We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Guild of Runners opens in Escario, Cebu City
Summary: A new fitness studio, Guild of Runners, has opened in the heart of Cebu City, offering coach-guided sessions that combine track-and-field, treadmill training, and whole body workouts for strength and conditioning. The studio stands out as the only fitness center in Cebu to provide heart rate monitoring throughout sessions using a mobile application connected to a wrist or chest strap worn by trainees. Led by a Licensed Physical Therapist and a Certified USA Track and Field Coach, the Guild aims to improve overall fitness, including posture, coordination, balance, weight management, cardiovascular endurance, and musculoskeletal strength through running-based workouts. The studio also specializes in training runners and athletes preparing for competitive races, ranging from 5k to triathlons. Those interested can attend a free trial class and find more information on the Guild of Runners' Facebook page......»»
Deceased Maine shooter had mental health problems: police
Police in Maine said Saturday that the man who gunned down 18 people at a bar and a bowling alley and later committed suicide, suffered serious mental health issues, but was able to buy weapons legally because he had never been forcibly committed to treatment. The body of Robert Card, a 40-year-old army reservist, was discovered Friday night inside a tractor-trailer near a recycling center where he used to work, said Maine public safety commissioner Mike Sauschuck. Card had shot himself. Investigators are still struggling to determine Card's motive for carrying out Wednesday's massacre in the town of Lewiston. However, Sauschuck said that Card had reportedly been hearing voices and suffering from paranoia. "Clearly there's a mental health component to this," Sauschuck told reporters. Investigators found a "paper-style" note that Card had left to a loved one which contained a password to his phone and bank account information, Sauschuck said, adding that the note had the tone of a suicide letter. Card was found in possession of three weapons, one of them a long gun, all purchased legally because he had never been forcibly committed to a mental institution. Despite the apparently clear mental health issues and a reportedly recent psychiatric evaluation undergone by Card, "a background check is not going to ping that this individual was prohibited," Sauschuck added. The sigh of relief The discovery of Card's body ended a massive two-day manhunt, which had this quiet city of 38,000 people on lockdown, with businesses and schools closed and residents terrified. Sauschuck acknowledged the help Card's family had provided to the investigation, saying his relatives were among the first people to call the police and identify the suspect. "This family has been incredibly cooperative with us," he said. Lewiston finally breathed a sigh of relief with businesses beginning to open and people appearing on the streets Saturday. Several posters reading "Lewiston strong" were seen in the city. Shukri Abasheikh, 60, was finally able to reopen her halal grocery store after the lockdown. "This morning I'm so happy because the last two days, we were worried a lot and we were scared," Abasheikh told AFP. "My customers were calling me saying we don't have milk, we don't have anything, can you open and I said, 'I'm scared.'" Upon learning that Card was dead, Sheri Withers, 44, owner of a Lewiston art gallery, said she felt "a balance of relief and remembering how to breathe, but also just being sad because, you know, it was a human life." For now, residents are "just trying to rebuild the pieces, and getting on from here is gonna be the next step for our community," she added. A local resident named Danica, who was buying coffee at a drive-through, said she was happy Card was dead, but at the same time wished he had first been brought to justice. "I think he took the coward's way out of doing it by suicide," Danica, who declined to give her last name, told AFP. "I think he should be held accountable for his crimes." In a statement issued shortly after Card's body was discovered Friday night, President Joe Biden vowed to renew efforts to curb gun violence in the United States. "Americans should not have to live like this," Biden said. "I will continue to do everything in my power to end this gun violence epidemic." Biden said the shooting brought "a tragic two days -- not just for Lewiston, Maine, but for our entire country." Authorities on Friday identified the victims, ranging from a husband and wife in their 70s to a 14-year-old boy killed alongside his father. This was one of the deadliest shootings in the United States since 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowded music festival in Las Vegas, killing 60 people Mass shootings are alarmingly common in the United States, a country where there are more guns than people and where attempts to clamp down on their spread are always met with stiff resistance. The United States has recorded over 500 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a non-governmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed. Efforts to tighten gun controls have for years run up against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional right to bear arms. The political paralysis endures despite widespread outrage over recurring shootings. The post Deceased Maine shooter had mental health problems: police appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fusing science and magic
If you’re like Vera Wang, and was “late” getting into the SPF game, today you may be seeing the “badges” of those carefree sunny days of worshipping the sun every time you look in the mirror. But while sunscreens and sun tints, even sun protection capsules, were not part of rituals you ever undertook for your skin, you can let the panic abate — there is hope! So I submitted to a skin analysis last year (screaming inwardly). I was in denial. I felt light years away from the creeping signs of age — fine lines, dark spots, saggy jawline. But the proof was there on the blinking screen. Yes, it screamed back at me, you should have used those sticky, smelly sun lotions your mother used to push into your hands. These days, lucky mortals have a wide range of choices for sunscreens that actually smell good and don’t leave your skin looking pasty white or coated in oily gunk. In fact, there are numerous solutions to almost every skin problem you can think of. [caption id="attachment_193222" align="aligncenter" width="525"] WEARING the Swarovski necklace from the latest collections. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SWAROVSKI[/caption] Acne is addressed by brands like, get this, Acnes, which makes zit-zapping quite a breeze; or even homegrown label Human Nature, which just came out with a Tea Tree Body Cleanser and Tea Tree Body Acne Gel for clearer skin all over. Wrinkles are battled by serums for every need, and if you have not much patience for regimens and rituals, a quick, non-invasive treatment at a reputable aesthetic center can have you feeling refreshed in no time. The era of lunchtime treatments has been food for the soul among a growing number of fans. [caption id="attachment_193225" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SWAROVSKI Afternoon Tea at Raffles Makati.[/caption] Here’s the latest in the arena of skin rejuvenation: Rejuran, a “new concept healer” made of polynucleotides, has arrived in the country courtesy of its exclusive distributor TritanMed. Polynucleotides are DNA fragments of specific size derived from wild salmon. This unique ingredient gives Rejuran its power to “make your skin young and healthy,” meaning “improved hydration, skin texture, skin elasticity and skin repair,” naturally. The injectable delivers the highly bio-compatible polynucleotides directly into the skin, and “activates the self-regenerative ability of the skin and improves the appearance of various skin concerns, such as wrinkles, scars, large pores, redness and pigmentation, etc.” [caption id="attachment_193226" align="aligncenter" width="525"] From the LUNA collection[/caption] It is, in short, the best and proven safest way to look 10 years younger, as testimonials online reveal. Other benefits of the treatment are: “promotes the secretion of collagen and restores Extra Cellular Matrix to recover thin and damaged skin inside caused by aging, while simultaneously improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles; improves pigmentation and overall brightness of the complexion, which is helpful in recovering the tonicity and luminosity of smoother skin texture.” Price-wise, it is said to cost less than the popular “lunchtime treatment” called fillers and delivers results just as quickly. Sometimes I think the multimillion-dollar world of beauty simply wants to inundate us with blurbs just so we will feel a raging need to get that glass skin, wing-tipped eyes and long, outrageous lashes. It’s a good thing science gives us an opportunity to have these “transformative” qualities, just like magic. [caption id="attachment_193227" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ANA Gonzales of Havaianas Philippines.[/caption] Shine on An afternoon tea worth a sip is one that is currently being served at the Raffles Makati’s The Writers Bar. Aptly described as “a shimmering fusion of history and luxury, the Swarovski Afternoon Tea was unveiled on 27 September with Swarovski’s latest collections on display. The new pieces, coming in bright jewel tones of green, pink and blue, were designed by Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, who was inspired by “multiple worlds.” Also, science and magic met in this latest output, from “Idyllia’s secret gardens filled with wondrous creatures, or Luna’s star-covered skies illuminated by crescent moons.” See for yourself the exquisite Swarovski’s unmistakable “shapes of Dextera” and “the show-stopping cuts of Mesmera.” Luna is the newest collection to date, and for sun-worshippers, perhaps a little foray into the darker realms will balance it out, giving “mystical energy” amid too much reality. Raffles Makati’s executive chef Bela Rieck presented the afternoon tea, with delicacies like “green mango tart with sea grapes, seared tuna with mango cilantro salsa for the culinary art tier, and desserts like the crystal glazed reinvented raspberry, white wine coconut spritzer and a mesmerizing crystal-inspired praline.” The special afternoon tea is available until 30 November. [caption id="attachment_193228" align="aligncenter" width="320"] COLOR and comfort in new slides.PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF HAVAIANAS[/caption] Slide into comfort and color It’s here: the Havaianas Slides are the newest way to walk on the side of style. Wear it anywhere, even at the Mansion Sports Bar, and feel the comfort and cool all at once. A cushioned footbed and slip-resistant sole are pluses for this fashionable footwear option. The post Fusing science and magic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Shanghai’s five-star The Middle House
The location The Middle House is a five-star hotel in the heart of China’s bustling metropolis of Shanghai. It is the epicenter of the lively Jing’an District, yet it manages to strike the ideal balance between the contemporary and the traditional. The hotel is situated in a convenient location close to Nanjing Road, which is considered to be one of the best shopping avenues in Shanghai, as well as Jing’an Temple, which is a historical and cultural landmark. The aesthetic The Middle House, created by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni, exhibits a distinctive architectural style that effortlessly combines elegance and modern aesthetics. Lissoni incorporated various materials, such as bamboo, porcelain, ceramic and lacquered textures. The refined interiors skillfully blend Chinese history and craftsmanship with Italian ingenuity, resulting in a beautiful tribute to modern-day Shanghai. The hotel’s public spaces are filled with an abundance of natural light, which creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere that is welcoming to guests. The design of the hotel showcases a dedication to crafting a balanced atmosphere that incorporates the vibrant urban spirit of Shanghai and the peacefulness of a high-end getaway. [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="190882,190878,190880,190881"] The room We stayed in a Studio 60 with floor-to-ceiling windows facing a bustling street. During the course of our stay, I would sit on the couch and watch people cross the street. I would sit outside the Starbucks Roastery at different times of the day. The view was exhilarating and relaxing at the same time. A similar design philosophy carries through to their luxurious dwellings and presents an amazing showcase of contemporary design and modern renditions of traditional Chinese elements. Guests staying in any room can enjoy features like a rain shower and free-standing bathtub, exclusive artisanal bath and body products, premium bathroom accessories, luxury down bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art Bluetooth speaker and the use of Mr. Goodnight, the hotel’s signature blue tassel master light switch. A complimentary maxi bar and an espresso machine with a selection of beverages are also present for use. The breakfast As you step into Cafe Gray, you’ll be greeted by an elegant and modern interior, adorned with sleek furnishings and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The inviting atmosphere creates a sense of tranquility, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely morning meal. The breakfast menu at Cafe Gray is a culinary delight, boasting a wide array of options to suit both my palate and my husband’s. I went from Asian one day (Shanghai specialty xiao long bao and shen jian bao) to Western the next day (honey-glazed ham with hashbrown is a winner!), then back to Asian (the laksa is fantastic!). My husband Berg, on the other hand, indulged in fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup one day and waffles the next day. [caption id="attachment_190883" align="aligncenter" width="525"] View from Studio 60. The Middle House is located in the lively Jing’an District and is connected to the Taikoo Hui mall.[/caption] The art collection Entering the hotel takes you to a place with a flair for the dramatic. The space was designed by Lissoni with a deliberate emphasis on contrast. This was achieved by employing dark colors and striking jewel tones for the walls and furnishings, which served to accentuate the carefully selected art works from the hotel’s art collection titled I Dream of China, by both local Chinese and international artists, serving as a representation of the artistic intersection that characterizes the city of Shanghai. The installation Vases in a Steel Cage by Shanghai artist Liu Dao of the neighborhood art group Island6 creates a thought-provoking contrast between delicate porcelain vases and a rigid metal enclosure in one area of the property. The service When it comes to service at the Middle House, one word immediately comes to mind: dedicated. From the moment we arrived and stepped onto the property to our experiences at the various outlets, even while waiting outside for our ride back to the hotel, and throughout our check-out process, the service we received at every step of the way was truly dedicated. It is a testament to the art of hospitality at the Middle House. The commitment of the Middle House team to ensuring a memorable and seamless experience for each guest is remarkable. Shanghai, although both familiar and unfamiliar to us, has undergone significant changes in the past three years since the pandemic began. It has become a new place for us. Are the places we used to frequent still there? Most of our friends in Shanghai have left, but staying at the Middle House and engaging in conversations with the team provided us with answers, insights and new recommendations. This helped us appreciate the city even more. The post Shanghai’s five-star The Middle House appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Skating out of stress, to feel free
Since the first patent for a roller skate was awarded in 1819 to a certain M. Petibled of Paris, roller skating has gone through a lot of development before evolving into what we know it now as a recreational and competitive sport. While sports such as speed skating, hockey and figure skating have been institutionalized, recreational roller skating has had its time in the spotlight over the years. Then Covid-19 happened in early 2020, and roller skating became popular again as a solo activity. Its resurgence continues post-pandemic for fitness and just for fun. [caption id="attachment_175690" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Skating is good for fitness. | Photographs Courtesy of Chai Timbungco[/caption] Skating to destress Sesilya Rosario Timbungco, nicknamed Chai, started skating using inline skates (meaning the wheels are in a straight line) with her older cousins when she was around seven years old. Then she studied figure skating for two years, starting at age nine, before moving on to other things. In 2020, she picked up inlines again because “ironically, it was safer to be out on the streets because there were almost zero cars” at the height of community lockdowns and social restrictions. “What I like about skating is that it makes me feel good about myself,” she tells DAILY TRIBUNE in an online interview. “It’s also an outlet for me because it allows me to physically destress. From a technical standpoint, I like skating because of the diverse disciplines under its umbrella -- ice skating, dance skating, derby, quad hockey, speed, park, vert, etc.” The 31-year-old skater, who works as an insights community manager at a software company adds, “Skating is good for fitness because it involves the coordination of your entire body, even if it doesn’t seem like it. It’s all about balance, especially when learning your edges! Once you nail the basics, you pretty much won’t forget how to do it — just like riding a bike.” “It’s a good fitness option, but like with all other sports, make sure it is safe for you,” she points out. “Generally, skating is for everyone. But if you have balance issues, are pregnant or have bad hip mobility, it’s best to consult your doctor.” Chai makes it clear that skating is a sport, even if you do it recreationally or as a hobby. “So there will be maintenance expenses,” she says. “If you don’t get any upgrades and sticks with a decent pair, maintenance won’t be that expensive. A good entry-level pair costs around P5,000 to P8,000. There are many other factors to consider, but that’s the base price for entry-level skates.” These days, she usually skates at the basketball court at their home, though she really misses skating outdoors. She considers Bonifacio Global City as one of the friendlier spaces for skating. If she has to go to the rink, she says she only goes to Rolyo Sk8house at the Circuit Makati. Chai is also a co-founder of the Everywhere We Skate PH community on Facebook, whose goal is to “help raise awareness about local roller skating and make skating accessible in all ways, little ways, that we can,” while “bringing in roller skating brands into the local scene.” Chai’s tips in buying your first pair of skates: Measure your feet. Measure in inches and in centimeters. Never ever correlate shoe size with skate size. Skates have to be snug, but not tight. If you’re in between sizes, always choose the bigger size. There will be workarounds to a slightly loose boot, but it’s impossible for you to use skates that are too small Buy good brands, even if it means buying them second hand. That doesn’t mean branded is always good, nope. Make sure you research before buying anything! There are reputable brands that make nice skates that are good enough as second-hands. If that isn’t an option, make sure you buy skates that are within your current skill level. For example, buying an advanced boot is not the best for a beginner who doesn’t have proper foundation yet. Try them out at the rink first (if you can) before deciding on a big purchase like our own skates. Make sure you learn how to read wheel hardness (it’s not hard), as well as the other components of your skates. Other than looking up what to buy, also learn about maintenance and how to make normal adjustments to your skate. When skating for the first time, Chai recommends doing these steps: Bend your knees. “I can’t stress this enough, but bend your knees,” she says emphatically. “It’ll save you from potential nasty falls!” Wear gear. Avoid slopes. “It’s a common misconception that slopes are good for beginners because they’ll help you roll faster. That’s true, but that’s why it’s dangerous for someone who doesn’t know how to stop yet.” Feeling of freedom Roller skating was likewise a childhood hobby for Raqs Regalado, a 39-year-old event manager and costume designer. “But it was during the pandemic that I fell back into it,” she says in another online interview, “Because I found my old pair of skates (that I got at a Japanese thrift shop back in college) while we were trying to Marie Kondo our place during the first few weeks of the lockdown.” Post-pandemic, Raqs can usually be found skating at the Bike Playground or at other indoor rinks around the Metro, and for outdoor skating, at BGC. “What I like about it most is the feeling of freedom it gives me and the friends I’ve made in this hobby,” she points out. “It’s good for fitness because it activates muscles you never even knew existed. Like it’s a whole different muscle group working when you skate.” “There are cheap, generic ones but cheap skates also mean cheaper materials were used,” she adds. “Skates manufactured by bigger, skate-focused brands will always be more expensive than the generic ones, but I think of it as investing on the quality of skates you’re getting. Your safety depends on it.” Raqs truly believes that everybody can skate. “But I wouldn’t force it on someone who does not want to. You have to at least be interested to try it and eventually find happiness in it. Once you find joy in skating, that’s when you start wanting to learn more.” She has found her kindred spirits on Everywhere We Skate PH when it was founded in 2020: “Chai reached out to me and told me about the online skating community they’ve build. Of course, I instantly joined. There were only about 50 members that time. A few months in, and they asked me to be one of the group admins. Now, we have over 10,000 members. We welcome skaters of all levels and skate enthusiasts. Our main goal is to have a safe space for healthy exchanges of skate-related information.” Raqs’ tips in buying your first pair of skates: Assuming that you’ve already tried rental skates at the public rink, and you really liked it and want to get into skating, then start doing your research on the particular skates that have aesthetically caught your attention. Check for materials used, reviews and after-sales services. If you can also determine what type of skating you want to immerse yourself in (such as outdoor cruising, aggressive skating, artistic skating, etc.), that would also be very helpful in choosing your first pair of skates. If you’re skating for the first time, Raqs has these suggestions for you to do: Get safety gear. Watch video tutorials on how to fall safely because knowing how to do so can save you from serious injuries. Remember: You may fall a lot specially as a beginner, but don’t worry, it happens to all of us. The post Skating out of stress, to feel free appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
When a growing chest isn’t muscle
Many men do exercises and lift weights to increase the strength and definition of their chest muscles. Enlargement in the area, however, can also be due to enlargement of the breast tissue, a condition called gynecomastia. Most men do not report any symptoms, but sometimes the enlargement can be accompanied by tenderness in the area and sensitivity when rubbing against clothing. [caption id="attachment_160533" align="aligncenter" width="619"] CONSULT your physician to get correct diagnosis.| Photograph courtesy of unsplash/alora griffith[/caption] Most breast lumps in men are usually benign enlargements. This can happen in just one or both breasts, and examination by a physician usually reveals a rubbery, movable lump can be felt just under the nipple area, measuring at least 0.5 cm up to 2.0 cm in diameter. If this lump is not felt on examination, the breast may be made up of mostly fatty tissue (also called pseudogynecomastia or lipomastia, which is due to an increase in breast fat and not breast glandular tissue). If physical examination cannot clearly identify between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia, then a breast ultrasound or mammography should be done. While breast cancer occurs primarily in women, it can also occur in men. Male breast cancer makes up less than one percent of all cases of breast cancer, and is usually detected in men between 60 and 70 years of age. Male breast cancers are one-sided, non-tender, firm-to-hard in texture and not movable under the skin. These are also often found off to the side and not under the nipple. There can also be some dimpling in the skin like an orange peel. Certain hormones produce the usual traits seen in males (testosterone) and females (estrogen), but males also produce a small amount of estrogen while females produce a small amount of testosterone. Gynecomastia can occur when men have estrogen levels that are high or out of balance with testosterone levels. Gynecomastia can occur due to natural hormone changes at different times in a male’s life: Infancy. More than half of newborn boys have enlarged breasts because of the estrogen they received from their mothers while developing in the womb. The gynecomastia goes away at two to three weeks after birth. Puberty. Changing hormone levels can cause breast enlargement, but this usually goes away six months to two years after the start of puberty (usually from 12-14 years old). Mid-life and beyond. Men produce less testosterone as they get older. Older men also tend to have more body fat, causing an increase in estrogen. About one in four men between the ages of 50 and 80 have breast enlargement and usually have no symptoms. Men should see a doctor if you have: Breast tissue that is growing very fast A lump bigger than two to three inches under the nipple or a very hard lump that is off to the side of the nipple Pain and tenderness Nipple discharge in one or both breasts A lump on one of your testicles There are some other medical conditions can cause gynecomastia: Obesity Lack of proper nutrition Tumors in the testicles or adrenal glands Liver disease Thyroid disease Lack of testosterone Kidney failure Certain drugs and substances can also cause gynecomastia, including: Steroids Estrogens Treatments for an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer Diuretics (spironolactone) Medications used for heartburn (metoclopramide) Anti-fungal medications Herbal treatments that contain tea tree oil and lavender Excessive alcohol intake Prohibited substances such as amphetamines and marijuana In most cases of gynecomastia, treatment is often not needed. If there is an underlying condition, gynecomastia often goes away after treatment or once any offending medications are stopped. A medication called tamoxifen or anastrazole can also be used for a short while. If the breast enlargement persists despite these, surgery to reduce the size of the breasts can be done. If you suspect you have gynecomastia, consult your physician to get the correct diagnosis and to find the right treatment. The risk for gynecomastia may also be reduced by not using drugs that include anabolic steroids, amphetamines and marijuana, and by avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation. The post When a growing chest isn’t muscle appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Embrace the art of self-care
By Chelsea Garcia In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant demands and pressures of everyday life. We rush from one task to another, juggling work, family and social commitments, often neglecting the most essential aspect of our well-being: ourselves. Recognizing the need for a mindful approach to self-care, Yogalove has dedicated itself to creating products made with clean ingredients that foster stress-free living. With a deep understanding of the challenges we face, YogaLove has carefully formulated a range of products that promote overall well-being and encourage a happier and healthier life. From calming essential oils and cooling creams to hand-poured soy candles, each product is crafted with one’s well-being in mind. Relief and recovery One of YogaLove’s standout products is the relief and recovery cooling cream. Unlike many other cooling creams, this one offers a refreshing and cooling sensation without an overwhelming scent. Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula provides instant relief against muscle pain, bruising, soreness, and inflammation. This cream soothes and minimizes muscle tension as it is enriched with arnica, chamomile, ginseng and argan oil. The relief and recovery body oil takes time to absorb but eventually absorbs completely. It’s also scented, but the fragrance lightens once fully absorbed. It’s also very hydrating, and its scent is very soothing as it’s made with jojoba seed oil and infused with eucalyptus and French lavender making it efficient in calming down irritations and relieving joint and muscle pains. For a more immersive self-care experience, YogaLove offers a relaxation essential oil blend. With its potent yet non-overpowering formula, this blend can be used with its double-ended roll-on and dropper to create a personalized aromatherapy experience. YogaLove’s products are designed to create solitude amidst the chaos, allowing you to reconnect with your inner self and find a sense of peace and balance. The post Embrace the art of self-care appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COMELEC: P2B unliquidated 2022 expenses down to P717M
The Commission on Elections on Monday reiterated that the unliquidated cash advances of more than P2 billion the Commission on Audit had flagged were down to P717 million as of 12 July 2023. At the weekly Laging Handa press briefing Comelec spokesman Atty. Rex Laudiangco said the liquidation of cash advances is continuing process done by the election officials who incurred the expenses during the last national and local elections in 2022. In its 2022 annual report, COA noted that the poll body’s cash advances granted to accountable officers jumped from P380 million to P2.089 billion in a span of a year. Laudiangco, however, said most of the accountable officers have already submitted liquidation reports showing that the funds were used for command conferences, teachers' trainings as election officers, accommodations and honoraria of electoral boards. "At kung hindi man po maili-liquidate ay naku, mapipilitan pong magsampa ang Comelec ng mga kinauukulang kaso sa mga tao po na tumanggap ng mga cash advances na iyan. In both instances, maibalik, mai-liquidate, masampahan ng kaso, sisiguraduhin po ng Comelec na accounted for po ang lahat ng iyan ( If they cannot liquidate those advances, Comelec has to slap them with administrative cases. The funds will be liquidated, and if not, cases will be filed against those who failed to do so. Comelec will ensure that these funds are all accounted for in the end)," Laudiangco said. He added that a total of P1.34 billion had been liquidated so far and the remaining over P700 million balance is still being documented based on expenditures incurred during the 2022 polls. 'Ito naman po ay recorded sa Comelec, at natukoy na po namin ang lahat ng tao na responsable dito. May direkta na pong demand letter na ipinadala sa kanila. At iyong demand letter po ay may kaakibat na aksyon iyan: Kailangan ma-liquidate nila, lahat po iyan ay mai-submit ang dokumento, otherwise, kasunod po iyong dalawang bagay -- una, pagwi-withhold ng kanilang salaries at benefits; ikalawa, kapag hindi pa rin po umubra iyon, iyong pagsasampa po ng kaso patungkol sa unliquidated cash advances (These are all recorded by the Comelec and we already know the people who still have to submit their liquidation reports. Demand letters were already sent to them, and the results may be two-fold -- first, we may withhold their salaries and benefits, and second, a case will be filed against them over their unliquidated cash advances," said Laudiangco. The post COMELEC: P2B unliquidated 2022 expenses down to P717M appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ready to try yoga? Some tips before attending your first class
If you’ve always wanted to try yoga but still haven’t for one reason or another, then dilly-dally no more. Yoga offers many proven benefits for the body, mind and, most especially, the spirit. These benefits, as listed in an article on Johns Hopkins Medicine’s website, include improving strength, balance and flexibility; getting back pain relief; easing arthritis symptoms; and keeping the heart healthy. Yoga also helps you to relax, thus you get to sleep better. It means you’ll have more energy and brighter moods the following day. Additionally, you get to manage stress and improve your mental health. You may even lose weight, if that’s your intention, and achieve a slimmer figure. Finally convinced to sign up for your first class? Here are a few pointers from longtime yoga teachers Johnna Villaviray-Giolagon and Sheila Alon. “Yoga isn’t exercise,” Villaviray-Giolagon pointed out. “Don’t treat it like one.” Yoga actually began as a spiritual practice rooted in Indian philosophy (so you will hear many Sanskrit terms during practice). It then became popular beyond India as a way of promoting physical and mental well-being. [caption id="attachment_151879" align="aligncenter" width="720"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SHEILA ALON | YOGA teacher Shiela Alon.[/caption] The teacher, who leads the Stretchy Flow, Vinyasa and Power Yoga classes at Community Fitness (located in Pasig City), shared these tips: “No heavy meal at least two to three hours before class, so you don’t throw up. Leave your ego at the door. Anything new, even if it’s slow movement, is bound to challenge our body. Wear comfortable clothes. You don’t have to be half-naked or fully clothed. Listen to the teacher and observe the demo. There are terms used that sound woowoo but make sense over time.” Alon, who teaches Yin yoga at the Yogaplus Virtual studio, has these reminders: “You do not need any previous yoga experience nor to be flexible. Every day is a learning day and our practice will be different, so just keep an open mind and heart. Your body is very intelligent, and it knows what it needs. You just have to listen to it.” She acknowledged the challenges of attending a virtual class, compared to going to a physical studio, especially for the first time. “The best tip is to just be open to learn something new about your body! I know first-timers will tend to be self-conscious, but keeping the camera open will allow the teacher/instructor to guide you and give options, so that you can make your first class accessible and fun! “It also helps to tell the teacher if you have any medical condition or injury, so that he or she can help give you verbal cues to make your practice a safe space and enjoyable, too. Yoga is not all pretzel poses. It’s a journey to getting to know what your body is capable of, moving, breathing — being present and meeting new faces in the community. Common types of yoga There are many and various types or styles of yoga, ranging from gentle practices (less poses, more meditation) to physically demanding ones (headstand, anyone?). Some of the common yoga classes, Villaviray-Giolagon said, are Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Bikram, Hatha and Yin. Ashtanga: A rigorous and fast-paced type of yoga that follows a fixed sequence of poses. It is made up of six series, namely Primary, Intermediate and four Advanced series. In many classes, Villaviray-Giolagon said, only half of the primary series is taught. Vinyasa: A fluid and dynamic yoga that links breath and movement in creative sequences. Villaviray-Giolagon described it as something like “freestyle dancing,” as the teacher “choreographs” what is done in class. Bikram: A hot and sweaty yoga that consists of 26 poses and two breathing exercises in a heated room. Hatha: A branch of yoga that focuses on posture and breathing techniques. “Poses are practiced on their own, like drills,” Villaviray-Giolagon said. “Can feel like the exercises in calisthenics class. It’s usually more accessible in gyms.” Yin: A slow, passive style of yoga, done mostly on the floor in seated or lying-down postures. “It targets the connective tissues instead of the muscle,” Villaviray explained. “Poses are practiced on the ground for maybe three to five minutes or longer.” The post Ready to try yoga? Some tips before attending your first class appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Star gymnast Biles poised for August return to competition
Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles is poised to compete in August for the first time since mental health and safety concerns cut short her Tokyo Olympics campaign, entering the August US Classic near Chicago. USA Gymnastics announced Wednesday that the four-time Olympic gold medallist was entered in the August 4-5 event, which would be her first since she withdrew from most of her events in Tokyo in 2021. "Registration...does not guarantee participation," USA Gymnastics warned in the statement. "Every athlete is at a different place in their season and career, and we will support each of them, wherever they are in their journey," said USA Gymnastics chief programs officer Stefanie Korepin. Biles electrified the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where she won gold in team, all-around, vault and floor exercise as well as a balance beam bronze. She entered the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 as a heavy favorite to win as many as five gold medals. She hadn't lost an all-around competition since 2013 and her build up to the Games included mastery of a daring Yurchenko double pike vault that had never before been seen in women's competition. However, she would depart Tokyo with only team silver and a balance beam bronze, however, her campaign cut short after she experienced the "twisties" -- the phenomenon in which gymnasts lose the ability to orientate themselves in mid-air. Biles withdrew from the team event after performing on one apparatus and later withdrew from the all-around competition and the finals for vault, uneven bars and floor exercise, saying at the time she needed to prioritze her mental health. Biles said in a video released after Tokyo that her problems had been building for a while. "I wouldn't even say it started in Tokyo. I feel like it was probably a little bit deeper-rooted than that," Biles said. "I think it was just the stress factor. It kind of built up over time, and my body and my mind just said no. But even I didn't know I was going through it until it just happened." "It just sucks," Biles said in the video. "But I know that I helped a lot of people and athletes speak out about mental health and saying no. Because I knew I couldn't go out there and compete. I knew I was going to get hurt." After the Tokyo Games, in September 2021, Biles testified before a U.S. Senate committee looking into FBI failures in investigating sexual abuse by former gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. Nassar received a life sentence after pleading guilty in late 2017 and early 2018 to sexually assaulting women and girls while working as a sports medicine doctor at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. - Another Olympics? - In recent months Biles's popular social media feeds have featured not gymnastics but news of her personal life, including her marriage to NFL Safety Jonathan Owens, then with the Houston Texans, in April. When Owens signed with the Green Bay Packers in May she endeared herself to Green Bay fans by soliciting suggestions on what to see and do in the couple's new town. Biles has won 25 world championships medals, 19 of them gold, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden in 2022. Although she hasn't outlined her plans, the US Classic is roughly a year out from the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Biles has used the event to launch a comeback before. She returned to competition at the meeting in 2018, having taken a break after her stunning Rio Games campaign. bb/pb/nr © Agence France-Presse The post Star gymnast Biles poised for August return to competition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EU moves closer to launching digital euro
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday took its first significant step towards launching a digital version of the euro, a controversial project that has been questioned by politicians and banks. From China to the United States, Jamaica to Japan, more than 100 central banks worldwide are exploring or preparing to put in place digital currencies as electronic payments grow, changing the way people spend their money. The move to create a digital version of the single currency began in 2020 when European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde suggested the idea and her Frankfurt-based body launched a public consultation. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, published a proposal on Wednesday that will be the legal foundation on which the ECB could launch a digital euro. The currency would be available to individuals living in the euro area and for visitors. It would offer an additional payment option for citizens to use online and offline with their digital wallets, thus ensuring as much anonymity as coins and banknotes. The final law must be backed by the EU's 27 member states and the European Parliament. Digital euro enthusiasts say it will complement cash and ensure the ECB does not leave a gap later filled by private -- usually non-EU -- players and other central banks. "Given that the euro is already the world's second most-traded currency, it is not an area where can afford to stay behind the curve. We need to move ahead with a digital currency," commission vice president Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters. Critics question the need for a digital euro and banks warn of major risks, while the ECB's own study found the public was concerned over payment privacy. The ECB and the commission "have yet to make a compelling case of why we need the digital euro and what added value it will deliver," German MEP Markus Ferber said. Benefits 'outweigh' costs The commission's proposal argued that the digital euro's "long-term benefits... outweigh its costs" and warned, "the costs of no action can potentially be very large". Lagarde said in March that the digital currency was important for resilience and to "safeguard European payment autonomy". Many means of payment are "not necessarily European", she noted, adding it was "very unhealthy to rely on one single source of payment". US giants Visa and Mastercard currently dominate the global card payment market. Others argue, however, that the bloc's plans spell trouble unless the EU takes necessary other steps. Banks have warned of the risk of bank runs as customers could hold their funds in digital euro accounts and wallets, moving them away from the banks' balance sheets. "To shield banks from the risk of deposit flight and to limit the negative impact on banks' ability to finance the economy, it is important to set appropriate and firm limits in holdings and transactions," the European Banking Federation said on Wednesday. The proposal indicates there will be a limit to how much money people can keep in digital euros. ECB officials have suggested a cap of 3,000 euros ($3,300). The digital currency will be granted "legal tender" status, meaning it must be accepted as payment. But there would be exceptions, including for small businesses that do not accept any form of digital payment. The ECB is set to give the formal green light to a digital euro in October and the expectation is it would be available from 2027 onwards. The ECB welcomed the commission's proposal, which it said offered "private intermediaries appropriate economic incentives to distribute the digital euro as they do other digital means of payment while preventing excessive fees for merchants". Privacy concerns The ECB has a difficult battle to win over Europeans. A public consultation showed that the number one priority when it comes to the digital euro is privacy. To calm people's fears, the ECB has stressed it would not attempt to control how people can spend digital currency or use it for surveillance, as critics claim is the case in China. "This is not a Big Brother project for online payments," the EU's financial services commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, said during a press conference in Brussels. "With the digital euro, the data privacy will be the same as for existing private digital means of payment. For offline payments, the data privacy will be even higher." The commission's proposal said the digital euro "will be designed so as to minimize the processing of personal data by payment services providers" and the ECB. The post EU moves closer to launching digital euro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Family attack TikTok amateur sleuths after UK woman’s ‘accidental’ death
A British woman whose mystery disappearance earlier this year sparked a social media frenzy by online sleuths and conspiracy theorists fell into a river and drowned accidentally, a coroner concluded at an inquest on Tuesday. Nicola Bulley went missing in January, apparently vanishing "into thin air". After dropping her two young daughters at school she was seen walking her dog along a river in the rural village of St Michael's on Wyre in northwestern England. The 45-year-old mortgage adviser's phone was later found on a bench still dialed into a work conference call. Her unexplained disappearance saw the online true crime world become awash with speculation about what might have happened to her. One TikTok user even had himself filmed digging up potential burial sites and then captured the moment Bulley's body was pulled from reeds in the river over three weeks later. But ruling that her death had been accidental, coroner James Adeley said she had suffered "cold water shock" after going into the river. He said the exact circumstances of how she fell in could not be known, but evidence showed there had been a steep grassy slope around the bench with an "almost vertical drop" to the water. The river bank itself had no footholds that would have allowed someone in trouble to climb out, he added at the hearing in Preston, northwestern England. In addition, the flow of the river on the day she disappeared would have made it almost impossible to swim against the current, he said. After the hearing, Bulley's family hit out at the social media speculation over her case. "It's upsetting that we've continued to receive negative targeted messages and still witness wildly inaccurate speculation being shared over numerous platforms," the family's lawyer Terry Wilcox said in a statement on their behalf. "We encourage people to look at the facts, the evidence which has been heard during the inquest, and the conclusion reached by the coroner, to ignore any amateur views and opinions, and be mindful of the impact words bring." Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables of Lancashire Police said she hoped the coroner's finding would "put an end to ill-informed speculation and conspiracy theories which have been so damaging to Nikki's family". Lancashire Police were criticized over their handling of Bulley's disappearance, including sharing personal information such as her struggles with alcohol and perimenopause. But the police watchdog said in May that they would face no further action. Coroners' inquests are held in England and Wales to try to establish the causes and circumstances of sudden or unexplained deaths based on the balance of probability. They do not determine criminal or civil liability but set out facts in the public interest. The post Family attack TikTok amateur sleuths after UK woman’s ‘accidental’ death appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rubbing vaginal fluid on C-section babies boosts development: study
Babies born by cesarean section don't acquire the same healthy bacteria as those delivered vaginally, a setback to the development of their immune system thought to increase their risk of certain diseases later in life. But a new study, published Thursday in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, finds that exposing C-section babies to their mother's vaginal fluids after birth successfully restores this microbial balance, and has neurodevelopment benefits, too. The study used rigorous methods but was small, involving just 68 infants. Coauthor Jose Clemente of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai told AFP that if the findings are confirmed in bigger clinical trials, the technique could be used as a low-cost way to ensure C-section newborns start life on the same footing as vaginally delivered infants. "If the results can be generalizable to a larger population, then ideally we would like to see that this becomes a part of standard of care," he said. It comes as C-section rates are on the rise globally, now accounting for around one in every three births in the United States, though the World Health Organization estimates only 10-15 percent are medically necessary. Past research has shown infants born by C-section have vastly different gut bacteria composition compared to those born vaginally. The latter receive their early gut bacteria from their mother's birth canal, while C-section babies receive theirs mainly from their mothers' skin, breast milk and the environment. These differences tend to disappear by around the age of one, but even so, they can have certain lasting impacts, raising the risk for asthma, allergies and diabetes. 'Vaginal seeding' In the new study, Clemente, an expert on the role of the microbiome in human health, collaborated with colleagues at the Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China to test out a technique known as "vaginal seeding," or smearing newborns with vaginal fluid. Chinese colleagues, led by researcher Yan He, rubbed 32 newborns delivered by C-section with a gauze soaked with their mother's vaginal fluids, and another 36 newborns with a gauze soaked with saline as a control. The gauze was placed inside the mothers' vaginas about an hour before C-section. Applying it to babies took about 30 seconds, starting with the mouth and face and moving to the rest of the body. Mothers were tested in advance to make sure they did not have sexually transmitted diseases or group B streptococcus. No infants experienced severe adverse events as a result of the experiment. At six-weeks-old, the group exposed to vaginal fluid had gut bacteria that was more "mature" and more characteristic of vaginally delivered babies than the group given the saline placebo. The team also looked at the babies' neurodevelopment at three months and six months using a standard questionnaire to ask their mothers about milestones, such as whether the babies were able to make simple sounds or had begun rolling or getting in the crawl position. The infants who received the vaginal seeding scored significantly higher at both three and six months. "We think this is partially because of how microbes are producing certain chemical compounds that might impact brain function," said Clemente, an expanding field of study that is backed by animal research. Crucially, he stressed, the experiment was "triple blinded," meaning nobody involved (mothers, healthcare providers or researchers) knew beforehand which babies belonged to which group, in order to eliminate any temptation to make the results match expectations. Dorothy Bishop, a developmental neuropsychology expert at the University of Oxford, who was not involved in the study, praised the "clever design," and said the team had laid the groundwork for bigger trials by establishing the safety and feasibility of the technique. However, she stressed that they had not yet proven developmental benefit and that the test scores from the placebo group "seem pretty average" rather than suggesting impairment. Next, Clemente is looking to expand the study with his Chinese collaborators to move the procedure closer to clinical practice, while he has another ongoing study assessing whether it reduces the risk of food allergies. In the meantime, he says, families should not try to replicate the procedure outside of clinical research settings. The post Rubbing vaginal fluid on C-section babies boosts development: study appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stranded dolphin rescued
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network and personnel from the Ocean Adventure Marine Theme Park rescued a female rough-toothed dolphin in Pangasinan last 5 June. According to a statement by Ocean Adventure, the dolphin named Marshy was seen stranded in Barangay Hermosa in the town of Dasol on 22 May as local fishermen, police and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Field Office I responded to the scene and moved the injured animal to Alaminos. On 5 June, the team from Ocean Adventure and members of the PMMSN went to Alaminos to help assess the health and condition of an adult female rough-toothed dolphin. Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. president and CEO Robert Gonzaga said that the report from BFAR cited that the mammal was negatively buoyant and had no balance as it also had bruises around her body, as well as a healing wound on her abdomen. “We conducted a test on Marshy and it revealed that Marshy is not echo-locating which may be attributed to dynamite fishing,” Gonzaga said. Marshy was transported to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility of Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Friday where she will continue to receive around-the-clock care from their rehabilitation team. Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc., the parent company of Ocean Adventure, is currently taking care of the injured dolphin. “We have consistently demonstrated our unwavering commitment to the rescue and preservation of animals, providing them with the necessary treatment, care, and assistance,” Gonzaga said. Prior to Marshy’s rescue, a successful rescue and rehabilitation of a stranded young female pygmy killer whale named “Maxene” was also recorded last 5 December 2022. The post Stranded dolphin rescued appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New Zealand to ban disposable vapes
New Zealand announced a ban on disposable vapes Tuesday, tightening the nation's chokehold on smoking as it also phases in a near-total prohibition on tobacco sales. Disposable vapes -- defined as those without removable or replaceable batteries -- will be banned from August, Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said. "Too many young people are vaping, which is why we're making a number of moves to stop that happening," she said in a statement. New vape shops will not be allowed near schools or marae -- Maori meeting places, she said. Names like "cotton candy" and "strawberry jelly donut" will be barred, the minister added, in favor of generic equivalents such as "berry". Vapes will also need a child-safety mechanism, she said. Verrall said the government wanted to strike a balance between preventing young people from starting to use vapes and allowing people to use them as an aid to quitting smoking. Six months ago, New Zealand announced it would make cigarettes permanently unavailable to anyone currently aged under 14 -- effectively raising the smoking age each year until the whole population is covered. The number of adults smoking in New Zealand is already relatively low at just eight percent. But Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the new vape restrictions were needed for the young. "We have heard from parents, teachers and principals concerned that a life-long bad habit is being established for many at a young age," Hipkins said. Nearly one in five school-aged teenagers vape at least once a day in New Zealand, according to a 2021 study by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation. The crackdown on disposable vapes comes a month after Australia took similar action, accusing tobacco companies of hooking the next "generation of nicotine addicts" by deliberately targeting teenagers. E-cigarettes were introduced in the early 2000s and initially billed as a less-harmful replacement for traditional cigarettes packed with cancer-causing chemicals. But an emerging body of research has shown vapes can also be highly addictive, and often result in young users turning to cigarettes as a way to get their nicotine fix. The post New Zealand to ban disposable vapes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Oral care routine helps prevent serious health issues
According to the World Health Organization, oral health is a key to long-lasting well-being and quality of life. A truth often overlooked is that the mouth is a portal for overall health. It’s where both nutrition and disease enter the body. A critical path to feeling safe and protected is how to maintain a healthy mouth, teeth and oral microbiome. Having a healthy and happy smile is important in building self-confidence as it allows you to interact with others without any discomfort or hesitation. Good oral care can also help prevent issues like cavities, gum diseases and bad breath by maintaining the balance of bacteria in our mouths and keeping the harmful ones under control. It’s easier for dental problems to contribute to more serious conditions linked to cardiovascular and respiratory health without a solid daily routine. A three-step oral care system designed to gently clean teeth, freshen breath and keep gums healthy — all without disrupting the delicate oral microbiome — is being advocated by the popular dental care brand of entrepreneur-led health Glister and wellness company Amway. The first step is brushing using Glister Multi-Action Toothpaste. Like all the other Glister formulas, this toothpaste boasts of plant- and naturally-derived ingredients, including natural silica that gently polishes teeth and traceable Nutrilite-grown peppermint — a significant step the brand takes to ensure each product is safe and effective. It can gently and effectively prevent cavities, remove plaque and reduce staining on teeth enamel for a whiter, brighter smile. [caption id="attachment_131577" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Glister Multi-Action Toothpaste boasts of plant- and naturally-derived ingredients.[/caption] The Reminact technology helps redeposit essential minerals back onto the enamel through remineralization, strengthening the teeth and making them more resistant to decay. The toothpaste has just the right amount of fluoride to prevent the demineralization effect of acid formed in the plaque of the teeth and protect them against cavities. It is also formulated with no alcohol, parabens or animal-derived ingredients. To complement this step, the multi-action toothbrush is soft and medium bristles are engineered with an in-mold technology that provides a thinner head, allowing for more effective cleaning of hard-to-reach places and with an integrated tongue/cheek cleaner. The second step is flossing, which is a must to clean every nook and cranny of the teeth that brushing alone may miss. Multi-Action Dental Floss is specially designed for this job which has a flat ribbon shape coated with a naturally derived wax allowing to slide and glide smoothly between teeth and just below the gum line. To complete the step, the multi-action concentrated oral rinse infused with Nutrilite-powered peppermint essential oil which can help kill gingivitis and bad breath-causing bacteria. It can also reduce plaque and clean between teeth, compared to just brushing. With its highly concentrated formula, this oral rinse can also be diluted for up to 100 uses per bottle. It also has no artificial dye, alcohol, peroxide, sugar or parabens. Long-lasting fresh breath and extra confidence are just a spray away with the mint refresher spray. Designed to deliver the right amount of freshness for the entire mouth with just a single pump, it has also been shown to provide strong antimicrobial action against oral bacteria. It kills 99.99 percent of oral bacteria generally known to cause bad breath and tooth decay. Brush, floss, rinse and refresh with the proper oral care products to strengthen and protect the delicate gateway to your entire body and support your general health, wellness and happiness. The post Oral care routine helps prevent serious health issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mammograms should start at 40, says US task force
All women should get mammogram screening for breast cancer starting from age 40, rather than 50, an influential US health body announced Tuesday, a move it said could save thousands of lives. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death for women in the United States, killing around 42,000 women and 500 men, according to official data. Black women are 40 percent more likely to die than white women. The Preventive Services Task Force, a group of independent experts appointed by the Department of Health and Human Services, said that while it previously recommended women in their 40s make individual choices about when to start screening, the new guidance could result in 19 percent more lives being saved. "New and more inclusive science about breast cancer in people younger than 50 has enabled us to expand our prior recommendation and encourage all women to get screened every other year starting at age 40," said the Task Force in a statement. Based on the evidence, the new recommendation was assigned a "Grade B" rating, its second-highest level. The guidance is still considered a draft, with the Task Force posting the evidence it considered on its website and allowing time for public comments and review. American health insurance is required to cover any service USPSTF recommends, regardless of cost. "Ensuring Black women start screening at age 40 is an important first step, yet it is not enough to improve the health inequities we face related to breast cancer," added Task Force vice chair Wanda Nicholson. "In our draft recommendation, we underscore the importance of equitable follow-up after screening and timely and effective treatment of breast cancer and are urgently calling for more research on how to improve the health of Black women." The draft recommendation applies to women at "average risk" of breast cancer, which includes people with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors such as having dense breasts, which about half of all women do. It doesn't apply to people who have a prior history of breast cancer, who have certain genetic markers that place them at high risk, who have had high-dose radiation therapy from a young age or had high-risk lesions taken on biopsies. The body said there was lingering uncertainty when it came to the benefits and harms of screening people aged 75 and older. "The balance of benefits and harms may shift as women age, but there is very limited research on this age population," it said in a statement. The Task Force said more research was needed to determine whether women with dense breasts should have additional screening with ultrasound or MRI, since mammograms may not work as well for them. Annual screening Sarah Friedewald, chief of breast imaging at Northwestern Medicine, told AFP that while she applauded the Task Force for recognizing age 50 was too late to start screening, "We feel very strongly that it should be every year." "If you increase the interval between the screens, you just allow the cancers to grow larger and potentially less treatable," she said, adding her recommendation was backed by numerous clinical trials and modeling data. When tumors are caught early, they can be surgically removed, without resorting to breast removal. The main risks linked to mammograms, and X-ray pictures of the chest, are anxieties associated with patients getting called back for additional imaging and biopsies that often turn out to be benign. The radiation risk associated with mammography is minimal. The post Mammograms should start at 40, says US task force appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Finnish for 90 days
Tired of lockdowns, fires, social injustice and political turmoil? Don’t you think it’s time to balance body and mind and enjoy the good life and.....»»
Greenhills celebrates a healthier and more active lifestyle with Active Playground
With the invisible enemy still around us everyday, having a healthy immune system is key to safeguarding yourself against COVID-19. Since most of us have been cooped up at home in the past months, it is important to find creative ways of staying active and fit even when going about our day-to-day lives, such as grocery shopping, dining out or doing errands. Greenhills fully encourages everyone to continue to stay active and is constantly providing ways to motivate consumers towards a more fit and healthier lifestyle. With this, Greenhills is pioneering the launch of Active Playground that promotes a convenient space for bikers, joggers and people who want to have a leisurely workout throughout the day. In an effort to accommodate the increase in bikers due to the limited transportation amidst this GCQ, Greenhills has also worked to create a bike-friendly mall for everyone. Biking Whether you’re biking for fitness, or biking to get your essentials, Greenhills will offer dedicated bike lanes and bike parking. There are also signages placed throughout the complex to guide bikers and to lead them to the designated parking spaces where they can lock their bikes before shopping. For those that bike for fitness, every day from 6 AM to 8 AM, Greenhills will be implementing bike priority lanes. Fitness Since walking is one of the easiest ways to get moving, Greenhills has developed an even more enjoyable walking atmosphere with pop-up challenges and workouts open for everyone. To encourage mall goers to stay fit and active, there will be pop-up challenges in different areas of the mall, encouraging patrons to jump, hop, balance and have fun. There are also markers that indicate the number of steps taken and how many calories can be burned once they complete a certain number of signs. As guests walk around the certified walk and bike friendly Greenhills Mall, they will be greeted with motivational signs to remind them to make the most out of the day and to always treat their body well. Through Active Playground, Ortigas Malls makes staying fit and active easy as they integrate it into our daily lives and mall-going routines. Watch out for the launch of Active Playground in Tiendestas and Estancia soon. .....»»
Kaspersky Shares Cybersecurity Tips for a Peaceful Getaway during the holy week
As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t. Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared its findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November […].....»»