A new highly contagious Covid variant could spark a wave of infections this summer, scientists have warned.
A new highly contagious Covid variant could spark a wave of infections this summer, scientists have warned.
Dubbed 'Nimbus', the strain is descended from the already super virulent Omicron and has already triggered a surge in cases in China, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also shows 13 cases of Nimbus, known scientifically as N.B.1.8.1, have already been detected in England.
And 25 British samples of the strain have been submitted to an international Covid database since the end of March.
However, both figures are likely an underestimation of how far the variant has spread given how testing has been massively reduced from the height of the pandemic.
Other UKHSA data show the percentage of people testing positive for Covid has risen to its highest point this year, and is already 97 per cent higher than the level recorded in March.
Now, British scientists have warned Nimbus could lead to a surge in Covid cases in a matter of weeks, and have urged the vulnerable to get vaccinated.
They warn that many people's immunity to the virus, built up from previous infections and older jabs, has likely faded meaning they could be at higher risk of falling ill.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, said Nimbus had the potential to drive a surge in cases as the weather warms up and people become more sociable.
'We are very likely to see a spike of infections over the next couple of months, possibly by later this month or in July. But it’s difficult to predict the level of this infection wave,' he told The i Paper.
'Population immunity, either from vaccination or previous infection, is waning and, unlike other respiratory viruses such as flu, the Covid virus continues to spread in hot and humid weather,' he said.
He added lab studies suggest Nimbus can infect human cells more efficiently than previous strains, and that it may have increased ability to dodge the immune system, making it more likely to infect people.
There is currently no evidence that the strain is more likely to cause severe illness or death in those it infects, compared to previous strains.
However, infection with the virus can still be deadly for more vulnerable groups.
Covid was a factor in the deaths of just over 300 people in England in May, according to the latest official figures.
Nimbus now accounts for 10.7 per cent of Covid infections worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), compared to just 2.5 per cent a month prior.
Last month the UN-body declared the strain a 'variant under monitoring'.
This means that the WHO is tracking the virus, watching for signs it could pose a significant threat to the public which would promote it to a 'variant of concern'.
Experts have also said that current Covid vaccines, which have been reformulated to combat Omicron descendants, are expected to remain effective against Nimbus.
Symptoms of Nimbus do not appear to differ from other Covid variants and include fatigue, fever, muscle ache and a sore throat.
UKHSA data on Covid tests, which goes up to June 1, show 6.1 per cent of the people who were tested that week were positive for the virus, the highest figure for 2025 so far.
This is a seven per cent rise from last week's figure and a 97 per cent increase from that recorded at the beginning of March.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA's deputy director, said the organisation was keeping a close eye on Nimbus.
'UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and Covid-19 surveillance reports,' she said.
'NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid-19 cases.'
Currently adults over the age of 75, care home residents staff as well as people with a weakened immune system are eligible for a free Covid vaccine in Britain.
UKHSA data suggests people who had a Covid jab as part of last spring's booster campaign were 45 per cent less likely to need hospital care for the virus in the weeks that followed compared to the unvaccinated.
The agency has urged all people eligible for a vaccine to get jabbed to protect themselves from both NB.1.8.1 and Covid in general.
Mail Online
A new highly contagious Covid variant could spark a wave of infections this summer, scientists have warned.
Dubbed 'Nimbus', the strain is descended from the already super virulent Omicron and has already triggered a surge in cases in China, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also shows 13 cases of Nimbus, known scientifically as N.B.1.8.1, have already been detected in England.
And 25 British samples of the strain have been submitted to an international Covid database since the end of March.
However, both figures are likely an underestimation of how far the variant has spread given how testing has been massively reduced from the height of the pandemic.
Other UKHSA data show the percentage of people testing positive for Covid has risen to its highest point this year, and is already 97 per cent higher than the level recorded in March.
Now, British scientists have warned Nimbus could lead to a surge in Covid cases in a matter of weeks, and have urged the vulnerable to get vaccinated.
They warn that many people's immunity to the virus, built up from previous infections and older jabs, has likely faded meaning they could be at higher risk of falling ill.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, said Nimbus had the potential to drive a surge in cases as the weather warms up and people become more sociable.
'We are very likely to see a spike of infections over the next couple of months, possibly by later this month or in July. But it’s difficult to predict the level of this infection wave,' he told The i Paper.
'Population immunity, either from vaccination or previous infection, is waning and, unlike other respiratory viruses such as flu, the Covid virus continues to spread in hot and humid weather,' he said.
He added lab studies suggest Nimbus can infect human cells more efficiently than previous strains, and that it may have increased ability to dodge the immune system, making it more likely to infect people.
There is currently no evidence that the strain is more likely to cause severe illness or death in those it infects, compared to previous strains.
However, infection with the virus can still be deadly for more vulnerable groups.
Covid was a factor in the deaths of just over 300 people in England in May, according to the latest official figures.
Nimbus now accounts for 10.7 per cent of Covid infections worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), compared to just 2.5 per cent a month prior.
Last month the UN-body declared the strain a 'variant under monitoring'.
This means that the WHO is tracking the virus, watching for signs it could pose a significant threat to the public which would promote it to a 'variant of concern'.
Experts have also said that current Covid vaccines, which have been reformulated to combat Omicron descendants, are expected to remain effective against Nimbus.
Symptoms of Nimbus do not appear to differ from other Covid variants and include fatigue, fever, muscle ache and a sore throat.
UKHSA data on Covid tests, which goes up to June 1, show 6.1 per cent of the people who were tested that week were positive for the virus, the highest figure for 2025 so far.
This is a seven per cent rise from last week's figure and a 97 per cent increase from that recorded at the beginning of March.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA's deputy director, said the organisation was keeping a close eye on Nimbus.
'UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and Covid-19 surveillance reports,' she said.
'NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid-19 cases.'
Currently adults over the age of 75, care home residents staff as well as people with a weakened immune system are eligible for a free Covid vaccine in Britain.
UKHSA data suggests people who had a Covid jab as part of last spring's booster campaign were 45 per cent less likely to need hospital care for the virus in the weeks that followed compared to the unvaccinated.
The agency has urged all people eligible for a vaccine to get jabbed to protect themselves from both NB.1.8.1 and Covid in general.
Mail Online
-
Eating eggs and vegetables before chips could help you stay thin, research from US scientists suggests.
Experts from Stanford University tested if eating a dose of fibre, protein or fat before carbohydrates could reduce or delay blood sugar spikes.
Such spikes have been linked to obesity, as fluctuating blood sugar makes you more likely to suffer hunger pangs and therefore snack on calorific foods in between meals.
But the experts found this process could be interrupted by changing not what people eat, but in what order.
Eating eggs and vegetables before chips could help you stay thin, research from US scientists suggests.
Experts from Stanford University tested if eating a dose of fibre, protein or fat before carbohydrates could reduce or delay blood sugar spikes.
Such spikes have been linked to obesity, as fluctuating blood sugar makes you more likely to suffer hunger pangs and therefore snack on calorific foods in between meals.
But the experts found this process could be interrupted by changing not what people eat, but in what order.
In the experiment, scientists took 55 volunteers, about half of which had signs of pre-diabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes that involves higher-than-normal blood sugar levels.
They then gave each participant a meal consisting of rice on three separate occasions while they wore devices to measure blood sugar levels called continuous glucose monitors.
Ten minutes before each meal participants were given either a fibre supplement, protein in the form of boiled egg whites, or dairy fat from crème fraîche.
Analysing the results, they found eating fibre or the egg protein first lowered the blood sugar spike that came from the energy-dense rice.
Eating fat before the carbohydrates didn't lower the blood sugar spike but did delay it from happening.
This suggests that eating fibre-rich foods like vegetables, and proteins like eggs before tucking into carbohydrates could prevent rocketing blood sugar that leads to a hunger-inducing crash.
Professor Michael Snyder, an expert in genetics author of the study, said diners should try to eat their meals in a specific order.
'Eating carbohydrates later in a meal is still a good idea even though it has not yet been sorted out whether it is best to eat protein, fat or fibre before carbohydrates,' he said.
'Eat your salad or hamburger before your French fries.'
The researchers also noted that the impact of fibre, protein and fat on blood sugar levels was less significant among participants with signs of pre-diabetes.
The authors, who published their findings in the journal Nature Medicine, said this was an area in need of further research.
Carbohydrates, a group that includes rice, potatoes, bread and pasta, are energy dense foods that are quickly converted to sugar in our blood, giving us the resources we need to function.
The NHS says carbohydrates should make up about a third of a person's daily diet.
Officials urge people to eat wholegrain varieties like brown bread or potatoes with the skin on as these come with higher levels of fibre and nutrients, and can slow the release of sugar in our bloodstream, maintaining fullness.
Almost 6million Britons have diabetes, of which 90 per cent is type 2, but charities estimate 1.2million are living with the disease undiagnosed.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin or the insulin it makes doesn't work properly. Insulin is a hormone critical to controlling blood sugar levels.
Having high blood sugar levels over time can cause heart attacks and strokes, as well as problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet.
Mail Online
Eating eggs and vegetables before chips could help you stay thin, research from US scientists suggests.
Experts from Stanford University tested if eating a dose of fibre, protein or fat before carbohydrates could reduce or delay blood sugar spikes.
Such spikes have been linked to obesity, as fluctuating blood sugar makes you more likely to suffer hunger pangs and therefore snack on calorific foods in between meals.
But the experts found this process could be interrupted by changing not what people eat, but in what order.
In the experiment, scientists took 55 volunteers, about half of which had signs of pre-diabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes that involves higher-than-normal blood sugar levels.
They then gave each participant a meal consisting of rice on three separate occasions while they wore devices to measure blood sugar levels called continuous glucose monitors.
Ten minutes before each meal participants were given either a fibre supplement, protein in the form of boiled egg whites, or dairy fat from crème fraîche.
Analysing the results, they found eating fibre or the egg protein first lowered the blood sugar spike that came from the energy-dense rice.
Eating fat before the carbohydrates didn't lower the blood sugar spike but did delay it from happening.
This suggests that eating fibre-rich foods like vegetables, and proteins like eggs before tucking into carbohydrates could prevent rocketing blood sugar that leads to a hunger-inducing crash.
Professor Michael Snyder, an expert in genetics author of the study, said diners should try to eat their meals in a specific order.
'Eating carbohydrates later in a meal is still a good idea even though it has not yet been sorted out whether it is best to eat protein, fat or fibre before carbohydrates,' he said.
'Eat your salad or hamburger before your French fries.'
The researchers also noted that the impact of fibre, protein and fat on blood sugar levels was less significant among participants with signs of pre-diabetes.
The authors, who published their findings in the journal Nature Medicine, said this was an area in need of further research.
Carbohydrates, a group that includes rice, potatoes, bread and pasta, are energy dense foods that are quickly converted to sugar in our blood, giving us the resources we need to function.
The NHS says carbohydrates should make up about a third of a person's daily diet.
Officials urge people to eat wholegrain varieties like brown bread or potatoes with the skin on as these come with higher levels of fibre and nutrients, and can slow the release of sugar in our bloodstream, maintaining fullness.
Almost 6million Britons have diabetes, of which 90 per cent is type 2, but charities estimate 1.2million are living with the disease undiagnosed.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin or the insulin it makes doesn't work properly. Insulin is a hormone critical to controlling blood sugar levels.
Having high blood sugar levels over time can cause heart attacks and strokes, as well as problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet.
Mail Online
-
A diet rich in leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil and fish could slash your dementia risk by 25 per cent, scientists say.
Called the MIND diet—short for Mediterranean-Dash Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay— the eating pattern combines key features of the Mediterranean diet with a dramatic reduction in salt to help control blood pressure.
A diet rich in leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil and fish could slash your dementia risk by 25 per cent, scientists say.
Called the MIND diet—short for Mediterranean-Dash Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay— the eating pattern combines key features of the Mediterranean diet with a dramatic reduction in salt to help control blood pressure.
US scientists, who analysed the dietary patterns of more than 90,000 people over a decade, found those who stuck closely to the MIND diet slashed their risk of the memory-robbing disease by a quarter, regardless of the age they started it.
Dr Song-Yi Park, an expert in nutrition from the University of Hawaii and lead author of the research, said the results showed the importance of diet in dementia prevention.
'Healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life may prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias,' she said.
'This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet.'
Previously, the memory-boosting benefits of the diet have been seen in older women.
Research published last year by scientists in Ohio found a six per cent reduced risk of cognitive impairment for female participants who most closely followed the diet, but no decreased risk for men who did the same.
However the current study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, assessed the diets of 93,000 men and women aged between 45-75.
The participants were followed up a decade later to assess their diet again.
Analysis revealed those that the men and women who followed the MIND diet the closest were the least likely to develop dementia.
Those who improved their adherence to the MIND diet over the course of the study saw the biggest risk reduction of 25 per cent.
The findings are preliminary and have yet to be fully published and peer reviewed.
A breakdown of how the researchers measured adherence to the MIND diet was not available.
However, similar studies have previously used a points system.
For instance, points are awarded for eating three or more daily servings of wholegrains (like brown rice and oats) and six or more weekly servings of green leafy vegetables.
Eating fewer that four weekly servings of red meat is also considered a key characteristic of the diet, as well as a maximum of one serving of fast or fried foods each week.
Mail Online
A diet rich in leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil and fish could slash your dementia risk by 25 per cent, scientists say.
Called the MIND diet—short for Mediterranean-Dash Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay— the eating pattern combines key features of the Mediterranean diet with a dramatic reduction in salt to help control blood pressure.
US scientists, who analysed the dietary patterns of more than 90,000 people over a decade, found those who stuck closely to the MIND diet slashed their risk of the memory-robbing disease by a quarter, regardless of the age they started it.
Dr Song-Yi Park, an expert in nutrition from the University of Hawaii and lead author of the research, said the results showed the importance of diet in dementia prevention.
'Healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life may prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias,' she said.
'This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet.'
Previously, the memory-boosting benefits of the diet have been seen in older women.
Research published last year by scientists in Ohio found a six per cent reduced risk of cognitive impairment for female participants who most closely followed the diet, but no decreased risk for men who did the same.
However the current study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, assessed the diets of 93,000 men and women aged between 45-75.
The participants were followed up a decade later to assess their diet again.
Analysis revealed those that the men and women who followed the MIND diet the closest were the least likely to develop dementia.
Those who improved their adherence to the MIND diet over the course of the study saw the biggest risk reduction of 25 per cent.
The findings are preliminary and have yet to be fully published and peer reviewed.
A breakdown of how the researchers measured adherence to the MIND diet was not available.
However, similar studies have previously used a points system.
For instance, points are awarded for eating three or more daily servings of wholegrains (like brown rice and oats) and six or more weekly servings of green leafy vegetables.
Eating fewer that four weekly servings of red meat is also considered a key characteristic of the diet, as well as a maximum of one serving of fast or fried foods each week.
Mail Online
-
Two simple diet changes could reduce the symptoms of debilitating mental health conditions, a study suggests.
A major review by researchers at Bond University in Queensland, Australia, found that calorie restrictive diets may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The research–which included 25 studies involving 57,000 adults–also found that low fat diets may help relieve anxiety.
Researchers found that the benefits of a low fat diet on mental health were primarily seen among people at ‘elevated cardiometabolic risk’.
Two simple diet changes could reduce the symptoms of debilitating mental health conditions, a study suggests.
A major review by researchers at Bond University in Queensland, Australia, found that calorie restrictive diets may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The research–which included 25 studies involving 57,000 adults–also found that low fat diets may help relieve anxiety.
Researchers found that the benefits of a low fat diet on mental health were primarily seen among people at ‘elevated cardiometabolic risk’.
This included those suffering from conditions like obesity or insulin resistance the latter considered a potential precursor to type 2 diabetes.
A calorie restrictive diet is an eating pattern where you limit the amount of calories you consume per day in a bid to lose weight, usually around 1500 calories total.
Dieters are also advised to avoid processed foods and products high in sugar.
On the other hand, a low fat diet is considered getting less than 30 percent of your energy intake from fats, a level recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Publishing their findings in the journal the Annals of Internal Medicine, the experts said while calorie restrictive and low fat diets may help combat depression and anxiety the quality of the data supporting this was low.
As such they recommended any patient suffering from these problems discuss potential dietary changes with a health care professional beforehand.
The authors didn't speculate on how diet may help combat mental health issues, but previous studies have established a link between food and mood.
In 2017 Australian researchers, published a study in the journal BMC Medicine, where 33 people with major, drug resistant depression were put on the Mediterranean diet for three months.
They were then compared with 34 people with the same condition who continued with their usual diets.
The Mediterranean diet group experienced 'significantly greater improvement' in symptoms than the control group.
Additionally, last year data from 3,000 adults showed that, after six years, those who followed Mediterranean diet had a 16 percent lower risk of developing depression than people who didn't.
The Mediterranean typically involves focusing on fresh produce, lean meat like fish and chicken, and whole grains, while eating less red meat and sweets.
Professor Felice Jacka, an expert in nutritional psychiatry and director of the Food and Mood Centre at Deakin University in Geelong, Australia, previously told Mail Online she is convinced there is link between diet and depression.
'Where mental health is concerned, our gut microbes are running us,' said Professor Jacka.
She said that a diet rich in unprocessed foods with lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, pulses and grains is the key.
Professor Jacka said this fibre-rich diet richly supports a healthy gut microbiome, the population of bacteria, viruses and fungi that naturally live in our digestive tract.
Fibre is a type of complex carbohydrate found in plants that our bodies cannot easily break down.
This means it passes through the digestive system all the way to the large intestine where it helps feeds trillions of micro organisms.
Fibre's mood benefits have been demonstrated in a review of 18 previous studies, published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience in 2023.
The University of Adelaide researchers found that, for people deemed at risk of depression, each additional 5g of fibre they added to their diet was associated with a 5 percent reduction of their risk of developing symptoms.
The NHS recommends aiming for at least 30g of fibre per day.
Experts also warn that a diet in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can have a negative impact on mental health.
Professor Jacka co-authored a study in the journal Clinical Nutrition which concluded that a person's risk of depressive symptoms goes up 10 percent for each additional 10 percent that their diet is comprised of UPFs.
'If you do just one thing to improve your mental health through diet, completely cut out soft drinks, ice cream and crisps,' Professor Jacka told MailOnline.
While multiple studies have established a link between what we eat and mental health, other experts caution the relationship might not be as clear cut as it seems.
They highlight that for UPFs and depression there is no clear cause and effect.
Additionally, they note that patients who eat a lot of UPFs are also more likely to be obese, exercise less frequently and more likely to smoke, all of which could influence their mental wellbeing.
Mental health charity Mind estimates that one in six Britons are suffering from a common mental health problem like depression and anxiety at any one time.
Symptoms of depression range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.
There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.
For anxiety they say that common symptoms include feeling restless or on edge being irritable, getting tired easily and having tense muscles.
The NHS recommended seeing a doctor if you have symptoms of either condition.
Mail Online
Two simple diet changes could reduce the symptoms of debilitating mental health conditions, a study suggests.
A major review by researchers at Bond University in Queensland, Australia, found that calorie restrictive diets may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The research–which included 25 studies involving 57,000 adults–also found that low fat diets may help relieve anxiety.
Researchers found that the benefits of a low fat diet on mental health were primarily seen among people at ‘elevated cardiometabolic risk’.
This included those suffering from conditions like obesity or insulin resistance the latter considered a potential precursor to type 2 diabetes.
A calorie restrictive diet is an eating pattern where you limit the amount of calories you consume per day in a bid to lose weight, usually around 1500 calories total.
Dieters are also advised to avoid processed foods and products high in sugar.
On the other hand, a low fat diet is considered getting less than 30 percent of your energy intake from fats, a level recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Publishing their findings in the journal the Annals of Internal Medicine, the experts said while calorie restrictive and low fat diets may help combat depression and anxiety the quality of the data supporting this was low.
As such they recommended any patient suffering from these problems discuss potential dietary changes with a health care professional beforehand.
The authors didn't speculate on how diet may help combat mental health issues, but previous studies have established a link between food and mood.
In 2017 Australian researchers, published a study in the journal BMC Medicine, where 33 people with major, drug resistant depression were put on the Mediterranean diet for three months.
They were then compared with 34 people with the same condition who continued with their usual diets.
The Mediterranean diet group experienced 'significantly greater improvement' in symptoms than the control group.
Additionally, last year data from 3,000 adults showed that, after six years, those who followed Mediterranean diet had a 16 percent lower risk of developing depression than people who didn't.
The Mediterranean typically involves focusing on fresh produce, lean meat like fish and chicken, and whole grains, while eating less red meat and sweets.
Professor Felice Jacka, an expert in nutritional psychiatry and director of the Food and Mood Centre at Deakin University in Geelong, Australia, previously told Mail Online she is convinced there is link between diet and depression.
'Where mental health is concerned, our gut microbes are running us,' said Professor Jacka.
She said that a diet rich in unprocessed foods with lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, pulses and grains is the key.
Professor Jacka said this fibre-rich diet richly supports a healthy gut microbiome, the population of bacteria, viruses and fungi that naturally live in our digestive tract.
Fibre is a type of complex carbohydrate found in plants that our bodies cannot easily break down.
This means it passes through the digestive system all the way to the large intestine where it helps feeds trillions of micro organisms.
Fibre's mood benefits have been demonstrated in a review of 18 previous studies, published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience in 2023.
The University of Adelaide researchers found that, for people deemed at risk of depression, each additional 5g of fibre they added to their diet was associated with a 5 percent reduction of their risk of developing symptoms.
The NHS recommends aiming for at least 30g of fibre per day.
Experts also warn that a diet in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can have a negative impact on mental health.
Professor Jacka co-authored a study in the journal Clinical Nutrition which concluded that a person's risk of depressive symptoms goes up 10 percent for each additional 10 percent that their diet is comprised of UPFs.
'If you do just one thing to improve your mental health through diet, completely cut out soft drinks, ice cream and crisps,' Professor Jacka told MailOnline.
While multiple studies have established a link between what we eat and mental health, other experts caution the relationship might not be as clear cut as it seems.
They highlight that for UPFs and depression there is no clear cause and effect.
Additionally, they note that patients who eat a lot of UPFs are also more likely to be obese, exercise less frequently and more likely to smoke, all of which could influence their mental wellbeing.
Mental health charity Mind estimates that one in six Britons are suffering from a common mental health problem like depression and anxiety at any one time.
Symptoms of depression range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.
There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.
For anxiety they say that common symptoms include feeling restless or on edge being irritable, getting tired easily and having tense muscles.
The NHS recommended seeing a doctor if you have symptoms of either condition.
Mail Online
-
A pill that mimics the effect of a gastric bypass has been touted as the latest weight loss miracle – and may even be more effective than fat jabs in the long term.
The capsules produce a temporary coating in the gut that prevents food from being absorbed, forcing it into the lower intestine and triggering hormones that make you feel full.
Its manufacturers say it may have advantages over weight-loss injections such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, including having fewer side effects and being easier to take.
A pill that mimics the effect of a gastric bypass has been touted as the latest weight loss miracle – and may even be more effective than fat jabs in the long term.
The capsules produce a temporary coating in the gut that prevents food from being absorbed, forcing it into the lower intestine and triggering hormones that make you feel full.
Its manufacturers say it may have advantages over weight-loss injections such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, including having fewer side effects and being easier to take.
It is also far safer and less invasive than actual gastric bypass surgery.
Rahul Dhanda, chief executive of Syntis Bio, makers of the pill, said: The problem is [fat jabs] are not very tolerable and patients want to come off them.
By binding to the mucous membrane lining of the duodenum - the top of the intestine near the stomach - the pills create a barrier that stops calories being absorbed.
It forces food directly into the lower part of the digestive system, the pills set off a ‘cascade’ of hormones including GLP-1, the same chemical mimicked by semaglutide jab Wegovy.
It also causes the body to stop producing ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry, and start producing leptin, which makes you feel satisfied.
The person taking the pill feels full more quickly and stops eating.
The coating created by the pill sheds naturally after about 24 hours, leaving no trace.
The effect is similar to gastric bypass, in which surgeons make the stomach smaller and shorten the small intestine, changing how the body absorbs food and leaving people feeling fuller after eating less.
In rats, the drug caused the animals to lose 1 percent of their bodyweight per week while preserving 100 percent of their lean muscle mass.
Trials in humans have not studied weight loss but found the pills cause no harmful side effects.
If they prove effective in further trials, the pills could help patients maintain a healthy weight after intensive weightloss with jabs, or replace the injections entirely.
Dr Louis Aronne of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City told the conference that a ‘golden age’ of treatment had begun with these new drugs.
Mail Online
A pill that mimics the effect of a gastric bypass has been touted as the latest weight loss miracle – and may even be more effective than fat jabs in the long term.
The capsules produce a temporary coating in the gut that prevents food from being absorbed, forcing it into the lower intestine and triggering hormones that make you feel full.
Its manufacturers say it may have advantages over weight-loss injections such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, including having fewer side effects and being easier to take.
It is also far safer and less invasive than actual gastric bypass surgery.
Rahul Dhanda, chief executive of Syntis Bio, makers of the pill, said: The problem is [fat jabs] are not very tolerable and patients want to come off them.
By binding to the mucous membrane lining of the duodenum - the top of the intestine near the stomach - the pills create a barrier that stops calories being absorbed.
It forces food directly into the lower part of the digestive system, the pills set off a ‘cascade’ of hormones including GLP-1, the same chemical mimicked by semaglutide jab Wegovy.
It also causes the body to stop producing ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry, and start producing leptin, which makes you feel satisfied.
The person taking the pill feels full more quickly and stops eating.
The coating created by the pill sheds naturally after about 24 hours, leaving no trace.
The effect is similar to gastric bypass, in which surgeons make the stomach smaller and shorten the small intestine, changing how the body absorbs food and leaving people feeling fuller after eating less.
In rats, the drug caused the animals to lose 1 percent of their bodyweight per week while preserving 100 percent of their lean muscle mass.
Trials in humans have not studied weight loss but found the pills cause no harmful side effects.
If they prove effective in further trials, the pills could help patients maintain a healthy weight after intensive weightloss with jabs, or replace the injections entirely.
Dr Louis Aronne of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City told the conference that a ‘golden age’ of treatment had begun with these new drugs.
Mail Online
-
Working 52 hours or more each week harms people’s memory and problem solving - and disrupts their emotions, a study suggests.
Experts found that being ‘overworked' alters the structure of the brain in areas linked to thinking and social skills and mental health.
They looked at the impact of overwork on specific brain regions in health workers who regularly clocked up a 52-hour week or more.
The researchers drew on data from a long-term study looking at worker health and used MRI scans to examine brain structure.
Working 52 hours or more each week harms people’s memory and problem solving - and disrupts their emotions, a study suggests.
Experts found that being ‘overworked' alters the structure of the brain in areas linked to thinking and social skills and mental health.
They looked at the impact of overwork on specific brain regions in health workers who regularly clocked up a 52-hour week or more.
The researchers drew on data from a long-term study looking at worker health and used MRI scans to examine brain structure.
Some 110 workers were included in the final analysis, published in the journal Occupational And Environmental Medicine. Most were clinicians.
Of these, 32 worked excessive weekly hours, while 78 worked standard hours.
Those putting in long working hours every week were significantly younger, had spent less time in work and were more highly educated than those clocking up standard hours.
The researchers, including from Yonsei University in South Korea, said: 'Overworked individuals exhibited significant changes in brain regions associated with executive function and emotional regulation.’
Analysis showed a 19 percent increase in left caudal middle frontal gyrus volume in the overworked group compared with the non-overworked group.
This part of the brain has a major role in various cognitive functions, particularly in the frontal lobe. It is involved in attention, working memory, and language-related processing.
Other areas involved in attention, planning and decision-making were also changed according to the scans, plus regions involved in emotional processing, self-awareness and understanding social context.
The team concluded: ‘This study provides preliminary evidence that overwork is associated with structural brain changes, particularly in regions linked to cognition and emotion.
Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at the charity the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, said: ‘Global analysis from the World Health Organisation and International Labour Organisation has found that working long hours is on the increase and is responsible for about one-third of the total estimated work-related burden of disease.
Our YouGov survey, last year, showed that nearly a quarter of UK workers regularly work more than the legal maximum people should work in the UK (48 hours a week), while 44 percent said working more than your contracted hours is part of the culture in their organisation.
More than half said they regularly check work emails and messages outside of working hours.
‘We want to see employers strip away the “small print”, identify and tackle psycho-social risks as part of risk assessment processes and become more transparent in how they treat their workers.’
Working 52 hours or more each week harms people’s memory and problem solving - and disrupts their emotions, a study suggests.
Experts found that being ‘overworked' alters the structure of the brain in areas linked to thinking and social skills and mental health.
They looked at the impact of overwork on specific brain regions in health workers who regularly clocked up a 52-hour week or more.
The researchers drew on data from a long-term study looking at worker health and used MRI scans to examine brain structure.
Some 110 workers were included in the final analysis, published in the journal Occupational And Environmental Medicine. Most were clinicians.
Of these, 32 worked excessive weekly hours, while 78 worked standard hours.
Those putting in long working hours every week were significantly younger, had spent less time in work and were more highly educated than those clocking up standard hours.
The researchers, including from Yonsei University in South Korea, said: 'Overworked individuals exhibited significant changes in brain regions associated with executive function and emotional regulation.’
Analysis showed a 19 percent increase in left caudal middle frontal gyrus volume in the overworked group compared with the non-overworked group.
This part of the brain has a major role in various cognitive functions, particularly in the frontal lobe. It is involved in attention, working memory, and language-related processing.
Other areas involved in attention, planning and decision-making were also changed according to the scans, plus regions involved in emotional processing, self-awareness and understanding social context.
The team concluded: ‘This study provides preliminary evidence that overwork is associated with structural brain changes, particularly in regions linked to cognition and emotion.
Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at the charity the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, said: ‘Global analysis from the World Health Organisation and International Labour Organisation has found that working long hours is on the increase and is responsible for about one-third of the total estimated work-related burden of disease.
Our YouGov survey, last year, showed that nearly a quarter of UK workers regularly work more than the legal maximum people should work in the UK (48 hours a week), while 44 percent said working more than your contracted hours is part of the culture in their organisation.
More than half said they regularly check work emails and messages outside of working hours.
‘We want to see employers strip away the “small print”, identify and tackle psycho-social risks as part of risk assessment processes and become more transparent in how they treat their workers.’
-
When I was young, I learned about liquor’s misdeeds from my parents, elders, and from books I read. I accumulated general knowledge, including the disadvantages of alcohol, through these sources. As I thought more about liquor, a series of thoughts came to my mind, and I ended up writing down everything that came to me.
When I was young, I learned about liquor’s misdeeds from my parents, elders, and from books I read. I accumulated general knowledge, including the disadvantages of alcohol, through these sources. As I thought more about liquor, a series of thoughts came to my mind, and I ended up writing down everything that came to me.
It’s not necessarily a good thing that young people no longer frequent bars these days. The places where alcohol is served, such as restaurants and hotels, are not just places where anyone can sit and drink; it’s something that even those with decent finances have to think about. It’s the kind of place that only those who have the money to spend go to. So what I want to say is that due to the rising cost of goods, people may start avoiding bars and pubs.
There are some good aspects. Since drinkers can’t sit at a bar or have become unable to, they have controlled the cost of meals. However, they do not taste meals while drinking liquor. Although they do not sit at the bars to drink, bars are now popping up everywhere like mushrooms, so people still drink at home. However, it’s undeniable that the cost of meals to be eaten in the sapping bar has reduced significantly. While I’m not referring to every drinker, in general, the cost reduction for drinking has led many people to spend even more on alcohol. A good thing about the rising prices is that, when sitting at a bar, people tend to pay attention to their behaviour and become more careful not to cause trouble. So, they miss chances to commit quarrels. Bars are also less populated now, and it’s rare to find someone taking up a whole space along the route to their homes by themselves. People can only make noise at home, and they’re allowed to make only limited disturbances in the surrounding area.
Everybody knows alcohol is not good. No matter what people say, whether they quote any scriptures or say this or that, if you ask why alcohol is being produced, how would you answer? If someone asks why bars are being opened, questions will arise. If you talk about the beginning of things, like the first chicken egg or the hen, it won’t hurt anyone. But thinking about how alcohol, bars, liquor stores, and alcohol consumers could be discussed in a way that might affect or harm others, well… let’s just leave it at that.
From the beginning, I want to refer to the fact that young people drink alcohol, just like how it has been discussed before. I’ve encountered many alcohol users, but if we’re talking about my friend, there are those who drink while embracing life. Such situations are common. However, because they are just similar experiences, I don’t feel like talking about them. Nevertheless, I can’t stay silent anymore, and I want to speak up. This is not a created story, but a heartfelt experience. I want to talk about a dear friend I had the pleasure of knowing and share this with you.
Once upon a time, there were three friends, including me. Although we met and became close when we were over 30, we built a fraternity among us deeply, with mutual understanding and affection. It was unbelievable for all that to the extent that, when one of us started to speak, we all knew what would be said and how it would end. When one person looked at another, we could understand why they were looking, and what they wanted to say, without needing any explanation. We were so close that we understood each other without words.
When the time came, everyone went to their separate places, but they still kept in touch with each other, either through phone or letters. Two of them were in Yangon, and a Yangonite was in Mandalay. Back then, whenever someone arrived in Mandalay, they would greet each other just like before, with a warm welcome. Likewise, whenever someone from Mandalay came to Yangon, the remaining two would always arrange to meet up.
Out of these three, the character I’m about to talk about doesn’t even seem like someone who would drink alcohol, let alone be a heavy drinker. I think they would even walk down to the river and get called for it. They don’t seem to get drunk either. They can drink without even knowing how much they’ve had. Whether you call them a liquor lover, a drinker, an alcoholic, a heavy drinker, or even something more colourful, no matter how you address them, they would still act the same. That’s why I almost want to call them the king of alcohol.
In Mandalay, one person drinks when they encounter it. If they don’t encounter it, they search for it to drink. If they can live, they just live. Drinking when they encounter it means they never bear the full cost with their own money. They drink with others’ money. Drinking with others’ money has never been a burden, but his talk of boasting may be mounted like Mandalay Hill. Those who have fought with him over alcohol or beer have not only suffered but also had to pay the debts of their lifetime. At that time, his salary was at the scale of a deputy staff officer. Despite that, he still drank with others’ money.”
The other person is from Yangon. Until the age of thirty, he had never drunk alcohol, smoked cigarettes, chewed betel nuts, or had a romantic partner. He lived in a very disciplined way, but this kind of person tends to become an idiot in some way. This writer is someone who has written in their mind alone and thinks that no one else can match them. I am a civilian who has not yet married and works as a gazette officer, but his salary was not so low that you wouldn’t expect him to be able enough of himself. At that time, with the price of goods and the books he used, he was struggling to get by. He contributed his salary to his home and then asked for it back.
Among those three, the one with the best income is the alcohol king. He is a government employee and is also working a second job at a private business in the evenings, so he’s the busiest. However, when you look at him, he always seems to be in a dishevelled state. He’s constantly draining his money on alcohol. But no matter where you look, he never lets go of his cigarette.
Since the time the three friends first met, it’s been about fifteen years. During this period, the “alcohol king” has risen to one rank in his job. He has become quite skilled in his work and is very good at speaking to the point where others can be overwhelmed by his words. His ability to judge people is also quite impressive. Although he doesn’t have a degree and is a heavy drinker, his superiors promoted him to a higher position, so he was content with his job. He no longer expected further promotions. His income was steady, and as long as he could drink properly, he was satisfied.
What I mean is that the king of alcohol’s friend passed away in 2019. It is known to be from a liver disease. Before he passed, he had completely deteriorated. It’s quite sad. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the funeral due to various reasons. Before he passed, I heard news about him from his colleagues. He was constantly drunk and no longer thought about anything. Alcohol took over him, and the king of alcohol no longer had control over his life, ultimately leading to a drastic change in his life.
The big friend passed away with age and alcohol, and while reflecting on that, I thought about how in the old days, people used to write at the bottom of letters, like legal texts, that they didn’t want to publish. The wife of the big friend had already passed away for many years before the friend even passed. Now that she’s gone, only their little daughter remains in this world with a lack of chance to rely on her parents. The end of a family member is always saddening. But the friend just went where he needed to go. It’s nothing unusual. Just as he left in his own way, isn’t it true that those left behind will leave in their own ways too?
Currently, the two remaining friends have earned the positions they deserve in their respective professions and have reached their expected goals. However, it can be seen that the big friend with the nickname “the king of alcohol’ may still be wandering in the circle of life dubbed the Samsara in Pali aimlessly. Since the big friend would be alone, feeling bored, he might tell the remaining two friends to quickly follow him, perhaps to places with many people. In the past, he was luckier than the other two, so he might be holding a cigarette in his hand, still enjoying the alcohol he likes, without caring about anything.
Whatever it may be, alcohol has been killing most of the drinkers since its emergence. My friend lost his life at a workable age. It is believable that alcohol will continue to separate the bonds and affection between friends.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
When I was young, I learned about liquor’s misdeeds from my parents, elders, and from books I read. I accumulated general knowledge, including the disadvantages of alcohol, through these sources. As I thought more about liquor, a series of thoughts came to my mind, and I ended up writing down everything that came to me.
It’s not necessarily a good thing that young people no longer frequent bars these days. The places where alcohol is served, such as restaurants and hotels, are not just places where anyone can sit and drink; it’s something that even those with decent finances have to think about. It’s the kind of place that only those who have the money to spend go to. So what I want to say is that due to the rising cost of goods, people may start avoiding bars and pubs.
There are some good aspects. Since drinkers can’t sit at a bar or have become unable to, they have controlled the cost of meals. However, they do not taste meals while drinking liquor. Although they do not sit at the bars to drink, bars are now popping up everywhere like mushrooms, so people still drink at home. However, it’s undeniable that the cost of meals to be eaten in the sapping bar has reduced significantly. While I’m not referring to every drinker, in general, the cost reduction for drinking has led many people to spend even more on alcohol. A good thing about the rising prices is that, when sitting at a bar, people tend to pay attention to their behaviour and become more careful not to cause trouble. So, they miss chances to commit quarrels. Bars are also less populated now, and it’s rare to find someone taking up a whole space along the route to their homes by themselves. People can only make noise at home, and they’re allowed to make only limited disturbances in the surrounding area.
Everybody knows alcohol is not good. No matter what people say, whether they quote any scriptures or say this or that, if you ask why alcohol is being produced, how would you answer? If someone asks why bars are being opened, questions will arise. If you talk about the beginning of things, like the first chicken egg or the hen, it won’t hurt anyone. But thinking about how alcohol, bars, liquor stores, and alcohol consumers could be discussed in a way that might affect or harm others, well… let’s just leave it at that.
From the beginning, I want to refer to the fact that young people drink alcohol, just like how it has been discussed before. I’ve encountered many alcohol users, but if we’re talking about my friend, there are those who drink while embracing life. Such situations are common. However, because they are just similar experiences, I don’t feel like talking about them. Nevertheless, I can’t stay silent anymore, and I want to speak up. This is not a created story, but a heartfelt experience. I want to talk about a dear friend I had the pleasure of knowing and share this with you.
Once upon a time, there were three friends, including me. Although we met and became close when we were over 30, we built a fraternity among us deeply, with mutual understanding and affection. It was unbelievable for all that to the extent that, when one of us started to speak, we all knew what would be said and how it would end. When one person looked at another, we could understand why they were looking, and what they wanted to say, without needing any explanation. We were so close that we understood each other without words.
When the time came, everyone went to their separate places, but they still kept in touch with each other, either through phone or letters. Two of them were in Yangon, and a Yangonite was in Mandalay. Back then, whenever someone arrived in Mandalay, they would greet each other just like before, with a warm welcome. Likewise, whenever someone from Mandalay came to Yangon, the remaining two would always arrange to meet up.
Out of these three, the character I’m about to talk about doesn’t even seem like someone who would drink alcohol, let alone be a heavy drinker. I think they would even walk down to the river and get called for it. They don’t seem to get drunk either. They can drink without even knowing how much they’ve had. Whether you call them a liquor lover, a drinker, an alcoholic, a heavy drinker, or even something more colourful, no matter how you address them, they would still act the same. That’s why I almost want to call them the king of alcohol.
In Mandalay, one person drinks when they encounter it. If they don’t encounter it, they search for it to drink. If they can live, they just live. Drinking when they encounter it means they never bear the full cost with their own money. They drink with others’ money. Drinking with others’ money has never been a burden, but his talk of boasting may be mounted like Mandalay Hill. Those who have fought with him over alcohol or beer have not only suffered but also had to pay the debts of their lifetime. At that time, his salary was at the scale of a deputy staff officer. Despite that, he still drank with others’ money.”
The other person is from Yangon. Until the age of thirty, he had never drunk alcohol, smoked cigarettes, chewed betel nuts, or had a romantic partner. He lived in a very disciplined way, but this kind of person tends to become an idiot in some way. This writer is someone who has written in their mind alone and thinks that no one else can match them. I am a civilian who has not yet married and works as a gazette officer, but his salary was not so low that you wouldn’t expect him to be able enough of himself. At that time, with the price of goods and the books he used, he was struggling to get by. He contributed his salary to his home and then asked for it back.
Among those three, the one with the best income is the alcohol king. He is a government employee and is also working a second job at a private business in the evenings, so he’s the busiest. However, when you look at him, he always seems to be in a dishevelled state. He’s constantly draining his money on alcohol. But no matter where you look, he never lets go of his cigarette.
Since the time the three friends first met, it’s been about fifteen years. During this period, the “alcohol king” has risen to one rank in his job. He has become quite skilled in his work and is very good at speaking to the point where others can be overwhelmed by his words. His ability to judge people is also quite impressive. Although he doesn’t have a degree and is a heavy drinker, his superiors promoted him to a higher position, so he was content with his job. He no longer expected further promotions. His income was steady, and as long as he could drink properly, he was satisfied.
What I mean is that the king of alcohol’s friend passed away in 2019. It is known to be from a liver disease. Before he passed, he had completely deteriorated. It’s quite sad. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the funeral due to various reasons. Before he passed, I heard news about him from his colleagues. He was constantly drunk and no longer thought about anything. Alcohol took over him, and the king of alcohol no longer had control over his life, ultimately leading to a drastic change in his life.
The big friend passed away with age and alcohol, and while reflecting on that, I thought about how in the old days, people used to write at the bottom of letters, like legal texts, that they didn’t want to publish. The wife of the big friend had already passed away for many years before the friend even passed. Now that she’s gone, only their little daughter remains in this world with a lack of chance to rely on her parents. The end of a family member is always saddening. But the friend just went where he needed to go. It’s nothing unusual. Just as he left in his own way, isn’t it true that those left behind will leave in their own ways too?
Currently, the two remaining friends have earned the positions they deserve in their respective professions and have reached their expected goals. However, it can be seen that the big friend with the nickname “the king of alcohol’ may still be wandering in the circle of life dubbed the Samsara in Pali aimlessly. Since the big friend would be alone, feeling bored, he might tell the remaining two friends to quickly follow him, perhaps to places with many people. In the past, he was luckier than the other two, so he might be holding a cigarette in his hand, still enjoying the alcohol he likes, without caring about anything.
Whatever it may be, alcohol has been killing most of the drinkers since its emergence. My friend lost his life at a workable age. It is believable that alcohol will continue to separate the bonds and affection between friends.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
-
Twenty-Seven Es for disease prevention and control activities are a set of essential strategies that focus on various aspects of public health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling diseases. While there may be variations in the lists of these 27 Es, they generally revolve around elements like education, environment, and engagement in health practices.
Twenty-Seven Es for disease prevention and control activities are a set of essential strategies that focus on various aspects of public health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling diseases. While there may be variations in the lists of these 27 Es, they generally revolve around elements like education, environment, and engagement in health practices.
The 27 Es for disease prevention and control activities expand on the principles involved in managing public health issues. These ideologies cover a wide range of strategies, from education to environmental control. The following is an expanded list that reflects key actions for effective disease prevention and control:
1. Education – Raise awareness and educate communities about healthy practices and disease prevention.
2. Early Detection – Detect diseases early through screenings and monitoring to prevent further spread.
3. Environmental Health – Improve environmental conditions (clean water, sanitation) to reduce disease risk.
4. Empowerment – Empower individuals and communities with the tools and knowledge needed for self-care.
5. Epidemiology – Collect and analyze data on the spread and causes of diseases to guide prevention efforts.
6. Engagement – Engage communities in disease control measures through participation and collaboration.
7. Equity – Ensure equal access to health services, information, and resources for all groups.
8. Evidence-Based Practices – Use scientific research and data to develop effective disease prevention strategies.
9. Enforcement – Enforce laws and policies that protect public health (e.g., vaccination requirements).
10. Emergency Response – Prepare for and respond quickly to outbreaks, natural disasters, or health emergencies.
11. Evaluation – Continuously assess and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs and interventions.
12. Efficacy – Ensure that disease control measures are proven to be effective in reducing health risks.
13. Ecosystem Protection – Preserve and protect ecosystems, which contribute to overall human health.
14. Economic Support – Provide financial resources for public health initiatives to control and prevent disease.
15. Examination – Regular medical examinations to detect diseases early and prevent complications.
16. Aetiology – Study the causes and origins of diseases to better prevent and treat them.
17. Exclusion – Prevent the movement of infected individuals or contaminated goods to limit disease spread.
18. Ethical Practices – Maintain ethical standards in health interventions, respecting human rights and dignity.
19. Extrapolation – Apply lessons learned from one community or disease to other situations or regions.
20. Experience Sharing – Share successful disease control strategies and lessons learned from previous outbreaks.
21. Elimination – Work towards the complete obliteration of diseases in certain areas.
22. Enhancement – Enhance health systems with better resources, training, and infrastructure for disease control.
23. Evaluation of Interventions – Continuously monitor and adjust disease prevention strategies to ensure their effectiveness.
24. Emergency Preparedness – Develop and implement plans to address and mitigate public health emergencies.
25. Epidemic Control – Use effective strategies to contain and control epidemics quickly, minimizing damage.
26. Eradication – Actively works to completely abolish certain diseases from the population (e.g., smallpox).
27. Evaluation of Outcomes – Measure and assess the long-term impacts of disease control efforts on public health.
In addition, these 27 Es cover an inclusive, multi-layered approach to public health, with an emphasis on preparedness, scientific evaluation, community engagement, and ethical standards.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
Twenty-Seven Es for disease prevention and control activities are a set of essential strategies that focus on various aspects of public health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling diseases. While there may be variations in the lists of these 27 Es, they generally revolve around elements like education, environment, and engagement in health practices.
The 27 Es for disease prevention and control activities expand on the principles involved in managing public health issues. These ideologies cover a wide range of strategies, from education to environmental control. The following is an expanded list that reflects key actions for effective disease prevention and control:
1. Education – Raise awareness and educate communities about healthy practices and disease prevention.
2. Early Detection – Detect diseases early through screenings and monitoring to prevent further spread.
3. Environmental Health – Improve environmental conditions (clean water, sanitation) to reduce disease risk.
4. Empowerment – Empower individuals and communities with the tools and knowledge needed for self-care.
5. Epidemiology – Collect and analyze data on the spread and causes of diseases to guide prevention efforts.
6. Engagement – Engage communities in disease control measures through participation and collaboration.
7. Equity – Ensure equal access to health services, information, and resources for all groups.
8. Evidence-Based Practices – Use scientific research and data to develop effective disease prevention strategies.
9. Enforcement – Enforce laws and policies that protect public health (e.g., vaccination requirements).
10. Emergency Response – Prepare for and respond quickly to outbreaks, natural disasters, or health emergencies.
11. Evaluation – Continuously assess and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs and interventions.
12. Efficacy – Ensure that disease control measures are proven to be effective in reducing health risks.
13. Ecosystem Protection – Preserve and protect ecosystems, which contribute to overall human health.
14. Economic Support – Provide financial resources for public health initiatives to control and prevent disease.
15. Examination – Regular medical examinations to detect diseases early and prevent complications.
16. Aetiology – Study the causes and origins of diseases to better prevent and treat them.
17. Exclusion – Prevent the movement of infected individuals or contaminated goods to limit disease spread.
18. Ethical Practices – Maintain ethical standards in health interventions, respecting human rights and dignity.
19. Extrapolation – Apply lessons learned from one community or disease to other situations or regions.
20. Experience Sharing – Share successful disease control strategies and lessons learned from previous outbreaks.
21. Elimination – Work towards the complete obliteration of diseases in certain areas.
22. Enhancement – Enhance health systems with better resources, training, and infrastructure for disease control.
23. Evaluation of Interventions – Continuously monitor and adjust disease prevention strategies to ensure their effectiveness.
24. Emergency Preparedness – Develop and implement plans to address and mitigate public health emergencies.
25. Epidemic Control – Use effective strategies to contain and control epidemics quickly, minimizing damage.
26. Eradication – Actively works to completely abolish certain diseases from the population (e.g., smallpox).
27. Evaluation of Outcomes – Measure and assess the long-term impacts of disease control efforts on public health.
In addition, these 27 Es cover an inclusive, multi-layered approach to public health, with an emphasis on preparedness, scientific evaluation, community engagement, and ethical standards.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
-
UNIVERSAL health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
UNIVERSAL health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases. Overall, public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations. These populations can be as small as a local neighbourhood or as big as a whole country or region.
Public health education refers to the educational process that provides students with knowledge and skills related to various aspects of public health, including biology, environmental factors, communication, data management, epidemiology, health policy, and emergency management. It aims to prepare students for cross-disciplinary roles and to promote a better world by expanding their focus to account for health factors in their future careers.
Public health education plays a critical role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by promoting health literacy, preventative care, and fostering healthier behaviours within populations. The following are a few key points on how public health education contributes to UHC:
Raising Awareness about Health Issues
Public health education helps raise awareness about common health conditions, preventive measures, and available healthcare services. When people are well-informed about health risks, such as the dangers of smoking, unhealthy diet, or lack of exercise, they are more likely to make healthy lifestyle choices, which can reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Promoting Preventive Healthcare
By educating communities about preventive measures, such as vaccination, screening for diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes), and safe hygiene practices, public health education helps in reducing the incidence of preventable diseases. This not only improves health outcomes but also helps reduce healthcare costs in the long term, aligning with UHC goals of providing equitable and affordable healthcare.Empowering Communities
Public health education empowers individuals and communities to take responsibility for their health. When people understand their rights to healthcare and know how to navigate the healthcare system, they are better able to access services, adhere to medical treatments, and avoid delays in seeking care.Addressing Health Inequalities
Public health education can address health disparities by targeting vulnerable populations, including those in rural areas, low-income groups, and marginalized communities. By providing information tailored to their needs, education can break down barriers to accessing healthcare and ensure that undeserved populations are not left behind in achieving UHC.Improving Health Behaviours
Health education encourages individuals to adopt healthier behaviors, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, engaging in physical activity, and managing stress. These behavioural changes contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of chronic diseases, which can strain healthcare systems and impede UHC efforts.Supporting Mental Health Awareness
Mental health is a critical component of UHC, and public health education can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Educating the public about mental health can help people seek the necessary support, reducing the burden on emergency and acute care services while promoting mental well-being for all.Promoting for Programme Changes
Educating the public can foster an environment where people promote necessary programme changes that support UHC, such as the expansion of healthcare coverage, improved health infrastructure, and equitable distribution of healthcare resources.Improving Health Literacy
Health literacy is essential for individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Public health education improves people’s ability to understand medical information, which is necessary for following treatment plans, understanding prescription instructions, and making health decisions that are aligned with the resources available in their healthcare system.
In summary, public health education serves as a foundation for achieving UHC by promoting informed, health-conscious populations, reducing preventable health issues, and empowering individuals to take control of their health. It creates a more equitable healthcare system and also takes the opportunity to promote a healthy life.
References
- https://www.who.int/health-topics.universal-health-coverage
- https://www.cdcfoundation.org/what-public-health
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/public-health-education
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
UNIVERSAL health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases. Overall, public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations. These populations can be as small as a local neighbourhood or as big as a whole country or region.
Public health education refers to the educational process that provides students with knowledge and skills related to various aspects of public health, including biology, environmental factors, communication, data management, epidemiology, health policy, and emergency management. It aims to prepare students for cross-disciplinary roles and to promote a better world by expanding their focus to account for health factors in their future careers.
Public health education plays a critical role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by promoting health literacy, preventative care, and fostering healthier behaviours within populations. The following are a few key points on how public health education contributes to UHC:
Raising Awareness about Health Issues
Public health education helps raise awareness about common health conditions, preventive measures, and available healthcare services. When people are well-informed about health risks, such as the dangers of smoking, unhealthy diet, or lack of exercise, they are more likely to make healthy lifestyle choices, which can reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Promoting Preventive Healthcare
By educating communities about preventive measures, such as vaccination, screening for diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes), and safe hygiene practices, public health education helps in reducing the incidence of preventable diseases. This not only improves health outcomes but also helps reduce healthcare costs in the long term, aligning with UHC goals of providing equitable and affordable healthcare.Empowering Communities
Public health education empowers individuals and communities to take responsibility for their health. When people understand their rights to healthcare and know how to navigate the healthcare system, they are better able to access services, adhere to medical treatments, and avoid delays in seeking care.Addressing Health Inequalities
Public health education can address health disparities by targeting vulnerable populations, including those in rural areas, low-income groups, and marginalized communities. By providing information tailored to their needs, education can break down barriers to accessing healthcare and ensure that undeserved populations are not left behind in achieving UHC.Improving Health Behaviours
Health education encourages individuals to adopt healthier behaviors, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, engaging in physical activity, and managing stress. These behavioural changes contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of chronic diseases, which can strain healthcare systems and impede UHC efforts.Supporting Mental Health Awareness
Mental health is a critical component of UHC, and public health education can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Educating the public about mental health can help people seek the necessary support, reducing the burden on emergency and acute care services while promoting mental well-being for all.Promoting for Programme Changes
Educating the public can foster an environment where people promote necessary programme changes that support UHC, such as the expansion of healthcare coverage, improved health infrastructure, and equitable distribution of healthcare resources.Improving Health Literacy
Health literacy is essential for individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Public health education improves people’s ability to understand medical information, which is necessary for following treatment plans, understanding prescription instructions, and making health decisions that are aligned with the resources available in their healthcare system.
In summary, public health education serves as a foundation for achieving UHC by promoting informed, health-conscious populations, reducing preventable health issues, and empowering individuals to take control of their health. It creates a more equitable healthcare system and also takes the opportunity to promote a healthy life.
References
- https://www.who.int/health-topics.universal-health-coverage
- https://www.cdcfoundation.org/what-public-health
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/public-health-education
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
-
IT STARTED with a plate of sushi. The delicateslices of raw fish gleamed under the dim lights of a seaside stall, paired with a dab of soya sauce and a curl of ginger. I was at a bustling street market in a small coastal town, the sort where vendors shout over each other and the air hums with life. I didn’t think twice before tucking in. It was delicious – until it wasn’t.
IT STARTED with a plate of sushi. The delicateslices of raw fish gleamed under the dim lights of a seaside stall, paired with a dab of soya sauce and a curl of ginger. I was at a bustling street market in a small coastal town, the sort where vendors shout over each other and the air hums with life. I didn’t think twice before tucking in. It was delicious – until it wasn’t.
Two weeks later, my skin turned a sickly yellow, my energy drained away like water through a sieve, and I found myself staring at a doctor who said three words that flipped my world upside down: “You have Hepatitis A.”
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) is one of the most common types of hepatitis viruses that cause liver inflammation and jaundice. This type has been around for a long time – longer than we have been alive, lurking in the shadows of human history. In recent years, its increase has been largely linked to unclean water and food, overcrowding, and poor sanitation, especially concerning toilets. If you think about it, you may have noticed that the number of infectious diseases has increased in recent years. I certainly didn’t – until it hit me personally. My story isn’t just about bad sushi; it’s about how an invisible enemy travel, how it hides in plain sight, and how I fought it off with lessons I’ll never forget.
Hepatitis A spreads mainly through consuming water or food contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Yes, it’s as grim as it sounds. The virus doesn’t need a handshake or a sneeze – it hitches a ride on something as innocent as a piece of sushi or a sip from a glass. That’s why people are often urged to avoid eating street food that isn’t prepared or cooked hygienically. But it’s not just street food – even in large restaurants, if food isn’t prepared cleanly, it can still pose a risk. My sushi came from a vendor with a weathered wooden stall and a grin, but I didn’t notice the flies buzzing nearby or ask how the fish was washed. I didn’t know then that HAV thrives in places where cleanliness takes a back seat.
Back home, I’d always prided myself on being careful – washing my hands, boiling water when camping, avoiding dubious roadside stalls. But travelling? That’s when my guard slipped.
The town I visited wasn’t dirty by any stretch—just busy, crowded, and alive. Yet, behind the scenes, overcrowding and poor sanitation were brewing a perfect storm. A single infected person, a poorly washed hand, a bucket of unboiled water – it only takes one weak link. And I was the unlucky domino that fell.
When the doctor explained how I’d got sick, I started replaying every bite I’d taken on that trip. Since the spread is reportedly high right now, you should be cautious about these types of food, he warned me:
• Foods that flies have landed on (those buzzing pests around my sushi were a red flag I ignored).
• Foods left uncovered and exposed (the fish sat out, absorbing more than just the salty air).
• Foods that aren’t fully cooked (raw seafood and half-cooked skewers were staples that week).
• Foods handled or prepared without clean hands (who knew where those hands had been?).
• Raw foods like seafood, fruit, or vegetables (my beloved sushi was the smoking gun).
It was astonishing to realize how vulnerable we are to what we eat. I’d always thought of food as fuel, a source of joy – not a po-
tential assassin. But HAV doesn’t care about our love for sushi or our trust in a friendly vendor. It’s a stowaway, sneaking into our
system through the simplest of mistakes. I learned the hard way that flies aren’t just annoying – they’re couriers for a virus that can knock us flat.
The symptoms crept up like a thief in the night. As the name suggests, Hepatitis A causes liver inflammation and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). That was the first clue – my reflection in the mirror started looking like a stranger with a sickly glow. Then came the pale stools and dark urine, a bizarre duo I’d never noticed before. My abdomen ached on the upper right side, where my liver was silently screaming for help. Other symptoms were typical of viral infections: fever that left me shivering under blankets, fatigue that made lifting a spoon feel heroic, muscle aches that turned my body into a battlefield, and a loss of appetite paired with nausea that made food my enemy.
I didn’t connect the dots at first. I thought it was jet lag or a stomach bug from the trip. But when my friends started joking about my “new tan,” I knew something was wrong. The doctor’s diagnosis was a gut punch — not just because I was ill, but because it was preventable. If I’d known what to look for, if I’d been more cautious, I might have dodged this bullet.
Hepatitis A is highly contagious, but it can be easily controlled. It spreads primarily through eating or drinking something contaminated with the virus. If we focus on keeping four things clean – food, water, hands, and toilets – we can prevent this disease. That’s it. Four simple rules I’d broken without realizing.
The science is astonishingly straightforward. At 85°C for just one minute, the virus dies. Boiling water reaches 100°C, so cooking food thoroughly or boiling it already acts as prevention.
If bottled water isn’t available, boil our drinking water – drinking it after boiling is safe. I wish I’d insisted on bottled water that day or checked if the ice in my drink was clean. Wash our hands regularly. Even if we haven’t used the toilet, we could touch something handled by an infected person who didn’t wash their hands, and it could end up in our mouth.
So, wash our hands thoroughly before eating every time. I’d scrubbed my hands before meals at home, but on the road? I got lazy. Big mistake.
To stop the virus from spreading via toilets, make sure ours is fly-proof and clean. Doing this can prevent infection. The guesthouse I stayed at had an open latrine with flies buzzing in and out – another clue I overlooked. Prevention isn’t rocket science; it’s about discipline. And I’d let mine slip.
Since it’s a virus, there’s no definitive cure. Treatment involves plenty of rest, eating a nutritious diet, and using medication to relieve symptoms.
With rest, hydration, and proper nutrition, our immune system can fight off the virus. My doctor sent me home with a prescription for rest – literal bed rest – and a stern warning: avoid alcohol entirely – it can further damage the liver. That part was easy; I didn’t even want to look at a glass of anything.
Recovery was slow. I spent weeks on the sofa, sipping water and nibbling bland crackers while my body waged war. My mum brought me broth, and my friends sent memes to cheer me up, but mostly, I slept. The fatigue was crushing – like someone had unplugged my battery. But little by little, the yellow faded from my skin, my appetite crept back, and the pain in my side dulled to a memory.
Months later, I’m back to normal. My skin’s its usual shade, my energy’s returned, and I can eat sushi again (though I inspect it like a detective now). But Hepatitis A left its mark – not on my liver, which healed, but on my habits. I boil water obsessively when I travel. I wash my hands until they’re raw. I ask vendors questions that make them blink – Where’s your water from? How’s
this prepared? I’ve become that person, and I’m fine with it.
So, here’s my plea: don’t wait for the yellow skin to wake you up. Check your water. Scrub your hands. Cook your food. It’s not glamorous, but it’s powerful.
Because the next time I bite into a piece of sushi, I’ll know I’m the one in control – not the invisible enemy.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
IT STARTED with a plate of sushi. The delicateslices of raw fish gleamed under the dim lights of a seaside stall, paired with a dab of soya sauce and a curl of ginger. I was at a bustling street market in a small coastal town, the sort where vendors shout over each other and the air hums with life. I didn’t think twice before tucking in. It was delicious – until it wasn’t.
Two weeks later, my skin turned a sickly yellow, my energy drained away like water through a sieve, and I found myself staring at a doctor who said three words that flipped my world upside down: “You have Hepatitis A.”
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) is one of the most common types of hepatitis viruses that cause liver inflammation and jaundice. This type has been around for a long time – longer than we have been alive, lurking in the shadows of human history. In recent years, its increase has been largely linked to unclean water and food, overcrowding, and poor sanitation, especially concerning toilets. If you think about it, you may have noticed that the number of infectious diseases has increased in recent years. I certainly didn’t – until it hit me personally. My story isn’t just about bad sushi; it’s about how an invisible enemy travel, how it hides in plain sight, and how I fought it off with lessons I’ll never forget.
Hepatitis A spreads mainly through consuming water or food contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Yes, it’s as grim as it sounds. The virus doesn’t need a handshake or a sneeze – it hitches a ride on something as innocent as a piece of sushi or a sip from a glass. That’s why people are often urged to avoid eating street food that isn’t prepared or cooked hygienically. But it’s not just street food – even in large restaurants, if food isn’t prepared cleanly, it can still pose a risk. My sushi came from a vendor with a weathered wooden stall and a grin, but I didn’t notice the flies buzzing nearby or ask how the fish was washed. I didn’t know then that HAV thrives in places where cleanliness takes a back seat.
Back home, I’d always prided myself on being careful – washing my hands, boiling water when camping, avoiding dubious roadside stalls. But travelling? That’s when my guard slipped.
The town I visited wasn’t dirty by any stretch—just busy, crowded, and alive. Yet, behind the scenes, overcrowding and poor sanitation were brewing a perfect storm. A single infected person, a poorly washed hand, a bucket of unboiled water – it only takes one weak link. And I was the unlucky domino that fell.
When the doctor explained how I’d got sick, I started replaying every bite I’d taken on that trip. Since the spread is reportedly high right now, you should be cautious about these types of food, he warned me:
• Foods that flies have landed on (those buzzing pests around my sushi were a red flag I ignored).
• Foods left uncovered and exposed (the fish sat out, absorbing more than just the salty air).
• Foods that aren’t fully cooked (raw seafood and half-cooked skewers were staples that week).
• Foods handled or prepared without clean hands (who knew where those hands had been?).
• Raw foods like seafood, fruit, or vegetables (my beloved sushi was the smoking gun).
It was astonishing to realize how vulnerable we are to what we eat. I’d always thought of food as fuel, a source of joy – not a po-
tential assassin. But HAV doesn’t care about our love for sushi or our trust in a friendly vendor. It’s a stowaway, sneaking into our
system through the simplest of mistakes. I learned the hard way that flies aren’t just annoying – they’re couriers for a virus that can knock us flat.
The symptoms crept up like a thief in the night. As the name suggests, Hepatitis A causes liver inflammation and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). That was the first clue – my reflection in the mirror started looking like a stranger with a sickly glow. Then came the pale stools and dark urine, a bizarre duo I’d never noticed before. My abdomen ached on the upper right side, where my liver was silently screaming for help. Other symptoms were typical of viral infections: fever that left me shivering under blankets, fatigue that made lifting a spoon feel heroic, muscle aches that turned my body into a battlefield, and a loss of appetite paired with nausea that made food my enemy.
I didn’t connect the dots at first. I thought it was jet lag or a stomach bug from the trip. But when my friends started joking about my “new tan,” I knew something was wrong. The doctor’s diagnosis was a gut punch — not just because I was ill, but because it was preventable. If I’d known what to look for, if I’d been more cautious, I might have dodged this bullet.
Hepatitis A is highly contagious, but it can be easily controlled. It spreads primarily through eating or drinking something contaminated with the virus. If we focus on keeping four things clean – food, water, hands, and toilets – we can prevent this disease. That’s it. Four simple rules I’d broken without realizing.
The science is astonishingly straightforward. At 85°C for just one minute, the virus dies. Boiling water reaches 100°C, so cooking food thoroughly or boiling it already acts as prevention.
If bottled water isn’t available, boil our drinking water – drinking it after boiling is safe. I wish I’d insisted on bottled water that day or checked if the ice in my drink was clean. Wash our hands regularly. Even if we haven’t used the toilet, we could touch something handled by an infected person who didn’t wash their hands, and it could end up in our mouth.
So, wash our hands thoroughly before eating every time. I’d scrubbed my hands before meals at home, but on the road? I got lazy. Big mistake.
To stop the virus from spreading via toilets, make sure ours is fly-proof and clean. Doing this can prevent infection. The guesthouse I stayed at had an open latrine with flies buzzing in and out – another clue I overlooked. Prevention isn’t rocket science; it’s about discipline. And I’d let mine slip.
Since it’s a virus, there’s no definitive cure. Treatment involves plenty of rest, eating a nutritious diet, and using medication to relieve symptoms.
With rest, hydration, and proper nutrition, our immune system can fight off the virus. My doctor sent me home with a prescription for rest – literal bed rest – and a stern warning: avoid alcohol entirely – it can further damage the liver. That part was easy; I didn’t even want to look at a glass of anything.
Recovery was slow. I spent weeks on the sofa, sipping water and nibbling bland crackers while my body waged war. My mum brought me broth, and my friends sent memes to cheer me up, but mostly, I slept. The fatigue was crushing – like someone had unplugged my battery. But little by little, the yellow faded from my skin, my appetite crept back, and the pain in my side dulled to a memory.
Months later, I’m back to normal. My skin’s its usual shade, my energy’s returned, and I can eat sushi again (though I inspect it like a detective now). But Hepatitis A left its mark – not on my liver, which healed, but on my habits. I boil water obsessively when I travel. I wash my hands until they’re raw. I ask vendors questions that make them blink – Where’s your water from? How’s
this prepared? I’ve become that person, and I’m fine with it.
So, here’s my plea: don’t wait for the yellow skin to wake you up. Check your water. Scrub your hands. Cook your food. It’s not glamorous, but it’s powerful.
Because the next time I bite into a piece of sushi, I’ll know I’m the one in control – not the invisible enemy.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar