Latest news with #TheGulf
Business Insider
07-05-2025
- Business Insider
I visited an island on Florida's panhandle that made me feel like I was vacationing in the Caribbean
My family and I took a trip to Okaloosa Island, located on Florida's Emerald Coast. The breathtaking white sand beaches made me feel like I was in the Caribbean. I also loved how family-friendly the area is and how many good local restaurants there are. When planning a family vacation last summer, I knew I wanted to travel somewhere with white sand beaches, warm, clear blue water, and sunny weather. However, I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a Caribbean vacation. Instead, I booked a trip to Okaloosa Island, which is located on Florida's panhandle in an area nicknamed the Emerald Coast. Okaloosa, which is a section of the larger Santa Rosa island, is only a short drive from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, making for an easy getaway from my home in New York. Whether for a quick weekend trip or a relaxing family vacation, this under-the-radar destination is the perfect, wallet-friendly alternative to the Caribbean. In my opinion, Okaloosa Island's beaches rival those in the Caribbean. Although I knew I was in Florida, the beaches on Okaloosa Island reminded me of Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos. The gleaming white sand, which feels almost as soft as flour, is made from fine quartz crystals eroded from the Appalachian Mountains. The water's vivid blue-green color is another aspect that sets these beaches apart from others I've been to. Okaloosa Island is close to other major Florida beach destinations. Okaloosa Island is situated near other lively towns like Fort Walton Beach and Destin, giving us tons of options for activities and dining. We spent a fun-filled afternoon in Destin Harbor Boardwalk, making the most of the attractions like the bungee trampoline and the many ice cream spots. However, the best part was that we could escape to our quieter beach town at the end of the day. We found some great local spots for food. I love trying local restaurants when on vacation, and I found some surprisingly cool spots to grab coffee or food in the area. Some of our favorites included The Gulf, an open-air restaurant built from old shipping containers on the bayfront, and the food trucks in nearby downtown Fort Walton Beach. Another fun spot is Lulus in Destin, which is owned by the sister of legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. We found plenty of things to do in the area. Although I love relaxing on the beach, I also enjoy getting out and about. During our trip, we found a variety of activities on Okaloosa Island and beyond. One day, we went on a pontoon snorkeling trip to Spectre Island and saw manatees near the boat. We also rented paddleboards and paddled around Choctawhatchee Bay. Okaloosa Island is family-friendly. Another thing I love about Okaloosa Island is how much there is to keep the little ones entertained. One highlight of our trip was the Little Adventurers program, which offers free classes for kids of all ages. The classes are meant to introduce them to activities like surfing, snorkeling, and pinfishing. There were outposts on the beach where we signed up for daily activities. My younger daughter tried pinfishing and was very proud of herself for catching one.
Kuwait Times
05-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Chronic disease is a global challenge - Dr Khalid Al-Saleh
Chronic disease is a global challenge Chronic or non-communicable diseases - namely cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses and diabetes - are among the leading causes of death globally. These conditions, which develop over long periods, are responsible for over 60 percent of all deaths worldwide, claiming approximately 36 million lives annually, including nearly a quarter of victims under the age of 60. Recognizing the gravity of this threat, world leaders convened in New York in September 2011 and adopted a political declaration to address the growing burden of chronic diseases. The World Health Organization followed with a global action plan for 2013–2020. However, by the end of the decade, it became evident that most countries had not fulfilled their commitments. In response, the global community adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, aiming for completion by 2030 - a target that now also appears at risk. Each country's response reflects its regard for the health and dignity of its people. Some nations have demonstrated earnest dedication, allocating resources and mobilizing efforts to implement international recommendations. Others have made partial progress, while some have produced plans on paper with little action on the ground. A few remain indifferent, disengaged from the collective responsibility to address this global crisis. A critical question The Gulf plan to combat chronic diseases was unveiled in Kuwait during the GCC Health Ministers' meeting in January 2014. That moment presented a promising opportunity for GCC nations to align with global health advancements. Unfortunately, the region, including Kuwait, has missed several opportunities to demonstrate a firm commitment to public health. Kuwait has established the Higher Committee for Chronic Diseases and maintains an active Chronic Diseases Department, along with the IMAN Network, which plays a vital role in surveillance, monitoring and evaluation - key pillars of the international framework. Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Financial backing for chronic disease initiatives remains insufficient. The implementation of recommendations often lacks the necessary flexibility and support. However, notable progress has been made in preventive measures. The Nutrition Department's efforts to reduce salt intake, the CAN campaign's cancer awareness programs, and breastfeeding promotion initiatives by the Mother and Child Welfare Department all serve as commendable examples. Kuwait has also taken important steps in healthcare provision, particularly with the establishment of a palliative care center - an essential service that supports the goals of sustainable health development. While the center faces administrative and staffing challenges, it fills a significant gap in the country's healthcare landscape. Positive cooperation is also evident among the Primary Care, Dental and Nursing departments and the CAN campaign, which have jointly trained physicians in cancer screening and early detection. The Diabetes Center, recently accredited as a regional reference facility, requires further support, and cancer treatment services must be upgraded with advanced technologies to keep pace with rapid medical developments. Kuwait thus finds itself at a crossroads - with promising indicators and significant gaps. To advance, the Chronic Diseases Department and the Supreme Committee need dedicated budgets, empowered teams and clear performance metrics to monitor progress in alignment with the national strategy. Effective action demands a structured framework, flexible planning and a culture of accountability. If Kuwait's administrative institutions rise to the occasion, the country - and others in the region following similar paths - could join the ranks of global health leaders by 2030. But without serious commitment, we risk falling behind - not the worst globally, but certainly far from the best. True leaders do not measure progress by those trailing behind, but by aspiring toward the top. Let us hope that by 2030, Kuwait and its Gulf counterparts will be counted among the nations that chose to lead, not follow, in the global fight against chronic disease.
