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The Star
17 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Is all of this self-monitoring making us paranoid?
Sarah Hills was worried about her heart. Her Oura Ring, a wearable device that tracks users' biometric data, including body temperature, heart rate and blood oxygen levels, was telling her something might be off. The ring provides some of its data in the form of scores, like a 'readiness' score that uses 'sleep quality, body signals, and activity levels to show how prepared you are to take on the day', according to Oura. Since receiving the ring as a Christmas gift, Hills had begun to compulsively check her stats. If her scores weren't good, the 22-year-old said, she would ruminate. When her stats wobbled this year, she tried to see a doctor. When she couldn't get an appointment soon enough, Hills, a recent graduate of Providence College in Rhode Island, and a friend drove to a pharmacy where she spent US$50 (RM212) on an at-home blood pressure cuff and monitor to put her mind at ease. 'At that point I was, like, 'Oh my gosh, this thing is literally destroying my mind',' she said. Eventually, Hills was able to see a doctor who told her she was healthy. The doctor did have one recommendation: Consider ditching the ring. In the eternal human quest to know thyself, it's tempting to seize on every bit of information we can glean. If you could know, for instance, not just that you slept 6.5 hours last night but also that 12% of those hours were spent in REM sleep and that your overall 'sleep efficiency' – time asleep versus time awake – was 85%, as many pieces of wearable tech can tell you, why wouldn't you? At least that's the attitude of many people in our age of the quantified self, in which collecting sheaves of data about our bodies every day seems to hold the promise of bringing about a happier, healthier life. But what if all of that data is also heightening our stress? Is there a metric for that? While some Oura users say they enjoy the ring as a screen-free way to keep tabs on their bodies, several Oura owners, including Hills, described feeling increasingly anxious after using their devices. Rather than helping them feel more in control of their wellness, the data only made them fixate on potential – and often nonexistent – problems. You could call it Oura paranoia, though the phenomenon is hardly exclusive to any one product: As wearable health technology, including Apple Watches and Fitbits, have become more popular in recent years, some users have struggled with the unintended psychological side effects of the devices. Eli Rallo, a 26-year-old author and content creator, said she was checking her heart rate '24/7' after receiving her ring as a gift in 2023. When she raised concerns about her seemingly elevated heart rate with a doctor during a routine checkup, she said she was told not to worry and that she was fine. 'They were like anti-Oura Ring,' said Rallo, who lives between Houston and New York City. 'They were like, 'This is just not necessary information for a healthy, able-bodied person to have'.' (Rallo noted that she has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, which she said was not well managed at the time. She felt her condition was worsened by wearing her ring.) Eventually, a therapist recommended she stop using the device entirely. She took that advice. Hannah Muehl, a physician assistant and dietitian in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said she found that the quantified knowledge that she wasn't sleeping well made it even harder for her to get rest. She purchased her ring after having a baby to track her sleepless nights nursing. 'It puts action behind things that should be innate, like reminding you to rest, reminding you sleep, all these things that shouldn't be innate practices,' Muehl said. 'Making them things that you're trying to hit as a goal – which inherently, if you're working hard toward resting, you're not actually resting." 'I just felt like I couldn't do anything right to make the ring happy,' said Abi Caswell, a bakery owner who lives in New Orleans. She got her ring a little over a year ago to use the device's temperature-tracking feature for family planning. She liked the idea of not having 'to remember to take out a thermometer every morning,' Caswell, 29, said. She described become disenchanted with the device while opening her second bakery location. It was an intense period for Caswell, and the ring's regular reminders reinforced what she already knew: 'My body was in maximum overdrive,' she said. Seeing that spelled out in data only exacerbated her negative feelings, like giving an upset person the wildly unhelpful advice that he or she should just calm down . 'It was stressing me out more thinking about how stressed I was,' Caswell said, 'and how I was not able to give my body and my health the attention that it needed.' Not long after the release of the first Fitbit in 2009, and the first Apple Watch in 2015, the potential hazards of technology so closely entwined with the body's natural processes became apparent. Over the last decade, many have spoken out about how wearable tech has worsened their eating disorders and led to other obsessive behaviour. Still, the siren song of these devices remains strong for some people who might be better served by simply opting out of the latest smartwatch or ring. 'There's just a lot of crises going on,' said Deborah Lupton, a sociologist and the author of The Quantified Self: A Sociology Of Self-Tracking , and people are eager to get their hands on any consumer product that promises them 'at least some control over some aspects of their everyday lives and their health and well-being.' (Though she noted that having access to such an expensive piece of technology – the latest model of the Oura Ring starts at US$349 (RM1,481) – was a privilege.) The proliferation of technology designed to track our biology can also make it easy to forget that human beings are pretty well equipped to do that on our own, said Jacqueline D. Wernimont, an associate professor at Dartmouth College in the film and media studies department who specialises in histories of quantification. Wearable technology 'takes the authority and knowledge out of the individual and places it in some third party, in a device that then the individual has to consult in order to try to decipher or understand her own body', said Wernimont, who is the author of Numbered Lives: Life And Death In Quantum Media . 'That in and of itself produces a kind of anxiety ,' she added. Shyamal Patel, Oura's senior vice president of science, acknowledged that sometimes having access to so much data can be stressful for some users, including himself. Occasionally, he said, he take breaks from wearing his ring if he is feeling overwhelmed. 'I think it's on us as individuals and users and how we actually leverage this technology so the technology is serving us not the other way around,' Patel said. He also stressed that users should take care not to compare their biometric data with others'. Some have found that difficult, particularly as social media has amplified stories of people who they say their wearable tech tipped them off to serious medical conditions. 'I knew that I had cancer before I was diagnosed because of my Oura Ring,' Nikki Gooding, a 27-year-old nurse practitioner in Richmond, Virginia, said in a widely shared TikTok in March. Hunter Woodhall, a Paralympic track star, said his Oura Ring 'may have saved my life' after it helped him seek treatment for appendicitis. Gooding, who was later diagnosed with lymphoma, explained how the ring's daily updates alerted her to 'major signs of some sort of physical stress.' Her temperature was consistently higher than usual, she said in an interview. 'Please don't let this scare you!!,' Gooding later wrote in a comment on her video, acknowledging a number of people who said Gooding's story was the reason they could never wear an Oura Ring. 'I deal with a lot of patients who do have health anxiety, so I understood,' Gooding said. These days, Muehl said, she has taken off her ring for good. She's back to using an old-school pedometer to track her steps. Caswell is still wearing hers. She said she checks it only twice a day. Hills abandoned the blood pressure monitor at her parents' house. She still sleeps in her ring a few nights a week. Wernimont said she regularly has classroom discussions with students who are overly reliant on their quantified experience, focusing closely on data and trusting those metrics over their own firsthand experiences and physical sensations. 'They're like, 'The device said ...' or 'The monitor said ...,' and I'm like, 'But what did your body say?'' – ©2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Subsidy cuts leave deep-sea fishermen struggling to stay afloat
In January 2023, the federal government reduced the subsidised diesel quota by 3,000 litres per fishing vessel, lowering monthly allocations from 20,000 to 17,000 to that, the figure was 22,000 litres per vessel. MIRI (May 11): Deep-sea fishermen across Sarawak are sounding the alarm over reduced diesel subsidies, rising costs, and shrinking profits—threatening both their livelihoods and the future of the industry. In January 2023, the federal government reduced the subsidised diesel quota by 3,000 litres per fishing vessel, lowering monthly allocations from 20,000 to 17,000 to that, the figure was 22,000 litres per vessel. The cuts were introduced without consultation or explanation, leaving the fishing community off-guard and scrambling to cope. The hardest hit are fishermen operating between 12 and 30 nautical miles offshore, who rely heavily on subsidised diesel to cover long fishing trips that can span up to two weeks. 'We're using up to 17,000 litres just on one trip. There's not enough left to make a profit,' lamented fisherman Harry Tan, who noted that some round trips would require about 13,000 litres of diesel. 'If the catch is poor, we have to go farther, and that means using even more fuel. Now with fewer subsidies, we have to cover the extra fuel costs ourselves, and this will only drive fish prices higher,' he pointed out. Harry Tan Fuel represents the largest part of operational costs in the fishing industry, especially for deep-sea vessels that travel up to 30 nautical miles offshore. The rising price of diesel and limited subsidies has forced many fishermen to dig into their own pockets to cover the difference, driving up costs and fish prices alike. Low margins despite high output Data obtained from a research paper titled 'The Contribution of Subsidies on the Welfare of Fishing Communities in Malaysia' in 2017 represented a simulation of how the fishermen's incomes would change should these supports be taken away. In Zone A (traditional), a fisherman would earn around RM2,118, while those in Zones B and C would bring in RM8,018 and RM20,881, respectively – with subsidies. Without subsidies, however, these figures would plummet. Net incomes would drop to just RM212 for traditional fishermen, and RM1,495 for those in Zone B. Zone C fishermen, regarded as those landing the highest value catch, would still lose a considerable chunk, ending with just RM10,676 after deducting the expenses. This leaves many fishermen with only modest take-home pay, despite the high risks, long hours, and substantial operational expenses. For instance, Zone C fishermen may need up to 24,000 litres of fuel monthly, costing upwards of RM40,0000. Another deep-sea fisherman, Wong Hou Kiew, said the fuel cuts had made it difficult to justify going out to sea. 'It's no longer sustainable. We spend so much on fuel, and if the catch is poor, we lose money. This job now feels more like charity than livelihood.' Wong Hou Kiew Rising costs across the board Beyond fuel, fishing boat operators face increasing costs for equipment and maintenance. Engines must be serviced every two to three months, with each session costing up to RM300. A full year of basic servicing totals RM1,200, excluding repairs. For larger boats, breakdowns can be devastating. Abdullah Lin shared that he once had to spend nearly RM100,000 to hire a tugboat and replace a failed engine. 'Engine failure at sea is no joke—it can put lives at risk.' Abdullah Lin The price of new boats and gear had also surged. A fully equipped boat that once cost RM15,000, now could exceed RM35,000, said Augustine Ho, a fisherman from Kampung Nelayan Bakam. 'The sea isn't what it used to be. The fishes are scarcer and harder to find. We can't afford wasted trips because we're the ones facing mounting expenses,' he lamented. Augustine Ho Subsidies: Relief or reliance? Government agencies have argued that the reduction in diesel subsidies is part of a long-term strategy to build a more self-reliant and sustainable fishing sector. The Malaysia Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) said its mission is to 'create independent fishing communities', and reduce dependence on government support. According to LKIM, the total diesel quota of 70 million litres per month is distributed among all registered fishing vessels in Malaysia. The agency insists that the subsidy review was not a budget cut, but a strategic effort to encourage efficiency and prevent abuse. Still, fishermen feel penalised by it, rather than empowered. For that, Miri Area Fishermen's Association (PNK) chairman Okong Sulip expressed his concern about the lack of stability in subsidy policies. 'Subsidies are meant to ease our burden, especially during tough months like the monsoon season. 'Fishing is unpredictable. A good season may allow savings, but bad weather or poor catches can quickly wipe out those. 'For bigger vessels, the costs are massive. Without support, many of us can't afford to keep going,' he said. Okong Sulip Labour crisis The industry's struggles are compounded by a labour crisis. Many young Malaysians are not interested in entering the trade due to its physically and mentally demanding nature, high risks, and low returns. As a result, most fishing crew members now consist entirely of foreign workers. Additionally, many in the industry feel that policymakers are out of touch with on-the-ground- realities. They question whether decisions are being made with full understanding of how subsidy cuts affect daily operations and incomes. The financial challenges, coupled with the dangers of fishing and limited economic security, are turning the once-viable occupation into a burden. In this regard, fishermen are calling for more engagement from the government, clearer communication, and review of subsidy policies that truly reflects operational needs. * Tomorrow, Part 3 of this five-part series focuses on the government-mandated installation of the Mobile Tracking Unit on all deep-sea fishing vessels, and why the fishing community is against it. deep sea fishing focus lead subsidy
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Putra Heights fire victims receive RM212,000 relief from Central Spectrum and collaborators
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with 15 corporate partners, has contributed RM212,000 to support victims of the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights. — Picture by Firdaus Latif KLANG: Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with 15 corporate partners, has contributed RM212,000 to support victims of the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, as part of its commitment to societal well-being. Central Spectrum chief executive officer Mohd Zapi Abdullah said the contribution will be channelled directly to Tabung Selangor Prihatin to provide vital assistance to affected residents and their families. 'Our collective contribution of RM212,000 is a reflection of our deep commitment to standing with the community during difficult times. 'It is during moments like these that unity, compassion and swift action truly matter,' he told Bernama during Central Spectrum's Raya Open House 2025 at its Sales Gallery in Pulau Indah here yesterday. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was also present at the event, alongside community members, corporate partners and dignitaries. The fire incident on April 1 destroyed 81 homes with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, while 81 homes were partially destroyed. Another 57 homes were impacted but not burned, and 218 homes, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong, were unaffected. In line with its tradition of community care, Central Spectrum also presented duit raya to students from Maahad Tahfiz Darul Furqon, Pulau Indah, to bring festive cheer and reaffirm its commitment to nurturing future generations. Mohd Zapi also announced upcoming developments, including a waterfront residential project at Laguna Park and a logistics gateway in Precinct 1B, Pulau Indah. 'These projects are set to drive growth and innovation across Pulau Indah over the next four years. With a steadfast focus on community empowerment, sustainable development, and humanitarian impact, Central Spectrum continues to shape a future where business success goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility,' he said. Central Spectrum, a subsidiary of Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), is the master developer behind key projects including Pulau Indah Industrial Park, Selangor Halal Hub, and SBB Industrial Park, positioning Pulau Indah as a thriving hub for industrial, residential, and commercial growth. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
29-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Putra Heights fire victims receive RM212,000 relief from Central Spectrum and collaborators
KLANG, April 29 — Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with 15 corporate partners, has contributed RM212,000 to support victims of the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, as part of its commitment to societal well-being. Central Spectrum chief executive officer Mohd Zapi Abdullah said the contribution will be channelled directly to Tabung Selangor Prihatin to provide vital assistance to affected residents and their families. 'Our collective contribution of RM212,000 is a reflection of our deep commitment to standing with the community during difficult times. 'It is during moments like these that unity, compassion and swift action truly matter,' he told Bernama during Central Spectrum's Raya Open House 2025 at its Sales Gallery in Pulau Indah here yesterday. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was also present at the event, alongside community members, corporate partners and dignitaries. The fire incident on April 1 destroyed 81 homes with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, while 81 homes were partially destroyed. Another 57 homes were impacted but not burned, and 218 homes, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong, were unaffected. In line with its tradition of community care, Central Spectrum also presented duit raya to students from Maahad Tahfiz Darul Furqon, Pulau Indah, to bring festive cheer and reaffirm its commitment to nurturing future generations. Mohd Zapi also announced upcoming developments, including a waterfront residential project at Laguna Park and a logistics gateway in Precinct 1B, Pulau Indah. 'These projects are set to drive growth and innovation across Pulau Indah over the next four years. With a steadfast focus on community empowerment, sustainable development, and humanitarian impact, Central Spectrum continues to shape a future where business success goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility,' he said. Central Spectrum, a subsidiary of Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), is the master developer behind key projects including Pulau Indah Industrial Park, Selangor Halal Hub, and SBB Industrial Park, positioning Pulau Indah as a thriving hub for industrial, residential, and commercial growth. — Bernama
Barnama
29-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Central Spectrum, Partners Contribute RM212,000 To Support Putra Heights Fire Victims
KLANG, April 29 (Bernama) -- Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with 15 corporate partners, has contributed RM212,000 to support victims of the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, as part of its commitment to societal well-being. Central Spectrum chief executive officer Mohd Zapi Abdullah said the contribution will be channelled directly to Tabung Selangor Prihatin to provide vital assistance to affected residents and their families. 'Our collective contribution of RM212,000 is a reflection of our deep commitment to standing with the community during difficult times. 'It is during moments like these that unity, compassion and swift action truly matter,' he told Bernama during Central Spectrum's Raya Open House 2025 at its Sales Gallery in Pulau Indah here yesterday. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was also present at the event, alongside community members, corporate partners and dignitaries. The fire incident on April 1 destroyed 81 homes with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, while 81 homes were partially destroyed. Another 57 homes were impacted but not burned, and 218 homes, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong, were unaffected. In line with its tradition of community care, Central Spectrum also presented duit raya to students from Maahad Tahfiz Darul Furqon, Pulau Indah, to bring festive cheer and reaffirm its commitment to nurturing future generations. Mohd Zapi also announced upcoming developments, including a waterfront residential project at Laguna Park and a logistics gateway in Precinct 1B, Pulau Indah. 'These projects are set to drive growth and innovation across Pulau Indah over the next four years. With a steadfast focus on community empowerment, sustainable development, and humanitarian impact, Central Spectrum continues to shape a future where business success goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility,' he said.
