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Mid East Info
29-05-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
Where Impact Starts Young: The Global Footprint of Youth Action in Camps International's Latest Report
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Camps International, a social enterprise that provides school expeditions for student volunteers worldwide, including the UAE, today released its 2025 Impact Report, which outlines significant measures in education, environmental conservation, and community development. The report reflects more than two decades of purpose-driven impact, including over 413,000 hours in 2023 and 2024 of hands-on project work contributed globally, and details the organisation's work across education, environmental restoration, and community development, efforts that align closely with global sustainability goals and regional youth development strategies. As governments across the Middle East accelerate efforts to embed sustainability, and global citizenship, into education systems, Camps International's experiential learning model continues to gain relevance. Through structured expeditions grounded in community partnership, students are empowered to engage with real-world development challenges ranging from climate adaptation and clean water access to inclusive education and biodiversity protection. These programmes directly contribute to the advancement of multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, while complementing national visions such as the UAE Green Education Partnership. Sharon Palmer, Managing Director for the UK and Middle East, said: 'This report is more than a snapshot. It reflects the scale of what's possible when education, sustainability, and community impact come together. Whether it's building classrooms, restoring ecosystems, or sparking global awareness in young people, our goal is long-term, systemic change. We want this report to show what responsible, purpose-led travel can achieve and invite others to help us take it further.' Educational Projects The 2025 report highlights strong progress across the organisation's pillars of impact. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of completed humanitarian, conservation and infrastructure projects increased from 541 to 669 with expanded reach across Latin America, East Africa and Southeast Asia. Education remains a cornerstone of Camps' mission. Over the past year, an additional 53 classrooms were improved, benefitting thousands of children through improved access to safe, equipped learning environments. The cumulative total now includes over 310 classrooms and 146 upgraded school facilities provided to support quality learning. Environmental Protection Environmental protection initiatives also accelerated during the reporting period. Tree-planting efforts surpassed the one million milestone, while marine conservation programmes removed more than 23 tonnes of marine refuse from over 100 miles of its destinations, the organisation now supports the protection of more than 250,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat in some of the world's most fragile ecosystems. This includes the installation of 22 Lion Lights systems around Nairobi National Park in Kenya, a solar-powered deterrent initiative that reduces livestock loss by up to 90% and helps minimise conflict between local communities and predators. Community Health and Infrastructure In addition to education and environmental outcomes, the report tracks impact on community health and infrastructure. More than 353 sanitation facilities and 39 community kitchens have been built to improve hygiene and nutrition. Seven medical centres have been supported across five countries, providing vital healthcare access to underserved populations. Meanwhile, sustainable livelihood initiatives ranging from livestock health interventions to micro-enterprise projects continue to empower families with practical tools for income generation and food security. Camps International also reaffirmed its growing role as a strategic partner for organisations seeking to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives. Through long-term school sponsorships and employee engagement opportunities, the organisation provides a transparent and scalable platform for companies to align their operations with global sustainability commitments and regional development priorities. The 2025 Impact Report underscores Camps International's commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. By combining education with ethical, community-led impact, the organisation supports national priorities while inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose.
Buzz Feed
04-04-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Nutritionists Are So Worried You Aren't Getting These Nutrients, It's A "Public Health Concern"
If you're eating the way most people in America do these days, you're probably falling short of the vital nutrients you need. Fewer than 10% of us meet the daily recommended intake for vegetables (2 to 3 cups a day), and only 20% of us eat enough fruit (1 1/2 to 2 cups daily). The situation is even worse with what the US Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services call shortfall nutrients, which are important but underconsumed nutrients. The current shortfall list includes vitamins A, D, E and C, along with folate, calcium, magnesium, fiber and potassium. For adolescent and premenopausal females, iron is also a shortfall nutrient. Of these, four have been classified as 'nutrients of public health concern' because their underconsumption has been linked in scientific literature to adverse health outcomes. Those vital four are fiber, calcium, vitamin D and potassium. It's a downward trend that concerns nutrition experts. Registered dietitian nutritionist Sharon Palmer said: 'Unfortunately, our diets are not as nutrient-rich as we wish they could be, for reasons that include access and affordability of healthful foods and reliance on overly processed foods over minimally processed foods. People aren't cooking as much as they used to, and they're snacking more instead of sitting down to meals. That adds up to more refined foods, and fewer nutrients, on the plate.' The situation, for Palmer, has less to do with the sludge we're currently consuming than with all the important things we aren't eating: 'We're missing out on nutritious foods that are so rich in these nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.' We asked nutrition experts to tell us more about these 'public health concern' nutrients — to find out why they're so important and how to eat enough of them. Public Health Concern No. 1: Fiber Nearly every nutritionist interviewed for this story led off with a plea for us to eat more fiber, right now. They are really serious about this, explaining that it's important for many more reasons than just avoiding constipation. Registered dietitian Kara Landau said: 'Dietary fiber is essential not only for a healthy digestive tract, but it also plays an important role in our metabolic health, such as protection from heart disease and improving blood glucose regulation.' Eating more fiber comes with other benefits, too, said registered dietician nutritionist Chelsey Amer: 'When you focus [on] boosting fiber intake, you'll also consume more of other shortfall nutrients, like vitamins A, D, E and C, which are found in fruits and vegetables, or the magnesium and iron found in beans.' Most of us are falling woefully short of fiber goals, said registered dietician Morgan Walker, an adjunct professor at Lebanon Valley College: 'The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, but most Americans consume fewer than 15 grams per day,' she said. And fiber under-consumption can't just be solved with a morning bowl of Colon Blow, Landau said: 'You need to look for diversity, so rather than just selecting one high-fiber bran-based cereal, it's more beneficial to include different high-fiber choices all day long.' Public Health Concern No. 2: Calcium We all grew up hearing that calcium would help build strong bones, but now that we're done growing, many of us feel that we don't need it anymore. But this under-appreciated nutrient is of lifelong importance, Landau said. 'It's important for ongoing bone and heart health,' she said, adding a reminder that vitamins D and K2 enhance its absorption. Registered dietician nutritionist Lauren Manaker highlighted the benefits of keeping up with calcium, D and K2: 'Together, they reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.' The recommended daily calcium intake is 1,000 milligrams for most adults, increasing to 1,200 milligrams for women over 50 and men over 70. While dairy is a great source of calcium, there are plenty of other options, the experts said. 'It's becoming more well-accepted that there are other great sources such as broccoli, leafy greens, chia and basil seeds,' Landau said. 'A great example of a calcium-rich snack would be Greek yogurt topped with chia seeds and fruit.' Public Health Concern No. 3: Vitamin D The role of vitamin D is continuing to be studied, and it seems as if new benefits emerge all the time. 'It's well-known for its role in bone health, but emerging research has also highlighted its broader role in overall health,' Walker said, noting that it's been shown to boost immune function and has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. 'There's also research showing an influence on mental health, with vitamin D deficiencies associated with conditions like depression,' she added. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 600 international units, or IU, for adults under 70 and 800 IU for adults over 70. Walker noted that many experts believe that higher amounts may be necessary for optimal health. Approximately 35% of adults in the United States have a vitamin D deficiency, research shows. It's an increasingly common situation, said registered dietician Amy Shapiro, lead nutritionist at ButcherBox. 'Almost everyone is deficient in vitamin D, which can be hard to get from food,' she said. 'Lean into sustainably sourced salmon, grass-fed beef, crate-free pork and mushrooms, and you'll get a good dose. By setting up your plate to be 1/4 lean protein, 1/2 vegetables and 1/4 complex carbohydrates, you can improve your odds of meeting nutrient needs.' Public Health Concern No. 4: Potassium If you can't remember the last time you ate a banana or a potato (chips and fries don't count), you might be one of the millions who are falling short of the amount of potassium you need. 'Most people eat less than 2,600 milligrams of potassium per day, which is significantly lower than the recommended 4,700 milligrams,' said registered dietician nutritionist Jen Hernandez. One of the reasons it's important to get enough of this nutrient, she said, is because potassium plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. 'But the foods richest in potassium — fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes — aren't eaten enough as part of the standard American diet,' she said. One reason for this imbalance, said registered dietician nutritionist Cory Mygrant, is the high sodium content in our diets. 'Many people consume too much sodium, often due to processed foods, and so they aren't getting enough potassium to balance it out. Potassium is a crucial nutrient that works alongside sodium to help maintain the right balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body. This imbalance can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.' Two top sources of potassium, potatoes and bananas, have been 'demonized' in some circles, Hernandez said, but they're great sources of a vital nutrient: 'A medium baked potato has 164 calories and 952 milligrams of potassium, and a medium banana has just 105 calories, but 422 milligrams of potassium.' All this talk of shortfalls might leave you wondering if it's at all possible to keep yourself well nourished these days. But if you're reaching for a bottle of multivitamins right to supplement the gaps, you may want to slow your roll, experts said. Registered dietician nutritionist Marissa Karp had this advice: 'While supplements can help us bridge the gap and serve as an insurance policy, they aren't a replacement for eating nourishing foods. If you aren't already eating well, moving your body, drinking water and managing your stress, don't waste money on supplements. Taking supplements and then eating processed foods is not the same as eating a whole foods diet and using supplements to help ensure you're getting enough.' She offered this example of the joy of whole foods: 'When you eat an avocado, it's not just about the potassium or dietary fiber, but the synergy of the nutrients working together. It's how the fat and fiber in the avocado slow down your gastric emptying and help keep you fuller longer. It's also about how satisfying it tastes.' Staying well-nourished is much simpler than you might think, Walker said. 'We don't need extreme diets or supplements to fill these nutrient gaps, but simple, intentional dietary shifts that can make a significant impact. By increasing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy and lean proteins, you can improve your intake of these critical shortfall nutrients, leading to better long-term health and disease prevention.'
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Best Vegetables To Eat If You Want The Most Bang For Your Buck
It's easy to focus on 'no-no nutrition' — that long list of things you're supposed to avoid in your daily diet. But it's much more pleasurable to consider the 'yes' parts of your plate, the foods just waiting for you to discover and savor them. Front and center should be vegetables, since consuming more of them can be the easiest way to improve the quality of what you're eating. For many of us, though, veggies are not a first-choice food. 'Americans are falling seriously short on their vegetable intake,' said registered dietitian nutritionist Sharon Palmer. 'Yet if there's one food you should consume more of, it's vegetables.' It's estimated that some 90% of Americansfall short of the goal to eat about two and a half cups of vegetables per day. Palmer offered several strong reasons to bolster your veggie intake. 'Most experts agree that nature's myriad vegetables are linked with multiple health benefits, such as lower risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and heart disease,' she said. 'These wonder foods are low in calories and fat, yet they're rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.' If you want to give your body more of what it needs, pay attention to vegetables all day long, Palmer said. 'Many people don't even get their first veggie until dinner time, and by then it's too late to meet your needs,' she said. 'That slice of tomato in your fast-food sandwich doesn't count as a serving of veggies.' A top choice for many of the nutrition experts we spoke to was anything green and leafy. 'Green leafy vegetables have a plethora of vitamins and minerals, as well as plant compounds,' Palmer said. 'High intake is linked with multiple benefits, including eye and bone protection, digestion and gut microbiome boosting, healthy weight, cancer protection and brain and heart health.' Registered dietitian Jerlyn Jones offered similar advice, citing spinach, collard greens, kale, bok choy and Swiss chard as some of her top choices. 'I couldn't choose just one dark green leafy vegetable, because they are all great sources of iron, antioxidants, and vitamin A, which helps maintain eye health, and calcium, which helps strengthen bones,' Jones said. If you're looking for something with a little more crunch, the experts were also big fans of broccoli. 'It's a non-starchy, low-carb vegetable that offers a powerhouse of nutrition,' said registered dietitian nutritionist Toby Smithson, senior manager of nutrition and wellness at the American Diabetes Association. 'Broccoli is packed with vitamin C to help boost our immune system, and it also contains bone building nutrients, vitamin K and calcium.' That vitamin K is especially impressive, said registered dietitian Marissa Karp. 'Broccoli has 116% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI), and that's key for bone health, blood clotting and reducing oxidative stress to the brain, which is a factor in Alzheimer's disease development.' 'Broccoli is also a good source of fiber that may help slow down absorption of carbohydrates, but also has a double benefit of containing soluble fiber, which may help reduce cholesterol levels,' Smithson said. These experts love nourishing foods, so it's no wonder they had a great list of other options. When was the last time you ate sweet potatoes? Radishes? Artichokes? Here's what our sources had to say about these high-nutrition, terrific-tasting favorites. Artichokes: Karp raised her hand for this species of thistle that's cultivated as food. 'It's one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables, thanks to its fiber content,' she said. 'There are 10 grams of fiber in one cup of artichoke hearts, which is about a third of the fiber needed in a day. That prebiotic fiber builds up good gut bacteria and boosts overall microbiome health. Additionally, artichokes have been shown to be helpful in lower heart disease risk by reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure.' Her purchase and prep tips? 'Buy them in a can for easy preparation and add to a salad, or even air fry them with a little parmesan.' Green peas: 'They're a rich source of plant-based protein, containing 9 grams in one cup,' Jones said. 'They're high in fiber, to keep you regular and full longer. They're also rich in saponins, which are plant compounds that may help protect from oxidative stress and cancer.' Radishes: 'This is a vegetable that's really worth a try,' Smithson said. 'They're really great roasted or boiled, because they lose their bitterness when cooked. Use the stems and leaves to sprinkle on top of the cooked dish, because they have even more protein, calcium, vitamin C and antioxidants than the roots.' Sweet potatoes: 'They're loaded with vitamin A, an important nutrient that helps maintain night vision and prevent cataracts and macular degeneration,' Jones said. 'Sweet potatoes also contain fiber, potassium, and double the vitamin C of russet and red potatoes.' Tomatoes: Yes, they're technically a fruit, Karp noted, but she couldn't resist pointing to their benefits. 'They're loaded with antioxidants like lycopene, beta-carotene and flavonoids,' she said. 'Lycopene specifically is linked to reduced heart disease and cancer risk. The beta-carotene in tomatoes helps maintain eye health as we age. And tomatoes actually become even more nutritious when you cook them, because the heat increases the bioavailability of lycopene.' There are lots of easy ways to add more veggies to your diet. 'Try to fit them into every meal, and include a salad with at least one meal a day,' Palmer said. 'You can get servings of veggies even during breakfast, with veggie burritos, scrambles, avocado toast and even savory oatmeal with spinach.' She also offered these ideas: 'Add veggies to your daily smoothies and main dishes. Include veggies on your weekly shopping list and try to hit up your local farmers market or CSA to inspire a love for fresh, seasonal produce.' Take advantage of prepared vegetables when you need to, Jones said. 'Add pre-chopped onions, bell peppers or fresh chopped spinach to eggs,' she suggested. 'Stir in frozen vegetables, such as peas, edamame, broccoli, asparagus or mixed vegetables to cooked brown rice or pasta.' And if even turning on the microwave seems like a lot, remember that raw vegetables also make great snacks. 'Dip baby carrots, bell peppers, grape tomatoes or celery sticks in hummus,' Jones said. Citing the nutritionists' top two picks, Smithson offered some easy ways to include them in meals. 'Frozen broccoli or spinach are very versatile, and they can be used as a side or an ingredient for every meal,' she said. 'Try a spinach frittata or a side of broccoli latkes for breakfast, spinach or broccoli in a minestrone soup for lunch, or sauteed spinach or baked broccoli with baked fish and roasted vegetable couscous at dinner.' If you're frequently faced with a produce crisper full of vegetables that have suddenly gone bad, there are other options to make sure you never run out. 'Frozen vegetables are your friend, and I keep my freezer stocked with frozen broccoli, riced cauliflower and string beans,' Karp said. 'They're frozen at their peak of freshness, whereas fresh veggies tend to be picked before they fully ripen so they can continue to ripen during the storage process before being sold. Fresh veggies actually lose some nutrient content in storage, and frozen veggies retain their nutrients better.' As a bonus, Karp said, frozen veggies are a snap to prepare in the microwave or veggie steamer. 'Because they're ready in minutes, you're more likely to incorporate them in meals throughout the day,' she said. The Exact Types Of Vegetables You Should Eat For Your Specific Health Goals The 1 Thing That'll Wash Pesticides Off Fruits And Vegetables So That's What Those Stickers On Fruits And Vegetables Are For
