The “Taipei International Sporting Goods Show” (TaiSPO) organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) will be held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 1 (TaiNEX 1) from March 3rd to March 6th, 2021.
The innovative month-long integrated online platform (TaiSPO Online) will be launched on March 3rd, 2021 as a comprehensive sporting goods sourcing platform.
The TaiSPO Online platform has four major features: “Virtual”, “Network”, “Experience”, and “Insight”. The virtual presentation will be alike to the presentation in the physical exhibition hall, allowing participants to feel like they are in a real exhibition area. International buyers will be able to “Leave a Message”, “Make an Appointment”, and “Matching”, allowing buyers to have direct online discussions with exhibitors, who can in turn connect and engage with potential buyers.
An online exhibition zone will be set up at the physical exhibition site, allowing visitors to visit the event virtually, giving an immersive user experience and enable interactaction between exhibitors and buyers.
For more information, click here to visit the official website.
The Novel Coronavirus nCoV or COVID-19 has been one of the most widespread diseases so far. With a death rate of 1.52 million people, many believe that this pandemic is the greatest challenge in history. But there is a bigger and far more dangerous disease that has been in our lives for longer.
Photo via Pexels Alex Green
What are NCDs?
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases and diabetes, are the leading causes of death in the world. They contribute to 71% of global deaths each year. This invisible pandemic causes more death and suffering than COVID-19, year after year.
NCDs kill approximately 41 million people every year. This is more than the population of Malaysia and Singapore put together! Unfortunately, many people remain unaware of this pandemic that has been wreaking havoc for quite a while now.
NCDs are diseases which are non-infectious, meaning that they cannot spread from one person to another. They tend to last for a long duration and occur as a result of a combination of:
Genetic – Certain diseases such as diabetes, asthma and cancer are genetic, meaning that they can be inherited from parents or ancestors. (We will investigate how certain interventions have shown positive effects in disease management in another feature article later – Ed.)
Physiological Factors – These are factors that are related to a person’s body and can be influenced by genes, lifestyle and other factors. For instance, obesity and high blood pressure are physiological factors.
Environmental Factors – These include factors such as access to clean water, air pollution, sanitation and poverty.
Behavioural Factors – These are factors that are related to an individual’s actions and lifestyle such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol and lack of physical activity. These can be reduced through changes in lifestyle.
Cardiovascular diseases (e.g. heart attacks and stroke)
Cancer (lung, breast, skin and the like)
Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma
Diabetes
An indiscriminating disease
Just like COVID-19, NCDs do not discriminate but the most vulnerable are those living in developing countries. Poverty is closely linked with NCDs and increases the risk of death and disability from NCDs.
Each year, WHO reports that 15 million people between the ages of 30 and 69 years die from an NCD, and over 85% of these “premature” deaths occur in developing countries. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a leading voice and repository for facts and information on U.S. health-care issues shared in a post published on 29 Jan 2019, “The U.S. Government and Global Non-Communicable Disease Efforts” that chronic diseases in developing countries are not given the importance and attention it deserves (Ed.)
According to WHO (2018), NCDs account for:-
26.6% of all deaths in Taiwan,
63% of all deaths in India,
68% of all deaths in the Philippines,
73% of all deaths in Indonesia,
74% of all deaths in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand,
More than 80% of all deaths in Fiji, and
89% of all deaths in China.
The rate of deaths caused by NCDS are extremely high in Western countries with NCDS accounting for: –
74% of all deaths in Brazil,
89% of all deaths in the United Kingdom, and
91% of all deaths in Australia and Italy.
It has been predicted that by 2030, the global average NCD deaths from the total number of deaths would be 75.26%. That’s a whopping two-thirds of total fatality.
Ann Keeling, Chair NCD Alliance and IDF CEO stated “90 million avoidable deaths from NCDs will occur worldwide within the next decade if nothing is done. We’re angry and we want action!”
The risk factors that increase the chances of NCDs include the person’s lifestyle and environment.
This includes age, gender, genetics, exposure to pollution, lack of physical activity, smoking tobacco and drinking too much alcohol.
The rise of NCDs poses devastating health consequences for individuals, families and communities, and threatens to overwhelm health systems. However, most NCDs are considered preventable because they are caused by modifiable risk factors. Having an healthy and active lifestyle such as regular physical activity and nutritious food reduces the likelihood of getting NCDs.
Countries and other stakeholders have to support a holistic approach to health, which promotes good health and healthy behaviours, prevention of NCDs and accounts for the early detection, diagnosis, management, and treatment of NCDs.
This article has been researched, compiled and written by the team at Asia Fitness Today; Sneha Ramesh – Intern, Monash University (Sunway campus), Syuhada Adam – Editorial consultant, Nikki Yeo & Jasmine Low – Director/Producer.
Asia Fitness Today has embarked on MISSION 2030 — to halve NCD rates in the Asia Pacific region by 2030. If we could ask if you could please share this article on social media or with someone you know and care about so we can perpetuate this ripples of awareness in the community. It begins with a whisper, a drop in the ocean and slowly, change can happen. It begins with us. Learn more: www.move8.org.
References:
World Health Organization. (2015, October 5). NCDs, poverty and development. https://www.who.int/global-coordination-mechanism/poverty-and-development/en/
Benham, B. (2018, April 5). Poverty Increases Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases in Lower Income Co. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. https://www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2018/poverty-increases-risk-of-non-communicable-diseases-in-lower-income-countries.html
World Health Organisation. (2019, June 12). Noncommunicable diseases. https://www.who.int/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases#tab=tab_1
World Health Organisation. (n.d.). World Health Organization – Eastern Mediterranean Region. http://www.emro.who.int/noncommunicable-diseases/causes/index.html
“Blinded By Sugar” tells the story of Neil Hansell, a man who woke one morning blind in both eyes due to neglect of his diabetes. In this confronting 20-minute keynote presentation, Dr Muecke discusses why type 2 diabetes is a growing worldwide epidemic and explores a number of strategies to curb the toxic impact of sugar on our health.
Source: James Muecke’s YouTube Channel
An in-depth interview
We’ve been researching the work by ophthalmologist Dr. James Muecke earlier this year, having come across an article about his Australian of the Year 2020 award presented by the PM Scott Morrison. Dr. Muecke made headlines recently following his speech at the National Press Club on 1st December 2020. In that memorable speech, he speaks about a possible sugar tax as a solution to reducing the alarming rate of millions Australians presenting type 2 diabetes or are pre-diabetic. Rachel Clun of the Sydney Morning Herald summarises it well here.
AFTNN will be conducting a special interview with Dr. Muecke in the coming months and we really look forward to bringing his message to more people in the Asia Pacific region – home to two-thirds of the world’s population, sharing his ideas and proposed solutions on curbing the disease.
We’re reporting live from Sydney this year. Watch this other angle on AFTNN’s twitch account from our friend’s balcony! Shirl is a 75-year old pioneer client and muse of the Move8 MoveAID movement. We joined her and her carer as they enjoyed the fireworks from home.
Sydney’s fireworks usually attracts over 1 million people around its foreshore. This year, with only 5 visitors are allowed per household, most of us will be watching it from our own homes after a #stayathome plea from the NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian.
Wishing you a Happy New Year from all of us at AFTNN!
It is said that good things comes in small packages. Cleverin is a unique anti-viral and bactericidal product that has been proven to remove 99% of airborne viruses and bacteria by harnessing the power of Chlorine Dioxide, or Clo2.
The product is the brainchild of Taiko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. based in Osaka, Japan. The company itself has been around for more than 70 years and has expertise in various business segments related to consumer pharmacology.
A recent report by Taiko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which elucidated the mechanism by which Chlorine Dioxide molecules block infection by the COVID-19 (SARS CoV 2) virus in the human body, was published in the English academic journal, Annals of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics, under the title “Inhibition of the Binding of Spike Protein of SARS CoV 2 Coronavirus to Human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 by Chloride Dioxide” (2020, Volume 5, Issue 5, Article 1195).
Cleverin is already available in 8 countries with expansion plans to the rest of Asia Pacific, Europe, including Russia, Mexico, Brazil and the US. A quick search on the internet finds that the product is also already available in Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore and the Philippines on top of its home market in Japan, of course.
Speaking at the virtual launch of the Malaysian market, Senior Vice President of Overseas Business of Taiko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsuhiro Yamashita, began his address by greeting the media in fluent Indonesian.
“We are pleased to introduce the Cleverin brand to the Malaysian market. We are confident that the brand will be met positively by Malaysians, as all households here will truly benefit from this all-in-one disinfector, steriliser, deodoriser and virus eliminator. Currently, we hold more than 130 relevant patents in the world and have seen annual sales in excess of USD 95 million. In fact, Cleverin is the best-selling product of its kind in Japan, where one Cleverin product is sold every five seconds1. These factors, in themselves, bear testament to Cleverin’s efficacy, which is backed by science and extensive research,” said Yamashita.
Cleverin is also proven to be as safe as it is effective. All its products are made with materials which have passed stringent safety procedures and tests in Japan and around the world. Cleverin products are also non-toxic to humans, and can safely be used around children, pets and elderly. The products’ safety and efficacy are also attested by its endorsement by various clinics, health professionals and governments, further lending credibility to Cleverin’s authenticity.
In Malaysia, Cleverin is available in two types – the stand-type Gel and the Stick Pen Type.
The stand-up Cleverin Gel is ideal for use in rooms and enclosed spaces with no power supply required for use. The Cleverin Gel is available in two sizes – 60 grams (RM58), which is able to disinfect a room of up to 13 square metres and lasts up to a month; and 150 grams (RM98) which is ideal for rooms of up to 20 square metres and lasts up to two months.
Meanwhile, the Cleverin Stick Pen Type is designed to be a more mobile and portable device, which can be used just about anywhere – even in the user’s own shirt pocket to remove viruses and bacteria in the surrounding air. The Cleverin Stick Pen is available in a single pack (RM49) which comes with two refills and each refill can last for about two weeks. Also available are refill packs (RM48) which contain six refills each.
Both the Cleverin Gel and Cleverin Stick Pen Type are easy to use anywhere – in the home, at the office, as well as in schools, hospitals, restaurants – just about everywhere.
The Cleverin range is now available online via Lazada and Shopee and will expand the distribution to retail outlets in Malaysia in 2021. Meanwhile, the rest of the world will just have to wait until Cleverin arrives on their shores.
WHO today launches a year-long global campaign for World No Tobacco Day 2021 – “Commit to Quit.” The new WHO Quit Challenge on WhatsApp and publication “More than 100 reasons to quit tobacco” are being released today to mark the start of the campaign.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of tobacco users saying they want to quit. The campaign will support at least 100 million people as they try to give up tobacco through communities of quitters.
“Commit to Quit” will help create healthier environments that are conducive to quitting tobacco by advocating for strong tobacco cessation policies; increasing access to cessation services; raising awareness of tobacco industry tactics, and empowering tobacco users to make successful quit attempts through “quit & win” initiatives.
WHO, together with partners, will create and build-up digital communities where people can find the social support they need to quit. The focus will be on high burden countries* where the majority of the world’s tobacco users live.
WHO welcomes new contributions from partners, including private sector companies that have offered support, including Allen Carr’s Easyway, Amazon Web Services, Cipla, Facebook and WhatsApp, Google, Johnson & Johnson, Praekelt, and Soul Machines.
Quitting tobacco is challenging, especially with the added social and economic stresses that have come as a result of the pandemic. Worldwide around 780 million people say they want to quit, but only 30% of them have access to the tools that can help them do so. Together with partners, WHO will provide people with the tools and resources they need to make a successful quit attempt.
“Smoking kills 8 million people a year, but if users need more motivation to kick the habit, the pandemic provides the right incentive,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
WHO released a scientific brief earlier this year showing that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe disease and death from COVID-19. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes. Moreover, people living with these conditions are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19.
Both global and regional cessation tools will be rolled out as part of the campaign. WHO’s 24/7 digital health worker to help people quit tobacco is available in English and will soon be released to support people in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish.
“Millions of people worldwide want to quit tobacco – we must seize this opportunity and invest in services to help them be successful, while we urge everyone to divest from the tobacco industry and their interests,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion.
To create environments conducive to quitting tobacco, WHO has worked with partners and countries around the globe to implement tobacco control measures that effectively reduce the demand for tobacco.
WHO calls on all governments to ensure their citizens have access to brief advice, toll-free quit lines, mobile and digital cessation services, nicotine replacement therapies and other tools that are proven to help people quit. Strong cessation services improve health, save lives and save money.
Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several cancers. It also helps prevent hypertension, maintain healthy body weight and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being.
Physical activity refers to all movement. Popular ways to be active include walking, cycling, wheeling, sports, active recreation and play, and can be done at any level of skill and for enjoyment by everybody.
Daily recommendation for children & adolescents – WHO 2020
Yet, current global estimates show one in four adults and 81% of adolescents do not do enough physical activity. Furthermore, as countries develop economically, levels of inactivity increase and can be as high as 70%, due to changing transport patterns, increased use of technology for work and recreation, cultural values and increasing sedentary behaviours.
Increased levels of physical inactivity have negative impacts on health systems, the environment, economic development, community well-being and quality of life.
