Latest news with #PublicHealth
CBC
an hour ago
- Health
- CBC
Number of measles cases in N.S. continues to rise
The number of measles cases continues to rise in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Health says there are now 30 cases of measles in its northern zone, with eight of those lab-confirmed and the others considered confirmed based on symptoms and household exposure. A news release Thursday from the health authority says the new cases are "mainly found in large households and specific, small communities with close contact." While Public Health says it expects the number of cases to rise in the coming weeks, the risk to the public is still considered low, as most people are protected from measles by being vaccinated or from previous infection. No new public exposure sites have been identified, and none of the current cases are linked to previous public exposures at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow or St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish. Nova Scotia Health says it is believed that the cases all stem from travel within Canada to regions with known measles cases. "We would like to thank the communities involved," Dr. Ryan Sommers, Public Health's senior regional medical officer of health, said in the news release. "The communities are being very careful to protect others, and we thank them for their ongoing co-operation with our Public Health teams while we support them and limit further spread." Symptoms of measles include: Fever. Cough, runny nose, red eyes. Small white spots inside the mouth and throat. A red blotchy rash on the face that spreads down the body. Measles is highly contagious and spreads by air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. While most people with measles recover within two to three weeks, some people have serious complications, and infants, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant people are more at risk.
Mail & Guardian
9 hours ago
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Aid cuts, including by UK, undermine progress on fight against superbugs
Antimicrobial resistance silent pandemic that already claims more than 1.3 million lives every year. File photo A recent global economic model warns that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may cost the world economy up to This escalating threat coincides with a decline in international support for AMR surveillance. The Low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa, are likely to bear the heaviest burden because of under-resourced health systems, limited surveillance capacity and growing barriers to effective treatments. AMR arises when microorganisms evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics intended to eliminate them. As resistance spreads, infections that were once easily treatable become increasingly difficult, and sometimes impossible, to cure. This silent pandemic is already responsible for more than By 2050, resistant infections could reduce global GDP by up to 3.1% and push millions into poverty as a result of the cost of prolonged illness and ineffective treatment. Health systems, especially in countries already facing a high burden of disease, are at risk of being overwhelmed. The But Experts caution that even partial reductions in funding may accelerate the spread of AMR in high-risk regions. Such cutbacks can delay the detection of resistant pathogens, disrupt surveillance efforts and weaken public health responses. The consequences are clear: more infections, higher mortality rates and mounting pressure on already overstretched health systems. AMR does not respect borders. Resistant bacteria can emerge in one location and spread globally through travel, trade and migration. Inadequate surveillance in one part of the world increases vulnerability everywhere. Many low- and medium-income countries face compounded problems: limited access to diagnostics, overuse or misuse of antibiotics in both clinical and agricultural settings, as well as underinvestment in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. Surveillance programmes supported by international aid help fill these gaps by enabling early detection and informed response. Cutting funding now undermines global preparedness just as AMR risks are accelerating. While AMR is a long-term challenge, the window for effective action is narrowing. Delaying investment now will probably increase the cost and complexity of response in the future. According to recent economic analyses, every dollar spent on AMR containment today could save up to $20 in future health and productivity costs. Continued investment in surveillance, laboratory capacity, workforce training and antimicrobial stewardship is essential for all countries and for global health security. Multilateral partnerships, sustained funding, and equitable access to innovation are critical pillars of any effective AMR strategy. What can be done? Given the recent decline in global funding, it is essential to explore alternative strategies to sustain and strengthen AMR efforts. Reinforce multilateral funding: Donor countries should explore shared funding mechanisms to sustain critical AMR programmes beyond bilateral commitments. Strengthen regional cooperation: Regional AMR surveillance networks can improve resilience and facilitate data-sharing, even in the face of international funding cuts. Mobilise domestic resources: Prioritise public health investment in laboratory systems, data infrastructure, and training to reduce reliance on fluctuating aid flows. Promote responsible antimicrobial use: Stewardship programmes in human and veterinary medicine are essential to slow the development of resistance. Invest in research and equitable access: Support for the development and fair distribution of new antibiotics, vaccines, and diagnostics must remain a global priority. AMR is one of the most urgent and complex public health issues of our time. Progress made in the past decade, through global collaboration, investment and capacity-building now stands at risk. At the very moment when stronger action is needed, international funding is contracting. The decisions made now will shape the trajectory of AMR for decades. Reducing support is not just a financial recalibration; it is a choice that may have irreversible consequences for millions of people worldwide. The global community must act decisively to protect hard-won gains, support countries most at risk and uphold the shared responsibility of safeguarding the effectiveness of life-saving medicines. Dr Jose L Balcazar is a senior microbiologist at the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Spain.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This number of steps a day can reduce risk of death, diseases, analysis finds
How many steps do you need to take a day for better health? A new analysis landed on a number different than the 10,000 daily step recommendation you may have previously heard. The research, published Wednesday in The Lancet Public Health journal, looked at dozens of past studies published between Jan. 1, 2014, and Feb. 14, 2025. It found that 7,000 steps a day was associated with a 47% lower risk of death, a 38% lower risk of dementia and a 25% lower risk of heart disease, among other health benefits, when compared to people who only had about 2,000 steps a day. Risk of death from certain diseases also went down, including a 47% lower risk of death from heart disease and a 37% lower risk of death from cancer. The higher number of steps was found to have "a non-significant" 6% lower risk of getting cancer, the authors of the research said. The step count was also associated with a 14% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a 22% lower risk of depressive symptoms and a 28% lower risk of falls. "Although 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7,000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a more realistic and achievable target for some," the authors wrote. If 7,000 steps still seems like a lot, even a more modest step count was associated with lower risk. For example, 4,000 steps per day compared to 2,000 was associated with substantial risk reduction, including a 36% lower risk in death, according to the analysis. The bottom line? Walking — at whatever amount you can accomplish in a day — is good for your body and mind. The research did have some limitations, the authors noted, including a lack of age-specific analysis and a small number of studies available for most specific outcomes. Still, the authors say they hope the 7,000 step count can serve as a practical public health target with future studies looking closer at age-specific targets. Trump reacts to DOJ reaching out to Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer on Jeffrey Epstein files Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal pioneer, dies at age 76 Details on Trump's executive orders on artificial intelligence
CBS News
17 hours ago
- Health
- CBS News
This number of daily steps can reduce your risk of death, chronic diseases and more, analysis finds
How many steps do you need to take a day for better health? A new analysis landed on a number different than the 10,000 daily step recommendation you may have previously heard. The research, published Wednesday in The Lancet Public Health journal, looked at dozens of past studies published between Jan. 1, 2014, and Feb. 14, 2025. It found that 7,000 steps a day was associated with a 47% lower risk of death, a 38% lower risk of dementia and a 25% lower risk of heart disease, among other health benefits, when compared to people who only had about 2,000 steps a day. Risk of death from certain diseases also went down, including a 47% lower risk of death from heart disease and a 37% lower risk of death from cancer. The higher number of steps was found to have "a non-significant" 6% lower risk of getting cancer, the authors of the research said. The step count was also associated with a 14% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a 22% lower risk of depressive symptoms and a 28% lower risk of falls. "Although 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7,000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a more realistic and achievable target for some," the authors wrote. If 7,000 steps still seems like a lot, even a more modest step count was associated with lower risk. For example, 4,000 steps per day compared to 2,000 was associated with substantial risk reduction, including a 36% lower risk in death, according to the analysis. The bottom line? Walking — at whatever amount you can accomplish in a day — is good for your body and mind. The research did have some limitations, the authors noted, including a lack of age-specific analysis and a small number of studies available for most specific outcomes. Still, the authors say they hope the 7,000 step count can serve as a practical public health target with future studies looking closer at age-specific targets.
CBC
19 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
Heat warning issued for Hamilton and area with humidex values up to 44 expected
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and area with a heat event is expected to begin Thursday. The federal weather agency says the hottest conditions are expected on Thursday, with slightly cooler daytime highs Friday and into the weekend. However, overnight lows will remain unseasonably warm, offering little relief. Environment Canada says daytime temperatures are predicted to reach near 35 C, with humidex values expected to reach 44 on Thursday. On Friday the forecast calls for a daytime high of 30 C, with peak humidex values near 40. Meanwhile, Hamilton's medical officer of health has also issued a heat warning beginning Thursday. Cooling centres available throughout heat event The city says cooling centres — identified by "Cool Down Here" signs — will be available throughout the heat event. As part of the city's heat response plan, all regularly scheduled open swims at indoor and outdoor pools will be free, and residents are encouraged to make use of spray pads, community centres and other designated cool places. Hamilton Public Health is reminding residents to take steps to avoid heat-related illness, including: Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Staying in air-conditioned spaces or visiting city-designated cool area. Wearing loose, light-coloured clothing and using sunscreen. Limiting outdoor physical activity to early morning or evening hours. Taking cool baths or showers. Closing blinds and circulating air with fans. Checking on vulnerable neighbours and family members. Never leaving children or pets in closed vehicles. Landlords are also being encouraged to ensure tenants have access to cool indoor spaces. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, weakness, nausea, fainting, and vomiting. Residents are advised to seek help immediately if symptoms appear.
