THIS IS SERIOUS

Comments 57

1. 
   Simple Living Global

   January 24, 2023 at 7:28 pm

   Hospital News – 18 January 2023

   https://hospitalnews.com/copd-patients-61-more-likely-to-die-in-the-year-after-major-surgery/

   COPD patients had 61% INCREASED RISK of dying in the year after major surgery.

   Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) also incur higher health costs than similar patients without COPD, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
   https://www.cmaj.ca/content/195/2/E62

   “Because patients with COPD are often frail and have many health problems, their management around the time of surgery should address not only COPD but all their health issues.”
   Dr. Ashwin Sankar – Anaesthesiologist, St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto.

   The study included 932,616 patients aged 35 years and older in Ontario who underwent major surgery, including total hip or knee replacement, gastrointestinal surgery, vascular surgery and other elective non-cardiac surgeries.

   Of ALL patients – 1 in 5 had COPD.

   Patients with COPD typically have concurrent comorbidity, biopsychosocial issues and frailty.

   Reply
2. 
   Simple Living Global

   February 8, 2023 at 6:19 pm

   UPI Health News – 3 February 2023

   https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2023/02/03/bodybuilding-supplement-androstenedione/9211675360259/

   Experts warn of dangers of a body building substance.

   Once this substance enters the body, it acts like a steroid and can pose similar health risks. It is one of those supplements that was peddled to athletes for many years as a quick path to bulging muscles and high testosterone levels but carries grave dangers.

   The dietary supplement was once touted to enhance athletic performance by stimulating muscle growth and boosting testosterone levels.

   The supplement is linked to numerous side effects.

   In 2004, it was re-classified from a supplement to an anabolic steroid, making it and other steroid-based drugs a controlled substance.

   Long-term use by men can result in testicular atrophy, impotence and the development of female characteristics such as breast enlargement.

   Women who use these products may develop male characteristics such as male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice, increased facial hair and enlargement of the clitoris.

   Women can also develop abnormal menstrual cycles, abnormal bleeding and blood clots.
   It can also increase the risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

   Among children and teenagers, this drug can put them at risk for the same hormonal effects as adults, as well as for early onset of puberty and premature cessation of growth.

   Taking these supplements can also damage the heart and blood vessels – raising the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

   Not only do they cause unwanted side effects – they can also interact dangerously with other medications.

   “While andro products may seem to have short-term benefits, the science shows that these same properties create real and significant health risks” said FDA Commissioner – Dr. Mark McClellan when the supplements were first banned.

   “While the products are advertised to athletes, they have the potential to get into the hands of our impressionable youth who may believe these products will help their development.
   Anyone who takes these products in sufficient quantities to build muscle or improve performance is putting themselves at risk for serious long-term and potentially irreversible health consequences” McClellan added.

   THIS IS SERIOUS

   If we know there are NUMEROUS SIDE EFFECTS and the potential of long-term damage – would it make sense to question WHY we want to take these harmfull substances?

   If we are supposedly the most intelligent species in this world then how intelligent are we really if this is going on like it is ‘normal’?

   Reply
3. 
   Simple Living Global

   June 1, 2023 at 7:55 am

   Mail Online – 9 February 2023

   Quarter of a million out-of-work young Britons plan to never get a job

   https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11510237/Quarter-million-unemployed-young-Britons-planning-NEVER-job-survey-shows.html

   • 227,000 unemployed people aged 18-24 plan never to enter the labour market
   • 30% do not think they will ever be able to achieve their career aspirations
   • 50% of those in employment in London are still receiving family financial support

   The City and Guilds survey suggests a quarter of a million people who are currently not working never plan to get a job.

   66% age 18 to 24 say it is too difficult to find decent employment.

   The report found –

   42% of those who are working are receiving financial support from their family
   50% is the number for those in London

   21% of young people don’t understand how to successfully apply for a job
   30% don’t think they will ever be able to achieve their career ambitions

   The report also found that many respondents harboured lofty, and even unrealistic, career ambitions, while others were left downhearted at the state of the job market where there are currently 859,000 young adults out of work.

   50% of those who took part in the survey said they would be earning more than the UK’s median salary of £28,000 within the next five years.

   79% of all working adults earn less than £30,000 a year.

   15% said they hoped to work in the arts, entertainment and recreation industry,
   These jobs made up only 2% of the labour market this year.

   2% said they wanted to work in the wholesale and retail trade.
   That made up 14% of the total available jobs.

   The report found that –

   • Many young people wanted to get into extremely competitive industries that make up a small amount of the job market.

   • A good salary tended to be the top priority for young people when looking for a new job, followed by exciting work and finding secure employment.

   Those who were attempting to get jobs said they felt put off from applying for entry level positions due to a perceived lack of experience.

   64% said they felt it was not easy for them to get a decent job these days.
   29% said they struggled to get interviews.

   50% of those unemployed said they felt their education had not given them the skills to get a job.

   68% of all young people reported feeling ill-equipped or not confident in their skill set when looking for job.

   The research found that young people who have faced additional challenges, such as young carers, care and prison leavers and those who come from less affluent families, are falling way behind their peers in the labour market at the earliest stage of their careers.

   Reply
4. 
   Simple Living Global

   July 29, 2023 at 7:48 am

   The Guardian – 25 July 2023

   https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/25/catastrophic-forecast-shows-9m-people-in-england-with-major-illnesses-by-2040

   9 MILLION PEOPLE IN ENGLAND WILL BE LIVING WITH MAJOR ILLNESSES BY 2040.

   These include:
   DEMENTIA
   DIABETES
   CANCER
   DEPRESSION
   KIDNEY DISEASE

   Cases are expected to soar as growing numbers reach old age.

   Health leaders have called this “catastrophic”.

   In a rapidly ageing population, the number of people living with serious diseases will rise from almost 1 in 6 of the adult population in 2019 to 1 in 5 by 2040.

   2.5 million extra people will be living with major illnesses
   37% rise compared with 2019, according to the report by Health Foundation.

   45% rise in cases of Dementia
   92% rise in Heart Failure
   31% rise in Cancer
   49% rise in Diabetes
   32% rise in Chronic Pain
   16% rise in Depression or Anxiety

   By the age of 70, people will have an average of 3 long-term conditions, rising to more that 5 by the age of 85.

   THIS IS SERIOUS

   This is so serious that we can no longer sit back and just read it as a bit of news or not go there as we don’t like to be told what may happen to us in the future.

   Is it any surprise that the majority love the distractions, the escapes, the binge eating, binge TV and binge everything as we do not like the everyday living which means – taking care of this body we have and are responsible for until our last breath?

   Could it be possible that the way we are ACTUALLY living is the reason WHY we are going to face all the ills that have been projected?

   Are we bothering to read anything that is spelling out to us that our lifestlyle choices are seriously harming our health?

   We simply cannot dismiss our health and well-being and this website has been on the front foot by presenting ANOTHER WAY TO LIVE and the living evidence is the author.

   Yes Dear World – for anyone in any doubt, worth studying this website and how the author lives in daily life, which confirms there is Another Way.

   With over 300 articles published and no sign of stopping and this is not the “day job”, it would be a wise move to start reading and applying the practical aspects presented.

   As they say in Australia “give it a go mate”.

   Reply
5. 
   Simple Living Global

   August 5, 2023 at 1:03 pm

   Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation – 31 July 2023

   https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/newsroom/news-releases/lancet-new-study-reveals-global-anemia-cases-remain-persistently

   25% of the global population is estimated to be Anaemic, with cases INCREASING RAPIDLY for women, expectant mothers, young girls and children younger than age 5.

   2021
   1.92 BILLION people globally had Anaemia.
   420 million increase in cases over 3 decades.

   Anaemia is the 3rd leading cause of years with lived disability (YLDs) in the world.

   Iron deficiency is the main leading cause of Anaemia.
   66% of total anaemia cases was dietary iron deficiency.

   This 30-year study underscores how treating underlying causes of anaemia – e.g., Malaria, Chronic Kidney Disease is a critical first step.

   Reply
6. 
   Simple Living Global

   August 10, 2023 at 7:01 am

   Brigham and Women’s Hospital – 8 August 2023

   https://www.brighamandwomens.org/about-bwh/newsroom/press-releases-detail?id=4499

   A new study finds women who consumed sugar sweetened beverages daily had a higher risk of developing Liver Cancer or Chronic Liver Disease.

   65% of adults in the United States consume sugar sweetened beverages daily. Chronic liver disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

   This is the first study to report an association between sugar sweetened beverage intake and chronic liver disease mortality.

   This was an observational study of 98,786 post-menopausal women who were followed for more than 20 years.

   Those that consumed one or more sugar sweetened beverages daily had an 85% higher risk of liver cancer and 68% higher risk of chronic liver disease mortality compared to those who had fewer than 3 sugar sweetened beverages per month.

   Dear World

   This is super Serious and deserves our attention.

   FOR THE RECORD – the content of this comment has also been published on our Women article. We tend not to duplicate but where it is needed, we will do so and this is one such comment.

   THIS IS SERIOUS and therefore it has a place on this particular blog for that reason.

   Of course this study can be dismissed by those that want facts and numbers. We have still not reached the point where we unite and accept that if almost 100,000 women are saying something and we have them voicing what they consume daily, then we need to note this and not wait for more research that fits our agenda of delay. Yes, while we wait for more data and our researchers to analyse and hypothesise, we need to be reminded that we are nowhere near closer to finding out how on earth this is happening and what is really going on?

   Our world has relied heavily on evidence and when we receive the study, there is always more to research and it gives us something that we know is called delay in the inevitable. Time to wake up world, this is such a serious study we cannot ignore it.

   We ALL know sugar is poison to our body. Our body is communicating that sugar is causing our liver to not function in its natural state and this needs to be addressed.

   WHY are we not going there with the questions –
   WHY do we need sugary drinks everyday?
   WHY are we using sugar to prop us up and what would happen if the prop was not there?

   Are we prepared to admit that without the sugar fix, we may simply not be able to even function?

   How are women living that gives rise to relying on sugar to hit the body to keep going?

   How are women coping with life if sugar drinks are needed every single day when we know sugar alters our natural state?

   How many women are aware that their one or few drinks with sugar everyday has serious consequences?

   What is happening to women who RE post-menopausal that sugar intake everyday is the norm?

   Without asking sensible questions, we will remain the statistic of ill health when in fact we could make changes that will receive a different response from our body.

   What if these women made adjustments because they are educated or presented with the facts of what happens when we consume sugary drinks daily?

   What if these women then became real role models for the younger generations so they reflect by their everyday lived way that it is possible?

   AND finally, what if those like the author of this website and this comment are the ones that present, not because they need the recognition but because they have a body that does not have daily sugar filled drinks?

   There is something about listening and receiving common sense presentations from those that live what they say. In other words, they walk the talk and talk the walk. They are coming directly from something that they live and it holds value and most, if not all of us would feel that on some level or have already experienced that. There is no fake sale or trying to convince or preach something. It just is. Take it or leave it.

   Reply
7. 
   Simple Living Global

   September 4, 2023 at 9:31 am

   British Medical Journal – BMJ 1 September 2023

   https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/fluid-on-the-lungs-relatively-little-known-hazard-linked-to-open-water-swimming/

   Fluid on the lungs is a relatively little known hazard linked to open water swimming, warn doctors in the journal BMJ Case Reports.

   Older age, swimming long distances, cold water, female sex, high blood pressure and pre-existing heart disease are among the risk factors. However, it frequently occurs in those who are otherwise fit and healthy.

   Open water swimming has become very popular, with over 3 million in England in 2021, but mounting evidence points to a link between the activity and a condition called Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Oedema (SIPA).

   1989
   First reported – SIPA leaves swimmers struggling to draw breath and depletes their blood of vital oxygen.

   Example in this report states a woman in her 50s, keen competitive long distance swimmer and triathlete with no medical history of note, experiencing difficulty breathing.

   Arrival at hospital – rapid heartbeat and x-ray revealed pulmonary oedema. Further scans revealed fluid had infiltrated the heart muscle, a sign of strain, known as myocardial oedema. However, she had no structural heart disease.

   SIPE recurrence is common and has been reported in 13% – 22% of swimmers and scuba divers, suggesting a predisposition to the condition.

   The authors advise swimming in warmer water, without a tight fitting wetsuit and avoidance of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to minimise risk.

   Dear World

   THIS IS SERIOUS

   As humans, some of us conveniently dismiss or ignore that our body is simply NOT designed to be in cold waters.

   Common sense knows that when we step into a warm room, under the soft duvet or blanket or a hot bath, our body relaxes and we drop deeper into our actual body.

   However, there is stimulation with a lot more people joining the cold sea Christmas Day and New Year’s Day jumping into the sea dressed up or with very little on – but what for?

   Social media or to be claiming some kind of fame? Furthermore, the elderly are attempting this too and wild water swimming is bigger than most are probably aware of.

   While researchers come up with more evidence, there is a strong chance this will continue and there will be more incidents like the example given.

   What is clear is our human body is not designed or equipped to be assaulted and abused in this way. We can continue, but there will come a point where we will realise no amount of force will make the body obedient to something that is not true.

   Reply
8. 
   Simple Living Global

   September 30, 2023 at 5:27 pm

   American Association for the Advancement of Science AAAS – 27 September 2023

   https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1002223

   Lack of Financial Planning is linked to a higher risk of death in the UK and the U.S. according to a new study over 22 years.

   People who are less socioeconomically advantaged have lower life expectancies, with a number of possible underlying mechanisms, such as less ability to spend on healthcare or the psychological effects of economic inequality.

   Previous research has shown that many households struggle to financially prepare for old age.

   The researchers found in this study that people who planned their finances into the future had a lower risk of dying during the study periods. This association held true even after statistically accounting for other factors that could affect mortality risk, such as demographics, income and self-reported life expectancy, which could inform financial planning decisions.

   In addition, people who planned further into the future had better self-reported health and this association was strongest for the least financially advantaged participants.

   The authors said that the study suggest lack of financial planning was not only bad for the wallet but also health and longevity.

   Dear World

   This article deserves to be posted on THIS IS SERIOUS because we have a rising number of people in our world who have made absolutely no plans for how they are going to be taken care of if they had to stop work because of ill health or an accident. Some are dependent on a partner that may not make it to old age due to current health issues and so it goes on and this is the raw reality.

   How many live in rental properties and have not considered that one day they may need to move due to lack of affordability or job redundancy or old age?

   We seem to not have this retirement planning on our radar as most live within a budget or need to provide for family and thinking ahead would cause anxiety and fear, so we simply do not go there.

   THIS IS SERIOUS as we now have a study that tells us our lack of responsibility when it comes to financial planning increases the risk of death. Just knowing this can bring on some kind of anxiety as we simply are not equipped and that is the truth.

   So where do we go and how can we make changes when we feel trapped in the systems we live in, pay our taxes, go on vacation and not consider the future years as that’s too much?

   What if we started taking responsibility now for everything and start with what we are spending and where can we be more sensible? Balancing our ledger means we cannot just spend or have what we think we want or what others have because that’s how we operate. Having the lastest newest smartphone or buying Christmas gifts when we can barely pay our bills is not a sensible and mature approach.

   We have whole generations – the youth of today where many do not even think about saving or those that do want to stop work and retire decades ahead of the usual age. What is this saying about our future workforce?

   Our world is in a serious mess. We know our health systems are running on red and the debts are mounting due to the rise in multiple illnesses and diseases that are now prevalent worldwide.

   We have created a world that demands 24/7 of whatever we desire or fantasise and we get it at the click or tap of a digital device.

   The good old fashion – only spend what you can afford and save money – is no longer on our radar and then we have studies like this giving us the end result of what happens.

   Time for a re-set and get Back to Basics as it pays, literally to tighten up and sharpen up when it comes to all our expenditure, including the seemingly small stuff, which all adds up if we ignore it, as that’s how we roll. Not sensible, not real and not responsible.

   Reply
9. 
   Simple Living Global

   October 31, 2023 at 4:46 am

   The Guardian – 30 October 2023

   https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/30/councils-in-england-facing-bankruptcy-as-lack-of-housing-pushes-up-costs

   Councils in England are facing bankruptcy.

   The housing crisis will push many local authorities into bankruptcy as the increasing cost of emergency accommodation for thousands of homeless families threatens to overwhelm council budgets.

   Millions are being spent in a year and in some cases between 20% and 50% of their total available financial resources to try and cope with and unprecedented and rapid explosion in homelessness caused by rising rents and a shrinking supply of affordable properties.

   The scale of the crisis means some affluent counties cannot supply enough emergency homes to meet their legal duty to support homeless families. Rates in homelessness in some districts have more than doubled year on year.

   THIS IS SERIOUS

   Have we bothered to ask how on earth has it got to this point?

   Who or what is running the show – and why have we allowed this?

   Why are our councils not operating with transparency and allowing the public to know how monies are being spent?

   If we get simple – we could ask how do those who make these financial decisions operate in their own personal life when it comes to money?

   We place people in high positions and we start the blame game but forget those that are employed to be trusted with the public purse may not be equipped, because no CV bothers to check how they budget and conduct their own finances.

   Of course, there are many other factors to consider which is how much sympathy and pandering do we do when there is a homeless case?

   How much are we into getting the numbers reduced and that means finding emergency accommodation at whatever cost just so it looks good on the figures?

   Is it time we admitted not only do we have a SERIOUS 911 but we ought to now consider how to change this whole way of running business especially when it comes to public monies?

   Reply
10. 
    Simple Living Global

    November 17, 2023 at 4:23 pm

    UPI Health News – 15 November 2023

    https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2023/11/15/eating-disorder-insurance-claims-record-significant-rise/5731700039096/

    65% rise in U.S. medical insurance claims for treatment for Eating Disorders between 2018 and 2022, according to a new report.
    https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2275537/Spotlight_On_Eating_Disorders_A_FAIR_Health_White_Paper.pdf?p=pdf

    Increases were seen across all eating conditions

    The largest rise was ARFID – more than triple
    Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

    81% rise in Binge-Eating Disorder

    73% rise in Anorexia Nervosa

    1 in 10 patients with Eating Disorders were diagnosed with multiple disorders and were 5 times more likely to suffer from one or more mental illnesses and 4 times more likely to have a substance abuse problem.

    The database of 43 billion private healthcare claim records were drawn on and is the largest in the United States

    The study also looked at accompanying mental health conditions and found –

    72% of all patients with Eating Disorders had at least one co-morbidity led by bulimia sufferers and

    78% of whom were diagnosed with one or more mental illness that was not an eating disorder

    4 in 10 patients had a Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    39% had a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, with some being diagnosed with both conditions

    2022
    24% of all Eating Disorder diagnoses were for Binge-Eating Disorder or Anorexia on their own, making them the most common eating-related medical conditions.

    89% of all eating disorder claim lines were females, except for males younger than age 9, which exceeded females

    94% by condition, claims for Anorexia were female

    ARFID was the eating disorder that most affected patients under the age of 13

    Binge-eating disorder mostly affected age group 31 – 65

    All regions saw significant rises in claims for Eating Disorders –

    84% rise in the South

    2018 – 2022
    100-fold increase in video consultations for treating Eating Disorders

    Dear World

    This is SERIOUS and what next is the question?

    Where is this going and what are we doing about it?

    We simply do not have the resources and do we really want to wait for the next and the next study to tell us SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT when it comes to eating dis-orders of all kinds.

    Our kids seem to be getting younger and younger and we ought to remind ourselves that not everyone is coming forward to speaking up, so there is a strong likelihood that these stats are not reflecting the actual reality of the problem we have.

    We have kids with eating disorders at a very young age and we have children with Obesity. Is that enough to stop us all to ask WHY and HOW have we got to this point and where is our Responsibility before we start blaming or pointing fingers.

    Reply
11. 
    Tim Bowyer

    November 20, 2023 at 4:40 am

    The Guardian – 18 November 2023

    https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/nov/18/firms-earn-53bn-a-year-from-uk-smoking-excess-drinking-and-junk-food-study

    UK firms earn £53 BILLION a year from smoking, excess drinking and junk food

    The figures prompted a coalition of health, medical and children’s organisations to demand an urgent crackdown on the “irresponsible behaviour of health-harming industries”.

    The government’s failure to properly regulate those industries was damaging public health, adding to the strain on the NHS and causing a £31 BILLION hit to the economy.
    The manufacturers were making vast profits by bombarding consumers with marketing and deliberately obstructing efforts by the government to restrict their activities, such as seeking to discredit scientific evidence of harm.

    The report found that consumers spend £81 BILLION a year on unhealthy products, from which the Treasury makes £28.8 BILLION through VAT receipts.

    13% of adults in England Smoke
    21% drink more Alcohol than the recommended 14 units a week maximum
    64% of adults are Overweight or Obese.

    NHS hospitals admit 2.5 million patients a year for treatment of diseases directly linked to:

    • Being Overweight – 1.02 million
    • Drinking – 980,000
    • Smoking – 506,000

    459,000 people cannot work because they are too ill to do so as a result of:

    • Smoking – 289,000
    • Alcohol consumption – 99,000
    • Morbidly obese – 70,000

    I have no doubt that manufacturers of these harm-full products do not have the health interests of consumers at the forefront of their decision making and will continue to put profits before people.

    And although the claim that manufacturers try to obstruct the government in restricting their activities may be true, is it possible that the government’s efforts in restricting the manufacturers, may be ‘watered down’ due to the incredible amount of income received via tax receipts?

    And lest we forget, the responsibility and the choice for us smoking, the responsibility and the choice for us drinking alcohol, the responsibility and the choice for us eating unhealthy foods is none but ours.

    We are smoking, drinking and eating ourselves to death and we are looking for others to blame and put us right – this is serious.

    Reply
12. 
    Simple Living Global

    January 9, 2024 at 4:29 pm

    British Medical Association – 5 January 2024

    https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/nhs-delivery-and-workforce/pressures/pressures-in-general-practice-data-analysis

    GP practices in England are experiencing significant and growing strain with declining GP numbers, rising demand, struggles to recruit and retain staff. This has had knock-on effects for patients.

    NHS are still losing fully qualified GPs at an alarming rate over the past year.

    Fewer doctors are looking after greater numbers of patients.

    The overall number of GPs has seen little growth since 2015, with the number of GP partners declining significantly over that time.

    England would need an additional 16,700 GPs to be on equal footing with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average.

    Latest data from November 2023 confirms there are 1,881 fewer fully qualified full-time GPs compared to the September 2015 baseline.

    Whilst the GP workforce is declining, the number of patients is increasing.

    November 2023
    63.03 million patients were registered with GP practices in England – another record high.

    18% increase (355 patients per GP) since 2015, demonstrating the ever mounting workload in general practice.

    83% of appointments were booked to take place within 2 weeks.

    Reply
13. 
    Simple Living Global

    January 15, 2024 at 5:13 pm

    Diabetes UK – 10 January 2024

    https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2024/jan/one-in-three-people-have-given-up-seeing-a-gp-poll-shows.html

    30% living in the UK have stopped going to their GP for medical advice due to the difficulties of securing an appointment, according to a new survey.

    25% of adult responders were unable to get a GP appointment.

    1 in 3 of the participants that have given up say they have resorted to DIY medical care.

    15% say they try to treat themselves instead of seeking professional medical care/1 in 5 have purchased medicine online without any advice from a trained healthcare professional.

    1 in 3 people suffering with pain had put off seeing a GP.

    Next

    1 January to 8 December 2023
    13,000 people contacted Young Minds for support.

    2,800 parents and carers rang the charity in need of urgent crisis support.

    Young Minds, a UK mental health charity stated that parents required help to deal with anxiety, low mood, depression and anger in their children, as well as autism-related complications and behaviour problems.

    Reply
14. 
    Tim Bowyer

    January 28, 2024 at 5:55 am

    Sky News – 25 January 2024

    Cost of keeping people in prison on intermediate IPP sentences tops £1 Billion since 2012

    https://news.sky.com/story/cost-of-keeping-people-in-prison-on-indeterminate-ipp-sentences-tops-1bn-since-2012-13055324

    Ministry of Justice show 2,852 people remain behind bars under the controversial sentence, scrapped in 2012 –
    That means inmates remain in jail indefinitely until the parole board approves their release.

    Keeping people who are serving a controversial indefinite sentence beyond their minimum term in prison has cost the taxpayer more than £1 BILLION since 2012.

    The data relates to those serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences.

    This is a type of open-ended sentence that was abolished more than a decade ago following widespread concern over its implementation and psychological impact on inmates.

    April 2012 to December 2023
    £1.1 Billion – Cost the taxpayer to house unreleased IPP prisoners who were serving time beyond their original tariff – the term used to describe the minimum amount of time they had to spend in custody before they could be considered for release by the Parole Board.

    It does not include those that have been recalled back to prison after initially being released under strict licence conditions.

    Of the 2,582 people that remain incarcerated under the IPP system, 1,227 have never been released and 1,210 are behind bars beyond their original tariff.

    IPP sentences were implemented in 2005 under the then Labour government and were intended for the most serious violent and sexual offenders who posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public but whose crimes did not warrant a life term.

    Although the government’s stated aim was public protection, concerns quickly grew that IPP sentences were being applied too broadly and catching more minor offenders – with many serving time in prison much longer than their initial term.

    In light of the criticisms, IPP’s were scrapped in 2012 but the change was not applied retrospectively – meaning those who were in prison at the time the sentence was abolished were not able to benefit.

    There have long been calls from campaigners for the government to review the use of IPP sentences – which have been described as “cruel and degrading” by a torture expert at the UN.

    In 2022, parliament’s Justice Select Committee published a report recommending a re-sentencing exercise, arguing the IPP sentence was “irredeemably flawed” and caused ‘acute harm” to those serving them due to the prisoner not knowing when they might be released.

    Successive governments have been reluctant to carry out a re-sentencing exercise on the grounds it could compromise public safety.

    However, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk – who has described IPP’s as a ‘stain’ on the justice system – has come under pressure to heed the committee’s calls due to the current capacity constraints in the prison system.

    Data from the MoJ published last week shows the prison estate in England and Wales is fast approaching its operational capacity limit, with just 1,430 spaces left.

    According to the campaigning organisation the Institute of Now, the number of people still inside on IPP sentences beyond their tariff could fill the equivalent of more than four average-size UK prisons.

    Henry Rossi, a human rights campaigner and founder of the Institute of Now, said: “Far too many people, both prisoners and their families, have been subjected to psychological torture from this wicked sentence, which in so many cases, has led to suicides.

    Prisons are not the place to manage those that have served their time as punishment. The UK has blood on its hands and the government must urgently relook at this draconian sentence and release post-tariff IPP prisoners with the appropriate support.”

    A separate report from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) shows how care and separation units (CSU’s) are regularly being used as a “stop gap” to manage prisoners with severe mental health needs – including those serving IPP sentences.

    In one case, a man with a schizophrenia diagnosis cumulatively spent almost nine months in CSU – also known as segregation or “the seg” – during which time the IMB said his mental health “dramatically deteriorated”.

    In another example, an IPP prisoner with a personality disorder spent over 800 days in the CSU before they were transferred to an appropriate unit.

    The IMB national chair said: “Segregating any prisoner, especially those with mental health needs, is not a decision taken lightly by prison managers. While they clearly feel that they have no other option, CSU’s should not be used as holding bays for these vulnerable individuals.”

    “While local IMB’s found that overall staff worked hard to support prisoners in the best way that they could, collectively they have reported a disturbing picture of mentally unwell men spending lengthy periods in isolation, which often results in a deterioration of their mental health.

    If anything is to change, the solution is, and has always been, providing appropriate mental health provision in the community and tighter controls around the transfer times from prison to hospital.”

    Reply
15. 
    Simple Living Global

    January 31, 2024 at 6:13 pm

    Neuroscience News – 29 January 2024

    https://neurosciencenews.com/social-behavior-contagious-sickness-25540/

    A significant number of people, including healthcare workers, conceal infectious illnesses to maintain their work and social commitments, according to a new study involving over 4,100 participants.

    75% had hidden or might hide their illness in the future, often due to social plans or institutional pressures.

    61% of healthcare workers said they had concealed an infectious illness.

    75% had either hidden an infectious illness from others at least once or might do so in the future.
    Many reported boarding planes, going on dates and engaging in other social interactions while secretly sick.

    Despite the potential harm to others, actively sick individuals frequently reported concealing illnesses of varying severity and transmissibility.

    This research highlights A CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE, underscoring the need for solutions beyond individual responsibility.

    The researchers at the University of Michigan say “a startling number of people conceal an infectious illness to avoid missing work, travel or social events”.

    “…actively sick people reported high levels of concealment regardless of how harmful their illness was to others.
    Sick people and healthy people evaluate the consequences of concealment in different ways, with sick people being relatively insensitive to how spreadable and severe their illness may be for others.”
    Wilson N. Merrell – lead author on the study.

    More than 70% of the participants reported covering up their symptoms. Many said they hid their illness because it would conflict with social plans.

    Reply
16. 
    Simple Living Global

    February 4, 2024 at 7:26 pm

    U.S. News – 31 January 2024

    https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-01-31/six-million-u-s-women-became-pregnant-due-to-rape-coercion-in-their-lifetimes-study

    6 MILLION U.S. women became pregnant due to rape, coercion in their lifetimes

    1 in 20 American women endured a pregnancy due to sexual violence.

    Pregnancy resulting from sexual coercion – non-physically forced, unwanted penetration – is even more common than pregnancy resulting from rape.

    35% of the victims of sexual violence who became pregnant also wound up with a sexually transmitted disease.

    66% of rape victims who got pregnant said they also were physically injured and more than 80% said they feared for their safety.

    Dear World

    We have another 911 and most of us are not aware how SERIOUS this is.

    6 million may just be like a big number to some of us but it equated to around 1 in 20 women getting pregnant under force, which we call sexual violence.

    80% fear for their safety – THIS IS SERIOUS.

    The study mentioned the lasting impact this has on women’s health and lives.

    How have we got to this point where we have one nation with such horrific statistics? The truth is we all know this is not an isolated research study informing us because it is going on around the world and not just in the U.S.

    How long are we going to wait for more evidence and solutions to fix the problem but never question how and why this is going on in our so-called modern world that calls itself intelligent?

    Are we truly intelligent if we have this going on?

    Reply
17. 
    Tim Bowyer

    February 5, 2024 at 1:45 pm

    Neuroscience News – 29 January 2024

    People likely to conceal contagious sickness for social commitments.

    https://neurosciencenews.com/social-behavior-contagious-sickness-25540/

    New research suggests a startling number of people conceal an infectious disease to avoid missing work, travel, or social events.

    The study, involving over 4,100 participants, including healthcare workers found –
    75% had hidden or might hide their illness in the future, often due to social plans or institutional pressures.

    Despite the potential harm to others, actively sick individuals frequently reported concealing illnesses of varying severity and transmissibility. This research highlights a critical public health issue, underscoring the need for solutions beyond individual responsibility.

    Key facts:

    • 75% of participants admitted to hiding or considering hiding an infectious illness in various social contexts
    • 61% of healthcare workers confessed to concealing their illness

    The study suggests a discrepancy between how people predict they would act when sick and their actual behaviour, with many downplaying the severity and transmissibility of their illness.

    Many participants reported boarding planes, going on dates, and engaging in other social interactions while secretly sick.

    The lead researcher found a difference between how people believe they would act when ill and how they actually behave.

    He said: “Healthy people forecasted that they would be unlikely to hide harmful illnesses – those that spread easily and have severe symptoms – but actively sick people reported high levels of concealment regardless of how harmful their illness was to others.”

    Of the participants, many said they hid their illness because it would conflict with social plans, while a small percentage of participants cited pressure from institutional policies (e.g., lack of paid time off).

    Other studies were conducted where participants who were actually sick and others were given hypothetical illnesses. The participants were asked to rate their transmissibility and likelihood of covering up an illness in a hypothetical meeting with another person.

    Results showed that, compared to healthy participants who only imagined being sick, those who were actively ill were more likely to conceal their illness regardless of its transmissibility.

    The lead author of the study said: “This suggests that sick people and healthy people evaluate the consequences of concealment in different ways with sick people being relatively insensitive to how spreadable and severe their illness may be for others.”

    Overall, the findings carry significant public health implications, illuminating the motivations and trade-offs we make in social interactions when we’re sick.

    “After all, people tend to react negatively to, find less attractive and steer clear of people who are sick with infectious illness. It therefore makes sense that we may take steps to cover up our sickness in social situations. This suggests that solutions to the problem of disease concealment may need to rely on more than just individual good will.”

    For some, the first sign of any ailment, we take time off work and milk it for as long as possible.

    For others, going to work while sick is a very common reaction.

    Unfortunately, we don’t consider the healthy if we choose to come back to work while still sick, due in part to the fact that we don’t see common infectious diseases as too serious.

    Once we have gotten over the worst of things like the common cold, the flu, stomach flu, hepatitis, respiratory diseases, we come back to work thinking that we are OK, but the truth is, we haven’t fully healed.

    Whatever the misplaced reason, whether it’s because we don’t want to lose money, or we don’t want to let people down, or we can struggle on because “I am a soldier”, or “I am being pressured from work”, many of us have done this.

    It wasn’t until a few years ago that I was doing this.

    Whether contagious or not, whatever illness, malady, ailment, accident I had, my overarching drive was to get back to work ASAP.

    This is one of those topics that is highly subjective.

    We all react to illness and disease in different ways, so there can be no one ‘solution’ that fits all.

    The only thing we can do is be honest with ourselves and deeply look at the reasons why we want to get back to work before being fully healed.

    Reply
18. 
    Simple Living Global

    February 12, 2024 at 6:09 am

    Institute for Security Studies – 6 February 2024

    https://issafrica.org/iss-today/despite-the-hazards-ghanas-illicit-waste-trade-is-booming

    Despite the hazards, Ghana’s illicit waste trade is booming.

    Ghana cannot recycle all its hazardous waste imports, but this has not curbed its role in the billion-dollar global business.

    $10 – $12 BILLION US dollars – Illicit Waste trafficking generates worldwide every year, according to the Financial Task Force Report
    https://www.fatf-gafi.org/content/dam/fatf-gafi/reports/Money-Laundering-from-Environmental-Crime.pdf.coredownload.pdf

    Ghana plays a major role in this market.

    150,000 tonnes of electronic waste are shipped to Ghana, legally and illegally.
    Both Western and Ghanaian companies benefit from legal loopholes and corruption enabling their hazardous waste activities in the country.

    A strong electronics repair industry was established after Ghana’s independence in 1957.
    The country remains a key destination for hazardous waste, even though not all of it can be fixed.

    Hazardous waste causes health problems and devastates the environment.
    To extract copper from cables, the plastic wiring is burnt, releasing toxic polyvinyl chloride and brominated flame.

    Waste picking and burning of wires are performed without protective equipment.
    Some e-waste workers are aged 16 and some as young as 8 years old.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10815197/

    People living near the dumpsite inhale these toxic fumes, which can lead to pollution or chemical-related diseases.

    Hazardous waste crimes involve government officials, criminal and mafia groups and corporations.

    No other form of organised crime provides as many opportunities for money laundering and tax fraud as hazardous waste.

    HAZARDOUS WASTE PROVIDES MORE PROSPECTS FOR MONEY LAUNDERING AND TAX FRAUD THAN ANY OTHER ORGANISED CRIME.

    THIS IS SERIOUS.

    Industries can make huge profits by illegally disposing of waste.
    Criminals and Corporations can easily overcome International waste treaties by falsifying or mis-labelling genuine waste documents as recycling or second-hand goods.

    Hazardous waste is enabled by corruption and a lack of care at exporting ports.

    “If hazardous waste leaves European ports illegally, that is because it is easier to export illegally from European ports than to import to the European Union (EU).
    While Europeans control what enters their soil, they don’t care very much what is exported from their countries.”
    Professor Marco Antonelli – University of Pisa, Italy

    Corruption is exacerbated by a flexible law enforcement approach to hazardous waster globally.
    Suspects of pollution crime are rarely charged with organised crime offences.

    Lack of enforcement and low penalties allow organised criminal groups to break environmental laws on a large scale.

    27% of Ghana’s population lives in poverty and hazardous waste generates jobs and income.
    https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/ghana/overview

    Ghana plays a central role in the rising toxic waste trade – putting both its economy and people at risk.
    https://enactafrica.org/enact-observer/one-man-s-poison-is-another-man-s-fortune-in-ghana

    Reply
19. 
    Simple Living Global

    February 26, 2024 at 7:55 am

    Barron’s News – 24 February 2024

    https://www.barrons.com/news/south-korea-issues-severe-health-alert-over-doctors-strike-2c2afd60

    South Korea issues “Severe” Public Health alert to the highest level, saying health services were in crisis after thousands of doctors resigned over proposed medical reforms. It is the 1st time that the alert has been raised to the “Severe” level due to a “health care (service) crisis”.

    78.5% of the junior doctors have quit.
    Their resignation letters have not been officially accepted or processed and the government has ordered many of them to return to their hospitals.

    Doctors are considered essential workers in South Korea and are restricted by law from striking, with the government repeatedly claiming the mass resignation is unlawful.

    The collective action has resulted in the cancellation or postponement of surgeries for cancer patients and C-sections for pregnant women and patients with severe illnesses have requested that the doctors return to work.

    South Korea general hospitals rely heavily on trainee junior doctors for emergency operations and surgeries.

    The government is pushing hard to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools annually from next year.
    Doctors voiced fierce opposition claiming it would hurt the quality of service.

    Junior doctors say the new medical education reforms are the final straw in a profession where they already struggle with tough working conditions and that the over-reliance on trainees in the current healthcare system was not reasonable or fair.

    75% of the South Korean public supports the increase in medical school admissions, with those living in remote areas struggling to access quality health care.

    Reply
20. 
    Tim Bowyer

    February 28, 2024 at 2:51 pm

    UT Southwestern Medical Centre – 21 February 2024

    Age, sex, race among top risk factors for revision knee surgery.

    https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2024/feb-risk-factors-revision-knee-surgery.html

    According to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Centre (UTSW), patients who are younger than about 40, male, or Black are among those most at risk for revision surgery after having had a total knee replacement. The study, published in the Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery was first to explore relationships among risk factors for revision after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

    The Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UTSW said: “This research helps to identify risk factors for revision surgery so patients can be better counselled on expectations with their knee replacements. It also helps surgeons identify which patients may be good candidates for surgery.”

    TKA, also known as total knee replacement, is among the most common fastest-growing surgeries in the US, as well as one of the most impactful procedures in improving patient outcomes through orthopaedic surgery. The rise in these procedures has been accompanied by an increase in TKA revision – a second surgery for patients who experience complications with their initial surgery.

    According to the study, the number of revision surgeries was projected to increase between 78% and 182% from 2014 to 2030, with the financial burden on the US health care system expected to surpass $13 billion.

    The top reason patients undergo TKA is primary osteoarthritis; others include post-traumatic or inflammatory arthritis, osteonecrosis, and malignancy. Although risk factors for TKA revision surgery are already established, relationships among them are not yet well understood and may be critical to improving patient risk assessment.

    Using data from the State Inpatient Databases (SID), the study identified 958,944 patients who underwent TKA between January 2006 and December 2015. Of those, 33,550 (3.5%) required revision.

    Results showed that age was the strongest risk factor, with younger patients significantly more likely to need revision. Risk was also much higher in patients who were male, Black, had hospital stays shorter or longer than three days, resided in small metropolitan community, or had an underlying reason for TKA surgery other than primary osteoarthritis.

    A projected increase between 78% to 182% from 2014 to 2030 –

    This is a huge increase – so the question is – WHY?

    Why are people younger than 40 needing revision knee surgery?

    What are they doing or not doing that is creating this demand?

    Are they going back to doing the things they were doing which created the need for knee surgery in the first place?

    Are they carrying on with the same harm-full movements that led them to the point of having TKA?

    At the age of 57 I had TKA on my right knee. My left knee has now got to the point where I will need another TKA. Both due to osteoarthritis.

    Yes, we can say it is due to my extensive sport participation when I was younger – football, badminton, tennis, squash, martial arts, basketball etc. – which created the ‘wear and tear’ of both knees.

    But what if there is something deeper going on?

    What if it was simply me stuck in my ways, stubbornly refusing to move forward in my life, rigidly holding on to digging my heels in?

    Is it possible then, that this way of living could manifest itself into what we call osteoarthritis?

    If revision TKA is predicted to hit 182%, is it possible that we are so busy looking to get back to our lives the way it was that we pay no attention to the ‘WHY’ we have this debilitating illness in the first place?

    This is serious stuff.

    Reply
21. 
    Simple Living Global

    March 3, 2024 at 6:17 am

    Harvard T.H. Chan News – 29 February 2024

    https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/children-in-detention-lack-adequate-health-care-report-finds/

    Children in detention lack adequate health care, according to a new report.
    https://fxb.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2464/2024/02/Ensuring-The-Highest-Attainable-Standard-Of-Health-For-Children-Deprived-Of-Their-Liberty.pdf

    Children living in detention have a host of health problems – including high rates of mental illness, trauma, high-risk substance abuse, chronic disease and neurodevelopmental disabilities – but lack adequate health services in places where they’re detained.

    Using research from countries including Australia, the U.S. and France, the report looked at standards in 6 types of detention scenarios of children in:

    • Juvenile justice facilities
    • Living in prisons with their primary caregiver
    • Migration-related detention
    • Deprivation of liberty in institutions
    • Detention in the context of armed conflict
    • Detention on national security grounds

    Reply
22. 
    Simple Living Global

    March 16, 2024 at 6:34 pm

    World Health Organization – 14 March 2024

    https://www.who.int/news/item/14-03-2024-over-1-in-3-people-affected-by-neurological-conditions–the-leading-cause-of-illness-and-disability-worldwide

    A major new study released by The Lancet Neurology shows in 2021, more than 3.4 BILLION people worldwide were living with a neurological condition.
    https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(24)00038-3/fulltext

    Neurological conditions are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.

    18% increase since 1990 in the overall amount of disability, illness and premature death (known as disability-adjusted life years DALYs) caused by neurological conditions.

    Top 10 neurological conditions contributing to loss of health in 2021 were:
    Stroke
    Brain Injury
    Migraine
    Dementia
    Diabetic Neuropathy (nerve damage)
    Meningitis
    Epilepsy
    Neurological Complications from pre-term birth
    Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Nervous System Cancers

    Overall, there is more disability and health loss in men compared to women but some conditions like Migraine or Dementia, women are more disproportionately affected.

    Diabetic neuropathy was the fastest growing neurological condition.
    The number has tripled globally since 1990, rising to 206 million cases in 2021.

    Other conditions, such as neurological complications from Covid-19 did previously Not exist and now account for over 23 million cases.

    Dear World

    This global statistic is SERIOUS and a wake up call because half our world population now has a neurological condition.

    While we push harder for our researchers to keep us up to date and develop new strategies to cope, treat and cure – are we ready to make the call and ask WHY?

    Why are we developing these conditions and does our lifestyle choices have anything that needs changing?

    What is clear is we simply do not have the resources to deal with such high volumes of neurological conditions and these stats are old. Fast forward another 3 years and we arrive at today in 2024 and we can all take a sensible guess and be assured the numbers are higher.

    WHY – because we have yet to firstly admit this cannot continue and secondly ask WHY and HOW we have arrived at this point in our modern day world. Until then we can expect the rises to continue as we have to ask where is this all heading and what on earth is going to happen in the years to come…

    Reply
23. 
    Simple Living Global

    March 17, 2024 at 7:15 pm

    BBC News – 12 March 2024

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68534537

    More than a fifth of working age UK adults are not actively looking for work.

    The UK’s economic inactivity rate was 21.8% between November and January.

    9.2 million aged 16 to 64 are not in work and are not looking for a job.
    The total figure is 700,000 higher than before the pandemic.

    Concerns have been raised over worker shortages affecting the UK economy.

    The number of people not employed or actively looking for work has remained at a persistently high level in recent years since it first surged during the pandemic.

    Long term illness has been cited as the main reason for about one third of the working-age inactive population not being in the labour force.

    Working age long-term sickness remains high and currently at 2.7 million, according to the Office for National Statistics period November 2023 – January 2024.

    Reply
24. 
    Simple Living Global

    March 19, 2024 at 6:21 am

    The Guardian – 16 March 2024

    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/16/abandoned-french-bulldogs-increases-england-and-wales

    There has been a sharp increase in the number of abandoned French bulldogs in England and Wales.

    These dogs have been lauded in the show ring, adored by celebrities and feature in a myriad adverts.

    7,000% increase in 3 years of these dogs being abandoned, according to the RSPCA.

    There has also been a rise in abandoned other breeds like Staffordshire bull terriers but none had the sharp increase as French bulldogs.

    French bulldogs’ extreme body shape has been linked to various health problems, including:
    Skin disorders
    Eye problems
    Respiratory conditions
    Difficulties giving birth

    Royal Veterinary College research has shown that flat-faced dogs are 24% more likely to be diagnosed with at least one disorder each year than crossbred dogs.

    These increased health risks are likely to translate into substantially higher veterinary care costs for owners of dogs with extreme body shapes.

    Increased health risks mean these dogs are more expensive to insure.

    “These dogs can only really be described as deformed, when you compare that to their progenitor which is the wolf.”
    Esme Wheeler – Dog Welfare Specialist at the RSPCA

    The RSPCA have launched a campaign in an attempt to discourage people from buying brachycephalic breeds such as French bulldogs.

    “The increase in dog abandonments for all breeds is a reflection of the changes to post-lockdown lifestyles, ill-considered buying decisions and the lack of training and socialisation that dogs received at that time.”
    B. Lambert – Health, Welfare Services Executive | Kennel Club

    Lambert added that breeds such as French bulldogs rapidly increased in popularity driven by celebrity and social trends, therefore they are potentially vulnerable to higher abandonment, as irresponsible breeders are quick to fill the demand for puppies from sometimes ill-informed buyers.

    THIS IS SERIOUS

    WHY are we influenced or seeking to buy extreme brachycephalic dogs which come with breathing problems when we are not equipped from the start to deal with them?

    What is it about us that wants a certain type of look when it comes to a dog and are we handing them back or abandoning them because we realise or become aware this is not in our budget or it was not giving us what we want? We signed up for a distraction that was to get us through being locked in and now we are out of that – we want to get back to living our life of irresponsibility, or we are influenced by our favourite celebrity and want the same dog they have without ever considering what the real consequences could be with such a breed?

    What this comes down to is our lack of Responsibility.

    We want, we demand, we find a way to get whatever it is and never do we consider the consequences. This way of operating in life is now the new normal and let’s not finger point or blame anyone that profits. They make profits because we put them there through our demands. THIS IS SERIOUS stuff and we all need to wake up and sharpen up if we don’t like what is going on in our world and our dog world.

    Reply
25. 
    Simple Living Global

    April 21, 2024 at 7:53 am

    The Guardian – 16 April 2024

    https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/16/nearly-1m-uk-pensioners-deprivation-official-figures

    1 MILLION pensioners in the UK living in Deprivation, according to official figures.

    A separate report states the number of people living in poverty aged between 60 and pension age has TRIPLED.

    1.2 million aged 60 to 65 live in poverty. This is the highest poverty rate for any adult age group.

    2010 – 2022
    140% increase in the numbers in poverty between age 60 and the state pension age
    800,000 people
    https://fabians.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fabian-Society-When-Im-64-WEB-3-2.pdf

    36% age 55-64 live in households with assets of more than £1 million
    31% of the same age group have a second home

    62% age 60-65 live in a home without a mortgage

    40% are in households with less than £3,000 in savings
    21% of the same age group live in rented homes
    17% have a gross weekly household income of less than £300

    55% living in poverty are disabled at age 65 – double to those that are not living in poverty

    Most in poverty are without work.
    Low hours and earnings are linked to in-work poverty.

    Reply
26. 
    Simple Living Global

    April 29, 2024 at 7:05 pm

    Anglia Ruskin University – 24 April 2024

    https://www.aru.ac.uk/news/artificial-sweetener-has-potential-to-damage-gut

    Artificial sweetener has potential to damage gut.

    New research finds neotame can cause healthy gut bacteria to become diseased.

    The research study was published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition and was carried out at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), demonstrates that neotame can damage the intestinal epithelium directly by causing the death of epithelial cells and indirectly, by damaging bacteria commonly found in the gut.
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1366409/full

    THIS IS SERIOUS
    Neotame is one of the new generation of artificial sweeteners and is capable of damaging the human intestine and causing illness.

    The study is the first to show that neotame can cause previously healthy gut to become diseased and invade the gut wall – potentially leading to health issues including irritable bowel syndrome and sepsis and also cause a breakdown of the epithelial barrier, which forms part of the gut wall.

    Some of the newest artificial sweeteners have a 1,000-fold sweeter taste compared to sugar. Reducing the amount needed to be added to food and drink.

    Despite the smaller quantities used, the impact of neotame on the epithelium-microbiota relationship has the potential to cause poor gut health, which in turn could lead to metabolic and inflammatory diseases such as irritable bowel disease or insulin resistance.

    The new research in neotame builds on previous work by Dr. Havovi Chichger at ARU, which discovered that saccharin, sucralose and aspartame – some of the widely used artificial sweeteners could cause similar damage in the gut.

    “There is now growing awareness of the health impacts of sweeteners such as saccharin, sucralose and aspartame demonstrating the problems they can cause to the wall of the intestine and the damage to the ‘good bacteria’ which form in our gut.
    This can lead to a range of potential health issues including diarrhoea, intestinal inflammation and even infections such as septicaemia if the bacteria were to enter the blood stream.
    Our findings demonstrate the need to better understand common food additives more widely and the molecular mechanisms underlying potential negative health impacts.

    Reply
27. 
    Simple Living Global

    April 29, 2024 at 7:05 pm

    Science Daily – 24 April 2024

    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240424111520.htm

    Under-staffed nursing homes in dis-advantaged neighbourhoods are more likely to over-use anti-psychotics, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open.

    19.2% more likely to over-medicate residents with anti-psychotics in Nursing homes in severely disadvantaged communities.

    “The neighbourhood in which a nursing home is located seems to influence how widely anti-psychotics are used, even when they may not be indicated.
    We know that nursing homes with lower staffing levels use more antipsychotics. These medications may be compensating for under-staffing by sedating residents instead of having adequate staff to support their needs.”
    Jasmine Travers – study Senior Author – Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing

    Anti-psychotic medications are used to treat serious psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. These medications have long been given to nursing home residents with and without dementia who are agitated or have behavioural issues.
    Sometimes staff at nursing homes rely on their sedating side effects for “chemical restraint” rather than re-directing residents in distress.

    Antipsychotic use in older adults can be dangerous, increasing their risk for falls, strokes and even death.

    As a result, in recent years, there has been a significant push to reduce the use of antipsychotics to manage behaviours such as aggression or wandering in nursing homes.

    Reply
28. 
    Bina Pattel

    May 5, 2024 at 10:33 am

    We do not have a title on this website yet about WORK or anything work related.

    THIS IS SERIOUS and so that is where this comment has landed.

    Yesterday at one of my local supermarkets, there is a particular lady that I know very well and if she is around, I will make sure I line up at her check out till.

    I know of her brain surgery to remove a tumour and I know how exhausted she looks, but she comes from that ‘good old fashion’ lot where they just work and don’t indulge or take time out if they can help it.

    In all these years, I have just sensed that she lives alone and is clearly struggling.
    She has my card and knows she can contact me anytime. We talked about meeting for a cup of tea and a chat and she always says she knows I would be there for her.

    Well I find out she is married and has 2 daughters. One lives at home and lost her job in the pandemic.

    What is SERIOUS is that she does ‘nothing’ as that was what was said.
    No intention to work again and when I said “So you work and there is your daughter sitting all day at home – every day that could work, so you could rest and it’s not happening”.
    She nodded in agreement.

    How on earth have we got to this point where our younger generations are ok with not working again or have little or no desire? If bank of Mum and Dad are supplying, then we can be assured nothing is going to make them change their behaviours.

    Where are our future work force going to come from as this is not an isolated case? There are absolutely loads of people not working and they are our younger adults.

    We have a real mess on our hands and our world as a business is clearly in deficit.

    Each and everyone of us has the power to make a difference because each of us has something unique to bring to this world.

    What is happening is we are stuck and no one is actually making movements to change the trajectory. Offering solutions seems to be the trend and relying on the next research study to guide us and tell us what we need to do is not front footing.

    Are we going to have studies now about the long term health effects on young people that do not work or have no intention of working?

    Good old fashion granny would be asking “Well what on earth are they doing all day if they are not working?”

    Granny knows work has purpose and it support us and ALL of us and that means society.

    Reply
29. 
    Simple Living Global

    May 13, 2024 at 5:20 pm

    Ohio University – 9 May 2024

    https://www.ohio.edu/news/2024/05/taking-fall-how-stunt-performers-struggle-reporting-head-trauma

    Many stunt performers are reluctant to report head trauma and are looking for solutions to the problem. They fear it could jeopardise their careers.

    Stunt performers are crucial members of a global entertainment industry valued at $100 BILLION annually.

    A large segment of the world’s population consumes their work in motion pictures, television and live entertainment

    Stunt performers have a high potential for concussions as they engage in collisions, falls, fights, explosions, vehicular crashes and similar high energy, high velocity activities in film, television and entertainment theme parks.

    Stunt performers do not routinely have on set access to specialised healthcare for their head trauma that clearly require a high standard of care.

    Stunt performers have reported 80% to 100% prevalence of head impacts during their careers.

    They offer reasons for not reporting those injuries, including:
    Not realising the seriousness of the injury and its long-term consequences
    “Tough it out” culture
    Pressure from supervisors, directors and producers
    Variety of fears: missing work, downgraded reputation, losing future work opportunities

    This qualitative study was published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine & Toxicology
    https://occup-med.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12995-024-00401-0

    “Many stunt performers are afraid to report their injuries, especially head trauma, in fear they will be put on a do-not-hire list or looked at as a liability.
    The more injuries or trauma, the harder it may be to find work.”
    Dr. Jeff Russell – Associate Professor in the College of Health Sciences and Professions

    Reply
30. 
    Simple Living Global

    June 3, 2024 at 6:58 pm

    University of Michigan – 30 May 2024

    https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/pediatrics/news/archive/202405/use-wegovy-other-weight-loss-drugs-soars-among-kids-young-adults

    Use of Diabetes and Obesity drugs has surged among teenagers and young adults.

    Monthly use of medications for weight loss drugs soared in people aged 12 to 25, according to the new analysis of dispensing records from 94% of U.S. retail pharmacies from 2020 to 2023.

    The report was published in the journal JAMA
    https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2819128

    2023
    31,000 children aged 12 to 17 used the medications

    162,000 people aged 18 to 25 used the medications

    2020 to 2023
    600% INCREASE in the number of 12 to 25 year olds using any GLP-1 drug

    Those who received the drugs were just a fraction of young people who struggle with Obesity.

    20% of U.S. children and 42% of adults have Obesity which is now called a Chronic Disease.

    2023
    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that children and teenagers with Obesity be evaluated early and treated aggressively, including surgery and medication, if warranted.

    THIS IS SERIOUS

    Dear World

    This may be great news as we are being told of early intervention.

    SERIOUS QUESTIONS
    Have we considered that we ought to be “aggressive” with our questioning as to WHY our kids are getting obese and are their parents Obese as the adult population numbers are increasing – is there a correlation?

    Are weight loss drugs a band aid to a bullet wound?

    Do we need to get ‘aggressive’ with those industries that market the foods that our human body simply cannot digest?

    Do we need to educate and get parents taking some accountability and responsibility?

    Is it all about the food and lack of exercise or is there more that gives rise to weight gain in any age group?

    Can we join the dots and admit for starters with a big dose of honesty that something is seriously not right if we have OBESITY at these numbers in the younger population.

    What is the future for those kids with Obesity today with no signs of stopping?

    Reply
31. 
    Simple Living Global

    June 5, 2024 at 6:37 am

    Royal College of Nursing – 3 June 2024

    https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/Press-Releases/nursing-union-declares-national-emergency-over-corridor-care-crisis

    ‘National Emergency’ over corridor care crisis

    Patients are being left without access to oxygen, enduring intimate examinations and even dying in hospital corridors, it has been revealed, as the nursing union declares a “national emergency” over care delivered in inappropriate crowded areas.

    Patients are regularly treated on chairs in corridors for extended periods of time, sometimes days.
    The Royal College of Nursing says that these must now be determined a ‘Never Events’ in NHS services in the same way as having the wrong limb operated on or a foreign object left inside a patient’s body.

    Health and care service regulators should also include corridor care in inspection regimes.

    37% of nursing staff working in typical hospital settings report delivering care in an inappropriate area, such as a corridor.

    Those forced to deliver care in inappropriate settings –
    53% say it left them without access to life-saving equipment including oxygen and suction.

    67% said the care they delivered in public compromised patient privacy and dignity.

    “This is a tragedy for our profession.
    Our once world-leading services are treating patients in car parks and store cupboards. The elderly are languishing on chairs for hours on end and patients are dying in corridors. The horror of this situation cannot be understated. It is a national emergency for patient safety and today we are raising the alarm.

    This is about honesty and accountability.
    Care being delivered in front of a fire exit is not care.
    Signing do not resuscitate orders in a corridor is not care.
    Receiving a cancer diagnosis in a public area is not care.
    We need to call it out as nursing staff and health leaders and ministers need to take responsibility.”
    Professor Nicola Ranger – Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing

    Patients are soiled for long periods of time because there is nowhere to change them.
    Nurse testimonial

    The findings and testimonies are published in a new report ‘Corridor Care: unsafe, undignified, unacceptable’ – a call for corridor care to be eradicated from health and care settings.

    Thousands of nursing staff report how corridor care has become the norm in almost every corner of a typical hospital setting. Heavy patient flow and lack of capacity sees nursing staff left with no space to place patients.
    What would have been an emergency measure is now routine.

    Professor Ranger will address in her keynote speech this ‘national emergency’ at the RCN annual conference:
    “Treating patients in corridors used to be an exceptional circumstance. Now it is a regular occurrence and a symptom of a system in crisis. We are right to be angry that this once abnormal practice has become normalised.”

    The report says corridor care is ‘a symptom of a system in crisis’ with patient demand in all settings – from primary to community and social care, outstripping workforce supply. The result is patients left unable to access care near their homes and instead being forced to turn to hospitals.

    Ranger will also say:

    “Patients should not have to end up at the doors of our emergency departments because they cannot get a GP appointment, a visit from a district nurse or a social care package”.

    Reply
32. 
    Simple Living Global

    June 8, 2024 at 6:44 pm

    Tulane University – 4 June 2024

    https://newcomb.tulane.edu/content/study-reveals-billion-dollar-toll-domestic-violence-california

    A comprehensive new study has quantified the staggering economic impact of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in California.

    2022
    $73.7 BILLION cost to the state in Health Care, Lost Productivity and Income and Criminal Justice and Response Program spending for domestic violence cases. This amounts to 2% of the GDP – Gross Domestic Product for California.
    https://newcomb.tulane.edu/calvex

    “Too often, states do not recognise the economic as well as social and health costs resulting from Intimate Partner Violence for survivors, families of victims and the state as a whole.”
    Anita Raj – Lead Author of “The Costs of Intimate Partner Violence in California” report.

    The report which draws on data from the 2023 California Violence Experiences Survey (CalVEX) found the fiscal impact of Intimate Partner Violence amounts to almost a quarter of the state’s annual budget.

    More than half of California women experience Intimate Partner Violence in their lifetime.

    460,000 experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a partner in just the past year and those reporting these abuses in the past year faced greater health and social risks.

    “Women who experienced Intimate Partner Violence in the past year are more likely to be contending with depression, anxiety and suicidality and they are also more likely to have faced recent eviction.
    Preventing this violence has to be prioritized if we are going to address the mental health and homelessness crises in this state.”
    Jakana Thomas – Professor of Political Science at School of Global Policy and Strategy and co-author of the report.

    California is one of the only 2 states to tally the economic toll of domestic violence.

    A report released earlier this year titled “The Costs of Intimate Partner Violence in Louisiana” found the cost of domestic violence in Louisiana was $10.1 BILLION in 2022.

    $105,602 annually – monetary costs per survivor amounted to, which is 2.5 times more than the average wage earned by women in Louisiana.
    https://newcomb.tulane.edu/content/costs-ipv-louisiana

    THIS IS SERIOUS

    Dear World

    The above is giving us a microcosm and we can go there and wake up because it is going on for sure in other states in the U.S. We all know that.

    We also know that this is going on across the whole world and no country will be free of IPV until we expose what this is really about and admit how SERIOUS it is and make the changes necessary to end it.

    It would be true to say that while it is widely accepted, meaning we are not really screaming and getting it on every news front page headline, the new normal continues.

    For some they are born into it and that is all they know and bingo as adults they end up living the same kind of cycle that brings IPV to their home.

    WHY is it that we do not HATE what Intimate Partner Violence is doing to us in our homes that are supposedly the safest and most secure space for us?

    Let’s not pretend we really and truly hate because if we did we would not be running a multi-BILLION budget on the aftermath of what IPV does and how it affects society as a whole.

    What we can start with is – it has got worse and there are no signs of this slowing down.

    How many more studies, fiscal reports or other evidence are we going to wait for when it comes to IPV and let’s add the other abuse that goes on behind closed doors in the name of ‘family’?

    We seem to have a licence to abuse other family members and see that as so normal that no one dares call it out or utter a word because its family and we just behave in a ‘good’ way and never expose the real rot that goes on.

    Of course, this is not every home, but if we are free of it then why are we not expressing more and giving voice to such an abhorrent way of living? There is nothing human about IPV or any form of abuse in our homes.

    Reply
33. 
    Simple Living Global

    June 12, 2024 at 7:16 am

    The American Association for the Advancement of Science – 7 June 2024

    https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1047540

    A new study from the University of Toronto shows a SIGNIFICANT association between the use of photo filters on social media and increased symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among adolescents and young adults in Canada.

    The use of photo filters, commonly found on apps like S, I and TT is linked to GREAT muscle dysmorphia, body dis-satisfaction and social and functional impairment, particularly among boys and men.

    “It was clear in our study that frequent use of photo filters is associated with higher levels of muscle dissatisfaction and overall muscle dysmorphia symptoms. Notably gender plays a significant role, with boys and men who use photo filters exhibiting greater drive to increase their muscularity and social and occupational functioning challenges compared to girls and women in the study.

    As digital image manipulation becomes more advanced and widespread, it is essential to understand and mitigate its potential harm on body image and mental health.”
    Kyle T. Ganson, PhD – Lead Author

    The findings highlight the critical need for awareness and interventions targeting the negative effects of photo filter use on body image. With the rising popularity of social media platforms that encourage digital image manipulation, it is crucial to address how these technologies influence self-perception and mental health, particularly among vulnerable youth populations.

    Dear World

    THIS IS SERIOUS

    Reply
34. 
    Simple Living Global

    June 20, 2024 at 6:58 am

    Independent News – 20 June 2024

    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/cancer-delays-nhs-staff-shortages-b2561385.html

    The shortages of NHS radiologists will RISE to 40% by 2028 top doctors are warning.

    The shortfall will paralyse the system if no action is taken to retain doctors and recruit more, The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) said.

    47% of those working in Cancer Centres said they saw weekly delays last year – up from 28% the year before.

    43% of clinicians reported week delays in radiotherapy in 2023 – up from 22% in 2022.

    380,000 cancer patients have not been treated on time since 2015.

    Dr. Katharine Halliday – President of The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) said “We simply do not have enough doctors to manage the increasing number of patients safely and this problem will only worsen as demand continues to rise and more doctors leave the NHS.”

    According to the RCR, the NHS currently needs 30% more clinical radiologists and 15% more clinical oncologists.

    It warned Demand for specialist cancer treatment was outstripping the workforce by 6-8% last year while the number of consultants able to deliver it only increased by 3.5%.

    “As a result, despite advancements in cancer treatments, workforce shortages are impeding delivery, depriving patients of potentially life-saving therapies.”
    Dr. Katherine Halliday

    THIS IS SERIOUS

    The Royal College of Radiologists said to cope with soaring demand the NHS spent £276 million on outsourcing diagnostic imaging services and using agency staff, but this would have been enough to fund 2,690 yearly consultant salaries.

    QUESTION –
    WHY have we not got the basic 101 planning in place and what is running the show here?
    Time to question those that make decisions that benefit no one and create a bigger problem.

    How many more outsourcing services are going on in the NHS that have not yet reached the news headlines?

    Those that make big decisions on big monies and where it needs to be allocated and spent ought to be fully transparent in their personal lives so we the public can see if they are worthy of a position in power that can deliver what is needed. This is not just for the NHS but government and all other positions where the public purse is being used.

    Reply
35. 
    Simple Living Global

    June 30, 2024 at 2:55 pm

    University of Leeds – 26 June 2024

    https://www.leeds.ac.uk/main-index/news/article/5596/early-childhood-problems-linked-to-school-absenteeism

    Early childhood problems linked to school absenteeism.

    Children who are not considered “school ready” are more than twice as likely to become persistently absent at some point in their education, according to a new study.

    “As a society, we are edging towards a school absence epidemic.”
    Dr. Megan Wood – School of Psychology, University of Leeds

    67% of all persistent absentees with attendance below 90% were considered “not school ready” when they entered reception.

    The study was published in the Royal Society Open Science Journal
    https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240272

    Findings show that the seeds of absenteeism are sown early in childhood and that school readiness measures already used by teachers could identify children at risk of long-term disengagement from the education system.

    In the UK, absenteeism is a major concern for school leaders and policymakers.

    2022-23 autumn term showing –
    25% of all pupils missed at least 39 half-day sessions.

    According to the UK Department of Education, this means they are considered a “persistent Absentee” with attendance below 90%.

    The number of children classified as being “persistently absent” has risen over time, particularly between 2017-18 and 2020-21, with more recent figures attributed to the impact of the pandemic.

    “School absence is a major risk factor for poor health in later life.”
    Co-author Professor Mark Mon-Williams – School of Psychology, University of Leeds

    The researchers say there is an urgent need to understand the factors that lead to absenteeism and determine how children at risk of this behaviour can be identified before they disengage from the school system.

    Reply
36. 
    Simple Living Global

    June 30, 2024 at 6:54 pm

    Guardian News – 29 June 2024

    https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/29/britons-seeking-medical-treatments-overseas-should-beware-low-prices

    Experts warning Britons seeking medical treatments overseas ‘should be aware of low prices’.

    Brazilian butts, Hollywood smiles and organ transplants are some of the range of procedures offered by overseas providers, with a myriad of companies now promoting packages covering flights, accommodation and post-operative hotel accommodation.

    Experts have cautioned that medical tourism can have hidden physical and psychological costs.

    A Hair restoration surgeon in the UK says he spends 25% of his clinic time addressing issues arising from poorly executed hair transplants done overseas.

    At the British Medical Association’s Annual Meeting there were reports of a “boom” in surgical tourism, which was “leading to a rise in serious post-surgery complications and deaths”, with the NHS left to “pick up the pieces”.

    Those seeking addiction treatment abroad were mainly men and mostly for Cocaine addiction.

    There has also been a rise in people travelling abroad for weight loss surgery but may not be receiving care at the same standard they would expect in the UK, according to the chair of the British Medical Association’s (BMA) Board of Science.

    David Strain – Professor of Cardiometabolic Health said
    “Medics in the UK are increasingly seeing patients with complications from surgeries including infections.
    Health Tourism is on the rise as people are slightly more affluent, international travel is easier than it was, organising these things are easier because of the Internet.
    The increase in anaesthetic procedures abroad has been spurred on by a “social media nation” where people feel the need to present themselves in a certain way.
    What we can never guarantee is the surgical standards in different countries and even the equipment that may be used and that is where the risk comes.
    In an already overburdened health service, health tourism can cause significant issues.”

    Dr.Samuel Parker from the British Medical Association said
    “Several overseas clinics provide bariatric surgery far cheaper than the cost of disposable instruments used in the NHS. Follow-up is typically non-existent.
    There are reports of shortcuts, inappropriate use of disposable instruments and patients suffering serious complications necessitating emergency NHS treatment.”

    Reply
37. 
    Simple Living Global

    July 5, 2024 at 10:23 am

    BMJ | The British Medical Journal – 1 July 2024

    https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj.q1418

    THIS IS SERIOUS

    Revolving door: You are free to influence us “behind the scenes”
    FDA tells staff leaving for industry jobs

    Internal emails show that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration informs employees leaving for industry jobs that, despite restrictions on post-employment lobbying, they are still permitted to influence the agency.

    Case example given –
    A physician scientist’s work focused on reviewing Covid-19 vaccines.
    10 years after joining the FDA, a job was accepted with a large Covid vaccine manufacturer and they were undergoing mandatory FDA exit requirements.
    FDA’s ethics programme staff emailed guidelines on post-employment restrictions saying “tailored to your situation”.

    The email, obtained by The BMJ under a Freedom of Information request, explained that although U.S. law prohibits a variety of types of lobbying contact, “they do not prohibit the former employee from other activities, including working ‘behind the scenes’”.

    The legal ability to work “behind the scenes” is enshrined in federal regulations and highlights a “critical, critical loophole” in U.S. revolving door policy says
    Craig Holman – Leading Consumer Advocate
    Government Affairs for the organisation Public Citizen

    Holman explained –
    “People will leave government service and can immediately start doing influence peddling and lobbying. They can even run a lobbying campaign, as long as they don’t actually pick up the telephone and make the contact with their former officials – and that is exactly the advice that has been given here.”

    “It does seem contrary to the public interest that an ex-official would be quarterbacking activities behind the scenes, especially for a ‘particular matter’ on which they had worked.
    As a practical matter, this policy likely plays out in a way that advances the interests of big pharma, as that is where many officials head after FDA.”
    Peter Lurie – President of the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington

    HIGH LEVEL departures from health related regulatory agencies to industry are common.

    2023
    32% of 78 presidential appointments between 2004 and 2020 to the Department of Health and Human Services, which houses the FDA and other major agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exited to industry after their tenure.

    Since 2000 EVERY FDA Commissioner – the agency’s highest position has gone on to work for industry.

    The BMJ asked the FDA whether it kept records on where employees went after they left government service and the response was “No, FDA does not keep such records.”

    But a Freedom of Information Act request filed by the BMJ has shown that departing staff are asked about their future employment plans as part of an “eDepart” system.

    When asked to explain this discrepancy – the response indicated that as part of the process an employee is provided an ‘optional’ opportunity to disclose information about their plans after FDA employment.

    The FDA’s office of Ethics and Integrity encourages employees to seek ethics guidance after their separation from FDA because they continue to remain subject to certain restrictions under the Ethics Law.

    Reply
38. 
    Simple Living Global

    July 7, 2024 at 6:34 pm

    American Society for Microbiology – 2 July 2024

    https://asm.org/Press-Releases/2024/July/Bacteria-Detected-in-Tattoo-and-Permanent-Makeup-I

    Bacteria detected in Tattoo and Permanent Makeup Inks

    Researchers have detected anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks.

    The findings were reported in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
    https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.00276-24

    The new study is the first to investigate the presence of anaerobic bacteria in commercial tattoo inks.

    “Our findings reveal that unopened and sealed tattoo inks can harbour anaerobic bacteria, known to thrive in low-oxygen environments like the dermal layer of the skin, alongside aerobic bacteria.
    Contaminated tattoo inks could be a source of infection from both types of bacteria.”
    Seong-Jae Kim, PhD., Microbiologiest with the Division of Microbiology U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas.

    35% of tattoo or permanent makeup inks sold in the U.S. were found to be contaminated with bacteria.

    “There was no clear link between a product label claiming sterility and the actual absence of bacterial contamination.
    The rising popularity of tattooing in recent years has coincided with an increase in tattoo-related complications or adverse reactions.
    It should be noted that microbial infections constitute just one aspect of these complications.
    In addition to microbial infections, immunologic complications, such as inflammatory reactions and allergic hypersensitivity, as well as toxic responses, represent a significant portion of these issues.

    Reply
39. 
    Simple Living Global

    July 24, 2024 at 8:04 am

    Local Government Lawyer – 19 July 2024

    https://localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/employment/312-employment-features/57977-job-fraud-on-the-rise-the-new-recruitment-challenge

    JOB FRAUD ON THE RISE

    Most of the world has adjusted to hybrid or fully remote working over the last 5 years.
    Many industries are maintaining this standard to allow employees a better work-life balance.

    For the majority this ‘perk’ offered flexibility, lack of commuting and the cost of travel.

    Some have used this to accept multiple roles – often working 2 or 3 full-time jobs concurrently and without transparency.

    The changes to the ‘traditional’ workplace set up have resulted in an exponential rise in workers committing JOB FRAUD.

    This has become a challenging area for employers and recruiters to manage.
    Workers put on an ambiguous front when it came to other roles they may have had.

    3 years later, those workers are being located and the pattern is becoming clear.
    The worker engaged in employment conversations with a recruiter but failed to mention their current role(s), both on their CV and during discussions and accepted a new role.

    Few weeks into the new job, their manager contacts the recruitment partner asking:
    • Have they heard from this new Employee?
    • Unable to get hold of the Employee.
    • Struggling to get a timely response from Employee.
    • Employee has missed a meeting – are they okay?
    • We have received a complaint about the Employee – what is going on?

    Sometimes it is clear that the worker has more than one job, is not performing to a satisfactory standard, in any of their jobs (which is often the case) and is let go.
    This results in an investigation being launched into their conduct.

    It is possible to work 2 part-time jobs at once and it is possible to have a full-time job and a part-time job at the same time. If there is an honest approach and all parties are in agreement then it can work.

    The NFI – National Fraud Initiative is currently investigating this type of fraud, which they are calling “Multiple Contract Working”.

    The investigation has uncovered numerous workers committing fraud within several local authorities nationwide, with several others participating in the investigation.

    The NFI which is overseen by the UK Cabinet Office launched a pilot scheme to establish the extent of the problem at London councils, with most requiring people to declare second jobs.

    If a candidate fails to declare a second role, the NFI considers this a form of fraud as the additional working is being completed without the knowledge of the employer(s) and contrary to the terms of their employment contract.

    Working multiple jobs can impact the Quality of work and contribute to Burnout.

    Reply
40. 
    Simple Living Global

    July 26, 2024 at 9:58 am

    University of California San Francisco – 23 July 2024

    https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/07/428096/electric-scooter-and-bike-accidents-are-soaring-across-us

    Electric Scooter and Bike Accidents are soaring across the United States.

    National UCSF study finds some injuries and hospitalisations from popular micro-mobility vehicles have doubled.

    2017-2022
    E-Bicycle injuries dramatically increased from 751 to 23,493

    E-Scooter injuries rose from 8,566 to 56,847 over same time

    2.5 MILLION Bicycle injuries
    304,000 Scooter injuries

    45,586 E-Bicycle injuries
    189,517 E-Scooter injuries

    This cross-sectional study of micro-mobility vehicles was published in JAMA Network Open.
    https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2821387

    “The U.S. had a remarkable increase in micro-mobility injuries during the study period.”
    Adrian Fernandez MD and Co-Lead Author
    Chief Resident with the UCSF Department or Urology

    Reply
41. 
    Simple Living Global

    August 26, 2024 at 7:08 am

    Pharmacy UK – 20 August 2024

    https://www.pharmacymagazine.co.uk/nhs-and-health-news/antibiotic-resistant-gonorrhoea-infections-in-england-highest-in-105-years

    Gonorrhoea diagnoses in England hits highest number in 105 years.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated –
    85,000 cases of all gonorrhoea infections, not just antibiotic-resistant cases were reported – the biggest number since records began in 1918.
    Increasing number of cases in recent years, increases the chance of wider spread and treatment challenges.

    June 2022 to May 2024
    15 Ceftriaxone-resistant Gonorrhoea cases were found in England, including 5 that were “extensively drug-resistant to first and second-line treatment options and to other antibiotics”.

    Most cases were among heterosexual individuals “mostly in their 20s” who largely got infected abroad.

    “Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, risking the possibility of it becoming untreatable in the future.
    Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to serious health issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.”
    Dr. Helen Fifer – Consultant Microbiologist at UKHSA

    THIS IS SERIOUS

    Dear World

    Whilst we are given advice that condoms are the best option and if we are have a new or casual partner and use no protection, then get tested to prevent onwards transmission, can we stop at this or do we need to go further?

    There is a strong possibility that BECAUSE this sexually transmitted infection is becoming resistant to antibiotics, we are not going to be able to treat it in the future.

    What if we take that as an Absolute – in other words that it is going to happen. So why on earth would we take any risks?

    Next –

    Is it high time we got the word RESPONSIBILITY in every area of our life so we can end the ‘casualness’ of how we go about life?

    Going abroad and have sex without knowing if the other person is infected because we like casual relationships and its all in the name of ‘holiday and fun’ comes with serious consequences and this comment confirms that.

    Do we as a world need to grow up and act with a degree of responsibility that would ensure we are not a statistic or living in the dread that we may not receive the treatment that once did clear it up but now is not working?

    OR do we continue having fun and disregard the body we seem to think we own, continuing as we want and expect the medical world to fix us when anything happens?

    AND finally – are we ready to go there and get SERIOUS…?
    Let’s put the question out there…

    What is truly missing in our life that drives us to have sex with a new partner or a casual partner without even a thought entering about the consequences?

    Reply
42. 
    Simple Living Global

    September 30, 2024 at 8:23 am

    THIS IS SERIOUS
    How have we got to this point where we allow a medium we have created collectively called Social Media to utterly destroy the lives of our youth?

    Some may have the throwaway common line “they will grow out of it” but can we continue when we know that the masses are being goaded and seduced through our screens which are becoming the new norm?

    This is going on right now in our world and we can be certain it is much worse than what has been reported.

    The American Association for the Advancement of Science – 27 September 2024

    https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1058506

    Dangerous practice ‘chroming’ featured in videos on social media platform popular among youth. Chroming is also called Huffing and is the act of inhaling toxic fumes from household items.

    109 videos were analysed by the researchers which had gained 25 million views.

    Many of the video content creators were minors.
    52% of the videos referenced repeated usage or addiction.

    Permanent markers (31%) were the most common.

    Other items included:
    Air Duster
    Nail Polish
    Paint Thinner
    Gasoline
    Spray Deodorant
    Hair Spray

    Many of the chroming items are readily accessible and cheap, with a high potential for addiction and severe health consequences.

    The high prevalence of chroming memes perpetuates its normalization among youth, which may lead individuals to view chroming as a “safer” and socially acceptable alternative to traditional drugs.

    Reply
43. 
    Simple Living Global

    September 30, 2024 at 4:40 pm

    Florida Atlantic University – 26 September 2024

    https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/childhood-obesity-epidemic

    ALARMING SURGE: GLOBAL CRISIS of Childhood Overweight and Obesity

    Since 1990, the rise in childhood Overweight and Obesity has surged across every continent, almost doubling in prevalence.

    United States has the HIGHEST prevalence, other nations are not far behind.

    10% – 15% of children are Obese in Southern Europe, including Spain, Italy and Greece.

    Eastern European countries are experiencing a rapid INCREASE.

    Globally, Asia has nearly half of all Overweight children under the age of 5.

    20% of children under age 20 are Overweight in Latin America.

    Many developing countries face the dual challenge of both Overweight Obesity and malnutrition in their children.

    The consequences of this epidemic are already evident:
    • Childhood Hypertension
    • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Lipid Disorders, which contribute to metabolic syndrome

    In adults, these issues SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE the risks of:
    • Heart Attacks
    • Stroke
    • Liver Disease
    • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
    • Arthritis
    • Certain Cancers – many of which now occur at younger ages

    This study was published in The Maternal and Child Health Journal
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10995-024-04001-6

    Reply
44. 
    Simple Living Global

    October 13, 2024 at 5:36 pm

    BBC News – 9 October 2024

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8xeyx7x75eo

    9.3 MILLION people – including 1 in 5 children are facing hunger and hardship in the UK.

    According to a new anti-poverty report from the Trussell charity, this figure is 1 million more than 5 years ago.
    https://www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-research/publications/report/the-cost-of-hunger-and-hardship

    24% of children under 4 face hunger and hardship and are the highest risk of being in this situation of any age group.

    1 in 7 people across the UK are facing hunger and hardship.
    1 in 5 children are growing up under these circumstances.

    This means
    46% more children are facing hunger and hardship than 20 years ago.

    More than half the people currently facing hardship are living in a disabled family.

    32% of single-parent families face hunger and hardship.

    58% of people facing hunger and hardship are living in a family where someone is working.

    The rate is highest for people living in Black, African, Caribbean or Black British families at 28% compared to 11% for people living in White families, the report said.

    Reply
45. 
    Simple Living Global

    October 14, 2024 at 8:09 am

    UPI Health News – 10 October 2024

    https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2024/10/10/denmark-breakdance-head-injury-report/4251728590489/

    Breakdancers who perform repetitive headspins risk a unique ailment – a protruding lump on the scalp, hair loss and tenderness, according to a new study.

    The study, highlighting a patient with “breakdancer overuse syndrome” was published in the journal BMJ Case Reports.
    https://casereports.bmj.com/content/17/9/e261854

    Due to the complex demands of acrobatic moves, breakdancers are especially susceptible to sprains and strains; including carpal tunnel syndrome and swollen, inflamed tendons, the researchers noted.

    Some breakdancers also suffer head and brain injuries, such as subdural hematomas – pooling of blood between the skull and the brain.

    “With breakdancing gaining visibility through competitions and its inclusion in events like the Olympics, understanding the physical toll it takes on dancers is increasingly relevant.
    The report taps into a growing interest in this cultural and athletic phenomenon.”
    Dr. Christian Baastrup Sondergaard – Neurosurgeon at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.

    Reply
46. 
    Simple Living Global

    October 19, 2024 at 6:58 pm

    Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) – 15 October 2024

    https://www.smsna.org/patients/news/how-often-are-dating-apps-used-for-casual-sex-new-study-explains-key-factors

    Dating apps have become a popular way to find both relationships and casual sex or “hookups”.

    40% of heterosexual couples met online by 2017.

    14% U.S. adults reported using these apps by 2023.

    Studies show that dating apps are especially popular among men who have sex with men (MSM) and are linked to riskier sexual behaviour and higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
    They are also associated with risky behaviours like drug and alcohol use.

    In the study, dating app users were typically unmarried 78% and 38% had higher levels of education.

    90% reported higher rates of prior sexual experience.
    They also showed higher rates of substance use and
    93% showed higher rates of alcohol consumption.

    STI rates were notably higher in dating app users.

    Trends across multiple studies showed that dating app users often displayed riskier behaviours, such as multiple partners, unprotected sex and higher STI rates. There were also associations with higher impulsivity and potential mental health issues such as Anxiety, Depression and Psychological Distress.

    Reply
47. 
    Simple Living Global

    October 19, 2024 at 6:59 pm

    Reading a news story in the Daily Mail and Mail Online about a 23 year old boy who killed his devoted mother with a kitchen knife AFTER taking a cocktail of hard drugs, including LSD, Ketamine and Cannabis. This was revealed in blood tests.

    He was her one and only child.

    He had been taking drugs since his early teenage years.
    Shortly before the stabbing, his father had found and removed bags of pills from his son.
    The prosecution claimed that the use of these drugs, together with rage and anger at his parents for having confiscated them, had driven him to murder.

    At the age of 16, he had twice tried to commit Suicide and in 2021 his parents had to barricade themselves in the kitchen and call the police after making threats against his mother.
    June 2022 – he was sectioned and diagnosed with drug-induced Psychosis.

    As a young teenager he had fallen into a ‘bad crowd’.
    This initially involved smoking cannabis but then progressed to taking a variety of illegal drugs as well as anti-Anxiety medication on prescription.

    While never diagnosed, the court was told that he showed signs of Autism as a child and had struggled to fit in at school.

    In 2021 he had a job but then started to hear voices in his head and began threatening to kill his mother for being an alien.

    The Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist who treated him in a secure psychiatric unit following the killing and who reviewed his previous medical notes, said the Psychosis was a part of his Schizophrenia and not a temporary psychosis caused by him taking drugs. He added that he was just as likely to have episodes without having taken drugs due to his underlying mental illness.

    The news story goes on…

    Dear World

    THIS IS SERIOUS

    This is not an isolated news story and there are more of these worldwide.
    We simply cannot negate that any illicit drug alters our natural state.

    Whilst we are aware that this young man had issues from his teenage years, we could ask WHY did he not get the help and WHY do we always move away from the drugs being the source of what took things to the next level and in this case the loss of his own mother?

    There is absolutely no human being in the world that could harm another if they were not in an altered state. Drugs alter our state of being. FACT.

    When are we going to wake up and read the signs that are there from years before telling us this is going to get worse and yet we do not address it until it is way too late.

    This is a tragic case and there will be more of this until we find out the root cause of WHY anyone starts the journey on drugs. We can no longer blame but empower each other by asking the WHY questions. Never ever think we can do this alone without the professional and real support that is needed to deal with something that may seem minor at the time, but in truth is SERIOUS.

    Reply
48. 
    Simple Living Global

    October 23, 2024 at 7:02 pm

    Independent News – 18 October 2024

    https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/baby-food-pouches-sales-high-healthy-benefits-b2631583.html

    2024
    Sales of Baby Food pouches have increased by 900% according to a new study.
    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/16/2782

    Data taken from over 650 food products made for babies and toddlers.
    60% sold at grocery stores in the U.S. do not reach proper nutritional recommendations.
    0% reach the World Health Organization requirements.

    Toddlers are consuming a vast quantity of blended foods.
    Pouches are highly processed foods.
    The dangers of conveniently consuming the high levels of sugars in food pouches, just because they may be easy to carry and are cost-effective was reported in the study.

    Baby food pouches are high in demand.
    Doctors and nutritionists are raising concerns that an over-reliance on pouches can interfere with nutrition, long-term food preferences, dental hygiene and even speech and language development.
    Marketing practices can leave parents confused about what is actually inside the packages.
    https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-10-17/baby-food-pouches-healthy-nutrition-parenting

    A 2019 study found food pouches have ‘lower nutritional value’ than any other packaged baby food.
    “High levels of sugars found in some pouches is potentially concerning because pouches are coming to dominate the market for infant and toddler foods.”
    Kameron Moding PhD – Lead Researcher
    https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/researchers-compare-nutritional-value-of-infant-and-toddler-foods

    The findings of the study are published in the journal Nutrition Today
    https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/Fulltext/2019/11000/Nutritional_Content_and_Ingredients_of_Commercial.14.aspx

    Reply
49. 
    Simple Living Global

    October 28, 2024 at 7:01 pm

    Euro News – 23 October 2024

    https://www.euronews.com/health/2024/10/23/half-of-young-adults-support-prison-time-for-removing-a-condom-during-sex-new-survey-finds

    Half of young adults in the UK support prison time for removing a condom during sex, according to a new survey.

    The survey involve 1,700 people aged 18 to 25.

    “Stealthing” has emerged as a “sex trend” and has recently been punished as a form of rape.

    90% said it is sexual assault.

    Respondents were more likely to support such a penalty in a scenario where the female partner got pregnant afterwards.

    The survey was published in the journal PLOS One and is the 1st in the country on attitudes towards the practice some call a “sex trend”.
    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0298561

    “In cases where victims do not discover they have been stealthed, their reproductive health is compromised” – study authors said.

    Reply
50. 
    Simple Living Global

    November 4, 2024 at 12:09 pm

    Newsweek – 31 October 2024

    https://www.newsweek.com/workers-killed-saudi-megaprojects-construction-1977972

    Thousands of workers have reportedly gone missing or been killed during the construction of several megaprojects in Saudi Arabia.

    21,000 foreign workers have died and 100,000 more have gone missing since 2017, working on several projects as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision initiative, according to an ITV documentary.
    https://www.itv.com/watch/kingdom-uncovered:-inside-saudi-arabia/10a5475a0001B/10a5475a0001

    The report found that migrant workers brought to Saudi Arabia from India, Bangladesh and Nepal were repeatedly killed in work accidents or by poor conditions at the construction sites across the country.

    Workers described their treatment as “trapped slaves” and “beggars” with several violations of work safety regulations reported.

    With 100,000 migrants reported missing since the projects began 8 years ago, this has led to a serious human rights investigations in Saudi Arabia.

    Nepal’s foreign employment board, which manages the well-being of Nepalese workers abroad, has reported that the deaths of over 650 Nepalese migrants to Saudi Arabia remain unexplained.

    One of the worst cases in the documentary about a Nepalese worker states that he called friends and family for help before being found dead in his room. It is reported that he was told he could leave if a fine equal to 5 months’ salary was paid.

    The project spending is over ONE TRILLION dollars in an attempt to diversity the nation’s economy away from oil and towards tourism.

    There is a 105 mile long “linear city” at the cost of $500 BILLION.
    It is the world’s largest construction site.

    THIS IS SERIOUS

    Reply
    1. 
       Simple Living Global

       January 9, 2025 at 9:46 am

       India Today News – 6 January 2025

       https://www.indiatoday.in/india/chhattisgarh/story/suresh-chandrakar-main-accused-in-chhattisgarh-journalist-mukesh-chandrakar-murder-case-arrested-hyderabad-2660197-2025-01-06

       A 28 year old journalist working for local news channel in India was murdered and his body found in a septic tank on the premises of a local contractor that he had exposed for corruption.

       The post-mortem examination revealed 4 pieces of liver, 15 fractures to the head, a broken neck and 5 ribs broken. The heart was ripped out.

       The journalist had conducted an investigation recently and exposed the corruption of a road project. This exposing had prompted the state government to initiate an enquiry into the contractor’s activities.

       THIS IS SERIOUS

       How many would read this and make sure they do not align to the truth and hold back in fear of something happening?

       Most of us live in fear and allow the corruption to continue.
       Speak out and make any sound and there will be consequences.
       Is it time to stamp this out and not allow others to get away with any form of corruption?

       Is it time to restore a humanity – a true society worldwide that is decent, honest and above all aligning to Truth and that means working together as one to support our fellow human brothers?

       In other words – Putting People Before Profit.
       Simple Living Global has this written in our Code of Conduct.
       There is no other way and one day we will all realise this immutable fact.

       Reply
51. 
    Simple Living Global

    November 13, 2024 at 4:30 pm

    The Guardian – 9 November 2024

    https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/nov/09/markets-farm-shops-rising-food-theft-europe

    Food crime experts say, Markets and Farm shops are among the targets of organised crime gangs.

    Small food producers are increasingly being targeted by organised crime gangs and rogue industry insiders looking to exploit national and global supply chains.

    The warning comes after food businesses in the UK and continental Europe have lost hundreds of thousands in scams, where thieves pose as legitimate buyers.

    The scale of these thefts has INCREASED in recent years because of pressures on the food supply chain.

    Farmers markets, smallholdings, farm shops and producers are being targeted as they often lack the resources to carry out due diligence, experts said.

    Sheep have been stolen in small number a few years ago and now there is a trend towards larger numbers of animals being taken and there has been an INCREASE in the types of commodities being targeted, including artisanal cheese, smoked salmon and wine.

    Recent thefts reported include:
    £300,000 – 22 tonnes of cheese from a dairy supposedly for a French retailer.
    £37,000 smoked salmon sent to a car garage in East London and not a French supermarket.
    6,500 red wine bottles stolen – buyer claiming to represent a large French chain.

    The latest strategic report by the National Food Crime Unit, published in September noted that “criminal networks diversifying into food crime will use individuals who are legitimately placed within the food chain to enable and facilitate food crimes.”
    https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/FSA-Food%20Crime%20Strategy%202024.pdf

    Reply
52. 
    Simple Living Global

    November 19, 2024 at 11:29 am

    The Guardian – 15 November 2024

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/nov/15/uk-unhealthy-food-costs-268bn-a-year-report-food-farming-countryside-nhs

    £268 BILLION – COST OF UK’s UNHEALTHY FOOD HABITS

    “Our current food system, with its undue deference to what is known colloquially as ‘big food’ is making us sick.
    The costs of trying to manage that sickness are rapidly becoming unpayable.”
    The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission report
    https://ffcc.co.uk/publications/the-false-economy-of-big-food

    The cost of Britain’s unhealthy food system is almost the equivalent to the Total Annual UK Healthcare spend.

    The report by Professor Tim Jackson provided the first comprehensive estimate of the food-related cost of chronic disease, caused by the current food system.
    The analysis combines direct costs – the costs paid for from the public purse – including healthcare costs, social care costs and welfare and indirect costs – costs that don’t show up in government accounts, which are productivity losses and human costs.

    £67.5 BILLION in Healthcare
    £14.3 BILLION in Social Care
    £10.1 BILLION in Welfare
    £116.4 BILLION in Productivity
    £60 BILLION in Human cost of Chronic Disease attributable to the current food ecosystem

    £92 BILLION covers the direct costs to the government on tackling diseases closely linked to diet, such as Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Problems and Kidney Disease.

    The UK’s growing addiction to unhealthy food is far outstripping the budget for the whole NHS, the first research into the subject has found.

    The FFCC’s report also warns that
    • The market in ultra-processed foods is due to grow by 8.4% a year over the next decade, despite fears about the damage they cause to health.
    • Costly anti-Obesity drugs are “catastrophic for human health and disastrous for the nation’s finances” as they require patients to be on them for life to prevent relapse.
    • The rise in diet-related illness in recent years reflects what Ara Darzi in his recent investigation into the state of the NHS called “a society in distress”.

    “This £268 billion cost shows us that we have a food system that privatises the profits and socialises the harm from bad food. It puts a price on the failure of the government stretching back over 30 years to regulate big food.”
    Dr. Dolly van Tulleken
    Medical Research Council-funded Cambridge University expert in Obesity

    Reply
53. 
    Simple Living Global

    November 19, 2024 at 6:00 pm

    CNN Health – 14 November 2024

    https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/14/health/overweight-obesity-2050/index.html

    Obesity is at a Crisis point throughout the USA.

    A new study predicts that 260 MILLION in the United States will be Overweight or Obese by 2050.

    This is one of the first studies to project what the nation’s Obesity epidemic will look like.
    43.1 million children and adolescents and 213 million adults will have Overweight and/or Obesity.

    2021
    36.5 million children and adolescents and 172 million adults had Overweight and Obesity.

    1990 – 2021
    The prevalence of Obese or Overweight U.S. women ages 15-24 increased faster than men.

    This new forecast means hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. could be facing health complications associated with a high body mass index or BMI, including Diabetes, Cancer, Heart problems, Breathing issues and Mental Health challenges.

    2016
    $261 BILLION – $481 BILLION – Health care costs attributed to Obesity only.

    Obesity and Overweight are among the fastest growing risk factors for an early death or disability in the United States, studies show.

    The study was published in the medical journal The Lancet
    https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01548-4/fulltext

    Reply
54. 
    Simple Living Global

    November 30, 2024 at 6:02 pm

    Euro Stat – 25 November 2024

    https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20241125-3

    Every third woman in the EU experienced gender-based violence.

    50 million women aged 18-74 in the EU (31%) experienced physical (including threats) or sexual violence in adulthood.

    35% of women in the youngest age group (aged 18 to 29) report experiencing gender-based violence, compared with 24% in the oldest age group (aged 65-74).

    32% have or have had a violent partner in their lifetime.

    1 in 8 women have experienced sexual violence, including rape by a non-partner.

    The percentage of women who said that they had experienced non-partner violence was HIGHER in
    Finland – 47%
    Denmark 38%
    The Netherlands 36%
    Luxembourg 34%

    Reply
55. 
    Simple Living Global

    December 4, 2024 at 5:47 pm

    Diabetes UK – 30 November 2024

    https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2024/nov/health-problems-more-likely-after-stopping-ozempic.html

    Individuals using weight loss drugs are at risk of developing serious health complications if they stop taking the drugs.

    Researchers at Northwestern University found that people who quit using weight loss drugs end up having poorer markers of health, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
    https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2024/11/why-do-50-75-of-people-stop-taking-glp-1-drugs-within-a-year/

    They also found that the drugs can increase Cardiovascular risk if they stop using the drugs, suggesting that they might need to use the jabs long-term to maintain the benefits.

    Once the drug is stopped, users are likely to regain two-thirds of the weight they have lost.

    50-75% of users stop taking these drugs within a year due to them achieving their goal weight or because it is too expensive to carry on. Most spend $1,000 a month on the injections.

    “The high discontinuation rates of GLP-1 RA should raise alarms for clinicians, policy makers and public health experts.
    Some individuals think they will stop taking them once they have lost weight while others are only using them cosmetically and not for management of a chronic disease.
    Dr. Sadiya Khan – Cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine

    The study was published in JAMA Network
    https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2826198

    Reply
56. 
    Simple Living Global

    December 27, 2024 at 10:29 am

    Euro News – 21 December 2024

    https://www.euronews.com/health/2024/12/07/inside-the-nordic-paradox-why-the-worlds-best-country-for-women-struggles-with-sexual-viol

    ICELAND – High Income country ranking for 15 years in a row for the World Economic Forum’s global gender equality.

    A major new analysis shows
    40% of Icelandic women have been sexually or physically assaulted and many have PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

    The cross-sectional study of 28,199 women in Iceland was published in JAMA Network Open
    https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2827563

    2 in 3 women said they had either witnessed or were a direct victim of unwanted sexual experiences, making it the most common life stressor following by life-threatening illness or injuries (58%).

    The study underscores that sexual violence appears to be a significant contributor to PTSD.

    The higher rates in Iceland were explained as partly because people there are more willing to disclose their assaults.

    Finland, Denmark and Sweden all report higher lifetime levels of sexual or physical assault compared with the rest of Europe, the study noted.

    Another analysis in Iceland found that women who had experienced sexual violence in the workplace were more likely to have –
    Depression
    Anxiety
    Attempt Suicide
    Sleep Problems
    Binge Drink
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468266724000756

    Reply