Latest news with #Reineke
Medscape
28-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Are Europe's Open Waters Safe for Swimming?
Laura Reineke is an avid open water swimmer. Her passion has taken her from crossing the English Channel to circumnavigating Manhattan Island. But the hobby has also made her feel poorly on several occasions. 'They're always severe. They always take you by surprise. Joint pain, full body aches, diarrhea, vomiting,' recalled Reineke, who has founded Henley Mermaids, a grassroots campaign against sewage pollution, and Friends of the Thames, a charity organization that aims to protect the English river. Laura Reineke As temperatures warm across Europe, many more open water swimming enthusiasts are venturing into rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and seas. While offering significant physical and mental health benefits, the burgeoning pastime increasingly exposed people to waterborne contaminants. But the risks are difficult to quantify. Therese Westrell, PhD, principal expert for Food and Waterborne Diseases at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), told Medscape Medical News , 'We don't really know how big of a problem there is across Europe. There are risks that we know of when there is high contamination.' The Microbial Menace Europe's bathing waters are routinely monitored for Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci, which serve as bacterial indicators of fecal contamination, as mandated under the European Union (EU) Bathing Water Directive. The latest figures for the 2023 season show that 85.4% of bathing waters in the EU were classified as 'excellent,' indicating high overall quality. However, a persistent 1.5% of sites, amounting to 321 locations, were still classified as 'poor.' A significant disparity in water quality exists between inland and coastal areas. Inland bathing waters, including rivers and lakes, generally exhibit poorer quality, with 2.4% of inland sites categorized as 'poor' in 2023 compared with 1% of coastal sites. The European Environment Agency wrote to Medscape Medical News in an email that these inland waters 'are more susceptible than coastal areas to short-term pollution caused by heavy rains or droughts.' The primary sources of microbial contamination are human activities and animal waste. Inadequate urban wastewater treatment, agricultural runoff carrying livestock waste, and even direct contamination from waterfowl like mallards can elevate bacterial levels in water. In some big, older cities, such as London and Paris, combined sewer overflows are used as safety release valves to prevent urban flooding during heavy rainfall. However, their frequent activation leads to the direct discharge of enormous volumes of untreated sewage into waterways. In England alone, more than 400,000 such discharges occurred in 2020. Common illnesses associated with microbial contamination include gastrointestinal infections caused by pathogens like Norovirus, E. coli , Giardia , and Cryptosporidium , which give symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Other manifestations include respiratory, dermatologic, ear, nose, and throat infections. A more severe, albeit rarer, bacterial infection is leptospirosis (Weil's disease), which can cause significant liver and kidney deterioration. Quantifying the exact extent of these problems across Europe remains challenging due to the complexities of attributing specific transmission modes to surveillance data. 'The information we have on which cases come from swimming and which are from food is not really there,' Westrell said. Therese Westrell, PhD However, specific microbes are closely monitored. Vibrio species, for instance, are naturally occurring bacteria in coastal waters that thrive in elevated temperatures and brackish water. Ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, but wound infections are more concerning. 'If you get it through a wound, you can get a very severe infection. You can also get the blood infection, which could be fatal,' Westrell explained. The Baltic Sea has been a hot spot for these bacteria, with a significant increase in reported cases from several countries during the 2018 heatwave, Westrell said. With global temperatures rising, Vibrio species are expanding beyond the Baltic area, and the ECDC is actively increasing its surveillance on the microbe. European Member States report on the occurrence and management of local infectious disease outbreaks linked to water swimming, but comprehensive pan-European data is fragmented and not routinely collected in all waters. Chemical Contaminants European waters also contain a 'cocktail of chemicals,' said Helena Rapp Wright, PhD, a research associate at Imperial College London, London, England. These compounds originate from many sources, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, industrial discharges, agricultural pesticides, and vehicle emissions. Most wastewater treatment plants remove pathogens but are not designed to remove these chemicals. Consequently, many of these substances pass through treatment processes and are discharged directly into rivers and other water bodies. While their concentration is generally low in large bodies of water, the continuous input means they are persistently present. Rapp Wright and her colleagues have found 'loads of chemicals' in English and Irish waters. While many pose no risk at current concentrations, some compounds are 'quite toxic,' she said. Particularly concerning are pesticides detected at high-risk levels, such as imidacloprid, which was banned in 2018 but is still used for pet flea treatments, and antibiotics due to their potential contribution to antimicrobial resistance, she explained. But for swimmers like Reineke, who trains at least 1 hour in the Thames 6 days a week, the primary health concern related to chemical contaminants is often long-term exposure and the potential of developing chronic conditions, rather than immediate acute effects, which are more commonly associated with microbial pathogens. What General Practitioners (GPs) Should Be Aware of and Do To reap the health benefits of open water swimming while minimizing the possible hazards associated with exposure to pathogens and pollutants, GPs can help their patients practice this sport in the safest way: Understand risk profiles: While many coastal bathing areas are designated and monitored, rivers and inland lakes often lack this official status, implying a higher inherent health risk for swimmers in these less-regulated environments. While many coastal bathing areas are designated and monitored, rivers and inland lakes often lack this official status, implying a higher inherent health risk for swimmers in these less-regulated environments. Advise on avoidance: It is important to advise patients to avoid open water swimming during and immediately after periods of heavy rainfall, especially if these follow dry spells. Such conditions significantly increase the likelihood of combined sewer overflows discharging untreated sewage directly into waterways. It is important to advise patients to avoid open water swimming during and immediately after periods of heavy rainfall, especially if these follow dry spells. Such conditions significantly increase the likelihood of combined sewer overflows discharging untreated sewage directly into waterways. Encourage informed decisions: Encourage patients to utilize readily available public resources before swimming. These include official online bathing water profiles provided by environmental agencies, such as the Environment Agency's Swimfo in the United Kingdom, and local real-time pollution maps, such as Wild Swim Map, which visually indicate safe (green) vs recently polluted (red) areas. Encourage patients to utilize readily available public resources before swimming. These include official online bathing water profiles provided by environmental agencies, such as the Environment Agency's Swimfo in the United Kingdom, and local real-time pollution maps, such as Wild Swim Map, which visually indicate safe (green) vs recently polluted (red) areas. Clinical suspicion: When patients present with unexplained gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, respiratory symptoms, or ear, nose, and throat infections, GPs should always inquire about recent open water swimming exposure in their history taking. For severe wound infections, particularly after swimming in warmer brackish waters, consider Vibrio as a potential pathogen. Ultimately, Rapp Wright said that the goal is not to deter enthusiasts from the therapeutic joys of open water bathing and swimming. 'We don't want people to stop [swimming], we want to make sure that they do it safely.' As for Reineke, the potential of falling ill has not stopped her from dipping into the water. 'I want to do Oceans Seven and become the first British female to do that.' Medscape Medical News reached out to the European Commission spokesperson responsible for health, but they declined an interview. Reineke, Westrell, and Rapp Wright disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Reineke, Ford donate electric Mustang to UNOH
May 22—LIMA — Reineke Family Dealerships and the Ford Motor Company are preparing the next generation of technicians. The University of Northwest Ohio Alternative Fuels and Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Technology program accepted a Ford Mustang Mach-E on Thursday donated by Reineke in partnership with Ford. Students won't have to wait long until they can work on the vehicle. "We'll have some worksheets put together (for students to do). We'll be hooking scan tools to it and doing some tests and things in the high-voltage system as well as the low-voltage system," said Randy Pack, electric vehicle program instructor. The relationships are what it's all about for Ford. "Partnerships with Reineke and UNOH, that's what it's about," said Todd Sass, technical placement specialist, Great Lakes market area. "Reineke does such a phenomenal job of creating this ecosystem for technicians." Reineke is excited for the students to take advantage of the opportunity. "We're just super excited to partner with UNOH, and this is a great opportunity for us as the industry evolves and everything grows," said Jeff Rose, with Reineke. "For them to have first-hand knowledge of what the vehicles actually consist of is going to be great." The university asked Ford if it could take the vehicle and use it in the program since it couldn't resell it, Pack said. Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351 Featured Local Savings
BBC News
02-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
River Guardians initiative aims to 'protect every inch' of Thames
A new guardianship initiative will aim to protect "every single inch" of the River Thames, according to a charity of the Thames' (FOTT) chief executive Laura Reineke said the River Guardians initiative aimed to ensure the river "from source to sea" was looked after by an individual, community or programme will launch on 22 May, and Ms Reineke said its ultimate aim was to try and get the river granted personhood status in law, giving it the same legal rights as a person - something that New Zealand recently did for its Mount said the initiative was about addressing the threats to the River Thames as well as reconnecting communities to it. "We would like to be able to connect communities back to the river and we see this as a good way of doing that, as well as safeguarding all the biodiversity - that is declining at a rate of five times that of land based species," she said. The initiative is a collaboration between FOTT and environmental barrister Paul Powlesland."He was already a guardian for his patch of the river that he lives on, and our aim is to fill all the gaps of the guardian system in the Thames so that every single inch of the Thames is protected," said Ms would be responsible for mapping the area, testing water quality and tracking invasive species, as well as acting as a central point for co-ordinating other environmental work."Our eventual aim through this system would be to get the river a personhood in law, so she would have human rights the same as you or I," said Ms Reineke."That's what we feel we need to do in this country to reconnect people to the wildlife and the nature, so that they care for it and we can see a return of all the declining populations."A spokesperson for Thames Water said the operator had an "ambitious" five-year plan to reduce river pollution and upgrade infrastructure. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Initiative to 'protect every inch' of Thames
A new guardianship initiative will aim to protect "every single inch" of the River Thames, according to a charity boss. Friends of the Thames' (FOTT) chief executive Laura Reineke said the River Guardians initiative aimed to ensure the river "from source to sea" was looked after by an individual, community or group. The programme will launch on 22 May, and Ms Reineke said its ultimate aim was to try and get the river granted personhood status in law, giving it the same legal rights as a person - something that New Zealand recently did for its Mount Taranaki. She said the initiative was about addressing the threats to the River Thames as well as reconnecting communities to it. "We would like to be able to connect communities back to the river and we see this as a good way of doing that, as well as safeguarding all the biodiversity - that is declining at a rate of five times that of land based species," she said. The initiative is a collaboration between FOTT and environmental barrister Paul Powlesland. "He was already a guardian for his patch of the river that he lives on, and our aim is to fill all the gaps of the guardian system in the Thames so that every single inch of the Thames is protected," said Ms Reineke. Guardians would be responsible for mapping the area, testing water quality and tracking invasive species, as well as acting as a central point for co-ordinating other environmental work. "Our eventual aim through this system would be to get the river a personhood in law, so she would have human rights the same as you or I," said Ms Reineke. "That's what we feel we need to do in this country to reconnect people to the wildlife and the nature, so that they care for it and we can see a return of all the declining populations." A spokesperson for Thames Water said the operator had an "ambitious" five-year plan to reduce river pollution and upgrade infrastructure. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Boat Race water quality 'an ongoing concern' Thames swim brings in water quality tests Friends of the Thames
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio Senate unanimously approves energy and utility overhaul
Ohio state Sen. Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin, addressing the Senate. (Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal.) The Ohio Senate unanimously approved a measure Wednesday overhauling much of the state's energy sector. The chief goal of the proposal is to encourage investment in new, primarily gas-fired, power plants as the state's energy demands skyrocket. But as part of the bill, lawmakers made broad changes to the way to utilities bill customers. Utility regulators would be subject to a 'shot clock' meant to speed rate cases through the process and utilities themselves won't be able to rely on the energy bill surcharges that have helped bolster their balance sheets. Ohio Senate committee unanimously advances energy overhaul SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE But perhaps most notable, the bill eliminates the legacy generation rider — a surcharge devised to prop up two aging coal plants that are part of the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation. That controversial rider was part of 2019's Ohio House Bill 6 which was at the heart of a massive bribery scheme that landed former House Speaker Larry Householder in federal prison with a 20-year sentence. So far, the legacy generation rider has cost ratepayers about half a billion dollars. Senate Bill 2 draws a bright line between the companies building new power generation facilities and the ones more familiar names that show up on your monthly bill. Those energy giants control power distribution, and since 1999, they've largely been cut out of the generation business. 'We're making it clear that generation is separate from transmission,' the bill's sponsor state Sen. Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin, told lawmakers Wednesday. In addition to keeping energy giants out of the marketplace, Reineke's bill offers tax incentives for newcomers. 'There will be no (tangible personal property) tax on new generation projects,' he explained, 'and a reduction from 88% to 25% on new transmission, distribution, and pipeline infrastructure.' In addition, Reineke bragged about cutting the turnaround time on regulatory decisions. 'We are changing that from 540 days on average to 365 days, and some siting cases will drop to 120,' Reineke said. 'It is not acceptable to be behind California and New York, so we will improve our turnaround time.' With a wave of new power-hungry customers so-called behind the meter service has gained traction. Some distribution companies want to dip a toe in the marketplace, building bespoke power plants for data centers around Ohio. But under the bill, existing facilities would be ok, but after it's effective date, distribution companies would not be able to participate. With unanimous approval, Reineke's efforts got a lot of praise, but even some supporters offered a grain of salt. State Sen. Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, joked that a program helping schools get loans for rooftop solar, might be 'the only bright idea I've had in a while,' and thanked Reineke for including it in the bill. But he added, 'This isn't a perfect bill,' noting it could have done more to improve energy efficiency. 'I know the utilities didn't get everything, I know that the consumers' counsel didn't get everything, I know that the users didn't get everything,' he continued, 'which, what I was told growing up, is if everybody didn't get everything they want, then it's a good bill.' State Sen. Louis Blessing, R-Colerain Twp., said the assumptions driving the bill might be flawed. 'So, for starters, this does move us more towards a deregulated state, away from a regulated state, and I think that is a problem,' he argued, 'because I think the regulated state is a better model for cheaper, more plentiful, and reliable energy in this state.' 'If deregulation was so wonderful,' he asked, 'Why are we talking about all of this need for energy right now, when we've been a deregulated state now for over 25 years?' Blessing said companies building new power plants aren't incentivized to maximize output because all that supply would just reduce the value of their product. He added that customers in deregulated markets often pay more for energy than those in regulated markets — on average, $40 a month more. 'I will vote yes,' he said, 'but I wouldn't expect this to be the panacea that we think it is.' Following session, Senate President Rob McColley called the measure a 'big piece of puzzle' when it comes to utility reform. 'This bill, really is something that I think is going to pay dividends for decades to come,' he said. 'This is a shift in energy policy that is saying that not only are we open to large energy users coming here and generating their own energy and bringing the economic development and jobs that comes with that, but also that we are open for energy users, such as the natural gas industry, to come here and set up shop easier.' Across the aisle, Sen. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, was thrilled to see lawmakers taking steps to repeal HB 6's OVEC coal plant subsidies. He's been working on utility issues for 11 years, and said SB 2 might be 'a strange example of the benefit of term limits.' With a bit of back of the envelope math, he landed on 49 members of the current General Assembly were in office when HB 6 passed. 'So, you have 83 new members,' he explained — Energy Committee chairman Sen. Brian Chavez, R-Marietta, among them. 'As less of the General Assembly had to defend their House Bill 6 vote,' he argued, 'some sensibility kind of began to get baked into the process, and I think that's why we got majority party support.' During testimony on the floor, Smith held up letters from 18 constituents begging for utility reform two years ago. He's eager to write them a follow up but acknowledged Senate passage is just one step and he's nervous about how the bill might change after the House has its say. Once it's signed by the governor, Smith said, 'You know, great — that is a great day.' 'Until that happens,' he added, 'we haven't fixed anything yet.' Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
