Latest news with #Mediterranea
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Simple lifestyle changes that can reduce chronic disease (even if you have a genetic risk)
Think your genes have the ultimate say in sealing your fate? Think again. While inherited factors can elevate your risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or dementia, advanced science, medical breakthroughs, and research-backed wellness rituals show that lifestyle choices can dramatically outweigh genetic predispositions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From swapping processed foods for plant-based meals to moving your body, small changes go a long way and can slash disease risk by up to 65% – even for high-risk individuals. How? Read on the know more. The science behind 'choice' Polygenic risk scores vs. lifestyle A study recently published in looked at polygenic risk scores and lifestyles amongst a Chinese population sample. This was a prospective cohort study and the research specifically focused on Chinese adults and utilized data from the China Kadoorie Biobank. Now, a polygenic risk score (PRS) is a measure that estimates an individual's risk of developing a disease based on the combined effect of multiple genetic variants across the genome. It essentially sums up the effects of numerous genetic variations to provide a single score reflecting an individual's predisposition to a particular condition. Researchers included 96,400 adults in their analysis, and they excluded people with histories of heart attacks or strokes. The participants were divided into two sets: A testing set of 72,149 participants and a training set of 24,251 individuals. The average age of participants was 53. First, researchers constructed polygenic risk scores that evaluate the genetic risk for three components of cardiovascular disease: coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and intracerebral hemorrhage (brain bleeding). The researchers found that high genetic risk coupled with an unfavorable lifestyle was strongly associated with early-onset cardiovascular disease outcomes compared to late-onset outcomes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to another study, published earlier this year in , women at high genetic risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease saw up to a 65% risk reduction by adhering to healthy lifestyles and managing metabolic syndrome. Although genes often dictate the journey of our lives, with better lifestyle choices, you can always change the roadmap. These 'better lifestyle choices' start small. As Dr. Matthew Tomey, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, told The Post, there are precisely eight roadmaps ( ) that can revitalize your life, irrespective of your genetic predisposition. Eat better A balanced diet is foundational to health. Adopt a nutrient-rich pattern of consuming food. Think whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and heart-healthy oils like olive or canola. For instance, the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers. The Mediterranean diet consistently shows up to 25% lower risk of heart attacks and early mortality. This whole-food approach also helps stabilize blood sugar and manage cholesterol, the pillars of metabolic resilience. Be more active Studies equate prolonged sitting to the cardiovascular risk of smoking, so even breaking up screen time counts. Consistent movement lowers inflammation, builds metabolic efficiency, and supports a healthy weight. As per the CDC's recommendation, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, plus twice-weekly muscle-strengthening activities and resistance exercise. Quit tobacco Smoking (including vaping) is still the single largest preventable cause of cardiovascular deaths. It accelerates artery plaque formation, raises blood pressure, and reduces oxygen delivery. Even secondhand exposure elevates risks. Quitting, or never starting, is among the most powerful steps you can take. Get enough sleep Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health. Poor sleep is linked to hypertension, weight gain, increased risk of obesity, and elevated stress – all risk multipliers for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. As per Life's Essential 8, 7–9 hours of consistent, restorative sleep is not an option – it's essential for calming inflammation, regulating hormones, and supporting brain health. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing the sleep environment can help improve sleep quality and promote better health outcomes. Manage weight A healthy BMI between 18.5 and <25 helps ease the burden on your heart and arteries. Maintaining a balanced weight supports metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation. Combining mindful eating and movement is your ticket to sustainable weight management. Control cholesterol High non‑HDL 'bad' cholesterol quietly damages your arteries. Ideal Life's Essential 8 performance means keeping your non‑HDL/stable cholesterol in check. A diet rich in soluble fiber, healthy fats, and limited processed foods helps, and if needed, medication complements lifestyle changes. Check blood sugar Unchecked glucose can harm your heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes over time. Monitoring HbA1c and maintaining normal blood sugar, through diet, activity, and weight control, is essential. Diabetes prevention must be treated as the frontline prevention, not some secondary care. Manage blood pressure Keep levels below 120/80 mm Hg, and take action at 130/80 or above. Elevated blood pressure is a top silent killer, driving heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Regular monitoring and batch lifestyle strategies are your best defense, with medications available when needed. The final word While genetics play a role in our health, they don't determine our fate. By making conscious lifestyle choices, we can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases and enhance our quality of life. These eight simple lifestyle choices from Life's Essential 8 don't just help healthy individuals – they slash genetic risk as well. According to the American Heart Association, adhering to these choices adds an extra 5–6 years of total lifespan at age 50, and expands disease-free life by 75–80% of those years. So, brace yourselves and get ready to make better lifestyle choices. After all, it's never too late to start making healthier choices for a brighter future! The Role of Genetics in Heart Disease: Are You at Risk?
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Italy has ended spyware contract with Paragon, parliamentary document shows
By Giuseppe Fonte and Alvise Armellini ROME (Reuters) -Italy has terminated a contract with Israeli spyware maker Paragon, a parliamentary document showed on Monday, following allegations that the Italian government used its technology to hack critics' phones. Paragon did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Meta's WhatsApp chat service said earlier this year Paragon spyware had targeted scores of users, including a journalist and members of the Mediterranea migrant sea rescue charity critical of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The government said in February that seven mobile phone users in Italy had been targeted by the spyware. Rome denied any involvement in illicit activities and said it had asked the National Cybersecurity Agency to look into the affair. A newly published report from the parliamentary committee on security, COPASIR, showed that Italian intelligence services had initially put on hold and then ended their contract with Paragon following the media outcry. The report said Italy's domestic and foreign intelligence agencies had activated contracts with Paragon in 2023 and 2024 respectively and used it on a very limited number of people, with permission from a prosecutor. The foreign intelligence agency used the spyware to search for fugitives, counter illegal immigration, alleged terrorism, organised crime, fuel smuggling and counter-espionage and internal security activities, COPASIR said. It said members of the Mediterranea charity were spied on "not as human rights activists, but in reference to their activities potentially related to irregular immigration", with permission from the government. Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, Meloni's point man on intelligence matters, authorised the use of Paragon spyware on Mediterranea activists Luca Casarini and Beppe Caccia on September 5, 2024, the report said. Mantovano was not immediately available for comment. A Sicilian judge last month ordered six members of Mediterranea, including Casarini and Caccia, to stand trial on accusations of aiding illegal immigration, the first time crew members of a rescue vessel have faced such prosecution. All denied wrongdoing. The report found no evidence that Francesco Cancellato, a reported target and editor of investigative website Fanpage, had been put under surveillance using Paragon's spyware, as he had alleged to Reuters and other media outlets.
Reuters
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Italy has ended spyware contract with Paragon, parliamentary document shows
ROME, June 9 (Reuters) - Italy has terminated a contract with Israeli spyware maker Paragon, a parliamentary document showed on Monday, following allegations that the Italian government used its technology to hack critics' phones. Paragon did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Meta's WhatsApp chat service said earlier this year Paragon spyware had targeted scores of users, including a journalist and members of the Mediterranea migrant sea rescue charity critical of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The government said in February that seven mobile phone users in Italy had been targeted by the spyware. Rome denied any involvement in illicit activities and said it had asked the National Cybersecurity Agency to look into the affair. A newly published report from the parliamentary committee on security, COPASIR, showed that Italian intelligence services had initially put on hold and then ended their contract with Paragon following the media outcry. The report said Italy's domestic and foreign intelligence agencies had activated contracts with Paragon in 2023 and 2024 respectively and used it on a very limited number of people, with permission from a prosecutor. The foreign intelligence agency used the spyware to search for fugitives, counter illegal immigration, alleged terrorism, organised crime, fuel smuggling and counter-espionage and internal security activities, COPASIR said. It said members of the Mediterranea charity were spied on "not as human rights activists, but in reference to their activities potentially related to irregular immigration", with permission from the government. Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, Meloni's point man on intelligence matters, authorised the use of Paragon spyware on Mediterranea activists Luca Casarini and Beppe Caccia on September 5, 2024, the report said. Mantovano was not immediately available for comment. A Sicilian judge last month ordered six members of Mediterranea, including Casarini and Caccia, to stand trial on accusations of aiding illegal immigration, the first time crew members of a rescue vessel have faced such prosecution. All denied wrongdoing. The report found no evidence that Francesco Cancellato, a reported target and editor of investigative website Fanpage, had been put under surveillance using Paragon's spyware, as he had alleged to Reuters and other media outlets.
CNA
09-06-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Italy has ended spyware contract with Paragon, parliamentary document shows
ROME :Italy has terminated a contract with Israeli spyware maker Paragon, a parliamentary document showed on Monday, following allegations that the Italian government used its technology to hack critics' phones. Paragon did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Meta's WhatsApp chat service said earlier this year Paragon spyware had targeted scores of users, including a journalist and members of the Mediterranea migrant sea rescue charity critical of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The government said in February that seven mobile phone users in Italy had been targeted by the spyware. Rome denied any involvement in illicit activities and said it had asked the National Cybersecurity Agency to look into the affair. A newly published report from the parliamentary committee on security, COPASIR, showed that Italian intelligence services had initially put on hold and then ended their contract with Paragon following the media outcry. The report said Italy's domestic and foreign intelligence agencies had activated contracts with Paragon in 2023 and 2024 respectively and used it on a very limited number of people, with permission from a prosecutor. The foreign intelligence agency used the spyware to search for fugitives, counter illegal immigration, alleged terrorism, organised crime, fuel smuggling and counter-espionage and internal security activities, COPASIR said. It said members of the Mediterranea charity were spied on "not as human rights activists, but in reference to their activities potentially related to irregular immigration", with permission from the government. Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, Meloni's point man on intelligence matters, authorised the use of Paragon spyware on Mediterranea activists Luca Casarini and Beppe Caccia on September 5, 2024, the report said. Mantovano was not immediately available for comment. A Sicilian judge last month ordered six members of Mediterranea, including Casarini and Caccia, to stand trial on accusations of aiding illegal immigration, the first time crew members of a rescue vessel have faced such prosecution. All denied wrongdoing. The report found no evidence that Francesco Cancellato, a reported target and editor of investigative website Fanpage, had been put under surveillance using Paragon's spyware, as he had alleged to Reuters and other media outlets.
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Italian activists face trial for migrant sea rescue in legal first
By Angelo Amante , Reuters Migrants onboard a ship after being rescued in 2018. Photo: KENNY KARPOV / MSF/SOS MEDITERRANEE / AFP A Sicilian judge has ordered six members of an Italian charity ship to stand trial on accusations of aiding illegal immigration, the first time crew members of a rescue vessel have faced such prosecution, the group's lawyer said. The case centres on a 2020 operation where the Mare Jonio charity ship, operated by the Mediterranea NGO, picked up 27 migrants who had been rescued by a giant tanker in the Mediterranean Sea. The activists then brought them to Italy. The defendants include a doctor, the Mare Jonio's commander, and Luca Casarini, co-founder of the charity and a prominent left-wing activist. They all deny wrongdoing. "This is the first indictment of its kind," lawyer Serena Romano told Reuters. "All prior proceedings against NGO crews were shut down at the investigative stage or during preliminary hearings." The charges come as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office in 2022, continues her long-running campaign to reduce immigration flows across the Mediterranean. The six defendants, five men and one woman, are accused of facilitating illegal immigration after they agreed to pick up the group of migrants, who had been stranded aboard the Danish tanker Maersk Etienne for more than a month. At the time, neither the Maltese, Italian nor Libyan authorities had let the tanker bring the migrants ashore, according to Maersk Tankers, the operator of Maersk Etienne. The group had been rescued from a sinking wooden dinghy near Malta as they sought to reach Europe. The Mare Jonio took them to Sicily. According to the Ansa news agency, prosecutors allege the rescue was financially motivated. They cite a €125,000 (NZ$237,742) payment from Maersk to Idra Social Shipping, which owns the Mare Jonio. Mediterranea denies the accusation, calling the payment a "transparent donation" to support rescue efforts. Casarini, who was a friend of the late Pope Francis, said the trial, ordered by a court in Ragusa, would offer an opportunity to scrutinise official conduct during the incident. "We will call as witnesses the ministers and authorities who decided to leave 27 human beings adrift in the middle of the sea," he said. Meloni's government, in power since 2022, has enacted policies aimed at reducing sea arrivals and limiting NGO rescue operations, though the case predates her administration. Some members of the ruling coalition have accused the judiciary of looking to sink government efforts to prevent migrant crossings, included repeated rulings that have thwarted attempts to detain irregular migrants in Albania. Earlier this year, several Mediterranea members, including Casarini, were targeted with spyware. The government has denied involvement and called for an inquiry. - Reuters Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
