Latest news with #SimonBennett
Scoop
4 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Two In Five Kiwi Men Die Prematurely, New Movember Report Reveals
Press Release – Movember The report finds men are dying almost 4 years earlier than women, with heart disease, certain cancers and suicide leading the toll. Suicide is the number one cause of death for young men aged 1534, and three in every four New Zealanders who die by suicide are male. 12 August 2025 – Two in five men living in Aotearoa New Zealand die prematurely – before the age of 75 – most from causes we know how to prevent and treat. That's the stark reality revealed in The Real Face of Men's Health: Aotearoa New Zealand, a landmark new report from the Movember Institute of Men's Health. It's the most comprehensive look at men's health in New Zealand to date – and it makes the issue impossible to ignore. The report finds men are dying almost 4 years earlier than women, with heart disease, certain cancers and suicide leading the toll. Suicide is the number one cause of death for young men aged 15–34, and three in every four New Zealanders who die by suicide are male. Among young tāne Māori aged 25–44, the suicide rate soars to nearly 60 deaths per 100,000 – the highest of any group in the country. 'These aren't just statistics – they're sons, fathers, brothers, and mates. And their deaths send shockwaves through whānau, workplaces and communities,' says report contributor Dr Simon Bennett (Ngāti Whakaue, Patu Harakeke, Ngāti Waewae), Director of Clinical Psychology Training at Massey University and member of Movember's Global Indigenous Advisory Committee. 'Too often, men are falling through the cracks, missing out on the critical support they need, when and where they need it most – and it has gone on for too long.' The research exposes major barriers stopping men from getting care – from masculine stereotypes and the expectation to 'tough it out', to health systems that too often feel unwelcoming or dismissive. Six in ten men say their concerns aren't taken seriously by healthcare providers, while nearly two-thirds feel masculine stereotypes have negatively influenced their health. 'If we addressed just the top five preventable diseases in men, New Zealand could have saved $917 million in 2023 alone,' says Professor Simon Rice, Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men's Health. 'The solutions exist. Now is the time for national action.' Movember is calling on the New Zealand Government to develop a Men's Health Strategy – grounded in equity and partnership with Māori – to deliver coordinated action across policy, services and systems. Because when men live longer, healthier lives — everyone benefits. 'This is a critical opportunity to change the trajectory of men's health in Aotearoa,' says Professor Rice. 'Healthier men mean healthier families, stronger communities and a stronger country.' New Zealanders can read the full report, which details the premature mortality of Kiwi men, the economic cost of poor men's health, the impact whānau and caregivers, and what's proven to work – and join the conversation at About Movember Movember is the leading global charity changing the face of men's health. What began as a bristly idea in Australia in 2003 quickly grew into a global movement – one that has sparked millions of important conversations, raised over AUD $1.83 billion for men's health, funded more than 1,300 health projects, and helped break the silence surrounding men's health issues. From breakthrough prostate and testicular cancer research to bold investments in mental health and suicide prevention, Movember is transforming how health services reach and support men. The charity works to ensure more men recognise when they're struggling, more supporters know how to step in, and health systems are better equipped to respond to men in need. Movember champions inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare — improving health outcomes not just for men, but for the families and communities they're part of. Together, we can help men live healthier, longer lives.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Two In Five Kiwi Men Die Prematurely, New Movember Report Reveals
12 August 2025 – Two in five men living in Aotearoa New Zealand die prematurely – before the age of 75 – most from causes we know how to prevent and treat. That's the stark reality revealed in The Real Face of Men's Health: Aotearoa New Zealand, a landmark new report from the Movember Institute of Men's Health. It's the most comprehensive look at men's health in New Zealand to date – and it makes the issue impossible to ignore. The report finds men are dying almost 4 years earlier than women, with heart disease, certain cancers and suicide leading the toll. Suicide is the number one cause of death for young men aged 15–34, and three in every four New Zealanders who die by suicide are male. Among young tāne Māori aged 25–44, the suicide rate soars to nearly 60 deaths per 100,000 – the highest of any group in the country. 'These aren't just statistics – they're sons, fathers, brothers, and mates. And their deaths send shockwaves through whānau, workplaces and communities,' says report contributor Dr Simon Bennett (Ngāti Whakaue, Patu Harakeke, Ngāti Waewae), Director of Clinical Psychology Training at Massey University and member of Movember's Global Indigenous Advisory Committee. 'Too often, men are falling through the cracks, missing out on the critical support they need, when and where they need it most – and it has gone on for too long.' The research exposes major barriers stopping men from getting care – from masculine stereotypes and the expectation to 'tough it out', to health systems that too often feel unwelcoming or dismissive. Six in ten men say their concerns aren't taken seriously by healthcare providers, while nearly two-thirds feel masculine stereotypes have negatively influenced their health. 'If we addressed just the top five preventable diseases in men, New Zealand could have saved $917 million in 2023 alone,' says Professor Simon Rice, Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men's Health. 'The solutions exist. Now is the time for national action.' Movember is calling on the New Zealand Government to develop a Men's Health Strategy – grounded in equity and partnership with Māori – to deliver coordinated action across policy, services and systems. Because when men live longer, healthier lives — everyone benefits. 'This is a critical opportunity to change the trajectory of men's health in Aotearoa,' says Professor Rice. 'Healthier men mean healthier families, stronger communities and a stronger country.' New Zealanders can read the full report, which details the premature mortality of Kiwi men, the economic cost of poor men's health, the impact whānau and caregivers, and what's proven to work – and join the conversation at Movember is the leading global charity changing the face of men's health. What began as a bristly idea in Australia in 2003 quickly grew into a global movement – one that has sparked millions of important conversations, raised over AUD $1.83 billion for men's health, funded more than 1,300 health projects, and helped break the silence surrounding men's health issues. From breakthrough prostate and testicular cancer research to bold investments in mental health and suicide prevention, Movember is transforming how health services reach and support men. The charity works to ensure more men recognise when they're struggling, more supporters know how to step in, and health systems are better equipped to respond to men in need. Movember champions inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare — improving health outcomes not just for men, but for the families and communities they're part of. Together, we can help men live healthier, longer lives. Learn more at
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Calls in Wolverhampton for taxi licensing review over safeguarding
Safeguarding concerns have been raised over the high number of taxi licences being registered in Wolverhampton, despite many drivers not living comes after Baroness Casey's review, published in June into abuse by grooming gangs in England and Wales, stated that taxis have historically been identified as a way children can be at risk of child sexual Bennett, Conservative opposition leader at the council, has called for an immediate cross-party scrutiny review into safeguarding and the council's licensing council said safeguarding was a number one priority in taxi licensing. In a letter to council leader Stephen Simkins, Bennett said it was essential the council moves "urgently to review and improve its processes, reassure the public, and uphold its duty of care" after the publication of the Casey review last added that the review he was calling needed to reassure the public and ensure the council's policies met the highest quoted figures from Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson who stated in the Commons in June that, in 2023, 96% of UK licences were issued in Wolverhampton, yet only 10% of the applicants lived drivers do not have to live and work where they obtain their licence and the council has said it was illegal for it to refuse and to impose a limit on the number of private hire licences month, ministers said laws would be passed to tackle the inconsistent taxi and private hire standards amid fears some vehicles "are a dangerous place for many children and young people". 'No financial gain' In his letter, Bennett urged the council to offer "full and unconditional support" in contributing to a national inquiry and Department for Transport review of licensing response, the council said it welcomed any measures or changes to law from government to help tackle the issue."We lead the way nationally on using technology to help with safeguarding, including being the only council to do daily DBS checks on all drivers and the first council to offer driver licence checks by smartphone. We implement the government's statutory standards and best practice guidance."We also have officers out across the country, every Friday and Saturday night, working to protect the public."It added: "We do not gain financially from taxi licensing, as the fees are legally ringfenced for spend only on related activities," the spokesperson motion by Bennett will be considered by full council next week. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-06-2025
- Science
- Sydney Morning Herald
Radiation dangers of three nuclear sites struck by the US
The technology centre has three small Chinese-built research reactors, a lab which makes the uranium hexafluoride gas, a reactor fuel manufacturing plant and a nuclear waste storage facility. In 2021, the IAEA found a plant at Isfahan created uranium metal, which can be used to make the core of a nuclear weapon. 'Uranium metal is less chemically hazardous than uranium hexafluoride gas, but it poses a significant radiation risk,' Diaz-Maurin said. He warned the radiological consequences of a strike on research reactors could be significant. The IAEA said there was no off-site rise in radiation levels after earlier Israeli bombing of Isfahan. Natanz Risk of radioactive contamination from the bombing of Iran's main facility for uranium enrichment at Natanz is very low, according to Diaz-Maurin. Enrichment occurs is when uranium is centrifuged at high speeds to process it into weapons-grade material. About 15,000 underground enrichment centrifuges were already destroyed or badly damaged by Israeli bombing. The centrifuges contain tiny amounts of uranium hexafluoride, which is one of the most corrosive substances on Earth. The gas also creates toxic fluoride when it comes into contact with moisture. A hexafluoride gas storage facility was also already damaged, resulting in radiological and chemical contamination contained at the site. Loading 'The main risk inside the storage facility is the chemical toxicity of uranium hexafluoride gas and fluoride compounds generated in contact with water,' Diaz-Maurin wrote. 'The radiological risk from enriched uranium at Natanz is likely to be much smaller than the chemical toxicity from the fluorine.' He warned that although uranium hexafluoride was not directly fissile – or able to undergo nuclear fission – damage could cause a dangerous explosion. 'If moisture enters transport or storage cylinders, uranium, especially enriched uranium, becomes more reactive. 'This could potentially lead to a chemical explosion of the cylinders, resulting in a significant dispersion of uranium hexafluoride gas into the facility and possibly into the environment – a scenario possible even without an attack.' Experts told Reuters the slightly radioactive gas did not tend to travel far if released. Fordow B2 bombers struck the underground Fordow facility with at least six 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, The New York Times reported. Risk of off-site radiation contamination from the facility is also very low because it's an enrichment plant. Fordow is also built within a mountain 90 metres underground, further reducing the risk contamination would spread. 'Should a subterranean enrichment facility or reactor be hit by one or more bunker-busters, it is unlikely that there would be significant contamination beyond the confines of the site,' Dr Simon Bennett, director of the civil safety and security unit at the University of Leicester, said. Loading Experts are most concerned about the prospect of a strike on Bushehr nuclear power plant. A strike which pierced the plant's nuclear reactor or interrupt power supply could release radioactive material into the atmosphere, contaminate the waters of the Gulf and trigger evacuation of people hundreds of kilometres from the site, Grossi warned. He underlined the IAEA's belief that armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Air India crash brings aviation death toll to 460 this year. So, is it still safe to fly?
This year is proving one of the deadliest in the past decade for air travel. With at least 260 dead after the Air India crash this week, aviation experts say fatalities have reached 460 in the first six months of 2025. Given the latest tragedy, investigates whether air travel really is becoming more dangerous. While the aviation industry maintains exceptionally high safety standards, the recent string of high-profile incidents has raised fears flying is getting riskier. The average number of deaths during flights per year stands at 284, according to Jan-Arwed Richter, founder of Jacdec, a German consulting firm that tracks aviation safety. That means 2025 has already had almost double the average number of air travel deaths. Richter told Bloomberg: 'This year still has more than six months to go, so this could be concerning if this rate of fatal accidents would go on.' While many people will likely now have concerns about the safety of air travel, experts stress flying is not getting more dangerous. Dr Simon Bennett, director of the civil safety and security unit at the University of Leicester, in England, told 'That perception is understandable because safety goes through peaks and troughs. 'So if you take a snapshot at a particular time it can either look like things are getting seriously dangerous or that things are getting seriously safe.' The high level of fatalities in 2025 comes on the back of one of the safest periods in the history of air travel. In 2023, industry groups found there was not a single fatal incident throughout the entire year. However, a series of high-profile events starting from the end of 2024 have grabbed the public attention. While these incidents create an illusion of escalating danger, this is not reflected in the statistical reality. As the Air India tragedy unfolded, the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch published its annual safety review for 2024. This review concluded: 'Commercial aviation remains one of the safest forms of public transport, with global accident rates continuing their long-term decline.' Dr Bennett points out that aviation experts only look at averages over longer periods, to avoid being biased by big spikes associated with single incidents. 'If you take a 20-year snapshot, then air safety is unequivocally improving,' he explained. However, the experts also points out that it is extremely difficult to convince people of this fact. 'You will be safer five miles above than you would be at home - that is a fact. 'But if you tell the public that they won't believe you,' he said. 'My deepest sympathies go out to those who've been affected, but I would beg the public to consider such events in the widest possible context.' As for what has caused this 'trough' in air flight safety, there may be a number of reasons with economic causes being the most likely. Dr Bennett says that downturns in the fortunes of airflight industries lead to reduced investment in safety, which can spark an increase in near misses and incidents. Until the official investigation concludes, it is impossible to confirm exactly what led to the crash of Air India Flight 171. However, it appears environmental and mechanical issues may have combined to prevent the flight from gaining altitude properly. Dr Sammy Diasinos, an aerodynamics researcher at Macquarie University, in Sydney, Australia, says: 'The B787 has very powerful engines and can easily operate if one engine fails, so for this accident to occur, we would be looking at a very rare double engine failure. 'I would expect this highlights an environmental cause rather than an engine or maintenance issue. 'It would be very unusual for two engines on the same aircraft to be on the exact same maintenance schedule, making simultaneous mechanical failure unlikely.' Experts point out that the hot conditions and the flight's full fuel would have meant it needed extra time to gain altitude - something which it appeared unable to do. With temperatures on the runway at 37°C (98°F), the flight would have needed significantly more lift to gain altitude. Additionally, Flight 171 appeared to have both its landing gear deployed and flaps retracted at an altitude of only 600ft (182m) causing it to have a lower lift. Murray Terwey, an aviation lecturer at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia, said: 'Aircrew have been known in the past to retract the flap instead of the gear by mistake. 'This, in the early stages of flight, can lead to a significant loss of lift which can lead to an accident.' However, the exact combination of factors which led to this incident will only be revealed in a full investigation by the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
