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Toronto Sun
16 hours ago
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Study explores ties between BMI at young age, colorectal cancer
A new study suggests that increased body mass index among toddlers can lead to a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer as an adult. Photo by iStock / GETTY IMAGES Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. A new study suggests that increased body mass index among toddlers can lead to a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer as an adult. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'Although the relationship between adult body size and colorectal cancer risk is well-documented, the potential influence of measures of body size during early life is less understood,' said Dieuwertje Kok, associate professor of nutrition and cancer at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, per the New York Post . Kok and her colleagues analyzed 37 studies tracking how weight, height and body size in childhood and young adulthood could impact the risk of colorectal cancer later in life. The researchers found that, for young adults aged 18-25, every five-point increase in body mass index above the healthy range raised colon cancer risk by 12%. For teens between 10-19, that risk climbs between 5% and 18%. Even toddlers with a high BMI are linked to greater risk. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Every extra kilo (2.2 pounds) at birth over 'normal' birth weight — that's 2.5 kilograms to 4 kilograms — was tied to a 9% greater chance of developing colorectal cancer down the road. 'Cancer is a complex disease which develops over several decades, so better understanding of its early origins is critical for more effective prevention efforts and understanding the research gaps,' said Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at World Cancer Research Fund International. 'The results of this study show that raised body mass index across childhood through young adulthood is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer.' Recommended video Colorectal cancer has long been associated with older adults, namely people over 65. But rates among those under 50 have been increasing since the 90s. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Those born between 1981-1996 face twice the risk of colorectal cancer as compared to people born in 1950, according to the University of California Davis Health. Scientists suspect that ultra-processed foods and certain diets have impacted the rise in colorectal cancer in young people. In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates about 154,270 U.S. adults will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer — and roughly 52,900 will die from it. Read More For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to – a member of the Postmedia Network. Editorial Cartoons Sports Columnists Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: Fewer private university grads find full-time jobs in 2024, compared to 2023 — and other top stories today, Singapore News
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Fewer private university grads find full-time jobs in 2024, compared to 2023 Fewer private university graduates found full-time jobs within six months of graduating in 2024 than in the previous year. According to the 2024 Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey... » READ MORE 2. Made in Singapore: First locally-made Kia, the EV5, officially launched Kia has launched its first locally-made model, the EV5 electric SUV, which will be assembled at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) in Jurong... » READ MORE 3. 'A project out of love': Dad-daughter duo sets up assisted living community to honour late grandma When the Covid-19 pandemic reached Singapore five years ago and triggered a lockdown here, the Kok family had no choice but to halt the frequent social activities their dementia-stricken grandmother enjoyed... » READ MORE 4. Zheng Geping gets surprise birthday celebration on drama set He thought it was time to film, only to be surprised with a chorus. Local actor Zheng Geping turned 61 on May 27, and his family as well as the crew and cast members on the set of their drama The Cellphone Swap threw him a surprise celebration... » READ MORE editor@
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
E&O's FY25 net profit surges to RM169mil
E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong. KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern and Oriental Bhd 's (E&O) net profit jumped to RM168.65mil in its financial year ended March 31, (FY25) from the previous year's RM133.60mil. Revenue increased by 75.3% to RM741.08mil from RM422.83mil in FY24. In a statement yesterday, E&O said the performance was driven by strong sales from its properties segment, which contributed RM630.5mil in revenue, an increase of 102% year-on-year (y-o-y), equivalent to 85.1% of the group's total revenue. 'Additionally, joint-venture projects such as Conlay, The Peak, and Avira Garden Terraces contributed RM428.9mil in revenue, marking a 61.5% increase. 'On an aggregate basis, the total revenue generated by the properties segment, including joint ventures, reached RM1.06bil,' it said. For the fourth quarter ended March 31 (4Q25), the group's net profit rose to RM69.84mil from RM36.47mil in the same quarter last year, while revenue jumped to RM236.65mil from RM121.32mil previously. E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said the group's performance reflects the impact of its strategic direction and focus on sustainable growth. 'At Andaman Island in Penang, we have five ongoing projects with an estimated gross development value of RM2.7bil. 'Furthermore, we have plans to launch four developments comprising a mix of residential and retail properties strategically located on Penang Island and Klang Valley,' he said. During a virtual press conference held in conjunction with the company's FY25 results announcement, Kok said the group aims to realise RM1.5bil in property sales between FY26 and FY29. To date, the property development company has RM1.5bil in unbilled sales. Kok noted that the sales projection is supported by its development projects located in the Klang Valley, Johor Baru, and Penang. 'The total gross development value (GDV) for our project called The Meg, located at Andaman Island, Penang, amounts to RM691mil and is expected to be completed in April 2026. 'Our next projects, which are expected to be completed next year, are the Senna and Fera homes, also located in Penang,' he said, adding that the GDV for the 69 units of three-storey homes on 1.60ha is estimated at around RM280mil. Kok also noted that the group will not solely focus on the Penang market and intends to expand its business to other locations as well. He said the group is constantly on the lookout for potential land acquisitions, with most current opportunities coming in the form of pocket developments. 'We are also exercising a bit more caution, as we have already established this primary segment of our strategic direction and want to maintain that focus,' he added. — Bernama
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore Business Federation launches guide to help firms navigate trade barriers
Singapore Business Federation CEO Kok Ping Soon with a mock-up of the tariff playbook for businesses, pictured on May 20. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG SINGAPORE – An e-book guide to help businesses find out how they would be affected by tariffs has been compiled by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), which is also drafting measures to help firms find financing and diversify their supply chain. Speaking to The Straits Times ahead of the launch of the playbook on May 22, SBF chief executive Kok Ping Soon outlined the apex business association's plans, including its intention to provide longer-term advice to firms on tariff matters. He said: 'Companies are saying that they are concerned about reduced credit limits, increased collaterals, stricter governance. And it is now that they need longer and larger financing.' The funds are not only to deal with the front-loading of purchases by buyers that are stockpiling goods before any end to tariff reprieves, but also to tide businesses over smaller orders and higher administrative costs for trade compliance. SBF – the business community's representative on the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce to counter rising trade barriers – has asked to be updated on failed applications for the government-backed Enterprise Financing Scheme. Firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, apply for these loans through financial institutions and are subject to conditions such as shareholding, credit worthiness and solvency status. Mr Kok said: 'We may want to make representation on behalf of the businesses to the Government to consider. Perhaps the risk-sharing can change, perhaps the quantum can change, or perhaps the tenure can change.' The association is also asking the Government to consider funding trade advisory experts for businesses to legitimately get around the new and tighter Customs administrative procedures and documentation. Consultants have said that these could be done by reflecting the value of goods before mark-ups by intermediaries or by firms splitting their purchases. 'We have a team of advisers that can help companies navigate, but there's a limit to how much they can provide. These are free advisories,' Mr Kok said. On the findings of a business sentiment poll conducted in April covering 294 firms, Mr Kok said one in two businesses expects costs to rise, and 75 per cent of them foresee revenues will fall. Seven in 10 plan to pass on all or part of the added costs to customers. Bosses also worry about currency fluctuations, supply chain reconfigurations and retaliatory measures. A surprise, Mr Kok said, is that firms are already planning to diversify sales markets and supply sources. 'Our companies are not just not doing anything,' he said. In fact, one in three firms is exploring alternative sourcing and buying. 'South-east Asia is obviously the top choice, but it looks like our companies think quite far, because number two was Europe and number three was the Middle East,' he added. Mr Kok noted that Singapore firms are already planning to diversify sales markets and supply sources. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG He expects the services sector, which includes logistics and professional services, to bear the trickled-down effects of the tariffs eventually as investors turn cautious. The Government lowered 2025's economic growth forecast to a range of zero per cent to 2 per cent, down from the previous estimate of 1 per cent to 3 per cent after the US slapped the wide-ranging tariffs in April on its trading partners. Mr Kok said: 'We want to work with the Government to implement very practical solutions to support what is important – addressing firms' financing, helping them in advisory and compliance, and helping them to diversify sooner than later. 'Any help that businesses need to fulfil these three things, we want to work with the Government to make it happen.' Regionally, the organisation plans to amplify Singapore's call for open trade and cooperation. 'There is a saying, in Asean, you either hang out together or you get hung separately,' he said. But whether the regional grouping will band together or veer towards bilateral trade pacts remains a question, he added. Fresh from a trade mission to the US, Mr Kok said new opportunities still exist. 'If China has to be disengaged from the US, can Singapore companies fill the gap?' And while the US accounts for about 12 per cent of global trade, Singapore firms can tap the Republic's 28 free trade pacts with 65 countries and play in the remaining 88 per cent. The 20-page playbook, which the federation put together with consultants such as PwC Singapore and Rajah & Tann Asia, advises businesses to understand their trade exposure, financial vulnerabilities and supply chain risks, then act to stabilise operations, reconfigure sourcing strategies, and take advantage of Singapore's free trade partnerships. Those two steps could be done in 12 months, it noted, after which firms could focus on building long-term resilience with digitalisation, innovation and raising productivity. The e-book ends with a checklist. Mr Kok said: 'It may look very daunting, but if you look through each of it, some of these are quite basic. You need to ask your finance people, your trade people, your suppliers. 'If there's one area where businesses need a bit more help, it is the first part.' Companies may need support getting hold of Customs and trade data, and interpreting and applying the data to their trade activities, he explained. SBF is asking its consultancy partners if they would offer some trade advisory services at no cost on a regular basis. Mr Kok said: 'We hope that the industry partners will be happy to support this initiative.' Both the playbook and poll results can be found on the SBF website. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
RTÉ News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Edinburgh make play-offs with win over Ulster
Edinburgh sealed their return to the United Rugby Championship play-offs for the first time in three seasons with a bonus-point 47-17 victory at home to Ulster, who were already out of the running. Sean Everitt's side needed to win and hope other results went their way and Cardiff's defeat to the Stormers, combined with a seven-try victory, saw them book their place in the top eight and also qualify for next season's Champions Cup. Ulster, who suffered their 11th defeat of the season, kept it competitive in the first half by scoring twice through a penalty try and Werner Kok before Edinburgh eased away after the interval to a comfortable win as Darcy Graham completed his hat-trick. It was the home side who got on the board first after a cagey start. Wes Goosen collected an Ulster kick forward then picked out Graham, who took the pass and darted through a hole for a try converted by Ross Thompson. Edinburgh landed a second score when Magnus Bradbury fastened on to a short pass from Ali Price and powered his way past three Ulster defenders to get the ball down. Edinburgh's momentum, though, was disrupted when they conceded a penalty try and lost a man to the sin-bin. Jack Murphy's pass wide was headed for Zac Ward clear on the wing until Graham stuck out a hand and was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. Ulster were soon level. Goosen failed to control Murphy's kick in to the Edinburgh 22, allowing Kok to burrow his way over. It was end-to-end and Edinburgh soon landed their third try of a frenetic first half shortly before Graham returned from the sin-bin. Ewan Ashman was the man to get it, the hooker picking up the loose ball from his own line-out and barrelling his way past some half-hearted tackles to score, with Thompson adding the extras. Graham thought he had landed his second try of the game – and Edinburgh's fourth – only to be denied by a brilliant Kok tackle in the corner. But the home side did land the bonus point soon after when Bradbury was driven over the line for his second try following a tap-and-go penalty. Edinburgh were well on top by this stage and Pierre Schoeman stretched for the line for their fifth try, again converted by Thompson, to make sure of the win. Ulster landed their first try of the second half when Jude Postlethwaite (above) ran the length of the pitch to score. Edinburgh hit back when Graham scrambled over for his second then completed his hat-trick with the clock in the red, both tries converted by Ben Healy. Cardiff's hopes of snatching a United Rugby Championship play-off place were cruelly dashed as they lost 34-24 to the Stormers in Cape Town as both sides ended with 14 men. Matt Sherratt's side appeared on course to secure the two losing bonus points that could have kept their season alive after replacement hooker Dafydd Hughes' late try, crucially converted by Callum Sheedy, reduced the deficit to 31-24. But Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's penalty in the closing moments extended the Stormers' lead to 34-24 – more than seven points – and Cardiff were left with just one losing bonus point through their four tries. Cardiff, for whom victory at the DHL Stadium would have secured a top-eight finish, were outscored by five tries to four and a tough task was made even harder when try-scorer Danny Southworth was sent off in the first half. Stormers full-back Damian Willemse was shown a red card in the second, with both players guilty of dangerous, head-high tackles. The South Africans, beaten only once at home all season, had already secured their play-off spot and wings Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg both went over twice before second row Connor Evans' late effort. Cardiff, who had briefly led in the first half after Southworth had crashed over, scored further tries through wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb and centre Harri Millard before Hughes' late score proved in vain.
