Posts

Showing posts with the label health

Centenarian Food Blogger Loves Crab and Bubble Tea

Image
A Centenarian's Bold Approach to Food Despite being 100 years old and having lost all her teeth, Zhong Wenyu continues to enjoy a wide range of foods from traditional dishes to bubble tea, cola, coffee, and ice cream. Her unique lifestyle has captured the attention of many, especially on social media platforms. Zhong, a resident of Shanghai, recently celebrated her 100th birthday in September. Her daily life is documented by her granddaughter, Xiaodan, who was born in the 1990s. Xiaodan shares these moments on the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu under the account "100-year-old Sister Zhong." Her journey to fame began last year when a video of her eating hairy crab went viral. Xiaodan shared her thoughts on why she started documenting her grandmother's life. "My grandmother is a very unique person and lives quite differently from most elderly people, so I wanted to record these interesting moments," she said. She added that she didn't expect so m...

Osaka's Dotonbori Hotel Unveils 'Human Washing Machine'

Image
A Glimpse into the Future of Personal Hygiene A groundbreaking invention known as the "human washing machine" has made its debut at a hotel in Osaka, Japan. This unique device promises to wash and dry a person in just 15 minutes while they lie down, offering an innovative approach to personal hygiene. On the 14th, the Dotonbori Crystal Hotel in Namba, Osaka, announced that it had introduced the "future human washing machine" starting from the 10th. The device is installed in a shared spa space within the hotel, not in guest rooms. Guests can experience it through advance reservations and rent it in 90-minute blocks. The operation time is approximately 20 minutes, and up to four people can use it per session. The fee is 18,000 yen (approximately 170,000 Korean won) per use. A Concept with a Rich History According to local media Soranews24, the "human washing machine" first attracted attention when it was unveiled at the 1970 Osaka Expo but did not lea...

Ethiopia Boosts AI and Telehealth to Elevate Healthcare Quality

Image
Ethiopia's Digital Health Transformation Gains Momentum Addis Ababa, December 12, 2025 — Ethiopia is making significant strides in its digital health transformation, with the Ministry of Health announcing notable progress in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and telehealth technologies across the country. This development marks a pivotal shift in how healthcare services are delivered and managed in Ethiopia. The Ministry of Health recently brought together various stakeholders to discuss the future role of AI and telehealth in the health sector. During this meeting, State Minister of Health Seharela Abdulahi emphasized the importance of establishing strong legal and policy frameworks to ensure that AI-driven health services remain secure, private, and of high quality. AI has already begun to show promising results in Ethiopia. It is enhancing data accuracy, supporting better clinical decisions, and improving early disease detection and health forecasting. These advanc...

Doctors Push for Broader AI Use in Healthcare

Image
The Call for AI Integration and Financial Planning in Nigeria’s Healthcare Medical professionals in Nigeria have raised concerns about the urgent need to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the country’s healthcare system. This call was made during the Seventh Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the University of Ilorin Medical Class of 2009, which took place virtually. The event brought together alumni from various parts of the world, including Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom, to discuss current trends and future directions in global healthcare. The conference highlighted several critical issues facing the medical community. One of the main topics was the importance of embracing innovation and improving financial planning among medical practitioners. Experts emphasized that Nigerian clinicians must take proactive steps to ensure their financial stability while contributing to the nation's health system. According to the World Health Or...

Malaria Outbreak Sparks Vaccine Review

Image
Rwanda Explores Malaria Vaccine Integration into National Immunisation Programme Rwanda is taking steps to evaluate the potential integration of a malaria vaccine into its national immunisation programme. This initiative comes as health officials assess various factors, including scientific evidence, regulatory requirements, and the readiness of the country’s healthcare system, in response to a recent increase in malaria cases. According to Dr. Aimable Mbituyumuremyi, the Division Manager for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the country recorded 114,804 malaria cases in September, compared to 98,000 in August. Among these, 440 cases were classified as severe. This surge in cases has prompted increased attention on malaria prevention and control measures. Hassan Sibomana, Director of the Vaccine Programmes Unit at RBC, explained that the process of introducing a new vaccine is still in its early stages, and no final decision has been made ...

NEST360 Empowers UCH with 90kW Solar Inverter

Image
Introduction to NEST360's Impact on Neonatal Care in Nigeria NEST360, an international alliance dedicated to improving newborn survival across Africa, has made significant strides in supporting critical healthcare facilities in Nigeria. Recently, the organization provided a combined 90-kilowatt solar inverter boost to three key hospitals: University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan; Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital; and Oni Memorial Children's Hospital. This initiative aims to ensure stable, round-the-clock power for neonatal care, which is essential for saving lives in these facilities. Solar Inverter Installations at Key Hospitals At UCH, a newly installed 60-kilowatt solar inverter was officially commissioned for the Special Care Children's Unit. This system is designed to provide reliable power for critical neonatal care, ensuring that medical equipment and life-saving procedures can continue without interruption. Meanwhile, Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital and Oni...

Plastic Bottle Discovered in Dead Whale off Southern Thailand

Image
Discovery of Plastic Bottle in Dead Whale Sparks Concerns Marine authorities have recently uncovered a disturbing finding during the examination of a dead Bryde's whale found on a beach in Songkhla province, southern Thailand. The incident has raised significant concerns about the impact of marine debris on wildlife. The whale was first spotted on December 5 at Khao Rup Chang in the Muang district of Songkhla. Local authorities from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources were alerted to the situation. Photos of the carcass quickly spread across social media, prompting further investigation by experts from the rare and endangered marine species unit at the Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Center. A detailed necropsy was conducted on the animal, which was identified as a young male Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni). The whale measured 9.17 meters in length and was in an advanced stage of decomposition. No signs of entanglement or injury from fishi...

Man Infected with Fatal Rabies from Contaminated Organ Donation

Image
A Tragic Case of Rabies Transmission Through Organ Transplantation A tragic case of rabies transmission through an organ transplant has been confirmed by health officials, marking a rare and alarming event in the United States. The incident involved a Michigan resident who died from rabies after receiving a transplanted kidney from a donor in Idaho. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed the case in a recent report, stating that the man received a left kidney from an Idaho-based donor in December 2024. Approximately five weeks after the transplantation, the recipient began experiencing symptoms such as tremors, limb weakness, confusion, and urinary incontinence. A week later, he developed a fever, had difficulty swallowing, was unstable on his feet, and exhibited a fear of water—a classic symptom of rabies. He was hospitalized, and the CDC was notified. Seven days after hospitalization, the man passed away, and postmortem testing confirmed the presence of rabi...

Japan embraces innovation as dementia cases rise

Image
Japan's Dementia Crisis: A Growing Challenge Japan is facing a rapidly escalating dementia crisis, with thousands of older individuals going missing from their homes each year. According to police data, over 18,000 dementia patients went missing in 2023, and nearly 500 were later found dead. The number of such cases has doubled since 2012, signaling the growing pressure on an aging population. The situation is further complicated by a shrinking workforce and strict limitations on foreign caregivers. As a result, the Japanese government has identified dementia as one of its top policy priorities. The Health Ministry estimates that dementia-related healthcare and social support costs will rise to 14 trillion yen by 2030, up from nine trillion yen in 2025. Technology as a Solution To address this challenge, Japan is increasingly relying on technology to alleviate the burden on families and care facilities. GPS-based systems are now being used nationwide to track individuals who wa...

Simple daily changes that cut dementia risk by 50%

Image
Understanding Dementia and the Power of Lifestyle Changes Dementia is one of the most feared diseases, affecting nearly one million families across the country. It claims 76,000 lives a year, slowly robbing loved ones of their memories, mobility, and independence. The financial burden on families can be overwhelming as they struggle with rising care costs. However, recent research suggests that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable or at least delayed through lifestyle changes. The Defeating Dementia campaign, launched in collaboration with Alzheimer's Society, aims to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and support for those affected. One key aspect of this initiative is empowering individuals to make small but crucial changes to their lives, starting in midlife, which can build resilience in the brain. Staying Active to Keep Your Brain in Shape Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your dementia risk, according ...

Danone Vietnam Unveils 'One Aptamil Nutrition Universe' in HCMC

Image
Danone Group and the Aptamil brand are hosting a multi-sensory event called "One Aptamil Nutrition Universe" in Ho Chi Minh City, running from December 5 to 7. The event's theme is "Companion Nutrition—Extraordinary Takeoff," offering attendees an immersive experience into the world of scientific nutrition. The "One Aptamil Nutrition Universe" event at Nguyen Hue Walking Street serves as an interactive space that highlights the scientific foundations of nutrition developed by Danone Group and the Aptamil brand. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how these foundations support children's development and exploration. With over a century of expertise in global nutrition, Danone has built a diverse product portfolio dedicated to meeting various nutritional needs. Aptamil, inheriting this legacy, has focused on child nutrition for more than 50 years, helping parents establish a strong foundation for their children's health and brain development. O...

UM6P Launches CoreLabs, Africa's Innovation Hub in Benguerir

Image
A New Era of Scientific Innovation in Africa The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) has launched a groundbreaking initiative with the inauguration of its new UM6P CoreLabs in Benguerir. This multidisciplinary scientific platform is designed to revolutionize research, innovation, and advanced training across Africa. The university highlights that this development marks a significant step toward strengthening scientific sovereignty, fostering local value creation, and integrating Africa into global knowledge networks. Addressing Structural Challenges For many years, African researchers have faced significant structural barriers, including reliance on foreign laboratories, limited access to advanced tools, long delays in experiments, and a lack of control over their data. In response to these challenges, CoreLabs aims to provide an integrated environment where observation, experimentation, analysis, and validation can be conducted locally, adhering to international standards. ...

Horoscopes for December 2025: Earth Rat Insights on Work, Wealth, and Wellness

Image
The Lucky Month for the Ox and the Rat December 2025 marks the Rat Month, running from December 7 to January 4. This month is governed by the elements of Yang Earth and Water. The term "Wu Zi" refers to the 11th and penultimate month of the Chinese calendar. The energy of 2025 has encouraged a letting-go attitude, while 2026 calls for a renewed perspective and a more encouraging outlook. In traditional Chinese culture, those born under the sign of the Rat (such as in the years 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020) are known for their playful and active nature, especially during the late evening when they become alert, attentive, and highly creative. The Horse is considered the nemesis of the Rat, so 2026 may be an important astrological year for those born under this sign. There will likely be a lot of movement and change, and these two signs may find it challenging to agree and achieve harmony. Those born during the Rat Month (December) possess great charm and...

Experts reveal lung protection tips in fine-dust era

Image
Maintaining healthy lungs during periods of high fine-dust pollution requires a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and simple breathing techniques. Experts emphasize that while external measures like wearing masks and keeping living spaces clean are essential, internal strategies such as nutrition can also play a vital role in supporting lung function. Dr. Ngo Quang Hai, a former deputy director at the Center for High Technology at the Central Acupuncture Hospital in Hanoi, highlights that air pollution directly impacts the lungs, increasing the risk of infections, asthma flare-ups, and even cancer. He recommends incorporating specific foods and practices into daily routines to strengthen respiratory health. Traditional Medicine and Lung-Boosting Foods In traditional medicine, certain foods are considered particularly beneficial for the lungs. Pears, for example, are often consumed fresh or steamed with rock sugar or honey. They are known for their cooling and m...

Volcanic Eruption Linked to Black Death, Scientists Claim

Image
The Chain of Events Leading to the Black Death Volcanic eruptions may have triggered a series of events that brought the Black Death to Europe, according to new research. Tree ring data has revealed 14th-century volcanic activity as the 'first domino to fall' in a sequence that led to the devastating spread of bubonic plague. Researchers used climate data and documentary evidence to create the most complete picture yet of the 'perfect storm' that resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of people, along with significant economic, political, and cultural changes. Their findings suggest that a volcanic eruption or cluster of eruptions around 1345 caused annual temperatures to drop for consecutive years due to the haze from volcanic ash and gases. This, in turn, led to crop failures across the Mediterranean region. To avoid riots or starvation, Italian city-states used their connections to trade with grain producers around the Black Sea. While this change in long-dista...

Museveni Calls on Graduates to Embrace Healthy Living and Family Prosperity

Image
President Museveni's Message to Graduates President Yoweri Museveni has delivered a powerful message to fresh graduates, encouraging them to embrace healthy lifestyles, avoid alcohol consumption, and concentrate on creating wealth for their families. This call to action was conveyed through Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa during the 32nd graduation ceremony of Kampala International University (KIU) in Ishaka, where 2,385 students received degrees across multiple academic programs, including Bachelor's, Diploma, Master's, and PhDs. Museveni emphasized that for graduates to be truly patriotic and support their families and country, they must lead disciplined lives. "If you want to be patriotic and your family and country depend on you, you cannot be promiscuous; you cannot drink alcohol," he stated. His words underscored the importance of personal responsibility and moral integrity as foundational elements for success. In addition to advocating for healthy living, ...

Do Sweet Fruits Elevate Liver Enzymes?

Image
Eating sweet fruits such as mango, jackfruit, longan and durian can have an impact on liver health, especially when consumed in large quantities. These fruits are naturally high in fructose, a type of sugar that the liver processes. When the body is exposed to excessive amounts of fructose over time, it places additional stress on the liver, which must work harder to metabolize this sugar into energy or store it as fat. This process can lead to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In turn, this condition can cause elevated liver enzymes, which are often detected during blood tests. Individuals who are already at risk—such as those who are overweight, have high blood lipids, or suffer from diabetes—are particularly vulnerable to these effects. Sliced mango cubes on gray surface. Illustration photo by Pexels A typical serving of sweet fruit, around 200–300 grams, provides approximately 150–250 kcal, equivalent to a...

Raquel Escalante, Miss Guatemala Intercontinental, Dies at 28

Image
Raquel Escalante, who was crowned Miss Guatemala Intercontinental in 2021, has passed away at the age of 28 after a year-long battle with cervical cancer. Miss Guatemala Intercontinental 2021 Raquel Escalante. Photo from Escalante's Instagram According to reports, she died on November 28 due to kidney failure while awaiting a transplant. This came just 10 months after she publicly appealed for financial support to cover her medical expenses. Escalante was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 2024. Her illness and subsequent health challenges were widely shared on social media, where she often posted updates about her treatment and struggles. From a young age, Escalante showed an interest in modeling and eventually represented Guatemala in several international beauty pageants. She gained recognition not only for her looks but also for her charisma and dedication to her work. In addition to her pageant career, she became a well-known host on the Guatemalan free-to-...