Latest news with #vulnerablePeople
Arab News
01-07-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Over 14 million people could die from US foreign aid cuts: study
PARIS: More than 14 million of the world's most vulnerable people, a third of them small children, could die because of the Trump administration's dismantling of US foreign aid, a study in the Lancet journal projected Tuesday. 'For many low- and middle-income countries, the resulting shock would be comparable in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict,' study co-author Davide Rasella, a researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, said in a statement.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Extreme heat wave expected to peak with record-breaking Monday
Monday is forecast to be the hottest day of an extreme, dangerous heat wave for the Ottawa-Gatineau area, with temperatures in the mid-30s and humidity making it feel like the mid-40s. Heat warnings remain Monday and Tuesday for all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec. The forecasted highs for some major local hubs are: 36 C in Ottawa and Gatineau, with humidity peaking at 44. 34 C in Maniwaki, with humidity peaking at 44. 34 C in Pembroke, with humidity peaking at 42. 33 C in Trenton, with humidity peaking at 44. 32 C in Kingston, with humidity peaking at 43. Many of those temperatures would set daily heat records. Ottawa topped out just under 30 C Sunday, with humidity making it feel like 37 at its hottest in late afternoon. It felt like 36 with the humidity there by 8 a.m. Monday. WATCH | Safety tips in extreme heat: Health agencies say people are likely going to have to change their routines to stay safe in this dangerous heat. Health Canada recommends staying cool and staying hydrated when extreme heat hits. That can mean everything from drinking lots of water and planning outdoor activities for cooler times, to preparing meals that don't require ovens and keeping nearby air-conditioned spaces in mind if needed. This is true for yourself and for vulnerable people you know. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion — like a headache, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat — and get to a cool place where you can drink water. Heat stroke, which includes confusion and very hot or red skin, is a medical emergency requiring a 911 call. More resources may be available through your municipality. Ottawa, for example, has a map of public and other places to cool off. New Ottawa fire ban Some changes are also being made in the name of safety, such as the Western Québec School Board cancelling classes Monday. Ottawa is now under an open air fire ban. Research shows heat waves are becoming increasingly extreme as the climate warms. Environment Canada has started analyzing weather data and climate model simulations to compare how heat waves have changed between today's climate and the cooler pre-industrial one.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Amber heat health alert issued across whole of England – as health bosses warn of ‘rise in deaths'
AN AMBER heat health alert has been issued for the whole of England, as officials warn that soaring June temperatures could mean a "likely rise in deaths". The alert will be in force from 12pm on Thursday until 9am on Monday, with temperatures forecast to hit 33C in parts of the country over the weekend. The alert - a step up from the yellow heat health alert issued earlier this week - warned that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services because of high temperatures. Temperatures are expected to reach 31C on Thursday and Friday, before peaking at 33C on Saturday, then potentially hitting the low 30s on Sunday, the Met Office said. Hot weather across England could result in a rise in deaths among vulnerable people, such as those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. "There may also be impacts on younger age groups," the health watchdog added. Health and social care services may also see increased demand, while the heat may make it harder for healthcare workers to deliver services, it added. The alert is the second highest, behind red, on the UKHSA's system. It's in place across England, covering the North East and North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, the South East and South West. The heat health alert doesn't mean that people should cower in their homes as temperatures rise. But you should take precautions to stay hydrated and stop yourself from overheating, especially if you're over the age of 65 or suffer from certain health conditions. The main risks posed by a very hot weather are dehydration - from not drinking enough water - and overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart of breathing. How to stay cool during hot weather An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. A number of charities issued warnings as temperatures have risen over the course of the week. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) encouraged people with heart conditions to take precautions to minimise potential health risks during a heatwave. Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, said: "You can be at greater risk from the heat if you have a heart condition, as high temperatures can put extra strain on your heart. "Elderly people and very young children have more difficulty regulating their temperature and so can be more at risk from extreme temperatures. "In hot weather, check on your friends and relatives regularly to make sure they are cool and comfortable. "The most important way you can protect your heart in the heat is to stay cool and keep hydrated." Meanwhile, Age UK urged people to check in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything and to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat. Caroline Abrahams, Age UK charity director, said: "The heat is expected to build during the week, becoming hottest at the weekend and as temperatures rise, those with long-term health conditions impacting their heart, lungs or kidneys can be at extra risk. "Generally, our bodies find it harder to adapt to more extreme temperatures as we age. "Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke can all worsen certain conditions, increasing strain on the body, and some medications make us more susceptible to hot weather. "At Age UK, we want older people to be able to enjoy the sunshine while taking care, so when the weather is really hot, it's a good idea to take some simple precautions such as staying out of direct sunlight and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. "It is also worth doing any daily activities, such as going for a walk, shopping, or gardening, before or after the hottest part of the day, which is 11-3pm." And Dementia UK issued advice and tips on how to support a loved one with dementia. These include: keeping hydrated; staying cool with appropriate clothing; keeping the person out of the heat; cooling the person down by avoiding hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine; and keeping the home environment cool. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said heat is the "dominant story" this week and temperatures will reach heatwave levels in parts of the UK. He said: "Saturday is expected to be the peak of this hot spell, with temperatures fairly widely reaching into the low 30 Celsius across parts of England, with high 20s likely as far north as northern and eastern Scotland. "It will also be very warm at night over the weekend, with the potential for a few places to experience a 'tropical night', when temperatures do not drop below 20C." Some thundery showers could be seen in northern and western areas on Friday and into the weekend, before fresher conditions arrive later in the weekend and into next week, resulting in temperatures falling and potentially more unsettled weather, the forecaster added. How to stay safe in hot weather While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Remember the following tips if you want to stay safe: Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm If you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes. If you do not take action to cool down, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Tiredness Weakness Feeling faint Headache Muscle cramps Feeling or being sick Heavy sweating Intense thirst Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high. Common symptoms of heatstroke include: Confusion Lack of co-ordination Fast heartbeat Fast breathing or shortness of breath Hot skin that is not sweating Seizures Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and then try to cool them down. Source:
BBC News
09-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bradford families feel pressure as care subsidy is scrapped
Thousands of vulnerable people in Bradford could see sharp rises in day care charges from next month, prompting fears many may be forced to cancel lifeline Council has approved plans to phase out a long-standing subsidy known as the "discretionary buffer", which determines how much support the authority gives before people must start paying for their own it could see some users' weekly care bills rise by up to £58 – over £3,000 a year, according to council authority has said everyone affected would get a full financial reassessment before being asked to pay more, but affected families have urged the council to reconsider the end of the subsidy. About 4,000 people - mainly older adults and those with learning disabilities who live, and are cared for, at home - are expected to be affected by the new rules. Bradford's 25% discretionary buffer, introduced over a decade ago, allowed individuals needing day care to retain more of their income before charges kicked in. The authority said its arrangements had been "generous", but its own financial pressures had forced a the buffer would bring the city in line with other West Yorkshire councils, and was expected to raise £5.6m annually towards the cash-strapped authority's £133m adult social care council said the buffer would not be removed all at once, but would be phased out over two years - with 50% to go in July this year and the rest in July 2026. However, affected families have said the delay offered little comfort, with a recent public consultation revealing that 17% of respondents feared they would have to cancel their day care services if the charges went through. Nearly 70% of respondents said they would need to cut other household spending or total care hours, while over half expressed concern about the toll on their mental and physical health. Jo Brearton, a full-time carer in Bradford, told the BBC that if the subsidy was lost, she would have to cancel the only day of external care her 26-year-old son, Danny, received each weekDanny, who is autistic and has complex needs, attends a day centre in Keighley every Friday. Ms Brearton said that single day provided variety in his weekly routine and gave her a rare moment of respite - and its loss could be devastating."That leaves me and Danny at home 24-7," she explained."That one day off from Danny I have, I don't think it's a lot to ask."When that Friday session is gone, that's his routine blown out of the water."He'll be thinking, in his own way, 'why aren't I going?' But he can't explain to me how he's feeling and what he's thinking." 'Sugarcoat the pill' Ms Brearton said the contribution for Danny's care could jump from £21 to £71 a week under the changes."They might say, 'we'll just do it by 50% this financial year', but that's still an extra £100 a month for me. Next year, it will be £200 a month," she said."Where am I expected to find an extra £2,000 a year?"Ms Brearton said the proposed phased introduction of the changes was the council "trying to sugarcoat the pill"."The council has mismanaged budgets for years. They are now saying, 'we've subsidised you, we're not doing it any longer'. Then they just pull the rug out from your feet," she stated. Ian MacBeath, the Labour-run authority's strategic director for adult social care and health, said the phased approach "gives people time to make adjustments to their living expenditure so they're more able to manage that financial increase".Speaking at a meeting of the decision-making executive, Mr MacBeath acknowledged the changes would have a "significant financial impact" on some he said: "The council's financial position means we've got to consider this in order to be fair to all residents."Mr MacBeath added that more social workers would assess any cases where people felt pressured to cancel services, to ensure "no one's safety is compromised".Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for healthy people and places, said the authority had to make a "difficult decision", but she was "reassured" there would be enough safeguards in place to reduce the burden on opposition politicians have expressed concerns over the loss of the Party councillor Neil Whitaker warned that some people "didn't fully understand the increases, or what would happen if they couldn't pay".He suggested that decision-makers "might not have a full picture of the financial challenges people are facing", and urged better overall communication of the changes and their as she braced for the change to get under way in July, Ms Brearton said: "They say they recognise the burden on families, but all they're doing is piling on even more stress." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
The Independent
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Church reveals Archbishop of Canterbury job advert
The Church of England is seeking a new Archbishop of Canterbury to replace Justin Welby, who resigned in November due to a Church abuse scandal. The job description specifies the candidate must have "utmost integrity", be able to address issues affecting vulnerable people, and possibly be a woman, which would be a first for the role. The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) is responsible for nominating the new Archbishop and aims to announce a nomination by autumn, following public consultations involving over 11,000 people. The chosen candidate should possess theological depth, be a good communicator, show compassion, and offer a Christian perspective on various dialogues, while also supporting the ministry of both women and men. The new Archbishop must navigate divisive issues such as same-sex marriage, embracing diverse views within the Church, and constructively engaging in ongoing discussions about blessing services for same-sex couples.
