Latest news with #PublicHealth
CBC
13 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
Heat warning in GTA expected to end Tuesday night: Environment Canada
Social Sharing A heat warning covering much of the Greater Toronto Area is expected to end on Tuesday night, Environment Canada said. Daytime high temperatures are expected between 31 and 32 C, the federal weather agency said in a statement Tuesday morning. With humidity, temperatures may feel like between 38 to 42 C. "Confidence has increased that cooler temperatures will arrive on Wednesday, bringing an end to the heat event," Environment Canada said. The warning is in effect for the following areas: Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Durham Region, Newmarket, Georgina, northern York Region, Oakville, Halton Hills and Milton. Watch for symptoms of heat stroke Environment Canada is advising people to limit exposure to sun and heat by planning activities during the coolest parts of the day, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight, light-coloured, loose fitting clothing. People are advised to watch for symptoms of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency, in themselves and others. Symptoms can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. "While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body," Environment Canada said in Tuesday's warning. The weather agency also advised people to drink water often, even before feeling thirsty, and close blinds and open windows if the outside is cooler than inside. "If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park," the heat warning says. People are also advised to check in regularly on those at greater risk of heat illness, including the elderly and those living alone. Signs of heat exhaustion may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. If you experience these symptoms, Environment Canada advises stopping your activity and drinking water.
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
Dog bite incident in Saugeen Shores prompts search
Health officials in Grey Bruce are hoping the public can help identify a dog after a biting incident. According to Grey Bruce Public Health, it happened around 12 p.m. on July 25 in the area near the Saugeen Shores municipal office on Wellington Street. Officials said the bite happened when someone was trying to separate two dogs who were fighting. The dog that bit the person is described as a medium-sized, mixed-colour dog. Both dogs involved in the fight were accompanied by people who witnesses believed were the owners of the dogs. Staff at Grey Bruce Public Health need to confirm the dog involved in this biting incident is not infectious with rabies. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 ext. 1335.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Forget 10,000 steps — research reveals the real number you need for better health
You may not need as many steps as you thought. Ten thousand steps per day has been widely recommended as the standard benchmark for physical activity — but a new study suggests that just 7,000 could be enough to boost essential health markers. Researchers from the University of Sydney conducted a review of 57 studies spanning more than 10 countries, which tracked participants' steps and health outcomes. SIMPLE JAPANESE FITNESS TREND COULD ADD 7 YEARS TO LIFE EXPECTANCY, EXPERTS SAY Led by Professor Melody Ding from the School of Public Health, the team looked at how different daily step counts impacted the risk of dying from heart disease and cancer, as well as the risk of developing cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia and depression, according to a university press release. They found that walking at least 7,000 steps a day was linked to improvement in eight major health outcomes, including heart disease, dementia and depressive symptoms. "Any increase in daily steps, even modest ones like 4,000 steps, delivers health benefits compared to very low activity levels," Ding told Fox News Digital. "When possible, targeting around 7,000 steps per day can substantially reduce risks for many chronic diseases and adverse health outcomes." "Even small increases in step counts, such as increasing from 2,000 to 4,000 steps a day, are associated with significant health gain." Higher step counts beyond 7,000 may add extra benefits, but the improvement rate slows, she noted. The results were published in The Lancet Public Health journal. In particular, the researchers found that walking 7,000 steps a day reduced the risk of death by 47%, almost exactly the same as 10,000 steps. That same step benchmark was also linked to a 38% reduced risk of dementia and a 22% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, both only slightly lower than the benefit of 10,000 steps, the release stated. "Significant health improvements" were reported when people increased from 2,000 steps per day to anywhere between 5,000 and 7,000. "Aiming for 7,000 steps is a realistic goal based on our findings, which assessed health outcomes in a range of areas that hadn't been looked at before," said Professor Ding in the release. "However, for those who cannot yet achieve 7,000 steps a day, even small increases in step counts, such as increasing from 2,000 to 4,000 steps a day, are associated with significant health gain." For those who are already very active and consistently hitting 10,000+ steps, Ding said, "keep it up — there's no need to cut back." The researchers also noted that stepping doesn't need to happen all at once or require intentional exercise. "Everyday movements count — like getting off the bus a stop earlier or choosing stairs over elevators," Ding advised. "Small, incidental bouts throughout the day add up and contribute to health. Embrace opportunities to move more in practical, enjoyable ways." There were some limitations in the study, the researchers noted. "For some outcomes, we have a small number of studies," Ding told Fox News Digital. There are also some study-level biases, she said. "For example, people who are already unwell will take fewer steps because of their health conditions," Ding said. "And while there is an indication that the dose-response may be different for older adults, we didn't have enough data for all outcomes to explore it." It's also important to note that while walking offers great health benefits, it is not a complete "package" in itself, she noted. "Everyday movements count — like getting off the bus a stop earlier or choosing stairs over elevators." "Try to also incorporate strength training and mobility exercise into a weekly routine for more complete health benefits." In next steps, the researchers plan to use these findings to shape future physical activity guidelines. For more Health articles, visit Experts recommend that future studies of step count impacts should focus on variations for age, health status and region, the release stated. "Our research helps to shift the focus from perfection to progress," Ding said. "Even small increases in daily movement can lead to meaningful health improvements."
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Alcohol health labelling 'will add over a third to costs'
Taoiseach Micheál Martin was lobbied by business representative group Ibec to delay the introduction of alcohol warning labels for 'at least' four years due to tariff fears. Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy warned the Fianna Fáil leader that the new requirements would lead to packaging and labelling costs increasing by 'over one-third'. The letter also suggested that some distillers had even suspended brewing in fear of impending tariffs by the US administration. Mr McCoy also sent the letter to Tánaiste and trade minister Simon Harris and health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill in early June. The Government agreed earlier last week to suspend the rollout of warning labels for two years. In May 2023, then health minister Stephen Donnelly signed the Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023. It was envisaged that the law would make it mandatory for alcohol product labels to state the calorie content and grams of alcohol in the product. They would also warn about the risk of consuming alcohol when pregnant and about the risk of liver disease and fatal cancers from alcohol consumption. The change was due to come into effect in May 2026, to allow a three-year implementation period for the drinks industry. However, there have been rumblings in recent weeks that the plan would be postponed, with Mr Harris saying that it would be additional disruption and a 'potential trade barrier' as tariff negotiations continue. At Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, the Tánaiste told ministers that Ms Carroll MacNeill will defer the plans for two years. This is despite reports that it would be a four-year pause. Correspondence released under Freedom of Information (FoI) shows that the Taoiseach was being lobbied by Ibec to drop the labelling plans. On June 3, Mr McCoy called for the plans to be dropped for four years 'at least'. 'The wider drinks sector, but particularly many of the new emerging distilleries, have significant exposure to these new tariffs and the wider trade uncertainty,' wrote Mr McCoy. 'The majority of distilling across the country is now suspended. The introduction of new labelling requirements for the drinks sector, which will add over one-third to product labelling and packaging costs, should be suspended for at least four years to give some certainty to operators. 'Reducing regulatory burden costs to free up resources to allow companies invest in finding new markets would be a positive development.' Mr McCoy said that the legislation had been cited by the US administration in its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, which he said was 'cause for further concern and reason for this legislation to be deferred'. He added: 'The industry does not want this to be an issue of disagreement in overall efforts to secure a resolution on trade relations and restoration of a tariff-free trading environment.' Further correspondence shows the letter was also forwarded from the Taoiseach's office to the Department of Enterprise several days later seeking an update on enterprise minister Peter Burke's engagement with Ms Carroll MacNeill. A letter sent from Mr Burke to Ms Carroll MacNeill on May 15 was also released under FoI. He said that recent months have seen 'significant global uncertainty and a rapidly shifting trading landscape', which he said 'could have profound competitiveness implications for small open economies like Ireland'. Mr Burke said that Ireland would be the first country in Europe to introduce the labels. 'The proposed measures will mean increased production and sale costs for Irish producers and importers and add to the price payable by consumers at a time when prices are also rising due to a multitude of other factors,' wrote Mr Burke. 'Notwithstanding the overarching health benefits of the proposal, I would ask you to consider pausing the introduction of the proposed new requirements.' Calls not to delay plans Meanwhile, Mr Martin was urged not to delay the plans and received a letter just last week from Alcohol Action Ireland chief executive Sheila Gilheany. She said that 'postponing alcohol health information labelling is not consequence free given the thousands harmed by alcohol in Ireland.' Read More Delaying alcohol warning labels prioritises profiteering over health, says Irish Medical Organisation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What are those two castle-like towers near the Chain of Rocks Bridge?
ST. LOUIS – If you've ever walked across the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge or even driven along Interstate 270 near the Missouri-Illinois border, there's a good chance you've noticed two striking, castle-like towers rising from the Mississippi River. They may look like something out of a fairytale or the Medieval Times, but they're actually relics of St. Louis' innovative past, once playing a vital role in the city's water system. These towers are simply known as St. Louis Water Intake Towers No. 1 and No. 2, built over a century ago to help regulate the city's water systems and supply clean drinking water. Perched atop massive pedestals in the Mississippi River, the towers were once part of an advanced system designed to draw in fresh water upstream before it could reach more polluted sections downstream. Connected to onshore facilities by underground tunnels, the towers drew in river water, which was then processed and filtered before it reached local water supplies. For many decades, the towers were viewed as a crucial innovation to improving public health in a growing industrial city, specifically by providing clean water to residents. Intake Tower No. 1, built in 1894, was designed by architect William Eames in a Richardsonian Romanesque style. It features a white stone exterior, a green-prism shaped roof facing north and intricate cube-like stone detailing facing the south. Intake Tower No. 2, built in 1915, was designed by the firm Roth and Study in Roman Renaissance style. The tower stands out with a beige stone facade, a black roof and a thin green trim that separates the roof from its cylindrical and rectangular sections. Tower No. 2 is located just a few hundreds yard downstream of Tower No. 1. In the early 20th century, utility crews even camped inside the towers to ensure continuous operation and manage water flow between the two intake points. Both towers were designated as city landmarks by the 1970s, though were decommissioned sometime around the Great Flood of 1993. Neither one is in full service, though they continue to captivate travelers with their unique architecture. In 2015, FOX 2 had a rare opportunity to explore inside Tower No. 2 with St. Louis utility crews, capturing views of the preserved pumps, pipes, ladders and structural elements that once kept water flowing to St. Louis. FOX 2 also revisited the site from the Chain of Rocks Bridge in April, offering a fresh look at the historic towers and their lasting impression on the riverfront landscape. All in all, the towers stand as monuments of the city's engineering legacy and ambitious efforts to modernize its water infrastructure. Rising from the river unlike much else, the towers remain a hidden gem of St. Louis often overlooked but nearly impossible to forget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
