifestyle. And that includes handling dinner invitations and the 'many good meals' that come his way. No matter how late his day ends, Chef Han Li Guang exercises first thing the next morning. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/HAN_LG 'There's a lot of discipline on my end,' he says, noting that he still tastes his restaurant's food, does research and development, and often travels for work. So he stays accountable by tracking his caloric intake with the popular MyFitnessPal app, looks for hotels with gyms and brings protein shakes along. And no matter how late his day ends, he exercises first thing the next morning. 'I'm 40, I'm married. Why am I doing all this? To feel good about myself. I want to be fit mentally and physically, I want it natural and sustainable, so my lifestyle can incorporate what I'm doing as a chef and restaurant owner. Health should be a long-term decision.' Similarly, it was a slow and arduous journey for Bernard Soh, who was overweight for most of his life. Soh weighed 99 kg and had high blood pressure and sugar levels before the Covid pandemic struck. His doctor offered him Saxenda, but he declined, wary of possible side effects and other complications. Instead, the senior manager at Dolby Laboratories chose to exercise. 'During the pandemic, there's only so much Netflix you can watch, so I tried walking a bit just to get some fresh air.' The walking became running, and Soh was soon challenging himself. 'Once you start dropping a few kilos, it really motivates you to do even more.' He read up on nutrition, learning how to eat better and exercise right, tracking his progress as he went along. Like Han, his biggest challenge was food – or lack thereof. He was hungry every night and struggled to fall asleep. 'I was really messed up because my blood sugar level was very low ,and I'd wake up extremely moody.' So he drank tea to fill his 'very big' stomach and contain his hunger. 'These are psychological things, and I needed to accept the hunger and refrain from snacking. This took a long time, six to nine months for me. It was very, very hard.' But in time, his body adjusted to the lower caloric intake. He began to feel better. This is a huge contrast to the past, when he ate whatever he could conveniently get his hands on. 'It's like 'I'm going to settle a hunger problem now'. So, anything goes. I don't know how many dinners and suppers I used to have (every night).' Today, the 46-year-old tracks his diet and exercise six days a week, even though his regional role requires him to travel two to three weeks in every month. At his thinnest, he weighed 66.7 kg, but he is now 75 kg, bulking up for muscle growth. He enjoys running, something he could never imagine himself saying before. 'I used to take taxis everywhere. But now, I'd gladly walk 2 km home from my gym.' It helps that staying accountable and tracking calorie-consumption has become easier and more convenient. Financial-services consultant Desmond Fu worked out at least five days a week and shed some 20 kg from his 78 kg frame in 2009. Realising he could lose weight, the 49-year-old began focusing on building muscle, which he needed to do to reduce his level of body fat. That was when he turned to Welling AI, an app by a Singapore-based startup which works like a virtual nutrition coach powered by artificial intelligence. Financial-services consultant Desmond Fu at his heaviest. PHOTO: DESMOND FU The 49-year-old is now at a healthier weight. PHOTO: DESMOND FU Having used it since Chinese New Year, Fu, who says he puts on weight easily, discovered how 'very innocent-looking snacks' can be extremely calorie-dense. By actively adjusting his food choices to stay within his calorie count, the father-of-four now weighs 61.5 kg. Welling AI's co-founder, technopreneur Philip Man, says the app – launched in August 2024 – was trained on Asian food data. Users log meals via photos, voice or text and get calorie and macronutrient estimates. Personalised feedback, aligned with the user's goals, takes the form of 'positive reinforcement' and meal suggestions. Welling AI's app is trained on Asian food data. PHOTO: WELLING Users of Welling AI get personalised feedback in the form of 'positive reinforcement' and meal suggestions. PHOTO: WELLING The app now has a few thousand paid subscribers and is averaging 50 to 60 per cent month-on-month growth. 'Becoming mindful about what you're eating is a much better long-term habit that will get you into general health than a quick fix,' says Man. A cause greater than weight-loss It is often the struggle with sticking to a diet and exercise plan that leads many to give up. 'First of all, acknowledge that making changes is often difficult,' suggests Dr Lapsys. 'Weight loss is a long and slow process. So it's better to make one or two changes and bed them down as successful habits before taking on more. Frame the small changes you make not as sacrifices, but as alternatives that are compelling, or find upsides to the changes you've made. That's a very good starting point.' For Toh, it is most important to keep purpose in mind. 'Understand why you're doing what you're doing,' he emphasises. 'If you put the aesthetic part aside, it's more about leading a healthy lifestyle. Shouldn't it be a norm to know what and exactly how much you're putting into your body, instead of being judged for bringing your own home-prepped meal when eating out? It's funny how when you choose to take control of your health and diet, you get criticised, when it should be the other way round.' Besides, when one knows how to track food consumption and incorporate different food sources, there is still flexibility within meal plans, he says. Indeed, a common refrain is that one should not be too harsh on oneself. 'If you're consistent 80 per cent of the time, I think it's fine,' says Fu. 'It retains your sanity. I mean, I still eat ice cream. I just make up for it and work within my calorie budget.' Adds Soh: 'I used to be very precise about the metrics. And sometimes, it's very hard to track when you're travelling. But after a while, you roughly know the correct portions. I try to meet the goal and sometimes, I fluctuate a bit, but it's fine.' The good thing is, the health benefits of weight loss also come with less-obvious perks. For instance, his blood work results are now good; he feels more confident and enjoys buying clothes. 'Previously, I had to look for XL- or XXL-sized clothes, and felt very discouraged. But now, size M is big enough. These are the small victories people don't know about.' The physical change has also given him greater mental strength. 'I have become more focused and determined. I used to look for the easiest way out of every situation and avoided making difficult decisions, especially when I was tired. But today, I think 'Whether it's good or bad, I'll see this through'. So it has really helped me in terms of changing my mentality.' At the end of the day, Han says weight loss 'doesn't have to be painful'. 'You just have to be very disciplined and mindful about what you're eating. I'm a chef. I'm exposed to all this good food. So the good news is: if I can do it, others can too.'
Business Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Times
Singapore chef of Michelin-starred restaurant sheds over 30kgs: How he and others sustain their weight-loss
[SINGAPORE] Han Li Guang, chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Labyrinth, is used to eating good food. A lot of it. 'In the past, my wife would always scold me when we went overseas. I'd book two fine-dining meals a day. We'd barely finish one, and go for dinner already. And I always over-ordered – rich, fatty food,' he says. 'Nowadays, I book only one fine-dining meal once every two or three days while on holiday.' And for a top chef, his meals today are downright repetitive – revolving around rice, chicken breast, eggs and prawns. His commitment to his cause – triggered just before his 2022 wedding – led to his weight falling from a peak of 94 kg to a low of 62.5 kg earlier this year. Hitting the gym six days a week, he also brought his body fat down to just 9.5 per cent, but he is now on a bulking phase to gain more muscle mass. It may sound like too much of a challenge, but for Han and others like him, traditional weight-loss methods involving diet, exercise and sheer determination beat any quick fixes. Chef Han Li Guang when his weight loss was stagnating at around 80 kg (left), and after he started working out with a personal trainer. PHOTO: MATTHEW LU/ABDUL TSAQIF/INSTAGRAM/HAN_LG Feeling healthier, happier and mentally stronger are just some of the benefits these adherents gain. They also learn about nutrition and correct common misconceptions about food and exercise. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Injectables good, lifestyle changes better The Singapore 2021/2022 National Population Health Survey found that about one in nine residents (11.6 per cent of the population) aged 18 to 74 were obese, up from about one in 10 (10.5 per cent) in 2019/2020. Obesity was more common among males, and highest among adults aged 40 to 49. Injectables using glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists (GLP-1s) – Ozempic is an example – are drugs for treating Type 2 diabetes, but have been making headlines for successfully kickstarting weight loss by suppressing appetite. GLP-1s such as Saxenda and Wegovy have been approved for weight-loss treatment in Singapore. But patients have to meet certain criteria and can get these drugs only through prescriptions from licensed medical professionals. Boxes of Ozempic and Wegovy. PHOTO: REUTERS It is important to know that these are not lifestyle products or quick fixes for those seeking to slim down. The findings of a meta analysis of 11 studies of older and newer GLP-1 weight loss drugs by the University of Oxford, presented at the European Congress on Obesity this month, noted that users regained all the weight they lost within two years of cessation. Of course, there is still an important role for these medications. There is now a better understanding of how complex weight loss is and why certain individuals are more susceptible to being overweight, making weight-loss for them an uphill battle, says Dr Joel Foo, medical director at ATA Medical. This is why drugs like GLP-1s are game-changers for patients, especially in the control of blood sugar levels in diabetics. 'Weight loss at its crux is really about the treatment of metabolic syndrome, nothing more,' says Dr Foo. After some time, drug-induced weight loss typically plateaus. To make weight loss sustainable, behavioural changes involving exercise and eating habits are pivotal, especially when the patient is coming off GLP-1s. 'That's why the use of such medications really requires a lot of hand-holding,' adds the doctor, who says used to be 'a fat kid' who was put through the now-defunct weight-loss Trim and Fit programme in school. What is unknown about the use of GLP-1s is how exactly they affect muscle loss and changes in body composition, says Dr Naras Lapsys, chief clinical officer and senior dietitian at Chi Longevity. He has a doctorate in molecular genetics and spent the first decade of his career studying obesity before becoming a consultant dietitian. 'Taking these medications alone without thinking about your resistance exercise, protein intake and the risks they may have on your body composition are probably some of the many issues that need to be addressed,' he says, noting that losing muscle mass is detrimental. Personal trainer Titus Toh points out that a calorie-deficit diet will cause weight loss, but an 80 kg male with 5 per cent body fat looks 'wildly different' from one with 25 per cent body fat. 'You lose fat by building muscle and there are many benefits to that, but the obvious one is that metabolism is increased, so the body can sustain itself better. People always look for the quickest or most convenient method, but whatever is built to last is often not achieved quickly.' Slow and steady – with accountability Han admits the first three months of his weight-loss journey were the hardest, especially when it came to eating: 'Fifty per cent of the battle is won in the gym, and the other 50 per cent, outside of it.' But once he got the hang of his diet – planned by Toh – and understood the science behind food, 'it was easy' building it into his lifestyle. And that includes handling dinner invitations and the 'many good meals' that come his way. No matter how late his day ends, Chef Han Li Guang exercises first thing the next morning. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/HAN_LG 'There's a lot of discipline on my end,' he says, noting that he still tastes his restaurant's food, does research and development, and often travels for work. So he stays accountable by tracking his caloric intake with the popular MyFitnessPal app, looks for hotels with gyms and brings protein shakes along. And no matter how late his day ends, he exercises first thing the next morning. 'I'm 40, I'm married. Why am I doing all this? To feel good about myself. I want to be fit mentally and physically, I want it natural and sustainable, so my lifestyle can incorporate what I'm doing as a chef and restaurant owner. Health should be a long-term decision.' Similarly, it was a slow and arduous journey for Bernard Soh, who was overweight for most of his life. Soh weighed 99 kg and had high blood pressure and sugar levels before the Covid pandemic struck. His doctor offered him Saxenda, but he declined, wary of possible side effects and other complications. Instead, the senior manager at Dolby Laboratories chose to exercise. 'During the pandemic, there's only so much Netflix you can watch, so I tried walking a bit just to get some fresh air.' The walking became running, and Soh was soon challenging himself. 'Once you start dropping a few kilos, it really motivates you to do even more.' He read up on nutrition, learning how to eat better and exercise right, tracking his progress as he went along. Like Han, his biggest challenge was food – or lack thereof. He was hungry every night and struggled to fall asleep. 'I was really messed up because my blood sugar level was very low ,and I'd wake up extremely moody.' So he drank tea to fill his 'very big' stomach and contain his hunger. 'These are psychological things, and I needed to accept the hunger and refrain from snacking. This took a long time, six to nine months for me. It was very, very hard.' But in time, his body adjusted to the lower caloric intake. He began to feel better. This is a huge contrast to the past, when he ate whatever he could conveniently get his hands on. 'It's like 'I'm going to settle a hunger problem now'. So, anything goes. I don't know how many dinners and suppers I used to have (every night).' Today, the 46-year-old tracks his diet and exercise six days a week, even though his regional role requires him to travel two to three weeks in every month. At his thinnest, he weighed 66.7 kg, but he is now 75 kg, bulking up for muscle growth. He enjoys running, something he could never imagine himself saying before. 'I used to take taxis everywhere. But now, I'd gladly walk 2 km home from my gym.' It helps that staying accountable and tracking calorie-consumption has become easier and more convenient. Financial-services consultant Desmond Fu worked out at least five days a week and shed some 20 kg from his 78 kg frame in 2009. Realising he could lose weight, the 49-year-old began focusing on building muscle, which he needed to do to reduce his level of body fat. That was when he turned to Welling AI, an app by a Singapore-based startup which works like a virtual nutrition coach powered by artificial intelligence. Financial-services consultant Desmond Fu at his heaviest. PHOTO: DESMOND FU The 49-year-old is now at a healthier weight. PHOTO: DESMOND FU Having used it since Chinese New Year, Fu, who says he puts on weight easily, discovered how 'very innocent-looking snacks' can be extremely calorie-dense. By actively adjusting his food choices to stay within his calorie count, the father-of-four now weighs 61.5 kg. Welling AI's co-founder, technopreneur Philip Man, says the app – launched in August 2024 – was trained on Asian food data. Users log meals via photos, voice or text and get calorie and macronutrient estimates. Personalised feedback, aligned with the user's goals, takes the form of 'positive reinforcement' and meal suggestions. Welling AI's app is trained on Asian food data. PHOTO: WELLING Users of Welling AI get personalised feedback in the form of 'positive reinforcement' and meal suggestions. PHOTO: WELLING The app now has a few thousand paid subscribers and is averaging 50 to 60 per cent month-on-month growth. 'Becoming mindful about what you're eating is a much better long-term habit that will get you into general health than a quick fix,' says Man. A cause greater than weight-loss It is often the struggle with sticking to a diet and exercise plan that leads many to give up. 'First of all, acknowledge that making changes is often difficult,' suggests Dr Lapsys. 'Weight loss is a long and slow process. So it's better to make one or two changes and bed them down as successful habits before taking on more. Frame the small changes you make not as sacrifices, but as alternatives that are compelling, or find upsides to the changes you've made. That's a very good starting point.' For Toh, it is most important to keep purpose in mind. 'Understand why you're doing what you're doing,' he emphasises. 'If you put the aesthetic part aside, it's more about leading a healthy lifestyle. Shouldn't it be a norm to know what and exactly how much you're putting into your body, instead of being judged for bringing your own home-prepped meal when eating out? It's funny how when you choose to take control of your health and diet, you get criticised, when it should be the other way round.' Besides, when one knows how to track food consumption and incorporate different food sources, there is still flexibility within meal plans, he says. Indeed, a common refrain is that one should not be too harsh on oneself. 'If you're consistent 80 per cent of the time, I think it's fine,' says Fu. 'It retains your sanity. I mean, I still eat ice cream. I just make up for it and work within my calorie budget.' Adds Soh: 'I used to be very precise about the metrics. And sometimes, it's very hard to track when you're travelling. But after a while, you roughly know the correct portions. I try to meet the goal and sometimes, I fluctuate a bit, but it's fine.' The good thing is, the health benefits of weight loss also come with less-obvious perks. For instance, his blood work results are now good; he feels more confident and enjoys buying clothes. 'Previously, I had to look for XL- or XXL-sized clothes, and felt very discouraged. But now, size M is big enough. These are the small victories people don't know about.' The physical change has also given him greater mental strength. 'I have become more focused and determined. I used to look for the easiest way out of every situation and avoided making difficult decisions, especially when I was tired. But today, I think 'Whether it's good or bad, I'll see this through'. So it has really helped me in terms of changing my mentality.' At the end of the day, Han says weight loss 'doesn't have to be painful'. 'You just have to be very disciplined and mindful about what you're eating. I'm a chef. I'm exposed to all this good food. So the good news is: if I can do it, others can too.'
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mouser Electronics Headquarters Receives a Visit from the HARTING Roadshow Truck
DALLAS & FORT WORTH, Texas, February 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mouser Electronics, Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest electronic components and industrial automation products, and its employees received a special visit recently by the HARTING Truck, a traveling technology roadshow spotlighting the latest innovations from HARTING, one of Mouser's valued manufacturer partners. The HARTING Truck visited the Mouser headquarters in Mansfield, Texas, on February 4 to showcase their newest products. The HARTING Roadshow Truck is loaded with displays of HARTING products, everything from heavy-duty industrial connectors to board-level solutions to market-leading IoT and RF technology. Complimenting each product station is a touchscreen app with data sheets, white papers, and videos. Mouser employees could take a break and enjoy a refreshment while chatting with HARTING's engineers to learn about their newest products. "Events like this are a great opportunity for our team members that don't get to go to the big conventions and expos to interface with one of our valued manufacturers," said Eric Wendt, Mouser Vice President of Supplier Management. "The HARTING Roadshow gives our employees a chance to talk directly to the experts on these products and learn how their solutions can solve our mutual customers' needs." Since 2003, Mouser has offered HARTING's extensive portfolio of over 23,000 high-quality electrical connector solutions for use in mechanical and plant engineering, broadcast and entertainment, factory automation, power generation and distribution, as well as industrial electronics and telecommunication. Mouser currently has over 7,000 HARTING part numbers in stock and ready to ship, including the HAN® ORV3 heavy-duty power connectors. The HAN ORV3 connectors are ideal for data centers and OCP spec power shelves. The M17 circular connectors, available from Mouser, offer IP66/IP67 protection ratings, a 3.5mm to 13mm cable clamping area, and >500 mating cycles. These connectors are suitable for assembly stations, conveyor belts, packaging machines, industrial robots, and motion drive systems. HARTING's SPE M12 T1 switches allow up to seven single-pair Ethernet (SPE) end devices to be connected to applications such as machinery, railway, robotics, and industrial automation. This design allows engineers to easily integrate sub-networks with SPE devices in their applications. These switches feature robust metal housing, an M12 interface, an IP65/IP67 protection rating, and PushPull locking that reduces errors and downtime. To learn more about HARTING products, visit For more Mouser news and our latest new product introductions, visit As a global authorized distributor, Mouser offers the widest selection of the newest semiconductors, electronic components and industrial automation products. Mouser's customers can expect 100% certified, genuine products that are fully traceable from each of its manufacturer partners. To help speed customers' designs, Mouser's website hosts an extensive library of technical resources, including a Technical Resource Center, along with product data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, engineering tools and other helpful information. Engineers can stay abreast of today's exciting product, technology and application news through Mouser's complimentary e-newsletter. Mouser's email news and reference subscriptions are customizable to the unique and changing project needs of customers and subscribers. No other distributor gives engineers this much customization and control over the information they receive. Learn about emerging technologies, product trends and more by signing up today at About Mouser Electronics Mouser Electronics is an authorized semiconductor and electronic component distributor focused on New Product Introductions from its leading manufacturer partners. Serving the global electronic design engineer and buyer community, the global distributor's website, is available in multiple languages and currencies and features more than 6.8 million products from over 1,200 manufacturer brands. Mouser offers 28 support locations worldwide to provide best-in-class customer service in local language, currency and time zone. The distributor ships to over 650,000 customers in 223 countries/territories from its 1 million-square-foot, state-of-the-art distribution facilities in the Dallas, Texas, metro area. For more information, visit About HARTING HARTING develops, manufactures and sells electrical and electronic connectors, device terminations, backplanes, network components, as well as cable harnesses for networks or machinery or for power and data applications in factories. HARTING products are used in mechanical and plant engineering, broadcast and entertainment, factory automation, power generation and distribution, as well as industrial electronics and telecommunication. Trademarks Mouser and Mouser Electronics are registered trademarks of Mouser Electronics, Inc. All other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on Contacts For further information, contact:Kevin Hess, Mouser ElectronicsSenior Vice President of Marketing+1 (817) For press inquiries, contact:Kelly DeGarmo, Mouser ElectronicsManager, Corporate Communications and Media Relations+1 (817) Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Urgent CDC Data and Analyses on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate
Sonya Stokes, an emergency room physician in the San Francisco Bay Area, braces herself for a daily deluge of patients sick with coughs, soreness, fevers, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms. She's desperate for information, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a critical source of urgent analyses of the flu and other public health threats, has gone quiet in the weeks since President Donald Trump took office. 'Without more information, we are blind,' she said. Flu has been brutal this season. The CDC estimates at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths from the flu since the start of October. At the same time, the bird flu outbreak continues to infect cattle and farmworkers. But CDC analyses that would inform people about these situations are delayed, and the CDC has cut off communication with doctors, researchers, and the World Health Organization, say doctors and public health experts. 'CDC right now is not reporting influenza data through the WHO global platforms, FluNet [and] FluID, that they've been providing information [on] for many, many years,' Maria Van Kerkhove, interim director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the WHO, said at a Feb. 12 press briefing. 'We are communicating with them,' she added, 'but we haven't heard anything back.' On his first day in office, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would withdraw from the WHO. A critical analysis of the seasonal flu selected for distribution through the CDC's Health Alert Network has stalled, according to people close to the CDC. They asked not to be identified because of fears of retaliation. The network, abbreviated as HAN, is the CDC's main method of sharing urgent public health information with health officials, doctors, and, sometimes, the public. A chart from that analysis, reviewed by KFF Health News, suggests that flu may be at a record high. About 7.7% of patients who visited clinics and hospitals without being admitted had flu-like symptoms in early February, a ratio higher than in four other flu seasons depicted in the graph. That includes 2003-04, when an atypical strain of flu fueled a particularly treacherous season that killed at least 153 children. Without a complete analysis, however, it's unclear whether this tidal wave of sickness foreshadows a spike in hospitalizations and deaths that hospitals, pharmacies, and schools must prepare for. Specifically, other data could relay how many of the flu-like illnesses are caused by flu viruses — or which flu strain is infecting people. A deeper report might also reveal whether the flu is more severe or contagious than usual. 'I need to know if we are dealing with a more virulent strain or a coinfection with another virus that is making my patients sicker, and what to look for so that I know if my patients are in danger,' Stokes said. 'Delays in data create dangerous situations on the front line.' Although the CDC's flu dashboard shows a surge of influenza, it doesn't include all data needed to interpret the situation. Nor does it offer the tailored advice found in HAN alerts that tells health care workers how to protect patients and the public. In 2023, for example, a report urged clinics to test patients with respiratory symptoms rather than assume cases are the flu, since other viruses were causing similar issues that year. 'This is incredibly disturbing,' said Rachel Hardeman, a member of the Advisory Committee to the Director of the CDC. On Feb. 10, Hardeman and other committee members wrote to acting CDC Director Susan Monarez asking the agency to explain missing data, delayed studies, and potentially severe staff cuts. 'The CDC is vital to our nation's security,' the letter said. Several studies have also been delayed or remain missing from the CDC's preeminent scientific publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Anne Schuchat, a former principal deputy director at the CDC, said she would be concerned if there was political oversight of scientific material: 'Suppressing information is potentially confusing, possibly dangerous, and it can backfire.' CDC spokesperson Melissa Dibble declined to comment on delayed or missing analyses. 'It is not unexpected to see flu activity elevated and increasing at this time of the year,' she said. A draft of one unpublished study, reviewed by KFF Health News, that has been withheld from the MMWR for three weeks describes how a milk hauler and a dairy worker in Michigan may have spread bird flu to their pet cats. The indoor cats became severely sick and died. Although the workers weren't tested, the study says that one of them had irritated eyes before the cat fell ill — a common bird flu symptom. That person told researchers that the pet 'would roll in their work clothes.' After one cat became sick, the investigation reports, an adolescent in the household developed a cough. But the report says this young person tested negative for the flu, and positive for a cold-causing virus. Corresponding CDC documents summarizing the cat study and another as-yet unpublished bird flu analysis said the reports were scheduled to be published Jan. 23. These were reviewed by KFF Health News. The briefing on cats advises dairy farmworkers to 'remove clothing and footwear, and rinse off any animal biproduct residue before entering the household to protect others in the household, including potentially indoor-only cats.' The second summary refers to 'the most comprehensive' analysis of bird flu virus detected in wastewater in the United States. Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, said delays of bird flu reports are upsetting because they're needed to inform the public about a worsening situation with many unknown elements. Citing 'insufficient data' and 'high uncertainty,' the United Kingdom raised its assessment of the risk posed by the U.S. outbreak on dairies. 'Missing and delayed data causes uncertainty,' Nuzzo said. 'It also potentially makes us react in ways that are counterproductive.' Another bird flu study slated for January publication showed up in the MMWR on Feb. 13, three weeks after it was expected. It revealed that three cattle veterinarians had been unknowingly infected last year, based on the discovery of antibodies against the bird flu virus in their blood. One of the veterinarians worked in Georgia and South Carolina, states that haven't reported outbreaks on dairy farms. The study provides further evidence that the United States is not adequately detecting cases in cows and people. Nuzzo said it also highlights how data can supply reassuring news. Only three of 150 cattle veterinarians had signs of prior infections, suggesting that the virus doesn't easily spread from the animals into people. More than 40 dairy workers have been infected, but they generally have had more sustained contact with sick cattle and their virus-laden milk than veterinarians. Instead, recently released reports have been about wildfires in California and Hawaii. 'Interesting but not urgent,' Nuzzo said, considering the acute fire emergencies have ended. The bird flu outbreak, she said, is an ongoing 'urgent health threat for which we need up-to-the-minute information to know how to protect people.' 'The American public is at greater risk when we don't have information on a timely basis,' Schuchat said. This week, a federal judge ordered the CDC and other health agencies to 'restore' datasets and websites that the organization Doctors for America had identified in a lawsuit as having been altered. Further, the judge ordered the agencies to 'identify any other resources that DFA members rely on to provide medical care' and restore them by Feb. 14. In their letter, CDC advisory committee members requested an investigation into missing data and delayed reports. Hardeman, an adviser who is a health policy expert at the University of Minnesota, said the group didn't know why data and scientific findings were being withheld or removed. Still, she added, 'I hold accountable the acting director of the CDC, the head of HHS, and the White House.' Hardeman said the Trump administration has the power to disband the advisory committee. She said the group expects that to happen but proceeded with its demands regardless. 'We want to safeguard the rigor of the work at the CDC because we care deeply about public health,' she said. 'We aren't here to be silent.' KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. The post Urgent CDC Data and Analyses on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Daily Tribune
06-02-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Ebola Outbreak in Uganda: CDC Issues Health Advisory on Sudan Virus Disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory following the recent outbreak of Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) in Uganda, signaling heightened concerns about potential risks to public health. The outbreak, caused by the Sudan virus (species Orthoebolavirus sudanense), was confirmed by Ugandan health authorities in the capital, Kampala, on January 29, 2025. Currently, no cases of SVD have been reported in the United States or outside Uganda. However, due to the ongoing viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) outbreaks in East Africa, the CDC is urging heightened awareness and preparedness among U.S. healthcare professionals, public health departments, and travelers. The outbreak originated in a 32-year-old male nurse who sought treatment at multiple healthcare facilities after experiencing severe symptoms, including high fever, chest pain, and bleeding from various body parts. He tragically passed away on January 29, and post-mortem samples confirmed the presence of the Sudan virus. Travel Health Advisory for Uganda The CDC has issued a Travel Health Notice Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions for individuals traveling to Uganda. Although there are currently no direct flights from Uganda to the U.S., travelers who have been in Uganda or passed through the affected areas should monitor their health for 21 days after departure. Symptoms of SVD typically begin with fever, aches, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, as well as unexplained bleeding. In response to the outbreak, the CDC recommends that travelers to Uganda follow precautions to avoid exposure, including avoiding contact with sick individuals, animals, and contaminated materials. Healthcare workers traveling to Uganda for professional duties are advised to observe infection control practices strictly and to monitor for symptoms post-return. What Is Sudan Virus Disease? Sudan Virus Disease is a type of Ebola disease caused by the Sudan virus, one of several viruses in the Orthoebolavirus family. SVD, like other Ebola strains, is characterized by a high fatality rate, especially if not diagnosed and treated early. The virus is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids or materials, and is not airborne. While there is currently no vaccine specifically for the Sudan virus, the FDA-approved Ebola vaccine is only effective against the Zaire strain. The CDC emphasizes the need for early diagnosis to reduce mortality rates. In previous outbreaks, SVD has had a mortality rate of approximately 50%, though supportive care can significantly reduce the risk of death. Recommendations for U.S. Healthcare Providers The CDC urges U.S. clinicians to consider SVD when evaluating patients with compatible symptoms, particularly those who have recently traveled to Uganda or other affected regions. A thorough travel history is essential for identifying potential exposure to the virus. If a patient is suspected of having SVD, immediate isolation and testing are crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. Healthcare workers must follow appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols when caring for suspected cases and should remain vigilant for symptoms for 21 days after their return from affected areas. Steps for Public Health Departments The CDC is working with state and local health departments to ensure that patients suspected of having SVD are swiftly tested and managed. Public health authorities are also coordinating with clinical laboratories to ensure proper biosafety measures are in place when handling specimens from suspected cases. Global Awareness and Prevention The public is urged to be cautious in regions with ongoing SVD outbreaks. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with sick individuals or animals, refraining from attending funerals or burials involving infected bodies, and avoiding visits to healthcare facilities for non-essential medical care. In addition, travelers from affected areas should monitor their health closely for any symptoms, and self-isolate and contact healthcare providers if they begin to experience fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding. As the CDC continues to monitor the situation in Uganda, public health officials worldwide are on alert to mitigate the spread of this deadly virus. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
