Latest news with #Sexual
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Afieq Shazwan: It's not me, but 'we' are indeed the same age
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer-actor Afieq Shazwan has found himself embroiled in controversy after his name was linked to a celebrity sexual assault case involving a 17-year-old girl. Afieq, whose full name is Mohammad Shafieq Shazwan Zamros, 27, said he was inundated with calls and messages from the media and acquaintances keen to know more about the matter. "Some people said I was that individual, even mentioning the dramas I'd acted in. Plus, I was linked because I'm 27 and have a birth date very close to the individual involved, as we're the same age," he explained. "But, honestly, I don't know anything about it, and it's certainly not me. It's not that I want to avoid making a statement, but I'm incredibly busy with work. "I've just returned from Sabah and Kuching, Sarawak, and my weekend schedule is absolutely packed." He added, "I'm also busy with activities with my mother, cooking and buying kitchen items, as I'm about to perform the haj again. However, I can understand why my name would be mentioned." Afieq told Harian Metro. According to Afieq, he remained calm and initially declined to comment, concerned about offending anyone and protecting his fellow artistes. When asked about his surprise at celebrity names being connected to the case, Afieq expressed his shock but refused to dwell on it, not wanting to be slandered. "I don't want these sexual assault allegations to become slander. It's just that from what I've read in the comments, I understand why people are pointing fingers, perhaps trying to guess," he said. The 'Lelaki Di Telefon' singer and 'Rampas Cintaku' actor emphasised the importance for all celebrities, as public figures, to uphold their conduct. "For my fellow artistes, we should all try to conduct ourselves as best as possible for our careers and, at the same time, protect our reputation as youth icons," he said. "Many people are interested in our work, our songs, our drama series, and to protect that good name, we should look after ourselves. "We don't want incidents like this (sexual harassment) to occur because we're afraid it will escalate," he said. Harian Metro previously reported that a well-known male actor and singer was arrested by the police after being accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at a hotel in Selangor. The 17-year-old victim reportedly met the artiste at a café where she worked. After several meetings, the suspect then took the victim to meet him at a hotel. Senior Assistant Commissioner Siti Kamsiah Hassan, Principal Assistant Director of the Sexual, Women and Children Division (D11) of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department, confirmed the matter. The case is being investigated under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792).
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Erectile dysfunction could be an early sign of serious health problems — here's why you shouldn't ignore it
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is still a topic that carries a lot of stigma for men, despite how common it is. By the time men hit their 40s, about 40 per cent of them experience some form of ED, with rates increasing by about 10 per cent per decade. Though ED's effects on intimacy can be devastating, it can also be one of the earliest signs of more serious health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hormonal imbalance. The most common physical cause of ED is poor blood flow, but it can also be related to nerve damage, structural problems, or hormones — all issues that need to be checked by a healthcare provider. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Though ED is a shared experience among men, many are hesitant to speak up about it, even to their doctors. According to Canadian urologist Dr. Yonah Krakowsky, this silence is deeply rooted in shame. 'Men experiencing ED might feel that it's an indictment of their manhood or masculinity,' he explains. 'These harmful misconceptions will prevent men from speaking about it openly or getting medical help.' In some cases, practical barriers like long wait times, lack of a family doctor, or even not being able to take time off work can push people away from getting proper care. And in smaller towns, where you might bump into your doctor at the grocery store, the idea of opening up about ED can feel even more daunting. Men experiencing ED might feel that it's an indictment of their manhood or masculinity,' he explains. 'These harmful misconceptions will prevent men from speaking about it openly or getting medical Yonah Krakowsky Instead of speaking to a healthcare provider, many men turn to quick-fix solutions like gas station 'boosters,' unregulated pills sold online, or over the counter supplements that promise results without the awkward conversation. But Krakowsky says these types of workarounds come with their own risks. When struggling with the mental and emotional challenges of ED, many men may not realize it can be the body's way of sounding an alarm. 'One of the first signs of diabetes or cardiovascular disease can be ED,' says Krakowsky. It might seem like a just a performance issue, but it's often a circulation or blood sugar problem. ED is strongly linked to reduced blood flow, and that can signal the same kind of artery damage that leads to heart attacks or strokes. A 2025 review in Sexual Medicine Reviews urged healthcare providers to screen men with ED for early signs of heart disease — since the systems are so closely connected. As well, roughly 34-45 per cent of adult men with diabetes experience ED, regardless of age, according to the Canadian Journal of Diabetes. Krakowsky recalls a patient who came in for ED, who, after testing, was found to have dangerously high blood sugar levels and advanced diabetes. Without that initial visit, it might have gone unnoticed. "Most people might not think of that," he notes. "There's no expectation that a patient would connect ED to cardiovascular, hormonal changes or endocrinological changes." Recognizing ED as a health issue, not just a sexual one, can mean uncovering bigger problems early, when they're most treatable. Sometimes ED is a symptom of hormonal shifts or metabolic health problems. "As men age, testosterone levels can drop to a level that causes symptoms such as low energy, low libido and sexual dysfunction," explains Krakowsky. This process, sometimes referred to as 'anabolic decline,' is part of aging, but it doesn't mean men have to live with the symptoms in silence. Another major factor is metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood sugar, high cholesterol and abdominal weight gain, which damages blood vessels and increases inflammation throughout the body. 'High blood pressure from metabolic syndrome also causes chronic inflammation, affecting vascular health and damaging blood vessels,' Krakowsky notes. This affects blood flow everywhere, including to the penis. Addressing these root causes early is key. That's why Krakowsky emphasizes the need for regular lab work and full-body check-ups when ED appears, especially for men between 40 and 60. "It's important to draw the bigger picture for patients in terms of their overall health," he says. Ads for 'natural' erection pills or stamina boosters that claim to work instantly are rampant online. They look like an easy fix, let you stay anonymous and are often cheaper than seeing a doctor, but they aren't risk free. Health Canada warns the public about unauthorized sexual enhancement products sold online and on shelves in convenience stores and vape shops. Some contain undeclared ingredients, including versions of real medications like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) — but without clear labeling or regulated dosages. Even if the active ingredient is in there, you don't know how much, or what else it's mixed with, Krakowsky explains. "In some cases, the real medication might not be present at all, and ultimately, this is not helpful as they won't do anything, making it a waste of time and money," he says. On the flip side, dosages that are too high or unmonitored by a doctor can lead to life-threatening low blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. Many of the same habits that support heart health also protect sexual function, Krakowsky notes. That means staying physically active, managing stress, cutting back on alcohol and smoking and eating a balanced diet high in fibre and low in processed foods. He also encourages men to be proactive, not reactive, about their health. Annual physicals, blood tests and check-ins with a healthcare provider can catch small changes before they turn into major problems. "Understand the transition and changes your body will undergo, seek help when you need it, and don't be afraid to access care on your own terms," he cautions. That can mean increasing your health literacy and awareness and finding forms of care that are convenient for your living situation. If you're looking into an ED clinic, it's essential to know who runs it and if the treatment is based on solid evidence, he warns. "Men should ensure that care is being delivered by a licensed healthcare practitioner licensed in their province, whether that's a medical doctor or nurse practitioner," the doctor explains. The practitioner you choose should meet with you for a detailed consultation, explain the recommended treatment plan and answer any questions or concerns you may have. While many men think of ED as a bedroom issue, it's often a helpful warning sign. And when approached early, with the right treatment and lifestyle tweaks, the outcomes are sure to be safer and more effective.
Business News Wales
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
South Wales Firm Wins National Award for Excellence in Specialist Cleaning
Matrix Biohazard Services Ltd, a division of the South Wales based Matrix Group, has been nationally recognised by the Business Awards for Excellence in Specialist Cleaning. Operating around the clock, 365 days a year, Matrix has more than 1,000 clients nationwide including multiple UK police forces, the Royal Navy, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). It offers specialist cleaning services in environments including crime scenes and custodial facilities to hoarding remediation and public health incidents. The award celebrates Matrix's achievements, including 300% year-on-year growth, rigorous national deployment standards, and a commitment to public safety and dignity, the firm said. In the past year alone, the company has responded to nearly 3,000 critical incidents across the UK. 'This recognition is a tribute to the resilience, professionalism, and heart of our entire team,' said Carol Apps, Managing Director of Matrix Biohazard Services Ltd. 'Every day, we are trusted to walk into some of the most difficult situations people can face, and we do so with empathy, skill, and an unshakable commitment to making things better. It's an honour to have that work acknowledged on a national scale.'
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
DDG asks judge to stop Halle Bailey from traveling with their son
DDG asks judge to stop Halle Bailey from traveling with their son DDG and ex-girlfriend Halle Bailey are continuing to hash out their custody issues in court. On June 4, lawyers for the 27-year-old rapper and Twitch streamer – born Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. – requested a temporary emergency order in Los Angeles Superior Court, according to a filing reviewed by USA TODAY. The filing, made as part of Bailey's restraining order case against DDG that was initiated in May, asks the judge to prohibit the 25-year-old actress from traveling to Italy with their 18-month-old son, Halo. His team also asked for a continuance, or a postponement, of the domestic violence restraining order hearing that had been scheduled for June 4. According to People and E! News, in a 44-page filing, DDG's lawyers leveled allegations that cast doubt on Bailey's fitness as a parent, calling her "an imminent emotional and psychological risk." Per Billboard, the judge overseeing the case indicated she would soon issue an order on whether Bailey can travel with their son on June 4. The next hearing in the case is reportedly June 24. Bailey had been granted a temporary restraining order from DDG the same day she filed her request, according to a May 13 notice reviewed by USA TODAY. USA TODAY has reached out to Bailey's representatives for comment. Halle Bailey's allegations: Inside her restraining order request against DDG Met Gala: Halle Bailey wears suit dress Halle Bailey shines on the Met Gala red carpet in a mini-suit dress. Halle Bailey accused DDG of abuse in restraining order request In her May filing, Bailey accused DDG of physical, emotional, verbal and financial abuse and requested full legal and physical custody of Halo. As a result of DDG's alleged abuse, Bailey demanded no-contact and stay-away orders for herself and Halo that prevented DDG from getting in touch with the mother-son pair, in addition to requiring the rapper to remain 100 yards away from them and to stop posting about Bailey and Halo on social media. "I realize that there is no placating Darryl," Bailey wrote in a statement attached to the filing. "I cannot allow this abuse any longer. I cannot keep living like this. I never know when he is going to demand our son be in his mother's care and whether I will be subjected to his threats and abuse." If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish via chat and at 800-656-4673. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788. Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Actor arrested over alleged sexual offence involving teen
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested a well-known male actor and singer after he was alleged to have committed physical sexual assault against a teenage girl at a hotel in Selangor yesterday. According to sources, the 17-year-old victim had reportedly met the artiste at the café where she worked, and they were said to have met several times before the incident occurred. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department's Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) principal assistant director, SAC Siti Kamsiah Hassan, said the artiste was arrested upon receipt of the report and was released on the same day on police bail. 'Police are finalising the investigation papers, and the case is being investigated under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792),' she said when contacted today.
