Latest news with #Sheba
Newsweek
4 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Senior Rescue Dog Who 'Lived Outside For 15 years' Making Up For Lost Time
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A rescue dog who has spent almost all of her life living outdoors is finally getting to experience some much-deserved home comforts. Veronica Pflueger, a development director at Hope Animal Rescue, a non-profit in North Carolina, shared footage to her Instagram, @wethreepitties, showing the moment she found 17-year-old rescue dog Sheba enjoying a nap on her bed. It's well-earned to say the least. "Sheba was surrendered to a local county animal in May of 2023 after her previous owner unfortunately lost his housing and couldn't take her with him," Pflueger told Newsweek. "She was 15 at the time and had spent her entire life living outside prior to being surrendered. The first half of her life was spent on a chain. Then another local non-profit provided and built a metal run and enclosure for her outside so she would at least be unchained." Sheba has fully converted to becoming an inside dog who loves nothing more than napping. Sheba has fully converted to becoming an inside dog who loves nothing more than napping. wetheepitties/instagram Pflueger first met Sheba after the local shelter reached out to Hope Animal Rescue for help. "Given Sheba's age at the time she was surrendered and the condition she was in—she had skin issues, oral issues, and was heartworm positive—she was an urgent placement need for the shelter so they reached out to see if we had a foster home available," she said. Pflueger has been fostering dogs for a decade but had never taken on a senior dog before. She found herself drawn to helping Sheba though. "For whatever reason I couldn't get her out of my head and no one else or any other rescues were willing to take her so we said yes," Pflueger said. Having initially agreed to foster Sheba, within months Pflueger had decided to adopt. They recently celebrated two happy years together with Sheba, now 17, transformed from a struggling senior shelter dog to an "indoor couch queen that enjoys the finer things in life." Those finer things include frequent naps, regular snuggles with one of Pflueger's other dogs and being petted by her husband. "I think she might be in love with him," Pflueger said. Sheba also helps look after any of the new fosters that arrive in the house. Read more Most popular dog breeds with Gen Z, X, millennials and baby boomers Most popular dog breeds with Gen Z, X, millennials and baby boomers "Sheba is in retirement," Pflueger said. "She had never had a comfy dog bed before, let alone a couch or human bed to sleep on. Once we introduced her to these comfy spots, she decided that's where she was always meant to be and we'd often find her jumping up on the couch or choosing to wander down to our bedroom for an afternoon nap in our bed." Pflueger shared heartwarming footage to her @wethreepitties Instagram showing Sheba making up for lost time with a nap on his mom's bed. On the clip, which has been viewed 2 million times since being shared in February, Pflueger can be seen going over to pet her pooch companion and, for a brief moment, it looks as if Sheba is smiling. "There is honestly nothing better than seeing a dog who lived outside for 15 years sleep peacefully on a comfy, cozy bed," she said. "It may seem like an insignificant thing for lots of other dogs, but for her those moments are everything because she quite literally never had that before." Sheba might have lived much of her life as an "outdoor dog" but most experts agree there is no such thing. As Rob Halpin from Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals explained to The Dodo: "Keeping pet dogs outside consigns them to a life of loneliness and frustration. "Dogs are highly social animals whose ancestors and cousins—the wolves—live in packs. Wolves hunt together, sleep together and play together," he said. "Dogs don't have packs. They only have us. Depriving dogs of human companionship by forcing them to live outside blunts their natural desires and is its own form of animal cruelty." The thought of Sheba spending all that time outside is difficult for Pflueger to contemplate. "It honestly breaks my heart to think that she spent 15 whole years sleeping on the ground or in a plastic igloo... especially given how much she LOVES all of the comfiest spots in our home," she said. Thankfully, that's all in the past now. "When we took her in, we vowed to make sure she was comfy and cozy and in a peaceful and warm environment for the rest of her life," she said. It's a promise Pflueger has certainly delivered on.
Campaign ME
7 days ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
What D&AD's first creator content jury reveals
This year, D&AD introduced its first-ever Creator Content category – spotlighting work where creators weren't just amplifiers, but active cultural collaborators. It felt timely. It felt necessary. And it felt personal. I had the privilege of serving on this inaugural jury as the only representative from the region. As we judged more than 140 entries, one thing became clear: the word 'creator' has evolved. The best work didn't just feature creators – it was shaped by them. From meme accounts with cult followings to indigenous influencers preserving endangered cultures, this year's winners proved that influence today comes in many forms – and from many unexpected places. Rede fi ning content creator If there was one consistent thread in the jury room, it was this: the definition of 'creator' has outgrown its roots in follower count and amplification. In the strongest work, creators showed up as architects – of meaning, of culture, of experience. These were not just people with followers – they were communities, meme accounts, collectives, and even non-humans. In The Gravy Race – a clever, highly-awarded campaign this year, Sheba built an entire entertainment property around internet-famous cats. In Into the Aldiverse – a beautiful campaign by ALDI gaming, the creators weren't individuals, but a collective where partnering with an anime studio in Japan, the brand showed us how co-creation can extend into entire worlds. From individuals with unique POVs to cultural collectives and meme machines, creators are being redefined – not by format or following, but by the role they play in shaping attention and emotion. What makes work win Across all the work, three things stood out: 1. Simplicity wins: This year's graphite pencil winner and jury favourite, Handwash Legend by Savlon India, transformed a single hip hop gesture into a national hygiene movement. By remixing Emiway Bantai's iconic 'hand rub' into a handwashing anthem, the campaign blurred the lines between music, meme, and message. It was simple, sticky, and smart – and a reminder that when brands co-create with cultural figures, even a hygiene habit can go viral. 2. Speed matters: Another standout was the Blurred Unboxing by Colombian snack brand Ramo. It began with a TikTok creator cheekily blurring out a brand logo; within 24 hours, the brand responded with a custom, pixelated package that was sent to the creator, sparking a viral moment that was awarded D&AD's yellow pencil this year. In a world where culture moves at the speed of social – this campaign is a masterclass in listening, agility, and the impact of a simple, real-time gesture. 3. Take it further: Some of the most impactful work also moved beyond the feed and into the real world. Amazon's Money Can't Buy Experiences, a wood pencil winner, reframed creators as experience designers, co-creating events that felt personal, not promotional. In an age of digital fatigue, this campaign was a reminder that true influence isn't confined to screens and taking co-creation further gave the campaign weight-and longevity. Quick note to the region: How to 'win in creator content' On a personal note, I was thrilled to see Dubai represented in the Safe at 3AM campaign. It was sharp, relevant, and executed with insight – live streaming a runner through the city to tackle global perceptions around safety. While it didn't make the shortlist at D&AD, it deserves recognition. Perhaps it's a reflection of where the bar now sits: strong insight and elegant execution are a starting point. But to win in creator content, ideas need to go further – beyond narrative into participation, experience, and depth. There's no shortage of creative talent or storytelling in the region. According to We Are Social's latest Global Digital Report, influencer marketing continues to grow rapidly across MENA with influencer advertising spending up 12.5 per cent (YOY) and 13.7 per cent (YOY) in 2025, for the UAE and KSA respectively. The challenge – and the opportunity – is to take what's working and stretch it. Final takeaway: Stop chasing in fl uence. Start building culture The creator content category is growing up. Creators are no longer just channels. They're collectives, studios, and custodians of identity. The brands that win, will be ones that let a creator's perspective shape the work – not just promote it. With campaigns that are rooted in culture, built for longevity, and extend beyond the screen. And the next generation of pencils? They'll be awarded to brands that stop chasing followers and start building worlds. By Akanksha Goel, Founder & CEO, Socialize / We Are Social
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Israeli hospital system plans local startup accelerator
BOSTON (SHNS) – An Israeli hospital system plans to open an accelerator for health care startups in Massachusetts next year, and an executive with strong Boston ties pitched the endeavor as a way to tackle antisemitism. Sheba Medical Center — the largest hospital in the Middle East located outside of Tel Aviv — will establish an 'ARC Accelerator' facility in Greater Boston that is focused on digital and AI health care innovations, including for advanced diagnostic tools and workforce supports. ARC Innovation, which brings together entrepreneurs and clinicians to develop health technology, has supported more than 100 startups since it launched in 2019 at Sheba. Its acronym stands for 'accelerate, redesign, collaborate.' 'Its partnerships span 12 countries, 31 health systems and 300 hospitals. It is a true global leader,' Gov. Maura Healey, who wore Israeli and American flag pins, said at a State House press conference Tuesday afternoon. 'So we are thrilled, but not surprised, that Sheba ARC has decided to launch their very first U.S. health care partnership in Massachusetts.' Healey was joined by Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center CEO Kirk Taylor and Consul General of Israel to New England Benny Sharoni, among other officials. Attendees in the governor's briefing room included Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston CEO Jeremy Burton, and Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association President Steve Walsh. Sheba officials are searching for a physical space in the Boston area for the accelerator, which is slated to open in January, said Dr. Eyal Zimlichman, who founded ARC and is Sheba's chief transformation officer. 'We have our targets to start in 2026 with six to eight initial companies, but the idea is to grow that to 10 to 12, and more in the years to come,' said Zimlichman, a former Harvard Medical School faculty member and research associate at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He noted that ARC and some of its startup companies have already worked with Mass General Brigham in recent years. ARC explored launching an accelerator in other states, though Zimlichman said he knew Massachusetts was 'going to be the decision at the end of the day.' Hospital executives in a press release described Massachusetts as the 'ideal environment for medical innovation' due to its biotech firms and academic medical institutions. Without quantifying the direct financial impact and job growth, Sheba officials said the accelerator will spur economic growth in Massachusetts and attract international startups that are eager to enter the U.S. market. Dr. Yitshak Kreiss, director general of Sheba, explained that Israel has a 'startup nation mentality' that is focused on driving global innovation. Sheba's work has already stretched to Europe, Canada, Australia and Singapore, he said. Dr. Yitshak Kreiss, director general of Sheba Medical Center in Israel, speaks during a State House press conference on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 announcing a health care startup accelerator that's coming to Greater Boston next year. (SHNS) 'But then we discovered that we need to have within our global system the hub, the global hub for health care innovation, the global hub of science, and this is here in Boston, Massachusetts,' said Kreiss, who received his master's of public health degree from Harvard. 'This is the reason we came here.' 'I know Boston,' he continued. 'I lived here. I studied at Harvard. My son is coming here this year. He's coming to study at MIT.' Kreiss acknowledged his team has not traveled often during the last 18 months due to the Israel-Hamas War. He used his platform to call for the release of the remaining 59 hostages in Gaza, and emphasized that Sheba treats all patients, including Jews, Christians, Muslims and Palestinians. Beyond medical discoveries, Kreiss signaled the accelerator can be a tool for addressing antisemitism, which has spiked in Massachusetts in recent years. 'Antisemitism is eliminated by doing things together,' Kreiss said. 'We believe that when the people of the commonwealth will see the innovation coming through, the companies, the economic growth, the good things that we can do, the science that we can do together, that's a very effective way to cope with that. Because sometimes antisemitism happens because you don't know much, because you don't know exactly what's going on, and this is part of our mission here and mission globally to show the beautiful face of the State of Israel and the beautiful face of how things can happen if we work together.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Boston Globe
07-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Israeli hospital system plans local startup accelerator
'Its partnerships span 12 countries, 31 health systems and 300 hospitals. It is a true global leader,' Gov. Maura Healey, who wore Israeli and American flag pins, said at a State House press conference Tuesday afternoon. 'So we are thrilled, but not surprised, that Sheba ARC has decided to launch their very first US health care partnership in Massachusetts.' Healey was joined by Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center CEO Kirk Taylor and Consul General of Israel to New England Benny Sharoni, among other officials. Attendees in the governor's briefing room included Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston CEO Jeremy Burton, and Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association President Steve Walsh. Advertisement Sheba officials are searching for a physical space in the Boston area for the accelerator, which is slated to open in January, said Dr. Eyal Zimlichman, who founded ARC and is Sheba's chief transformation officer. Advertisement 'We have our targets to start in 2026 with six to eight initial companies, but the idea is to grow that to 10 to 12, and more in the years to come,' said Zimlichman, a former Harvard Medical School faculty member and research associate at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He noted that ARC and some of its startup companies have already worked with Mass General Brigham in recent years. ARC explored launching an accelerator in other states, though Zimlichman said he knew Massachusetts was 'going to be the decision at the end of the day.' Hospital executives in a press release described Massachusetts as the 'ideal environment for medical innovation' due to its biotech firms and academic medical institutions. Without quantifying the direct financial impact and job growth, Sheba officials said the accelerator will spur economic growth in Massachusetts and attract international startups that are eager to enter the US market. Dr. Yitshak Kreiss, director general of Sheba, explained that Israel has a 'startup nation mentality' that is focused on driving global innovation. Sheba's work has already stretched to Europe, Canada, Australia and Singapore, he said. 'But then we discovered that we need to have within our global system the hub, the global hub for health care innovation, the global hub of science, and this is here in Boston, Massachusetts,' said Kreiss, who received his master's of public health degree from Harvard. 'This is the reason we came here.' 'I know Boston,' he continued. 'I lived here. I studied at Harvard. My son is coming here this year. He's coming to study at MIT.' Kreiss acknowledged his team has not traveled often during the last 18 months due to the Israel-Hamas War. He used his platform to call for the release of the remaining 59 hostages in Gaza, and emphasized that Sheba treats all patients, including Jews, Christians, Muslims and Palestinians. Advertisement Beyond medical discoveries, Kreiss signaled the accelerator can be a tool for addressing antisemitism, which has 'Antisemitism is eliminated by doing things together,' Kreiss said. 'We believe that when the people of the commonwealth will see the innovation coming through, the companies, the economic growth, the good things that we can do, the science that we can do together, that's a very effective way to cope with that. Because sometimes antisemitism happens because you don't know much, because you don't know exactly what's going on, and this is part of our mission here and mission globally to show the beautiful face of the State of Israel and the beautiful face of how things can happen if we work together.'
Telegraph
07-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
What pistachios can do for your cholesterol and gut health
Known as the 'happy nut' in China and beloved of the Queen of Sheba, pistachios have been part of our diet for at least 9,000 years. But recently the world has gone, well, totally nuts for the small green tree seed. Lidl is selling 72 of the Dubai pistachio-filled chocolate bars every minute; such is the demand, Lidl and Waitrose have had to impose a two-bar limit per customer. The global pistachio market size was valued at $4.20 billion (£3.2bn) in 2023 and rising, projected to reach $5.62 billion (£4.4bn) by 2031. And this distinctive nutty ingredient is clearly flavour of the moment, popping up everywhere, from lattes and ice cream to cocktails and the kitchen cabinets of foodie influencers. While a 250g bag costs a pricey £6.20 at Tesco, from a health perspective they're worth every penny. 'Nutritionally, pistachio nuts are a powerhouse in terms of the nutrients they actually provide from a very small quantity,' says registered dietician Helen Bond. The health benefits of pistachios 1. They're good for gut health 'A handful of pistachios nuts provides you with a good amount of fibre, including a prebiotic type which our gut microbes feed on,' says Bond. 'This produces beneficial short chain fatty acids which help protect our gut lining. A healthy gut barrier will prevent harmful substances entering the bloodstream and have a positive impact on our digestion, immune system, nutrient absorption, and even our mental health. According to a 2023 study, pistachio consumption increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut more than other nuts. What's more, pistachios release compounds such as polyphenols, tocopherols and lutein, which are beneficial for gut health. By acting as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, fibre promotes a diverse and healthy array of gut microbes. 'Pistachios contain both soluble and insoluble fibre which help to feed our beneficial gut bacteria and promote healthy bowel movements,' says Nishtha Patel, a functional medicine and nutritional therapist. 'They act as a prebiotic to support a more diverse microbiome, which is crucial for our immune system and for inflammation control, and is especially relevant in conditions like IBS.' 2. They could lower your cancer risk 'Pistachio nuts are high in protective antioxidant properties called phytonutrients, which help protect the body against cell damage, while their fibre content is linked to better health outcomes, including reducing our risk of cancer,' says Bond. Dietary fibre protects against cancer by increasing stool bulk and speed, reducing carcinogen exposure, and aiding in weight management, which is a key factor in cancer prevention. A 2022 study conducted by Cornell University found that pistachios were shown to inhibit cancer growth in breast, liver and colon cancer cells. 3. They're good for your heart 'Pistachios are good for heart health because they're high in monounsaturated fats and plant sterols, which can help to lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure,' says Patel. 'Being high in monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat – which are the good, heart healthy unsaturated fats – makes them even more heart protective.' Incorporating pistachios into your diet can have positive effects on cardiovascular health, according to studies which suggest that they can potentially improve blood vessel function. 'In comparison to some of the other tree nuts they provide one of the highest amounts of potassium, which is very beneficial for our blood pressure, which in turn benefits our heart health,' says Bond. 4. Pistachios can help lower cholesterol 'While pistachios do contain saturated fat, which we know pushes up cholesterol, most of the fat in them comes from heart-healthy unsaturated fat – and having a favourable balance of fats helps to look after our cholesterol levels. The nuts also contain phytosterols which help manage our cholesterol levels by partially blocking the absorption of cholesterol in our gut,' says Bond. A handful of pistachios may lower LDL cholesterol levels – often called 'bad' cholesterol – according to a study by Penn State University. It may also cause increases in HDL ('good') cholesterol, says another study, provided you don't exceed your recommended daily caloric intake. 5. And they can keep blood sugar healthy Pistachios are one of the most vitamin B6-rich foods you can eat, making them beneficial for blood sugar regulation. The fibre content in pistachios slows down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing rapid spikes in blood glucose levels and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce overall calorie intake. Pistachios may potentially improve glycemic control. 'The mix of protein, healthy fats and fibre makes them a good snack for balancing blood sugar and avoiding energy crashes,' says Patel. They only contain natural sugars, and the fat and fibre content delays absorption. 'A handful of nuts slows down that energy release so you're less likely to feel peckish,' agrees Bond. 6. They can help you lose weight Compared to other types, pistachios are a lower-calorie nut. And being packed with protein and fibre means they can help you lose weight by making you feel fuller for longer. Pistachio nuts contain 159 calories per 28g serving (Brazil nuts contain 187 calories for the same quantity), but some of these don't get fully absorbed by the body due to their cell structure. 'And the nutrients that come with those calories, particularly the protein and fibre content, make for a filling combo that helps that looks after your weight,' says Bond. Patel recommends buying the nuts in their shells. 'Shelling them takes time so you're less likely to overeat,' she says. A 2011 study found that people who ate in-shell pistachios consumed 41 per cent fewer calories than those who ate shelled pistachios. 7. They help protect your eyes Pistachios are particularly rich in phytonutrients lutein and zeaxanthin which are known to filter damaging sun rays. 'They help protect our eyes from age-related macular degeneration (a common condition which protects the middle-part of your vision),' says Bond. A study by Tufts University found that consuming pistachios daily may significantly improve eye health by increasing macular pigment optical density (MPOD), due to the plant pigment lutein, a key factor in protecting the eyes from blue (visible) light and age-related damage. FAQs How many pistachios can I eat a day? 'The ideal portion size is about 30g, a small handful of nuts, which gives you about 180 calories,' says Bond. What's the healthiest type of pistachios? 'I would always go for the plain ones, not salted, to protect your blood pressure,' says Bond. Opt for dry-roasted nuts to limit your oil intake. Are there any dangers in eating pistachios? Pistachios are susceptible to mould, and if you're someone who experiences adverse reactions, this can be an issue. 'Look for organic brands or reputable whole food suppliers and choose vacuum sealed or nitrogen flush packs – and if there's a strange smell or an off taste, throw them away,' advises Patel.
