Dr Harold Mandel Reporter

The World Health Organization reports viral hepatitis is the second leading cause of death worldwide with 1.3 million deaths a year.  Daily there are 3500 people dying from hepatitis B & C infections. About 75% of these cases are in China, Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam & the Russian Federation. More aggressive strategies are needed to end this epidemic. >>>WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) have together launched new guidance, entitled “Mental health, human rights and legislation: guidance and practice." The WHO has reported human rights abuses and coercive practices in mental health care, which are supported by present legislation and policies, remain too common. It has been commented that "Involuntary hospitalization and treatment, unsanitary living conditions and physical, psychological, and emotional abuse characterize many mental health services across the world." Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is the WHO Director-General, has said “This new guidance will support countries to make the changes needed to provide quality mental health care that assists a person’s recovery and respects their dignity." >>>WHO

It has been reported in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health that researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden have observed a causal effect of shifting from precarious employment to standard employment on all-cause mortality. They have found changing from low to higher-quality employment conditions lowers the risk of death. High quality employment includes stable employment with sufficient income. Being held in precarious employment increases the risk of premature mortality. >>>Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health

It has been reported in the journal Nature Mental Health that researchers have found a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of depression among people with varied genetic risk factors. It has been recognized that lifestyle factors are modifiable targets which can be used effectively to counter the increasing prevalence of depression. An international team of researchers including from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University investigated combining an extensive range of lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, sleep, smoking, sedentary behavior and social connection, which contribute to depression. They have concluded a healthy lifestyle can aid in the prevention of depression.>>>Nature Mental Health

The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has opened an investigation dealing with dangerous reactions in people who have been given counterfeit or mishandled botox. The CDC has received reports of 19 people in 9 states who experienced harmful reactions after being given counterfeit botulinum toxin injections (botox) or injections which were given by unlicensed or untrained people and/or in settings which are not meant for healthcare, as of April 15, 2024. You should only get injections of FDA-approved botulinum toxin from professionals who are licensed and trained in proper healthcare settings. Botulism can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure, or death without the proper treatment.>>>CDC

The American Academy of Neurology has reported research has shown owning a pet may  be protective against cognitive decline. Because stress can have a negative affect on cognitive function, the potential stress lessening effects of owning a pet may explain this finding. >>>American Academy of Neurology

The Journal Neurology  reports research shows older adults who practice physical activity have cardiovascular benefits via the maintenance of a lower BMI and insulin which results in greater structural brain integrity. This study has important implications for understanding how physical activity has affects on brain health and may help develop strategies to prevent or delay age-related decline. >>>Journal Neurology 

PLOS ONE has reported on research showing there is strong evidence that poor diets which are high in  processed foods, saturated fats and refined sugars are associated with high rates of depression in  young adults. The reverse has also been observed with healthy diets rich in fruit, vegetables, fish and lean meat associated with decreased risk of depression. >>>PLOS ONE

President Putin has issued a warning that he is prepared to use nuclear weapons if Western forces enter the war in Ukraine. While speaking to Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA 

Putin said he does not see nuclear war as imminent but that he was ready to launch the missiles if necessary. Putin has also said he will send soldiers to the border with Finland because the country has joined NATO. He commented that there were not any systems of destruction there, but now there will be. >>>The Independent

Irene Khan, who is the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, says journalists worldwide are being confronted with more risks than ever. She says there have been online death threats and even rape threats against journalists. Between 2016-2021 there have been 455 journalists killed while doing their jobs. Targeted electronic surveillance is also being used to intimidate and shut down the work of investigative journalists.>>>United Nations Human Rights 

Russian President Putin has said the USA was not able to manage being the only superpower in the world. He claims when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 the elite in the USA had an opportunity to take advantage of their "monopoly on world leadership.”  However, he says that the USA failed with the burden of responsibility this left the nation with. Putin predicts major changes worldwide in the new multipolar world Russia is deveoping with Brics. >>>RT News

In one of the worst terrorist attacks in Russia in modern history at least 40 people were killed and many people were injured. A group of heavily armed gunmen stormed a large music venue near Moscow. The terrorists struck at Crocus City Hall, a concert venue located in Krasnogorsk, which is a settlement on the western outskirts of Moscow. Russia’s Investigative Committee has said this was an act of terrorism. >>>RT News

In response to  crticisms of the poltical process in Russia newly re-elected President Putin has commented the United States has become the laughing stock of the world by suppressing a presidential candidate in its own country. He has gone on to say the USA is a catastrophe and not a democracy which is becoming more and more uncivilized. >>>RT News

Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolay Patrushev has warned that the US-led bloc has been rehearsing for a direct conflict with Moscow. He says NATO’s ‘Steadfast Defender 2024’ war games have been increasing tensions internationally by simulating a military confrontation between NATO and Moscow. It is his opinion these drills are increasing tensions and destabilizing the situation internationally. These war games began in late January and will continue until May. Supreme Allied Commander for Europe Christopher Cavoli says the drills include about 90,000 troops from the 32 member states. It appears about 1,100 combat vehicles and more than 50 naval vessels and 80 helicopters, drones and fighter jets have been taking part in these drills. >>>RT News 

China says its continued modernization is the modernization of its large population with a goal of common prosperity for all with material and cultural-ethical advancement which includes harmony between humanity and nature along with peaceful development. Liudmila Veselova, an associate professor at the School of Economics and Management of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Higher School of Economics, says "The Chinese path to modernization aims to achieve common prosperity for all." >>>Xhinua News

U.S., French and British forces have recently shot down dozens of drones in the Red Sea area  after Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted the bulk carrier Propel Fortune and U.S. destroyers. The Houthis have continued to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden ever November in what they say has been a campaign of solidarity with the Palestinians during Israels war in Gaza. >>>Reuters