Latest news with #HealthRisks
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
MOHAP strengthens cooperation with partners to implement a National Roadmap for Addressing Health Risks
Workshop to launch the 'National Policy for Combating Health Risks' and to establish the policy's executive framework. Coordination at all levels through building effective national partnerships and networks and international cooperation. His Excellency Al Olama: The policy's focus on good governance and institutional empowerment constitutes a fundamental pillar for establishing comprehensive national health security. UAE, Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention held a workshop titled "Launching the National Policy for Combating Health Risks in the UAE." The workshop was attended by broad participation from relevant stakeholders, including health authorities and other entities. The aim was to introduce its pillars following its approval by the UAE Cabinet. The workshop also discussed the framework of the executive plan emanating from the policy and enhanced coordination among all relevant partners to ensure integrated efforts related to combating health risks and to ensure the achievement of the policy's vision and objectives. This will contribute to adopting a multi-sectoral approach to health risk preparedness and response, meeting the aspirations of the UAE Centennial 2071 vision. Wide Participation The workshop was opened by His Excellency Dr. Salem Al Darmaki, Advisor to the Minister of Health and Prevention, with the participation of representatives from the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, the Presidential Court, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Health Services Corporation, the Emirates Drug Establishment, the Dubai Health Authority, the Sharjah Health Authority, Dubai Health, the United Arab Emirates University, and the Emirates Medical Association. Risk Response System The workshop focused on governance frameworks for combating health risks, including building and supporting social, financial, and administrative commitment; coordination at all levels through building effective national partnerships and networks and international cooperation; developing supportive policies and legislation; integrating health into all policies; and mechanisms for managing health risks at all stages, including: Prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery are achieved through monitoring the implementation of the National Framework for Health Risk Management, identifying, analyzing, assessing, and providing early warning of risks, as well as ensuring response and control of the health situation in cases of exposure to health risks and emergencies. Future Planning The workshop addressed strengthening sustainable basic health infrastructure and logistics, maintaining essential and vital health services during health emergencies, ensuring the availability of a sufficiently qualified health workforce, developing interventions for effective response to risk communication, addressing rumors, and providing and analyzing risk data and statistics for evidence-based decision-making. It also focused on strengthening research capacity, establishing systems, and managing innovation in the field of various health risks. It also identified the most important expected improvements in the health sector and beyond it, and developing a future planning process for health risk management. A Proactive Vision His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, emphasized that the National Policy for Combating Health Risks in the UAE represents a strengthening of the national response system to health emergencies. This embodies a proactive vision that aligns with the aspirations of wise leadership and the UAE government's ambitions to continuously develop a health sector capable of containing emerging challenges and responding quickly to health crises and emergencies. His Excellency added: "The Ministry operates within a coordinated framework with all government, private, and academic entities, both local and international, within a framework that enhances the integration of roles and establishes a legislative and executive environment capable of achieving sustainable results. Furthermore, the policy's focus on good governance, institutional empowerment, and improving infrastructure efficiency constitutes a fundamental pillar for establishing comprehensive national health security by consolidating the role of community participation as a strategic tool for early detection, disease prevention, and achieving comprehensive preparedness that ensures the continuity of vital services under various circumstances, thus achieving the Ministry's strategy 2023-2026. Dr. Lubna Al Shaali, Director of the Health Policy and Legislation Department at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, indicated that implementing the National Policy for Combating Health Risks will contribute to providing proactive guidance for developing the national capabilities needed to respond to various events and risks and combat their health impacts, in accordance with the latest global and national health practices and guidelines. This will also promote more resilient health systems capable of adapting to future crises through a national framework that consolidates integration among agencies and unifies efforts. She noted that this policy represents a strategic step toward building a robust health system, centered on health in all policies, and aligned with the Ministry's strategy to achieve comprehensive and sustainable health security. Dr. Fatima Al Attar, Director of the International Health Regulations Office at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, indicated that accurate periodic assessment of health risks by strengthening monitoring and early detection systems, classifying these risks, and identifying their sources will enhance preparedness, improve response indicators, reduce mortality and morbidity rates associated with health emergencies and disasters, and enhance the continuity of health coverage in the country.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pattison Lake in Thurston County comes under toxic algae advisory. Here are details
Thurston County late Friday reported a toxic algae bloom alert for Pattison Lake. According to Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, lab results taken from Pattison Lake earlier this month detected Microcystins toxin levels above the state recreation guideline. Microcystins are a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen and can also cause illness in livestock and pets that come into contact with affected water. According to Friday's release, 'Staff will continue to collect weekly samples until they receive two consecutive weeks of samples with microcystin levels below state recreational guidelines.' It added that 'Even if the lake is visibly clear of algae, toxins may still be present.' An algae danger alert for Lake Lawrence also was reported in the release, with no further details. When an algae bloom is present, officials recommend taking extra precautions to avoid health risks. Those include avoiding ingesting and coming into contact with lake water and keeping pets and livestock away from where algae blooms are present. Officials also recommend not to eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom and avoiding areas of scum when boating. For more information about toxic algae blooms and health risks, and to see all Thurston County Algae Alerts go to:
CTV News
06-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Ottawa air quality at ‘high risk' due to wildfire smoke
Smoke hangs over Ottawa's Major's Hill Park and Gatineau on Friday morning. Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement, warning smoke will cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. (Westin Camera) Smoke from wildfires will continue to hang over Ottawa today, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Ottawa, eastern Ontario and western Quebec, warning wildfire smoke is expected to linger into this afternoon. The forecast calls for 'local smoke' today, tonight and on Saturday. 'Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,' the weather agency said in a statement. 'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.' As of 7 a.m., Ottawa's air quality was rated '10-High Risk.' The Air Quality Health Index shows Ottawa's air quality will be '10-High Risk' through the day and '7-High Risk' tonight. According to smoke from wildfires continues to blanket all of Ontario, western New York State and most of Quebec. The smoke is will linger over Ottawa into Saturday. Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks says when the Air Quality Health Index is at 'High Risk,' people with heart or breathing problems should 'reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors.' Children and the elderly should also take it easy, according to officials. The general population is urged to 'consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.' Environment Canada says you should keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible due to the wildfire smoke. Health Canada says wildfire smoke is a mix of gases, particles and water vapour that contains ozone, methane, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, fire particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The fine particles represent the main health risk from wildfire smoke. Common symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include headaches, a mild cough, a production of mucus and nose, throat, eye and sinus irritation. Ottawa weather Environment Canada's forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud today. High 26 C with the humidex making it feel like 28. It will be mainly cloudy tonight. Low 14. Friday will have a mix of sun and cloud. High 25 C. Sunday will see a mix of sun and cloud. High 24 C. The outlook for Monday calls for cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers. High 21 C. A mix of sun and cloud with a 40 per cent chance of showers on Tuesday. High 22 C. The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 23 C and a low of 12 C.
Wall Street Journal
03-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
How Moderna Went From Pandemic Hero to Vaccine Victim
Moderna MRNA 1.84%increase; green up pointing triangle was once a darling of the first Trump administration, which went to great lengths to help the company develop its Covid-19 vaccine that protected millions of people from the virus. Now the biotech is caught in the crossfire of Trump 2.0 as vaccine-making comes under fire. In the latest setback for Moderna MRNA 1.84%increase; green up pointing triangle, the Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved its next-generation Covid shot for a narrower population of patients than the company intended. The approval grants use of the vaccine only in older adults and people aged 12 to 64 with health risks.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What is the UV index in the weather forecast? What to know about staying safe in the sun
The summer sun is returning to Phoenix in full force, and with it comes an invisible hazard that can be just as potent as the heat: ultraviolet radiation. As triple-digit temperatures dominate the Phoenix forecast, UV levels are also climbing. Unlike heat, UV radiation can't be seen or felt, but it can damage the skin in minutes and leave lasting health problems. 'We deal with all different types of radiation that comes from the sun,' said Erinanne Saffell, Arizona's state climatologist. 'Ultraviolet radiation helps bring that suntan to our skin, but we all know if we stay out in the sun for too long, it can turn into a sunburn.' Weather forecasts often include the UV index for the day, a scale ranging from low to extreme. The higher the number, the greater the risk. In 2024, UV levels were very high or extreme on 151 everything to know about UV radiation, why it hits harder in Arizona, how it affects human health and ways you can protect yourself: Ultraviolet radiation is a form of energy emitted by the sun. Although it is just outside the visible spectrum, meaning we can't see it, it has powerful effects on the environment and the human are three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. They vary depending on wavelength — the shorter the wavelength, the more harmful the radiation. UVC is the most damaging type of radiation, but it is completely blocked by Earth's ozone layer. 'But UVA and UVB can make it through,' Saffell said. 'The clouds don't block that radiation, so even when it looks cloudy outside, we still have that exposure.' UVB, the medium wavelength radiation, cannot penetrate beyond the skin's superficial layers. It causes delayed tanning and burning, skin aging and is responsible for most skin cancers. UVA is the longest wavelength, accounting for about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the ground. This type of radiation can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, leading to immediate tanning and burning and contributing to aging and skin cancer risk. The UV index is categorized by exposure categories ranging from low to extreme. The scale is from 1 to 11+. Low exposure is 1 to 2, moderate is 3 to 5, high is 6 to 7, very high is 8 to 10 and extreme is 11+. Different levels of UV exposure come with various risks. There is less danger during low and moderate exposure, but unprotected skin can burn in minutes with extreme exposure. UV radiation levels change throughout the year depending on the season, the time of day and geographic location. In Phoenix, late spring and early summer bring the highest UV readings as the sun reaches its highest angle in the sky in the northern hemisphere. Other factors like altitude affect UV intensity. The higher you are, the less atmosphere there is to absorb radiation. UV levels increase by roughly 10% with every 1,000 meters or 3,280 feet of elevation. Various surfaces can increase UV reflection and resulting exposure, like water, sand and concrete. In Phoenix, UV radiation is especially intense due to its southern latitude and high sun angle during the summer. On the summer solstice, the sun reaches its peak and climbs to nearly 88 degrees overhead at noon, meaning its rays hit the ground more directly than in cities farther north. 'If you go up to New York City, they're at a different latitude than we are in Phoenix,' Saffell said. 'The sun angles don't get as high in New York City as they do down here. The closer you are to the equator, the higher your sun angle is going to be, so you get more radiation.' Phoenix's dry air and frequent clear skies only intensify exposure, especially compared to places with thick cloud cover and higher humidity. The atmosphere above Phoenix does little to filter out UV rays. Number of days in each UV exposure category in Phoenix in 2024Extreme - 16 daysVery high - 135 daysHigh - 45 daysModerate - 124Low - 45 Arizonans are familiar with the effects of sun exposure, with sunburns, freckles and tan lines. But doctors say the health risks go far deeper.'There are two main categories of skin damage that come with the sun,' said Dr. Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski, co-director of the Skin Cancer Institute at the University of Arizona. 'One is skin cancer, and the second is photoaging.' Over time, UV exposure breaks down elastic fibers and collagen in the skin, leading to early wrinkling and pigmentation changes. Curiel-Lewandrowski said doctors can even see how the sun affects the skin under a microscope, comparing skin from the face or forearms with protected areas like the lower back with protected areas like the lower back reveals dramatic contrasts. But the biggest risk is skin cancer. UV radiation is a known carcinogen, and skin cancers, including both melanoma and more common non-melanoma types, are sharply increasing. But mortality from skin cancer is decreasing, according to Curiel-Lewandrowski.'When you think about UV exposure and skin cancer, it's no different than thinking about smoking and lung cancer,' Curiel-Lewandrowski said. 'The more sun you put into your skin early in life, the more skin cancers you're going to have later.' Arizona's high UV index puts people at an elevated risk, especially during its long summers and the outdoorsy lifestyles. The most common skin cancers arise from long-term exposure accumulated over years. 'Sun protection is key,' she added. 'Enjoy your time out there early in the morning or later in the day. Cover up, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen.' Here are some ways to reduce your risk: Avoid midday sun - UV is strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear protective clothing - long sleeves, brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses can help Use sunscreen - broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied about every two hours Seek shade - especially during prime UV hours or when outside for long periods Living in the desert means living with the sun, as well as understanding how to stay safe. You'll feel the sun's heat before a sunburn, but UV damage can happen just as quickly. Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and Email her with story tips at This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How watching the UV index can help you avoid the risks of sun exposure
