Latest news with #HealthAwareness
CTV News
7 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Walking through survival
Brain tumour survivors Kayla Krahn and Camila Munoz-Gomes share their stories and invite you to the Brain Tumour Walk in support of others.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Merck Foundation marks ‘World Art Day' through their Film, Song, Media and Fashion Awards 2025 in partnership with Africa's First Ladies to raise awareness about social & health issues
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks 'World Art Day 2025' through their Pan African 'Art and Fashion with Purpose' Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Through this dynamic community, Dr. Kelej continues to raise awareness on critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and fostering a cultural shift within their communities. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 emphasized, 'I am delighted to mark 'World Art Day 2025' as I strongly believe that art, fashion, and media hold immense power in raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues—ultimately creating a culture shift in the communities. Art and fashion, to me, go far beyond aesthetics or entertainment, they serve as meaningful tools for education and advocacy. With this vision, we have launched many initiatives including our first-ever pan-African TV program, Our Africa by Merck Foundation, which uniquely highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of our 'Fashion and Art with Purpose' community. Through this one-of-a-kind show and our other unique initiatives, we continue to raise awareness about critical social issues such as Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, Women's Empowerment, and also about health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and much more.' 'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The program has captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like KTN HOME (Kenya), GH One&TV3 (Ghana), NTV (Uganda), BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), QTV (The Gambia), KTN (Kenya), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa TV (Malawi), Deffi Media (Mauritius), AYV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC (Zambia), ZTN (Zimbabwe), NTV (Namibia) and more. 'Our Africa' TV Program is currently on social media handles of Social Media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook ( Instagram ( Twitter ( and YouTube ( and Merck Foundation (Facebook ( Instagram ( Twitter ( and YouTube ( Watch the Promo of the Program here: Beyond Our Africa TV Program, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa announces annually 8 important Awards, under two themes, for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers, and potential young African talents in these fields. The themes of the two categories of awards are: 1) Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls' Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment at all levels and 2) promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. The 2025 editions were announced during the 11th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary held in Tanzania in October 2024. Dr. Kelej emphasized, 'It is very well known that Africa's creativity reflects its rich heritage, expressed in the form of art, fabrics, music, and storytelling and is carried forward through generations. Hence, we launch these awards annually, with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation 'More Than a Mother'. Through our Awards, we aim to inspire the continent's youth to use their innate talents to address our important and critical social and health issues, by raising awareness through their creative work at all levels.' Entries for the Awards can be sent to: submit@ Also, as a part of the Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs with many African Artists, in English, French, Portuguese and also local African languages to address critical issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more. Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa has also launched 8 Children's Storybooks in three languages: English, French and Portuguese. Additionally, Merck Foundation has adapted these storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important issues with an aim of instilling change at grassroot levels. To listen to the Merck Foundation songs, read Merck Foundation storybooks and watch Merck Foundation animation films, click on the below links: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact details: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669 Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Sponsored content: Clothing collection birthday
Atlantic Watch Our partner Taylor Kaye explains how Diabetes Canada's Clothing Collection is inviting people to celebrate its 40th birthday.
SBS Australia
24-05-2025
- Health
- SBS Australia
Suffering in silence: the rapidly rising disease impacting Australians
In her first year of university, when Natasha Jiwani should have been revelling in her new-found independence, she started to experience constant abdominal pain. "I straight after finishing high school, first year of university would get severe abdominal pain to the point where I would wake up with it and go to sleep with it. No one could diagnose what it was." Eventually, Natasha was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. "The overall experience was quite different. So, walking into a gastroenterologist waiting room, I'd look around and I was the only one that was in my close to 20's. Everybody else, the average age was 60 onwards, so there was a lot of confusion." Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis both fall under the umbrella term of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD — an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the gut. Crohn's disease can cause inflammation anywhere in the digestive system, though it usually affects the bowels. Ulcerative colitis, often referred to simply as "colitis", can cause inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. Vincent Ho, a gastroenterologist at Western Sydney University, says both conditions cause multiple symptoms including diarrhea and abdominal pain, though to others they remain invisible. "People with inflammatory bowel disease may look perfectly fine but are actually suffering from the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, which can be quite severe in many cases and affect their daily life." The number of Australians living with I-B-D is rapidly on the rise, increasing from 100,000 a decade or so ago to around 180,000 today, according to a recent State of the Nation Report. That number is expected to rise to 200,000 in the next 10 years. Doctor Ho says the rates of IBD in Australia are among the highest in the world. "Over 65, we're seeing more cases, but we're also seeing cases of inflammatory bowel disease in young children as well. And there are a number of cases of what we call very early onset in inflammatory bowel disease where children can get it a younger than six years of age." Dr Ho say, while it's largely unknown how this inflammation arises, we are starting to learn more about its causes. "Some risk factors in the environment include exposure to tobacco smoke, the use of antibiotics, the use of certain drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example Nurofen, Voltaren, those sorts of drugs. We know that some types of infections can increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease." Another risk factor is diet. One recent world-first pre clinical study, by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, shows how eating just a few meals high in saturated fats, can cause inflammation in the body. Those foods can also weaken the production of a crucial protein called IL-22, which helps fight this inflammation. Mice were used in this research, which also reveals something that excited researchers: while saturated fats suppress IL-22 production, unsaturated fats, found in nuts and avocados, actually boost the protein's production. Dr Ho says this provides immense hope for people living with chronic inflammatory diseases like IBD. "We know that certain types of foods, a high-quality diet, for example, reaching fruit, vegetables, fish, and other fibre sources is considered to be a protective factor when it comes to inflammatory bowel disease." Natasha has found eating well has had a huge impact on her symptoms. "I know that if I'm living off fast food for a week as opposed to making healthy at home meals, my Crohn's is a lot better in that latter thing because my body's healthier and it's ensuring that my body's not flaring up with what I'm eating." While IBD is a chronic condition with no cure, it can be managed with treatment. Early diagnosis is important, with symptoms including abnormal bowel movements and the presence of mucus or blood in stools, as well as abdominal discomfort, bloating and flatulence. Leanne Raven, CEO of Crohns and Colitis Australia, says greater awareness around I-B-D will also help when it comes to diagnosis, support and treatment. "Because it's below the belly button, people don't necessarily talk about it. So, a lot of people become quite isolated in trying to manage their conditions. So, we're trying to shatter the IBD silence through raising awareness of and encouraging people to have conversations." Natasha says while there is less stigma and embarrassment around I-B-D than ever before, more people need to talk about it. "I think what's really also important is clarifying the support that's available. I definitely do think awareness, raising funds, raising funds to help with finding a cure potentially for this disease as well would be amazing."
Globe and Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Organic Soy Protein Isolates Market Analysis, Growth Drivers, Emerging Trends, Opportunities, and Leading Players
"MarketsandMarkets™" Organic Soy Protein Isolates Market by Application (Food & Beverages, Feed), Form (Dry, Liquid), Extraction Process (Qualitative), And Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America & RoW) - Global Forecast to 2029 The global organic soy protein isolates market is poised for substantial growth, with its value projected to rise from USD 197 million in 2024 to USD 257 million by 2029, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. This upward trajectory is driven by growing demand across a wide range of applications, thanks to the numerous benefits offered by organic soy protein isolates. These isolates—typically produced via enzymatic or chemical processing—are known for their enhanced solubility and bioavailability, making them ideal ingredients in various food and beverage products. In food applications, they improve flavor, texture, and nutritional value, aligning with the increasing consumer preference for functional and health-focused products. Organic Soy Protein Isolates Market Drivers Rising Health Awareness: Consumers are increasingly adopting plant-based diets due to concerns about health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. Organic soy protein isolates offer a high-quality, complete protein source that is cholesterol-free and low in saturated fats, making them an excellent alternative to animal proteins. Growth in Vegan and Vegetarian Populations: The global shift toward plant-based diets has boosted demand for vegan-friendly protein ingredients. Organic soy protein isolates provide essential amino acids required for muscle building and overall nutrition, supporting the growing vegan and vegetarian markets. Clean Label and Organic Product Demand: Consumers are now scrutinizing product labels for additives, preservatives, and genetically modified ingredients. Organic certification is a mark of purity and quality, giving products with OSPIs an edge in the competitive food and beverage landscape. Functional Food and Beverage Innovations: OSPIs are widely used in protein bars, shakes, meal replacements, dairy alternatives, and baked goods for their functional properties such as water retention, emulsification, and gel formation. Their versatility encourages manufacturers to incorporate them into various product lines. Download PDF Brochure: Expanding Role in Animal Feed The use of organic soy protein isolates in the animal feed industry is also accelerating, especially in response to the growing demand for meat in developed countries. North America and Asia Pacific lead meat production and are major consumers of feed products. Traditionally reliant on crude plant-based protein sources, the industry is now shifting toward high-grade soy protein-based feeds, including isolates, which offer superior nutritional profiles. According to FAOSTAT, approximately 1,000 million tons of animal feed are produced globally each year, with 600 million tons classified as compound feed. A significant portion—over 80%—is produced by just 3,800 feed mills, with 60% of total output coming from ten countries, including the US, China, and Brazil. The increasing emphasis on nutritious animal diets is driving demand for higher-quality feed products, boosting the market for soy protein isolates. Liquid Segment Steering Market Momentum Among product forms, the liquid segment of organic soy protein isolates is experiencing rapid growth, particularly due to its superior blendability. This makes it especially attractive for use in beverages and infant nutrition. While powdered forms still dominate the market, liquid soy protein isolates offer ease of integration and convenience, making them ideal for ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Although liquid formats have a shorter shelf life, their immediate usability has made them increasingly popular with manufacturers seeking to meet evolving consumer demands. A Forbes article published in September 2022 highlighted the rising popularity of RTD beverages, further reinforcing the market potential of liquid soy protein ingredients. Asia Pacific Dominates the Organic Soy Protein Isolates Market Share. The Asia Pacific region stands out as the fastest-growing market for organic soy protein isolates. This growth is fueled by increasing health consciousness, changing dietary preferences, and a shift toward high-protein, plant-based nutrition. The region is witnessing a surge in new product launches and market entries, as manufacturers respond to the growing demand. Leading companies in this space are adopting various strategies, such as expanding production capacities, launching innovative products, and forming strategic partnerships and acquisitions, to strengthen their presence and gain a competitive edge in the region. With growing sustainability concerns, heightened health awareness, and a dynamic market landscape, Asia Pacific is becoming a key hub for the future of the organic soy protein isolates industry. Leading Organic Soy Protein Isolates Companies: The key players in the market are ADM (US), The Scoular Group (US), Xinrui Group (China), Shandong Saigao Group Corporation (China), and Taj Agro International (Taj Pharma Group) (India). About MarketsandMarkets™ MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.
