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Monkeypox transmission may have gone undetected ‘for some time’

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Monkeypox transmission may have gone undetected ‘for some time’
Thirty non-endemic countries have reported more than 550 confirmed cases of monkeypox, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
“Investigations are ongoing, but the sudden appearance of monkeypox in many countries at the same time suggests there may have been undetected transmission for some time,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists at WHO’s Geneva headquarters.

There may have been undetected transmission for some time – WHO chief

Be vigilant

With most reported cases having been among sexual encounters between men, those communities are working to inform their members of risks and preventative action that can be taken.

“But all of us must work hard to fight stigma, which is not just wrong, it could also prevent infected individuals from seeking care, making it harder to stop transmission,” warned the WHO chief, urging affected countries to widen their surveillance to the broader community.

Anyone risks infection if they have close physical contact with someone who has Monkeypox.

Tedros noted that as the situation is evolving, WHO expects more cases to be found.

“It’s important to remember that generally, Monkeypox symptoms resolve on their own, but can be severe in some cases,” he added.

WHO continues to receive updates on the status of ongoing Monkeypox outbreaks in African countries where the disease is endemic.

The top WHO official outlined his priorities to provide accurate information to those most at-risk; prevent further spread among those at high risk; protect frontline health workers; and advance “our understanding” of the disease.

© CDC

Monkeypox produces skin lesions, fever, and body aches in people affected with the virus.

COVID trends

Meanwhile, as reported COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to decline globally, Tedros cautioned that this may be the result of reduced testing throughout many countries.

But in several regions in the Americas, cases, and deaths are surging, while there are increasing fatalities in the Western Pacific region and Africa.

“Once again, the pandemic is not over. We continue to call on all countries to maintain testing and sequencing services, to give us a clearer picture of where the virus is spreading, and how it’s changing,” said the WHO chief.

“We call on all countries to vaccinate all health workers, older people and other at-risk groups”.

Care in Ukraine

With the war in Ukraine taking a heavy toll on the country’s health system, WHO has increased its presence in the country and in States hosting displaced people – as the number of healthcare attacks continues to rise.

“As of yesterday, WHO has verified 269 attacks on health in Ukraine, killing 76 people and injuring 59,” Tedros said.

“Healthcare must never be a target,” he added, calling again on Russia to end the war.

Rippling effect of war

Russia’s invasion has disrupted global food supplies and exacerbated the risk of famine around the world, he said.

As the Horn of Africa suffers one of its worst droughts in recent history, the rising risk of famine and malnutrition is severely affecting an estimated 15 to 20 million people in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, as well as affecting populations in Djibouti, Eritrea, Uganda, South Sudan and Sudan.

The WHO chief said there were tens of thousands of families forced to leave home in search of food, water and pasture, which is leading to mass displacement and a lack of safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation – further heightening health risks.

“This is especially worrying in an already under-immunized population with little access to health services,” pointed out the WHO chief.

At the same time, more than six million people remain under siege by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces in Tigray.

As the region is sealed, not enough food is being delivered and basic services remain unavailable.

“WHO is doing its best to help, but the only solution to this inhumane situation – as in Ukraine – is peace,” he underscored.

WHO business

Turning to the first in-person World Health Assembly since the COVID-19 pandemic began – which ended on Saturday – Tedros drew attention to the adopted “landmark resolution to increase assessed contributions” to a target of 50 per cent of WHO’s base budget by the end of the decade, up from today’s 16 per cent.

“This change will give WHO the flexibility and predictability to plan for long-term programming in countries, and to attract and retain the people we need to deliver those programmes,” he said.

Other Assembly decisions strengthens WHO’s preparedness and response to health emergencies.

The wide range of benefits of nettle for our health

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Nettle is one of the few plants that has an incredibly wide range of benefits for our overall health and our body and only 2 tablespoons of honey with nettle a day are able to relieve migraines to sleep disorders. Nettle can act as a natural blood purifier, as well as have a positive effect on the pancreas and lower blood sugar.

Besides being a great diuretic, it is also a good remedy for anemia.

Everyone knows that eating nettle is useful, but few are aware of what exactly is the health benefits of this plant over 1 meter in height with its characteristic heart-shaped, pointed and burning leaves, as well as long, creeping rhizome. An impressive number of insect species contribute to its flowering throughout the summer – from May to late September. Useful properties of nettle Nettle not only contains a large amount of healthy vitamins, trace elements and tannins, but is a desirable element in the menu, as it prepares a variety of extremely tasty dishes. Moreover, nettle is widely used in herbal medicine, in the form of easy to prepare tea from freshly picked or dried leaves, stems and / or roots. It is important that the used parts of the plant are steamed carefully, long enough to release the beneficial elements in the tea.

Here are the benefits of this herb: first, it prevents the formation of clots in the arteries; second, it has an anti-inflammatory effect; third, tones the body by stimulating metabolism; fourth, normalizes and tones the work of the cardiovascular system, as well as the respiratory, excretory and reproductive systems (uterus); fifth, maintain blood sugar levels within safe health limits; sixth, acts curatively in relation to pathologies in the digestive and urinary systems (liver, gallbladder); seventh, stimulates the formation of red blood cells and, at the same time, prevents the formation of carcinogenic substances; eighth, accelerates metabolic processes, which significantly improves digestion and creates conditions for rapid burning of excess fat in the body; ninth, acts positively in anemia. With so many benefits, it is not surprising that herbalists, sometimes jokingly, sometimes tell the truth: if people were aware of the healing powers of nettle, it would be the only plant planted! But despite its many useful properties, nettle tea should not be overdone, as its excessive use threatens the appearance of: diarrhea, insomnia, loss of appetite, dizziness and even – sometimes – to irregular heartbeat.

Nettle can also be consumed in powder form, as well as used as an ingredient in cosmetics. And as for nettle dishes – more than 300 proven recipes are waiting to be realized by fans of this product! Nettles can be picked freely or bought at a very reasonable price! We strongly advise you to add it permanently to your healthy menu, as this is definitely one of the most useful plants that nature has given to mankind!

N. B. The article is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation or substitute for consulting a specialist.

That is why goose and quail eggs are healthier

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All eggs have high nutritional value. They are recommended for inclusion in a number of diets. It turns out that some types of eggs are good for certain diseases. Among the most popular types of eggs, the Chinese edition of Sohu, quoting a Chinese doctor, ranks geese and quails. They are rich in protein and provide the necessary energy, and also help with many diseases.

Goose eggs:

Consumption of goose eggs can clear the lungs and eliminate fever. They are rich in nutrients, rich in protein and calcium. At the same time, these eggs contain a lot of iron, which helps those who suffer from anemia.

Quail eggs:

Switching to the consumption of quail eggs helps to lower blood lipids, improves brain function and has a good effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. People with many diseases can use quail eggs rich in lecithin instead of ordinary chicken eggs.

Here are the good reasons why you should choose to eat these eggs:

· Protein. The protein content in eggs is about 13 g per 100 g and the consumption of these types of eggs is good for the body. · Fat content. At the same quality, the fat content of duck or goose eggs is the highest and the fat content of quail eggs is relatively low.

· Vitamins. The content of vitamin D in eggs can reach about 80%. Studies show that the content of vitamin B12 in quail eggs is relatively high, and the rest do not differ much.

· Minerals. The mineral content of quail and goose eggs provides the body with the necessary calcium and iron. To summarize, these types of eggs are equally useful, and which one to choose depends on your own taste, as their nutrients are very high and the difference is not very large. However, there are some points where they differ and it is best to take them into account. Of course, the price of goose and quail eggs is significantly higher than that of hens, but when it comes to health, a compromise can be made. They can also be an addition to hen’s eggs. This way, the difference in their price will not be so noticeable.

Let’s not forget that we have to buy them from licensed farms.

Games for little ones – tips and tricks

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For the first two years of a child’s life, you may feel lonely, like any young mother. You need socialization, and your child needs to learn important things about games and sharing. Get ready for your little one’s first game meeting! We assure you that they are not as chaotic as it is claimed, not if they are well planned. Here are some tips that will help you for your first game meetings:

The fine art of planning

Start with short play sessions, taking into account the child’s sleep and eating habits. Be prepared with lots of snacks and keep in mind that when a young child falls asleep or is hungry, he will stop helping you. It is also good to prepare your child for the meeting by telling him that he will have to share some toys. Let him choose his special toys that can be put away, not shared during the game meeting. Remember that preparation is vital at this stage, both to arrive on time for the game meeting and to leave on time.

Be flexible in your expectations

Your little one is old enough to play in parallel. He will not really communicate with other children until he is at least 3 years old. This means that you will have to discuss what toys you will bring to the meeting and how to look at possible conflicts, banging and sharing. Your child definitely has strong feelings about these topics that he cannot express in words because his brain is still developing.

Think about your values

It is important to be among mothers who do not judge, accuse or criticize. If you are a supporter of the idea of ​​careful parenting and read books about the excitability and importance of expressing feelings, you can discuss this with other mothers and try to understand how they see things. It is important to be among the parents with whom you share common values ​​and who can support you if the child starts to shake a lot. Discover your community!

One thing in mind about safety

You will want to be around for the first game meeting, but it’s also a good idea to let your child explore and interact on their own. If a conflict arises, you and the other parents are there to help and intervene to ensure the safety of all participants.

Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect game match. With laughter or tears, your child acquires valuable skills. We hope you have fun communicating and making friends with other adults.

From a slave sign to art: The history of tattoos

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Vintage engraving of South American Natives hunting and fishing with Spears and Blowpipies. Ferdinand Hirts Geographische Bildertafeln,1886.

Found in many different cultures around the world, the earliest evidence of tattoos dates back thousands of years.

Tattoos have become one of the preferred ways of expression in recent years. However, their story is far from over.

Tattoos are undoubtedly an art form. They are the introduction of pigment under the skin, which remains there forever.

Found in many different cultures around the world, the earliest evidence of tattoos dates back thousands of years. From an early age, the shapes and meanings of tattoos have impressed people and brought some meaning to them. Nowadays, however, the affinity for this type of body painting has reached its peak.

Is this an exception?

In The Origin of Man (1871), Charles Darwin wrote that there was no country in the world that did not practice tattooing or some other form of permanent body decoration. This can be easily refuted by analyzing mortal remains in different parts of the world.

Places where there is a regular practice of tattooing on ancient human remains include Alaska, Mongolia, Greenland, Egypt, China and the Philippines. Other early examples of tattoos can be traced back to the Middle Kingdom period in ancient Egypt. Several discovered mummies with tattoos date from 2160-1994 BC.

In the early Greek and Roman eras, tattooing was associated with barbarians. The Greeks learned to make tattoos from the Persians and used them to mark slaves and criminals. This was a way to identify them if they tried to escape. The Romans adopted this practice from the Greeks.

Tattoos in Japan

Traditionally, tattoos in Japan began to be used as a means of expressing social status, as well as spiritual symbols of protection and devotion. Over time, however, tattoos became a form of punishment for prisoners and the stigma grew. After World War II, tattoos were banned by the Emperor of Japan in an attempt to improve the country’s image in the West. Although tattoos are no longer banned, there is still strong denial against them.

Tribal tattoos

Many local tribes around the world have had characteristic traditional tattoos over the centuries. These tattooing traditions began long before European settlers arrived there. The clearest example is the Indians.

Tattoos in Samoa

Tattooing has been part of Samoan’s cultural tradition for thousands of years. And it is even believed that the word “tattoo” comes from the Samoan word tatau. The techniques and tools used for this traditional practice have hardly changed, and the skills are passed from father to son. Tattoo ceremonies are usually held to commemorate the rise of a younger leader to a leadership role in the community.

Eurovision winners sold their prize to help the Ukrainian army

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Eurovision winners donate nearly $ 1 million to Ukraine’s army. The Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra sold its prize at auction and managed to raise $ 900,000.

The funds will be used to buy military drones to help Ukrainian forces, which have been defending their country from Russian invasion for four months now.

Hundreds of Ukrainian supporters gathered outside the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Sunday for a charity event again featuring the winners.

The funds will go to medical supplies and treatment of the wounded during the war.

New Report Discusses Religious Equity in the Workplace

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New Report Discusses Religious Equity in the Workplace

Religious Freedom & Business Institute has released their annual index measuring the commitment of corporations to religious inclusion in the workplace. The latest index covers all U.S. Fortune 500 companies, while last year’s covered only the 200 largest corporations.

The report is compiled from information published by the companies on their diversity and inclusion initiatives and faith-and-belief employee resource groups. In addition to the external assessment, employees were surveyed asking questions ranging from what chaplaincy services are offered within the organization to whether the company makes donations to faith-based organizations commensurate with those made by their employees.

Tyson Foods stands out with their chaplaincy program, having 100 chaplains available to support their staff, available at all times of the day or night every day of the year and encompassing Muslim and many Christian traditions. The corporate commitment states: “At Tyson Foods, we celebrate the diversity of our team members, customers, stakeholders and consumers and are proud to have built a culture where everyone is valued for their unique backgrounds, experience, thoughts and talents. ​​We also welcome respectful religious expressions and are proud to be a faith-friendly workplace – because our team members’ beliefs matter. Tyson’s chaplaincy program makes dedicated chaplains from a wide array of faiths and religions available at our plants and facilities to listen, offer support, and talk to team members about daily life.”

Equinix, an Internet connection and data center company, supports a program where they will make donations matching their employees’ donations to faith-based and religious organizations up to $1,000 per employee annually. In 2021, their employees donated $42,000 to 71 different religious organizations. Dell similarly has a nonprofit giving program which matches staff donations up to $10,000 annually.

The Religious Freedom & Business Foundation began creating this annual report in 2020. The foundation is dedicated to educating the business community on the benefits of faith and religious freedom to the workplace and the economy.

Originally published at World Religion News

WorldReligionNews
WorldReligionNews

The ice on the moon may come from ancient volcanoes

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This can be a valuable source of water for the future colony

The moon is again interesting for humanity and it is preparing for new missions next to it, including building a permanent base there. To this end, the use of available resources will be very important.

The availability of water is a big advantage, and according to a new study by the University of Colorado Boulder, there may be large deposits of ice under the surface of the moon. They are most likely created by ancient volcanoes.

The moon does not currently have active volcanoes, but there were in the early years. Scientists have made a computer model that simulated the processes at that time. He shows that the volcanoes probably generated a large amount of water vapor, which returned to the surface and froze. Over time, they were covered in dust and debris.

According to scientists, it is possible that 5-10 meters below the surface there are huge and thick ice reserves. The study supports the idea of ​​older developments that there may be much more ice on the moon than previously thought. This is especially possible in depressions, craters and other shady places where there is not much sunlight.

This is where possible ice deposits must be sought first. Similar missions are already being prepared, including with the VIPER spacecraft. There is also an open competition for development for digging and extracting ice from lunar reserves. Only a real on-site inspection can confirm whether the scientists’ conclusions are correct.

The world’s youngest billionaire is investigating the damage from Russian bombs in Ukraine

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At 25, Alexandr Wang is the youngest self-made billionaire in the world

As a child, Alex Wang was so good at math that he competed in national math and programming competitions in the United States.

At 25, he is the youngest self-made billionaire in the world, and his company uses artificial intelligence to analyze the damage done by Russian bombs to Ukraine.

Scale AI, a six-year-old San Francisco-based Wang-based company, has already signed three $ 110 million contracts to help the U.S. military develop artificial intelligence.

Scale AI, a San Francisco-based startup that specializes in helping companies label and curate data for artificial intelligence applications.

Scale AI technology works much faster than humans in satellite image analysis and has applications other than for military purposes. According to Forbes, more than 300 companies, such as Flexport and General Motors, use this technology to extract information from data such as self-driving cars or millions of documents.

“Every industry has huge amounts of data in their hands. Our goal is to help them unleash the potential of that data and boost their AI business,” Wang told Forbes.

The son of two physicists working on U.S. military weapons projects, he founded his company when he was 19 years old.

“I told my parents it was going to be something I was going to do in the summer,” he said, as he was studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at the time. “Obviously I never went back to university.”

After a $ 325 million funding round, Scale AI is valued at $ 7.3 billion. Wang, who owns 15% of the company, has a fortune of $ 1 billion.

Pendarovski: The chance Bulgaria to allow us to start negotiations for the EU is below 50%

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“Bulgarian politicians, like ordinary citizens, see Macedonians as ethnic Bulgarians, or at least believe we were until the end of World War II,” said the RNM president.

“According to Bulgarian explanations, they want to imitate Greek behavior towards Northern Macedonia in recent decades, introducing conditions for our entry into the EU to protect their national interests,” Northern Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski was quoted as saying by MIA on May 26th.

In an interview with Euronews, Pendarovski said it was necessary to talk about the real arguments and criteria the country has met in order to join the Union, rather than discussing events from the 19th or 20th century.

“Bulgarian demands are much more contradictory than Greek ones. Why? Because the Greeks have never questioned our ethnic origin. They have never said ‘you are not Macedonian.’ “Macedonian, you can do it. If some people in Greece today say they are Macedonians, they have the right to do so. Bulgaria disputes the identity of Macedonians and that is the big problem,” Pendarovski said.

According to him, Bulgaria expresses the position of Bulgarian society as a result of the long-standing position of Bulgarian politicians and historians dating back to communist times.

“After the Second World War, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, Macedonia was talked about as a fictional nation created by Tito’s decree. So I really think that Bulgarian politicians, as well as ordinary citizens, are watching of Macedonians as ethnic Bulgarians, or at least believe that we were so until the end of World War II. They also consider the Macedonian language, which is known and recognized worldwide, as a dialect of Bulgarian, “said Stevo Pendarovski in an interview with Euronews.

President Pendarovski added that he saw a significant change in Bulgaria’s behavior. Despite all the events on the European continent with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and all geopolitical motives that call into question the concept of a united Europe, Pendarovski said Bulgaria’s position is still firm ahead of Brussels’ decision, expected by the end of June.

According to him, the chances of Northern Macedonia to start membership talks with the EU after 17 years of candidate status are below 50 per cent.

Regarding the inclusion of the Bulgarian minority in the constitution of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Pendarovski says this is one of the few things that unites the ruling party and the opposition.

“This is one of the topics on which all parties in parliament are unanimous. Why not include Bulgarians in our constitution? But we want this to be bound by a deadline, we want a guarantee that this is the last request from Bulgaria for the Bulgarian minority. Bulgarians living in northern Macedonia, otherwise every month or every year we will have to continue to persuade our citizens to change something, be it our constitution, laws or anything else, we can do it, but where is the guarantee that this is the last Bulgarian request on this topic? “, said the head of state of Northern Macedonia.

Asked about the secession of Albania at the start of negotiations with the EU, Pendarovski said it would be perfectly normal for Tirana to put the interests of its citizens first if it met all the conditions and there is still no green light from Bulgaria.