Social isolation

Whooping cough is surging in Australia. Why, and how can we protect ourselves?

Retrieved on:

Friday, April 5, 2024

Cases are highest in Queensland and New South Wales, with more than 1,000 recorded in each state.

Key Points:

Cases are highest in Queensland and New South Wales, with more than 1,000 recorded in each state.
The last time Queensland recorded more than 1,000 cases in three months was the first quarter of 2013.
So what is whooping cough, why are cases rising now, and how can you protect yourself?

It’s most dangerous for babies

The initial symptoms of whooping cough resemble other cold and flu-like symptoms.
However, as the disease progresses into the second week, the coughing fits become worse and more frequent.
After or between bouts of coughing, patients may gasp for air and produce the characteristic “whoop” noise.
Immunity from these vaccines wanes over time, so it’s also recommended adults receive a booster, particularly those who may come into frequent contact with babies.

Why are cases rising now?

Due to COVID measures such as border closures, social isolation and masks, the number of cases declined dramatically during 2020–23.
In Australia, cases have been particularly high during this outbreak in children aged 10–14.

A potential superbug

Most vaccines used in Australia and other developed countries stimulate your immune system to recognise and target three to five components of the bacteria.
These mutations make the bacteria look slightly different to the one used in the vaccine, helping it better hide from the immune system.

But in 2008, a new strain appeared in Australia that no longer produced pertactin, one of the components targeted by the vaccine.
This means your immune system, like a detective, has one less clue to recognise the bacteria.
Read more:
Low vaccination and immunity rates mean NZ faces a harsh whooping cough winter – what needs to happen

What next?

Greater tracking of whooping cough strains, like we do with COVID, is needed to inform future vaccine design and treatments.
Importantly, although the bacteria is evolving, current vaccines are still very effective at preventing serious disease and reducing transmission.

Laurence Don Wai Luu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Noma is a truly devastating tropical disease – more people need to know about it

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Eating, Finger, Stigmata, Face, Cheek, Disease, Infection, Patient, Research, Social isolation, Food, Nature, Life, Poverty, Eye, Drinking, Survivor, Mone, Mouth, Water, WHO, Nose, Family, Swelling, Vaccine

In December 2023, after years of advocacy, noma was finally included on the World Health Organization’s list of “neglected tropical diseases”.

Key Points:

In December 2023, after years of advocacy, noma was finally included on the World Health Organization’s list of “neglected tropical diseases”.
Mone is a noma survivor from Laos, and her experience of noma is typical of so many who have suffered from this disease.
Quickly, her cheek skin fell away and teeth and bones started coming out of the sore in her cheek.
The healthcare workers, her family and the villagers did not know why Mone suffered and suspected that ghosts were punishing her.
However, if they are given widely available antibiotics in these early stages, the infection can be halted, and the patient saved.

Much remains a mystery

Noma is an ancient disease, with the earliest description being found in a medical textbook from the first century. It was often seen in Europe up until the 1800s, but has all but disappeared due to better access to food, water and healthcare. Now noma only affects the very poorest communities in the world.

We know it is bacterial in nature, but we haven’t been able to identify the causative organisms.
We know it’s not infectious, but do not understand why some children get it while other children living in the same conditions do not.
And will provide a much-needed impetus for governments and health agencies to work together to help patients and survivors.

Stuart Ainsworth is currently lead researcher on a noma project funded by Médecins Sans Frontières, and is affiliated with The International Noma Network.

Tamkin (TSLT) Is Now Available for Trading on LBank Exchange

Retrieved on:

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Social isolation, Intelligence, Education, Language, Social, Empowerment, Hope, Communication, Sign language, Employment, Knowledge, USDT, Environment

Users of LBank Exchange can brace themselves for the TSLT/USDT trading pair, which went live at 10:00 UTC already.

Key Points:

Users of LBank Exchange can brace themselves for the TSLT/USDT trading pair, which went live at 10:00 UTC already.
LBank Exchange is thrilled to announce the listing of Tamkin (TSLT), representing a groundbreaking initiative aimed at harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to bridge the communication gap faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Through the development of advanced AI-driven solutions, Tamkin endeavors to translate sign language in real-time, thereby fostering an environment of inclusivity and accessibility.
To combat this, Tamkin develops innovative solutions that enable real-time translation of sign language into spoken and written language, and vice versa.

NFT Gaming Market Report 2024 - Global Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2019-2023 and 2024-2029 - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on:

Thursday, March 7, 2024

The "NFT Gaming - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2019 - 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Key Points:

The "NFT Gaming - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2019 - 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The global NFT gaming market is highly competitive and consists of major players.
Few of the big competitors now control the majority of the market in terms of market share.
By winning new contracts and entering new markets, several corporations are expanding their market share.

New Non-Profit Young Futures Partners with The Foundation for Social Connection to Launch $1 Million Funding Challenge for Solutions That Promote Teen Belonging

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Young Futures , a new non-profit on a mission to make the digital world an easier place to grow up, today announced the launch of The Lonely Hearts Club : a funding challenge to promote social connection, teen belonging, and wellbeing in a tech-driven world.

Key Points:

Young Futures , a new non-profit on a mission to make the digital world an easier place to grow up, today announced the launch of The Lonely Hearts Club : a funding challenge to promote social connection, teen belonging, and wellbeing in a tech-driven world.
Surgeon General, and in partnership with the Foundation for Social Connection , the $1 million commitment is focused on supporting early-stage non-profits with solutions that help young people, together with their caregivers, stay centered on healthy connections.
Young Futures is seed-funded by Pivotal Ventures, Susan Crown Exchange, and The Goodness Web.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Foundation for Social Connection for this challenge,” said Kevin Connors, Senior Director for Susan Crown Exchange.

Meals on Wheels America Urges Congress to Fund and Reauthorize the Older Americans Act Amid Growing Senior Hunger and Social Isolation

Retrieved on:

Friday, March 8, 2024

Social isolation, HELP, Hearing, Ranking, Loneliness, Education, Senior, Dignity, Safety, Legislation, Congress, FY, Meal, Senate, Malnutrition, Older, OAA, Meals on Wheels, Hunger

ARLINGTON, Va., March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 50 years, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has supported the network of state, regional and community-based organizations that deliver on the promise to nourish lives and help seniors age with dignity and independence. This week, Meals on Wheels America kicked off efforts on Capitol Hill advocating for this crucial legislation and how it can be improved to better meet the evolving needs of millions of seniors struggling with hunger and social isolation.

Key Points:

(R-LA), Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander underscored the significant impact of the OAA and irreplicable work of local programs serving as a direct lifeline to seniors.
With intense federal funding negotiations ongoing, this hearing comes at a crucial time to highlight the growing crises of senior hunger, malnutrition, isolation and loneliness.
Chairman Sanders said it best: "Anyone who understands the Meals on Wheels program knows it's not just the actual meals delivered.
To learn more about how Meals on Wheels opens the door to addressing nutrition, social connection, safety and so much more, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org .

11 Texas Schools, Superior HealthPlan & The Centene Foundation Create a Culture of Belonging Through National No One Eats Alone® Day

Retrieved on:

Thursday, March 7, 2024

CNC, Social isolation, Anxiety, Self-harm, Emotion, Substance abuse, Suicide, Culture, Centene Corporation, Curriculum, Health, School, Depression, Achievement Medal, Student, Tourism

EL PASO, Texas, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the eighth year in a row, Superior HealthPlan ("Superior"), a leading managed care organization in Texas and wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), supported No One Eats Alone® Day, a prevention initiative aimed at fostering inclusion and a culture of belonging in schools. Eleven Texas schools hosted events throughout February, with the help of Superior, reaching thousands of students across Texas. Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, sponsored the event.

Key Points:

EL PASO, Texas, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the eighth year in a row, Superior HealthPlan ("Superior"), a leading managed care organization in Texas and wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), supported No One Eats Alone® Day , a prevention initiative aimed at fostering inclusion and a culture of belonging in schools.
Eleven Texas schools hosted events throughout February, with the help of Superior, reaching thousands of students across Texas.
Centene Foundation , the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, sponsored the event.
"Our curriculum dives deep into recognizing emotions, understanding social isolation and gives students tools to be social isolation disruptors and ambassadors of belonging."

New Morning Consult study finds direct links between transportation concerns in LA, loneliness epidemic for seniors

Retrieved on:

Thursday, February 29, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Morning Consult poll released today, covering over 500 adults aged 50+ in the LA Metropolitan Area, showcases the unique challenges of the Los Angeles area and its transportation options when it comes to the loneliness epidemic for seniors.

Key Points:

44% say that they feel uncomfortable using ride-share apps when traveling around the LA area.
44% think better access to transportation would allow them to visit their friends and family more frequently.
"Tackling challenges around transportation will be essential to addressing social isolation and loneliness and other critical concerns in an aging population.
And, research consistently demonstrates that older adults with reliable transportation are more likely to lead active lifestyles and stay healthier for longer."

DELAWARE FIRST HEALTH PARTNERS WITH PYX HEALTH TO TACKLE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC 

Retrieved on:

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Social isolation, Generation, Anxiety, COVID-19, Obesity, Quality of life, Suicide, Loneliness, Centene Corporation, Risk, Health, Support, Mortality, Partnership

While loneliness has always existed, the social restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic increased the problem as well as our greater society's knowledge of its harsh affects-- largely impacted being the Generation Z population. Loneliness can lead to increased rates of heart disease, obesity, anxiety, and mortality. Delaware First Health hopes to reduce these rates by offering the mobile app to all its members in 2024.

Key Points:

With the launch of the Pyx Health program, Delaware First Health members statewide, will have access to Pyx Health's interactive technology platform and compassionate human support program that can detect loneliness and connect users with critical resources that improve their mental and social health and quality of life.
"Pyx Health's vision is to tackle loneliness where it matters most, for everyone who needs it," said Cindy Jordan, founder, and CEO of Pyx Health.
The Pyx Health solution is supported by an app that uses data-driven, empathetic technology to identify loneliness among vulnerable people.
"Delaware First Health is dedicated to bringing innovative solutions that support complete health needs of our community, encompassing physical, behavioral, and social health for our members," said Delaware First Health Plan President and CEO, Bill Wilson.

Cinesteam® Is Using Cinnamon to Improve Malodorous Smells

Retrieved on:

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Caregiver, Lead poisoning, Embarrassment, Quality of life, Wound, Social behavior, Business, Patient, Coffee, Taste, Social isolation, Nausea, Appetite, Nursing

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Malodorous wounds are severe chronic wounds that generate strong, unpleasant odors on a consistent basis. It's easy for those who have not personally experienced or cared for someone with a malodorous wound to under prioritize the issue. They often categorize the condition as little more than an unfortunate side effect that can create unpleasant experiences. But that couldn't be further from the truth.

Key Points:

It's easy for those who have not personally experienced or cared for someone with a malodorous wound to under prioritize the issue.
"Side effects like malodorous smells can compromise an individual's entire quality of life," explains Clémence Desjardin, Director of Operations and Business Development at Cemag Care.
In the end, cinnamon proved a uniquely effective way to adsorb smells and replace them with good-smelling alternatives.
It is a natural-based dressing designed to restore control of the healing process by enabling patients and caregivers to reduce bad smells from malodorous wounds and improve quality of life.