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Malay Mail
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Beyond sunburn: How extreme heat strains public health systems and endangers lives
NEW YORK, June 26 — As tens of thousands of people braced for more extreme heat yesterday, authorities and public health experts in the United States issued heat warnings to help keep people safe. Cities of the US Midwest and East Coast were seeing temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit (32-38 degrees Celsius) this week, as was much of southern Europe. What are the health risks from extreme heat? Heat can affect health in various ways. With heat exhaustion, a person can feel dizzy, shaky, thirsty or develop a headache. It is not usually serious unless the person is unable to cool down within 30 minutes. When people are unable to cool down, they can develop heatstroke — a medical emergency defined as the body's core temperature, usually close to 36.8 Celsius, going above 40.6 Celsius. A person with heatstroke may have symptoms including rapid breathing, confusion, seizures, or nausea. Without medical attention, heatstroke can lead to long-term organ damage and death. High temperatures are especially dangerous when combined with high humidity, which makes it harder for people to cool down by sweating. Both are expected to rise with climate change, as warmer air can hold more moisture. Workers with the Times Square Alliance wear cool towels as they empty trash cans during an extreme heat warning in New York City June 24, 2025. — Reuters pic Who is at risk? Extreme heat can be harmful to anyone, but some populations are more vulnerable than others. Experts are most concerned about older people, young babies, and people who are socially isolated. They also worry about outdoor labourers and people struggling economically. People with pre-existing health conditions, such as lung disease, heart problems or diabetes, should also be extra cautious. Experts say more deaths occur earlier in the summer when people's bodies have not had a chance to acclimatise. Statistics on heat-related deaths are often considered to underestimate the impact of extreme heat because many countries do not record heat as a specific cause of death. A view of a signage warning visitors of extreme heat conditions as messages are posted around visitors centers and trail heads in Big Bend National Park, Texas June 21, 2025. — Reuters pic Less obvious risks of extreme heat Apart from testing a body's ability to regulate its own temperature, extreme heat can pose a host of secondary risks. Warmer temperatures encourage the growth of bacteria and algae. So heatwaves can raise the risk of water being contaminated with diseases such as cholera, or of lakes and rivers becoming choked with toxic algae. Heat can also damage crops or buckle roads and disrupt transport systems. Wildfires fuelled by dried-out trees or shrubs can lead to dangerous levels of air pollution. Heat stress, including the sleep disruption caused by heat, can also contribute to poorer mental health. Medical experts expect that certain diseases will expand their ranges as climate change enables disease-carrying insects to move into new areas. For example, we could see more of the deadly, tick-borne Powassan virus, while scientists also have mapped the expanding habitat of Aedes mosquitoes, which carry dengue, Zika virus and chikungunya. In California's Central Valley, desert-loving fungal spores that cause Valley fever could do well as temperatures climb. A couple in sun hats and with an umbrella cross the street as an extreme heat warning is in effect in Queens, New York City June 23, 2025. — Reuters pic What you can do Public health advisories across the United States urge people to stay cool, stay hydrated, and avoid over-exertion. Many cities have set up public cooling centres or are providing free access to air-conditioned public transport. Employers should ensure workers have adequate breaks and hydration, and that they are not working outdoors when the heat is dangerous. — Reuters
Deccan Herald
21-06-2025
- Health
- Deccan Herald
Yoga day celebrations across the world capture spirit of wellness & unity
Thousands of yoga enthusiasts from across the world rolled out their colourful yoga mats as they joined sessions of the ancient Indian practice to commemorate the International Day of Yoga. The Consulate General of India in New York, in partnership with Times Square Alliance, celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the iconic Times Square Credit: Reuters Photo In China, thousands of people participated in several yoga events, signifying the growing popularity of the practice in the country. Credit: PTI Photo In the UK, hundreds of people gathered at an iconic square on the Strand in London to join in a series of expert-led asanas and breathing techniques Credit; PTI Photo The draft UNGA resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. Credit: Reuters Photo A child lies atop his mother as she takes part in the International Yoga day at Times Square. People practise yoga in large numbers at Times Square in New York. Credit: Reuters Photo This year's theme for the day - Yoga for One Earth, One Health' is rooted in the 'One Earth, One Health' approach Credit: Reuters Photo
India Gazette
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Anupam Kher joins thousands for Yoga Day celebration at Times Square
New York [US], June 21 (ANI): The heart of Manhattan transformed into a vibrant celebration of health and mindfulness as the Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with Times Square Alliance, hosted the 11th International Day of Yoga at the iconic Times Square. The all-day event, widely known as Solstice at Times Square, featured seven yoga sessions that drew nearly 10,000 participants from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. The event was graced by actor Anupam Kher, who shared a personal connection to yoga. 'I'm extremely happy to be at the world's most iconic place, Times Square, on the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, initiated by our beloved Prime Minister 11 years back. My grandfather was a yoga teacher, so I've seen that happening all my life. I practice yoga, and I can see the atmosphere all over the place. It's a very important message not only for physical health but also for mental health,' he said. Kher also took to Instagram to express his gratitude, writing, 'It was my privilege and my honour to be there for #Bharat for the 11th #InternationalYogaDay at the iconic #TimeSquare in New York! Thank you @indiainnewyork @binaysrikant76 ji for inviting me to this highly prestigious event. It was wonderful to practice #Yog in this great environment! Jai Hind!' The Consul General welcomed the gathering and emphasised the transformative power of yoga, highlighting its benefits not just for physical and mental well-being but also for fostering a deeper connection with nature. The event's theme for 2025, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' reflects a holistic vision of health and harmony for the planet and its people. This year's celebrations are part of a broader month-long initiative by the Indian Consulate, engaging communities across states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Connecticut. These programs have seen enthusiastic participation from both local residents and yoga practitioners. Since its inception in 2015, following a United Nations resolution initiated by India, the International Day of Yoga has grown into a worldwide movement. Observed on June 21, the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the day continues to promote the timeless message of unity, balance, and well-being. (ANI)
Mint
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Anupam Kher joins thousands for Yoga Day celebration at Times Square
New York [US], June 21 (ANI): The heart of Manhattan transformed into a vibrant celebration of health and mindfulness as the Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with Times Square Alliance, hosted the 11th International Day of Yoga at the iconic Times Square. The all-day event, widely known as Solstice at Times Square, featured seven yoga sessions that drew nearly 10,000 participants from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. The event was graced by actor Anupam Kher, who shared a personal connection to yoga. "I'm extremely happy to be at the world's most iconic place, Times Square, on the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, initiated by our beloved Prime Minister 11 years back. My grandfather was a yoga teacher, so I've seen that happening all my life. I practice yoga, and I can see the atmosphere all over the place. It's a very important message not only for physical health but also for mental health," he said. Kher also took to Instagram to express his gratitude, writing, "It was my privilege and my honour to be there for #Bharat for the 11th #InternationalYogaDay at the iconic #TimeSquare in New York! Thank you @indiainnewyork @binaysrikant76 ji for inviting me to this highly prestigious event. It was wonderful to practice #Yog in this great environment! Jai Hind!" The Consul General welcomed the gathering and emphasised the transformative power of yoga, highlighting its benefits not just for physical and mental well-being but also for fostering a deeper connection with nature. The event's theme for 2025, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' reflects a holistic vision of health and harmony for the planet and its people. This year's celebrations are part of a broader month-long initiative by the Indian Consulate, engaging communities across states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Connecticut. These programs have seen enthusiastic participation from both local residents and yoga practitioners. Since its inception in 2015, following a United Nations resolution initiated by India, the International Day of Yoga has grown into a worldwide movement. Observed on June 21, the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the day continues to promote the timeless message of unity, balance, and well-being. (ANI)
UPI
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Stretching into summer: Yoga workouts mark solstice in longest day
1 of 4 | People attend a yoga class in celebration of the summer solstice at the 23rd annual all-day outdoor yoga event in Times Square in New York City on Friday, June 20, 2025. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo June 20 (UPI) -- Summer officially began Friday in the Northern Hemisphere with the longest daylight of the year at around 15 hours. At Times Square in New York, thousands of people enjoyed the extra sunshine in all-day yoga classes. The summer solstice officially begins at 10:42 p.m. The amount of daylight depends on the location. And the sun's intensity also varies. Long day? The Earth might have something to do with it. Friday, June 20 marks the summer solstice-the longest stretch of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. Pack sunscreen and thank Earth's axial tilt for the extra hours. Learn more: NASA (@NASA) June 20, 2025 Simultaneously, those in the Southern Hemisphere will mark the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of 2025 below the equator. That is around 7 hours and 40 minutes of daylight. The sun appears higher or lower in the sky depending on the season. In New York City, daylight was 15 hours and 6 minutes with sunrise at 5:24 a.m. and sunset at 8:30 p.m. Yoga participants enjoyed a sunny day in Manhattan with a high temperature of 85 degrees, no precipitation and 38% humidity. Free yoga classes were open to experienced yogis and first-timers on the Broadway pedestrian plazas. Classes for 23rd Mind over Madness Yoga ran from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The only animals allowed were service dogs. People could also participate in a livestream. It was sponsored by Times Square Alliance, which is a nonprofit organization that "works to improve and promote Times Square so that it retains the creativity, energy and edge that have made it an international icon for over 100 years," according to its website. Events have been celebrated by cultures around the world for thousands of years. Stonehenge and the Mayan Chichen Itza Pyramid were purposely built to align with these seasonal markers. Some Native American tribes in the plains and the Rocky Mountains perform a Sun Dance to celebrate the summer solstice. In Fairbanks, Alaska, a baseball game called the "Midnight Sun Game" traditionally starts at 10:30 p.m. The summer solstice occurs because the Earth has a 23.5-degree tilt. So, the planet is pointed toward the sun half of the year and the most away the other half. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its northernmost point relative to Earth's celestial equator. During the summer solstice, the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere. That means if you stand there, you'll have no shadow at noon because the sun will be directly overhead. The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is 10:02 a.m. The winter solstice takes place when the sun is in its southernmost position relative to the celestial equator. The word solstice is derived from the Latin word solstitium, which translates to "sun stands still." The Fall equinox will occur at 2:19 p.m. Sept. 22 this year and the spring equinox is March 20, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. Stretching into summer: Solstice yoga takes over Times Square People attend a yoga class in celebration of the summer solstice at the all-day outdoor yoga event in Times Square in New York City on June 20, 2025. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
