The University of Canberra’s National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) has revealed the staggering future economic cost of Alzheimer’s disease, and its impact on Australia’s workforce, patients, families and communities.1
The report, The Economic and Societal Cost of Alzheimer’s Disease in Australia, 2021-2041,commissioned by Biogen Australia and New Zealand, builds on NATSEM and Dementia Australia’s Economic Cost of Dementia in Australia 2016-2056 Report released in 2017 and projects a 20-year $442 billion impact of Alzheimer’s disease to the Australian economy.1
Lead author Emeritus Professor Laurie Brown from NATSEM said the number of people aged 50 and over with diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase by 73% from 153,888 in 2021 to 266,114 by 2041. This increase will lead to an annual cost of $26.6 billion, including direct costs (aged care, hospital and out of hospital services) of $9.8 billion and indirect costs (informal care, lost productivity, and income support) of $16.8 billion by 2041.1
“The modelling paints a significant challenge to government, health and aged care systems into the future,” said Professor Brown. “The numbers also provide insight into the ripple effect on families and the community as they struggle to care for people living with the disease.”
Under current care, the number of people in Residential Aged Care Facilities with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase by more than 72 per cent over the next 20 years, with the numbers increasing from 42,478 persons in 2021 to 73,172 in 2041.1
“This is a huge challenge for an aged care system already under pressure. It will see financial impacts of formal residential and community aged care rising by almost $3.6 billion annually and requiring a paid workforce of 18,652 in 2041 to support those living with Alzheimer’s disease in the community alone, up from 10,752 in 2021,” said Professor Brown.
Associate Professor Michael Woodward AM, geriatrician and Head of Aged Care Research, Austin Health said importantly the report also provides an opportunity to quantify the societal costs outside the health system.
“The impact I see on carers and the community each day is often the most challenging to quantify. However, with an expected additional 80,000+ people with Alzheimer’s disease in the community by 2041 compared with today we can’t afford not to consider this impact in any future approach,” Associate Professor Woodward said.
The report also investigated the potential impact of a disease modifying therapy on the numbers.1 Disease-modifying therapies target the pathogenic pathway of Alzheimer’s disease to delay the onset or progression of dementia.2 The modelling indicates there is an opportunity to reduce the burden on aged care over the 20 years by $7.9 billion, the cost of residential care by $7.0 billion and formal care in the community by $880 million. With fewer people having moderate or severe AD dementia, the cost of informal care is also reduced by $4.3 billion – giving a total savings of $12.2 billion.1
“While the modelling suggests that the introduction of a disease modifying therapy has the potential to lessen the future impact of Alzheimer’s disease, it is only part of the solution,” said Associate Professor Woodward.
“The findings in this report attest to the importance of developing and implementing a system and society-wide approach, in alignment with the anticipated national dementia strategy to ensure we can provide the best possible clinical outcomes and quality of life in the future. We do not have time to delay,” Associate Professor Woodward continued.
This data reinforces the findings from the recent White Paper on the Future of Alzheimer’s disease in Australia that revealed the need for urgent collaboration and action in the healthcare system to manage the growing impact of the disease.
Article and image provided by SenateSHJ on behalf of the University of Canberraand Biogen Australia and New Zealand.
1. Brown LJ., Li J. and La HA (2022). The Economic and Societal Cost of Alzheimer’s Disease in Australia, 2021-2041. NATSEM, University of Canberra, Canberra.
2. Cummings, J & Fox, N (2017). Defining Disease Modifying Therapy For Alzheimer’s Disease. J Prev AlzDis. 4(2):109-115.
Former Australian cricketer Shelley Nitschke and two-time Olympic water polo representative Bec Rippon are among 32 women from 20 sports selected for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Talent Program, which is designed to address the under-representation of women in coaching and executive roles in high performance sport.
In a press release issued on 17 March 2022, Australia’s Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck announced the 16 coaches and 16 executives who have been selected for the intensive Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) professional development programs funded by the Australian Government’s Office for Women and Sport Australia.
We are so proud to announce the 2022 participants for the #AISTalent Program!
32 incredible women representing 20 sports will take part in the #WLIS program for women coaches and executives in high performance sport.
— Australian Institute of Sport (@theAIS) March 17, 2022
The AIS Talent program has been designed to be a catalyst for identified women leaders to further progress their career potential in sport, this year with an emphasis on coaching and executive positions.
“We want the participants in this program to grow their leadership presence as individuals, but also to be influential in shifting mind-sets and behaviours in sport and broader community,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Australian Government has been strong and consistent in our approach to increasing opportunities for women and girls at all levels of sport, from participation in community sport through to the leaders running our organisations.
“We’ve made no secret of our aspiration to have a greater proportion of women in leadership roles in Australian sport and it’s encouraging to see the wide range of sports and organisations engaging with this AIS Talent program.
“The next decade in particular, leading up to the 2032 Brisbane Games, will be one of the most exciting chapters in Australian sporting history. It’s crucial that we have the right talent, diversity and balance within the leadership ranks of our sporting system, whether it be in the boardroom or in the sporting arena.”
This is the second time the AIS Talent Program has had a high performance coach focus, with alumni including two-time Olympic gold medallist Katrina Powell, the first woman coach of the Hockeyroos in 43 years. Like Katrina, former Australian allrounder Shelley Nitschke has also successfully transitioned from athlete to coach and is currently at the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as the Assistant Coach of the Australian Cricket Team.
“I’m honoured to have been accepted into the AIS Talent Program alongside some amazing women from across the sporting sector and I’m looking forward to connecting with them and getting stuck into the program,” Nitschke said.
“The program presents a wonderful opportunity for me to further myself both personally and professionally and I’m hoping it will help taking my coaching to a new level.”
Running in conjunction to the AIS Women High Performance Coach Talent Program will be a program focused on supporting and elevating women in executive positions in sport.
Debbie Savage, the National High Performance Manager at Skate Australia, said: ” I’m thrilled to be selected for the AIS Executive Talent Program. It’s an exciting opportunity to be afforded time to develop my own professional capabilities as an executive leader in Skateboarding, whilst strengthening my network with other amazing women in the high performance sport system who are sharing a similar journey.”
AIS Director Matti Clements said: “The calibre of participants selected for this year’s AIS Talent Program is proof of the incredible skill and experience that already exists in Australian high performance sport.
“But there is no hiding from the fact that women are still under-represented in both coaching and executive ranks. I would like to thank the Australian Government and Office for Women for giving the AIS resources to help change this and look forward to seeing the AIS Talent participants help drive greater diversity in Australian sport.”
For more information about the AIS Talent Program, visit the AIS website here.
2022 AIS Female Sport Executive Talent Program:
Megan Carr, Female Engagement Manager VIC, Golf Australia
Christine Harman, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Cricket Australia
Rana Hussain, Inclusion and Diversity Manager, Cricket Australia
Dee Jennings, Performance and Planning Manager, Hockey Australia
Cassie Lindsey, Inclusion and Diversity Manager, Geelong Football Club
Jane Louise Woodlands-Thompson, Director/ Consultant, Activebods
Sarah Luttrell, Senior Legal Counsel, Tennis Australia
Jane McGough, General Manager – Consumer, Community and Marketing, Gold Coast SUNS Football Club
Tracey Menzies-Stegbauer, Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Manager, Gymnastics Australia
Carolyn Morrison, Performance Services Program Manager, Western Australian Institute of Sport
Jenni Thom, HR and Finance Manager, Shooting Australia
Jodie Newton, Acting Chief Executive Officer, South Australian Cricket Association
Melanie Purkiss, Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Manager, Athletics Australia
Rachel Ratini, General Manager – Sport Operations, Equestrian Australia
Debbie Savage, National High Performance Manager, Skate Australia
Rebekah Webster, General Manager- Vixens, Performance & Pathways, Netball Victoria & the Melbourne Vixens
2022 AIS Female High Performance Coach Talent Program:
Ash Ankudinoff, Coach, SASI
Alison Bombardier, Manager and Assistant Coach Para Alpine Ski Team, Snow Australia
Belinda Cox Gymnastics, Manager – Pathways and Performance, NSW Trampoline
Taís de Morais Rochel, Fencing Coach/ Personal Trainer, Australian Fencing Federation
Rebecca Dicello, Head Endurance Cycling Coach, NSWIS
Lucy Glanville, 2022 Youth/Junior World Championships Head Coach, Australian Biathlon Association
Belinda Goss, Cycling Coach, TIS
Harriet May Jones, Head Diving Coach, VIS
Shelley Nitschke, Assistant Coach – Australian Women’s Team, Cricket Australia
Kerry O’Sullivan, AFLW Development Coach, West Coast Eagles Football Club
Catherine Paice, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Football Queensland/QAS
Rebecca Rippon, Women’s Water Polo Head Coach, NSWIS
Jaime Swavley, Sailing Coach, Australian Sailing
Michelle Tickner, Head Coach and Founder, Team 360 Performance
Christine Voge, Assistant Coach, Sunshine Coast Lightning Netball Club
Taryn Woods, Associate, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, Water Polo Australia
2022 TaiSPO DigitalGo has already attracted nearly 400 buyers from 40 countries to make meeting appointments
7 March 2022, Taipei AFTNN PRNews/GIG – Taipei International Sporting Goods Show (TaiSPO), organised by TAITRA, will be held in Hall 1 of Nangang Exhibition Center from March 10 to 12. It will be TaiSPO’s first physical exhibition since the pandemic outbreak. Due to border control, in order to assist overseas buyers in visiting TaiSPO, the upgraded version of the online exhibition “TaiSPO DigitalGo” has been fully launched. A variety of user experiences have been optimised with new functions such as Networking VR Lounge, which exhibitors, buyers and media could communicate by text messages and exchanging name cards. TAITRA said that through the 24/7, one-month online show, TaiSPO DigitalGo helps exhibitors to grasp business opportunities and strengthens the efficiency of buyers from visiting.
In order to provide exhibitors and buyers with a more personalised, customised and community-based experience, this year’s TaiSPO DigitalGo has also launched a new function, AI Matching Recommendation. The system will recommend suitable online exhibitors every day to improve the efficiency and precision of matchmaking. At the same time, buyers can also use the Exhibitor Guided Tour to book meetings with exhibitors and have a tour of their online booths.
TAITRA said that the epidemic had accelerated digitisation and the unsolved international epidemic. Many exhibitors are still highly interested in online exhibitions, such as Dyaco, Johnson and DK City. In addition, in order to strengthen the outcome of matchmaking, the TTSMatch matchmaking platform was launched in conjunction with TaiSPO DigitalGo. Up to now, nearly 400 buyers from 40 countries have registered to participate in the online procurement meeting, which will be able to create a better outcome of matchmaking than last year.
TAITRA emphasised that the physical TaiSPO will be held simultaneously in March 2022.
Businesses are welcome to pre-register to enter the venue; the exhibition is also open to the general public.
Restoring the gift of hearing with advanced technology using robot-assisted surgery
Every year, World Hearing Day falls on 3 March. Imagine a world that is silent – no birds chirping, no music and no words to be heard. That’s how seven year-old Suri (not her real name) has experienced the world for the past three years. However, in January this year, her silent world took a delightful turn for the better when Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City granted Suri the gift of hearing with a Cochlear implant using a 3D Exoscope. This robot-assisted technology with 3D cameras is commonly used in neurosurgery and Dr Shailendra Sivalingam, Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon decided to harness the machine’s advantages in providing better visibility and ergonomics during Cochlear implant surgery.
“Cochlear implant surgery is traditionally done with a 2D operating microscope and now, it can be performed using a 3D Exoscope, making us the first private hospital in Malaysia to do so. The surgery on Suri went smoothly without any difficulty and using the Exoscope, precise, complicated surgical manoeuvres were performed flawlessly,”
Dr. Shailendra Sivalingam, Consultant ENT Surgeon
The Wonders of Sounds for a Child
Suri was four years old when her mother, Samantha, noticed she did not respond when being called. She was diagnosed with severe hearing loss in both ears and was fitted with hearing aids. Her speech was also found to be two years behind her age, which required her to undergo speech therapy. A specific cause of her hearing loss could not be identified, and she did not have any family history of hearing loss.
“She would go about her day lip reading and reading facial gestures – until the pandemic hit. It was really challenging when classes started being conducted online. She could hardly hear a word her teacher was saying over the computer, and face masks meant she couldn’t lip read,” Samantha said.
As the years passed, Suri’s hearing continued to deteriorate until a point that her hearing aids were no longer helping her.
“We were introduced to Dr Shailendra at Sunway Medical Centre, who told us about a Cochlear implant. I feared Suri would not be able to function normally in society if her condition continued to decline. So, I decided that she should have this implant. I trust her speech will improve with better hearing,” Samantha expressed.
Cochlear implants are different from hearing aids in that hearing aids only amplify audible sound, while a Cochlear implant delivers signals directly to the hearing organ (cochlea).
The implant has an internal and external component. The external component picks up sound with a microphone and transmits it to the internal part. The internal part is placed under the skin behind the ear where a fine electrode enters the cochlea. The electrode stimulates the auditory nerve which sends signals to the brain, producing hearing.
The Moment of Truth
It would be another two weeks after surgery before the Cochlear implant was activated. Those two weeks were pretty rough on Suri who couldn’t hear at all, making communication hard between her and her family. Samantha said her daughter was silent the first five days and slowly came out of her shell when she started communicating through text.
Dr Shailendra explains that a Cochlear patient’s initial hearing will not sound like normal hearing when the implant is switched on as the device needs to be tuned and adjusted to fit the individual. The implant mapping process may take up to 6 months after surgery, and this varies between patients depending on their individual responses.
“Suri was quite nervous on the day and when it was switched on, she was a little overwhelmed with the new sounds that she was hesitant to wear the external component. She tried it again after some persuasion on the lowest volume to let her gradually warm up to the new sounds she is experiencing.
“Until the day of surgery, I was still second-guessing my decision. Did I make the right choice to put Suri through such a major surgery? But looking at her now (about a month after surgery), she has made good progress since the implant was switched on. She is discovering new sounds every day and has become more cheerful and alert of her surroundings,” Samantha said.
Hearing again means a brighter future awaits
“I’m happy for Suri and her family because I understand the difficulties they have gone through. This is a big step towards regaining her hearing and it is extremely rewarding to be able to restore a person’s hearing as it is one of our cardinal senses. It satisfies me the most to see a Cochlear implant patient being able to live a normal life among their peers,” Dr Shailendra expressed.
“With Suri, her hearing loss has affected her speech which has impacted her education and learning. Now, we are hopeful that she will be able to communicate better when she goes back to school. Our journey has a long way to go, but this does mean a brighter future for Suri,” Samantha said.
The use of robot-assisted technology is the way forward and becoming a norm in many surgical fields. The 3D Exoscope is among many advanced robotic surgical camera systems to help improve surgical precision and patient safety. For Cochlear implant, this has certainly proven to be a sound decision.
Article and image provided by Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Malaysia.
16 December 2021, London (AFTNN/PRNewsGIG) – The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Executive Board has appointed Matt Levy of Australia and Ashley Kelly of the British Virgin Islands as new members of the Athletes Advisory Commission (AAC).
Matt Levy is a highly decorated Australian para swimmer who topped the podium in the men’s 50m freestyle S7 event at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. He has competed at five editions of the Paralympic Games, from Athens 2004 to Tokyo 2020, where he has won three gold, one silver, and six bronze medals.
Levy has become the new para-sport representative on the CGF AAC, replacing South Africa’s Natalie Du Toit.
Du Toit, a seven-time Commonwealth Games champion and 13-time Paralympic gold medallist, steps down following the conclusion of her term on the Commission at the 2021 CGF General Assembly.
Ashley Kelly is a sprinter who competed at both Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018. She also ran at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where she was flag bearer for the British Virgin Islands during the Opening Ceremony.
Kelly has become the Caribbean representative on the CGF AAC after Brendan Williams of Dominica vacated the position to become Chair of the Commission in March 2021. Williams, the first Caribbean athlete in history to lead the athletes commission of a major International Sports Federation, replaced hockey player Rhona Toft of Scotland as AAC Chair.
The new appointments bring the CGF AAC to a full quota of eight members, with the Chair, six regional representatives (one from each region), and the para-sport representative.
CGF AAC Chair and Executive Board member Brendan Williams said: “I am delighted to welcome Matt and Ashley to the CGF Athletes Advisory Commission.
This is a hugely exciting time for Commonwealth Sport and with Birmingham 2022 fast approaching, a significant part of our role is to ensure the athlete voice and views play a central role in everything the CGF does.
Matt and Ashley will bring real insight and expertise across many areas and on behalf of the Commission, I congratulate them on their successful applications.”
Matt Levy said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the CGF Athletes Advisory Commission as the new para-sport representative.
The fact that the Commonwealth Games has an integrated para sport programme always makes the event particularly special for athletes and fans and is something to be celebrated.
I look forward to working with Brendan and all of my new colleagues on the Commission to ensure that the athlete voice is at the heart of everything we do.”
Ashley Kelly said: “It is a privilege to be joining the Commission as the new athlete representative from the Caribbean.
The Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and for the athletes of the Caribbean, it is the pinnacle of elite competition.
I am delighted to be working with a fellow athlete from the Caribbean, Brendan Williams, as well as all my Commission colleagues from across the Commonwealth. I look forward to helping create the very best athlete experience and interaction with Commonwealth Sport.”
About the CGF Athletes Advisory Commission
The members of the Athletes Advisory Commission are:
Chair: Brendan Williams: Dominica, Athletics (High Jump), 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games
Europe: Colin Gregor: Scotland, Rugby Sevens, 2006 and 2014 Commonwealth Games
Asia: Lim Heem Wei: Singapore, Gymnastics, 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, winning silver in 2010
Africa: Lechezdani Luza: Botswana, Boxing (51kg), 2002 and 2006 and Commonwealth Games, winning silver in 2002
Americas: Dr Nicole Forrester: Canada, Athletics (High Jump), 2002 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, winning gold in 2010 and bronze in 2002
Oceania: Alison Shanks: New Zealand, Track Cycling, 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, winning gold in 3000m Individual Pursuit in 2010
Caribbean: Ashley Kelly: Virgin Islands, Athletics (Sprinter), 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games
About the CGF
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games, and for delivering on the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement: through sport, we build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit www.thecgf.com.
Cover image: Hannah Brown, Atrium, Hellingly Centre, Courtesy Hospital Rooms
The Healing Arts 2021 campaign was launched on 22-26 March 2021 by CULTURUNNERS as part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) series of solidarity events to address mental health crisis caused by Covid-19. Gillian Anderson, Antony Gormley, William Kentridge, Agnes Denes and Martin Creed were among artists to support programme.
The Future is Unwritten – Healing Arts Symposium Live streamed event: 10:30am – 5:00pm (Eastern Standard Time), November 14, 2021, The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Symposium presented in partnership with the World Health Organization and The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a “cultural call to action” to invest in the arts to improve physical, mental, and social health.
On November 14, 2021, leading policy advocates, artists, and researchers from cultural organisations, healthcare centers, government, and the United Nations will convene at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in a call to action to acknowledge and act on the evidence base for the health benefits of the arts.
The day-long Healing Arts Symposium, presented in partnership with the World Health Organization, and produced by CULTURUNNERS in partnership with the Creative Arts Therapies Consortium at NYU Steinhardt, the NeuroArts Blueprint, an initiative of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and the Health, Medicine, and Society Program at The Aspen Institute, and the Open Mind Project positions the arts as necessary to physical, mental, and social health across the lifespan. The event will be live streamed.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, commented about the symposium, “We are particularly pleased that Museums like The Met are rethinking their missions to see themselves not simply as repositories of valuable objects, but as centres of creative engagement with their communities in the pursuit of promoting the wellbeing, and health, of the public.”
The event will be centered around three themed panels exploring the intersection of research, cultural practice, and global policy in the arts and health. Opening remarks by Max Hollein, Marina Kellen French Director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Direct-General,will frame the panels which are being hosted by Heidi Holder, The Met’s newly appointed Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chair of Education; Nisha Sajnani, Founding Director of Arts & Health @ NYU; and Susan Magsamen, Executive Director of the International Arts + Mind Lab. Participating artists include soprano and arts and health advocate Renée Fleming; American singer, actress, and founding member of Black Theatre United, Vanessa Williams;andSyrian-American artist and architect Mohamad Hafez. Also participating are Aduke Gomez, Chairperson for Art4Health in the Ministry for Health in Lagos, Nigeria; Patrick J. Kennedy, former congressman and mental health advocate; Sunil Iyengar, Director of the Office of Research & Analysis at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA); and Emmeline Edwards, Director of the Division of Extramural Research of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
Christopher Bailey, Arts & Health Lead, World Health Organization, comments, “With a growing body of evidence that embedding the arts into systems and places of healing can improve health outcomes, lower costs and support recovery from illness and injury, now is the time for a ‘healing arts revolution’ that improves the wellbeing of millions of people worldwide.”
The program will shine a special light on arts and health interventions on the ground, and highlight projects on the “frontline” of the pandemic where the crisis has exacerbated pre-existing threats to the environment, equity and access, economy, public health, political stability, and human rights.
https://flic.kr/p/2mJkwtZ
Agnes Denes Flag. Agnes Denes, The Future is Fragile, Handle With Care (Pyramid), Flag, 2021.
The Healing Arts Symposium marks the culmination of Healing Arts New York, the last of a series of 2021 city activations, produced by CULTURUNNERS, to convene global arts and health researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. As the world emerges from the greatest health crisis in a generation, Healing Arts aims to affirm what artists have always known and research is now proving—that the arts can heal.
This program is made possible, in part, by donors to The Met’s Education Department in honor of the Museum’s 150th anniversary.
These events will be produced in accordance with institutional and City COVID-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of presenters.
For the full Healing Arts New York program, visit our website.
Cheerleading takes a virtual spin this year at the 2021 ICU World Championships and Junior World Championships
On 20 July 2021, the International Olympic Committee has given full recognition status to the International Cheer Union (ICU), marking an important milestone for the 100 year old sport. In a press announcement issued by President of the International Cheer Union, Jeffrey G. Webb, he affirmed that this recognition is a culmination of decades of work to establish Cheer as a respected, highly athletic sport that appeals to millions of young athletes throughout the world.
“I can truly say that this achievement would not have been possible without the amazing efforts of our National Federation members. Your enthusiastic efforts to build our sport in your respective countries and your unwavering support of the ICU, even in challenging times, have helped us carry the day”.
Recognition by the IOC will help Cheer grow as a sport at the grass roots level in a healthy and constructive way.
Watch the videos on the best moves and choreographies from Cheerleading teams all over the world in the virtual edition of the 2021 World Championships which took place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th.
Although various forms of Cheerleading (“Cheer”) have certainly been in existence for thousands of years (e.g. leading crowds in Cheers & Chants, and entertaining during sport events), the Sport of Cheer’s beginning is traditionally defined from an era when USAuniversity students and faculty, at their respective university sporting events – led and entertained their crowds with Chants and Cheers starting in the later 1800’s. (See ICU History www.cheerunion.org).
Cheerleading Associations in Asia
Cheerleading Association and Register of Malaysia (CHARM) President: CHONG Siew Han No. 34, Jalan 12/12 46200 Petaling Jaya Selangor Malaysia
Asosiasi Pemandu Sorak Indonesia (Indonesian Cheerleading Association) President: Dee Anggraini Jl. Sidomukti No. 28, Sukaluyu, Bandung Jawa Barat Indonesia – 40123
Philippine Cheerleading Alliance (PCA) 209 M. Paterno Street, Bgy. Pasadena San Juan City, Metro Manila, NCR REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES President: Carlos Valdes III Vice President: Paula Nunag
Cheer Association of Thailand (CAT) Dr. Suebsai BOONVEERABUT, President Rutchanee PREEDAKAMONRAT, Secretary General 55 Srinakarin Road, Nongbon, Prawet Bangkok 10250 KINGDOM OF THAILAND www.tcathai.com
Cheerleading Association (Singapore) President: Lin Fuxiang Jimmy 170 Upper Bukit Timah Rd SINGAPORE 588179 #B2-11 cas@cheerleading.org.sg
Chinese Taipei Cheerleading Association(CTCA) Address: Rm. 909, 9F., No.20, Zhulun St., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City 104,Taiwan (R.O.C.) Phone Number: +886-2-8772-6372 Fax:+886-28772-6373 Website: http://www.tca-cheers.org.tw/ Facebook: CTCA or Cheer Taiwan Email Address: no.1@tca-cheers.org.tw or cheer924@yahoo.com.tw
Cheerleading Federation of Hong Kong, China (CFHK) Honorable President: YEN Danny Vice Presidents: HSU Kenneth, Jimmy Chan, Chan Wing Hong Mailing Address: H.K.G.P.O.Box 5750, Central, Hong Kong SAR. China Phone: +852-25279288 Email: cfhkemail@gmail.com
AFT congratulates Philippine’s Maria Ressa of Rappler and Dmitry Muratov of Russia’s Novaja Gazeta
On Oslo, 8 October 2021, The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021 to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.
Ms Ressa and Mr Muratov are receiving the Peace Prize for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia. At the same time, they are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.
Maria Ressa uses freedom of expression to expose abuse of power, use of violence and growing authoritarianism in her native country, the Philippines. In 2012, she co-founded Rappler, a digital media company for investigative journalism, which she still heads. As a journalist and the Rappler’s CEO, Ressa has shown herself to be a fearless defender of freedom of expression. Rappler has focused critical attention on the Duterte regime’s controversial, murderous anti-drug campaign. The number of deaths is so high that the campaign resembles a war waged against the country’s own population. Ms Ressa and Rappler have also documented how social media is being used to spread fake news, harass opponents and manipulate public discourse.
Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov has for decades defended freedom of speech in Russia under increasingly challenging conditions. In 1993, he was one of the founders of the independent newspaper Novaja Gazeta. Since 1995 he has been the newspaper’s editor-in-chief for a total of 24 years. Novaja Gazeta is the most independent newspaper in Russia today, with a fundamentally critical attitude towards power. The newspaper’s fact-based journalism and professional integrity have made it an important source of information on censurable aspects of Russian society rarely mentioned by other media. Since its start-up in 1993, Novaja Gazeta has published critical articles on subjects ranging from corruption, police violence, unlawful arrests, electoral fraud and ”troll factories” to the use of Russian military forces both within and outside Russia.
Novaja Gazeta’s opponents have responded with harassment, threats, violence and murder. Since the newspaper’s start, six of its journalists have been killed, including Anna Politkovskaja who wrote revealing articles on the war in Chechnya. Despite the killings and threats, editor-in-chief Muratov has refused to abandon the newspaper’s independent policy. He has consistently defended the right of journalists to write anything they want about whatever they want, as long as they comply with the professional and ethical standards of journalism.
Free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies and war propaganda. The Norwegian Nobel Committee is convinced that freedom of expression and freedom of information help to ensure an informed public. These rights are crucial prerequisites for democracy and protect against war and conflict. The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov is intended to underscore the importance of protecting and defending these fundamental rights.
Without freedom of expression and freedom of the press, it will be difficult to successfully promote fraternity between nations, disarmament and a better world order to succeed in our time. This year’s award of the Nobel Peace Prize is therefore firmly anchored in the provisions of Alfred Nobel’s will.
Related:
The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine goes to pressure and temperature sensing – read more
Watch A Thousand Cuts, the award-winning documentary featuring Maria Ressa, produced, directed and written by Ramona S. Diaz.
The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch.
Here are two phone interviews by Adam Smith of the Nobelprize.org website with the two Laureates:
Our ability to sense heat, cold and touch is essential for survival and underpins our interaction with the world around us. In our daily lives we take these sensations for granted, but how are nerve impulses initiated so that temperature and pressure can be perceived? This question has been solved by this year’s Nobel Prize laureates.
David Julius utilised capsaicin, a pungent compound from chili peppers that induces a burning sensation, to identify a sensor in the nerve endings of the skin that responds to heat. Ardem Patapoutian used pressure-sensitive cells to discover a novel class of sensors that respond to mechanical stimuli in the skin and internal organs. These breakthrough discoveries launched intense research activities leading to a rapid increase in our understanding of how our nervous system senses heat, cold, and mechanical stimuli. The laureates identified critical missing links in our understanding of the complex interplay between our senses and the environment.
How do we perceive the world?
One of the great mysteries facing humanity is the question of how we sense our environment. The mechanisms underlying our senses have triggered our curiosity for thousands of years, for example, how light is detected by the eyes, how sound waves affect our inner ears, and how different chemical compounds interact with receptors in our nose and mouth generating smell and taste. We also have other ways to perceive the world around us. Imagine walking barefoot across a lawn on a hot summer’s day. You can feel the heat of the sun, the caress of the wind, and the individual blades of grass underneath your feet. These impressions of temperature, touch and movement are essential for our adaptation to the constantly changing surrounding.
In the 17th century, the philosopher René Descartes envisioned threads connecting different parts of the skin with the brain. In this way, a foot touching an open flame would send a mechanical signal to the brain (Figure 1). Discoveries later revealed the existence of specialised sensory neurons that register changes in our environment. Joseph Erlanger and Herbert Gasser received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1944 for their discovery of different types of sensory nerve fibers that react to distinct stimuli, for example, in the responses to painful and non-painful touch. Since then, it has been demonstrated that nerve cells are highly specialised for detecting and transducing differing types of stimuli, allowing a nuanced perception of our surroundings; for example, our capacity to feel differences in the texture of surfaces through our fingertips, or our ability to discern both pleasing warmth, and painful heat.
Prior to the discoveries of David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian, our understanding of how the nervous system senses and interprets our environment still contained a fundamental unsolved question: how are temperature and mechanical stimuli converted into electrical impulses in the nervous system?
Figure 1 Illustration depicting how the philosopher René Descartes imagined how heat sends mechanical signals to the brain.
The science heats up!
In the latter part of the 1990’s, David Julius at the University of California, San Francisco, USA, saw the possibility for major advances by analysing how the chemical compound capsaicin causes the burning sensation we feel when we come into contact with chili peppers. Capsaicin was already known to activate nerve cells causing pain sensations, but how this chemical actually exerted this function was an unsolved riddle. Julius and his co-workers created a library of millions of DNA fragments corresponding to genes that are expressed in the sensory neurons which can react to pain, heat, and touch. Julius and colleagues hypothesised that the library would include a DNA fragment encoding the protein capable of reacting to capsaicin. They expressed individual genes from this collection in cultured cells that normally do not react to capsaicin. After a laborious search, a single gene was identified that was able to make cells capsaicin sensitive (Figure 2). The gene for capsaicin sensing had been found! Further experiments revealed that the identified gene encoded a novel ion channel protein and this newly discovered capsaicin receptor was later named TRPV1. When Julius investigated the protein’s ability to respond to heat, he realised that he had discovered a heat-sensing receptor that is activated at temperatures perceived as painful (Figure 2).
Figure 2 David Julius used capsaicin from chili peppers to identify TRPV1, an ion channel activated by painful heat. Additional related ion channels were identified and we now understand how different temperatures can induce electrical signals in the nervous system.
The discovery of TRPV1 was a major breakthrough leading the way to the unravelling of additional temperature-sensing receptors. Independently of one another, both David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian used the chemical substance menthol to identify TRPM8, a receptor that was shown to be activated by cold. Additional ion channels related to TRPV1 and TRPM8 were identified and found to be activated by a range of different temperatures. Many laboratories pursued research programs to investigate the roles of these channels in thermal sensation by using genetically manipulated mice that lacked these newly discovered genes. David Julius’ discovery of TRPV1 was the breakthrough that allowed us to understand how differences in temperature can induce electrical signals in the nervous system.
Research under pressure!
While the mechanisms for temperature sensation were unfolding, it remained unclear how mechanical stimuli could be converted into our senses of touch and pressure. Researchers had previously found mechanical sensors in bacteria, but the mechanisms underlying touch in vertebrates remained unknown. Ardem Patapoutian, working at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, USA, wished to identify the elusive receptors that are activated by mechanical stimuli.
Patapoutian and his collaborators first identified a cell line that gave off a measurable electric signal when individual cells were poked with a micropipette. It was assumed that the receptor activated by mechanical force is an ion channel and in a next step 72 candidate genes encoding possible receptors were identified. These genes were inactivated one by one to discover the gene responsible for mechanosensitivity in the studied cells. After an arduous search, Patapoutian and his co-workers succeeded in identifying a single gene whose silencing rendered the cells insensitive to poking with the micropipette. A new and entirely unknown mechanosensitive ion channel had been discovered and was given the name Piezo1, after the Greek word for pressure (í; píesi). Through its similarity to Piezo1, a second gene was discovered and named Piezo2. Sensory neurons were found to express high levels of Piezo2 and further studies firmly established that Piezo1 and Piezo2 are ion channels that are directly activated by the exertion of pressure on cell membranes (Figure 3).
Figure 3 Patapoutian used cultured mechanosensitive cells to identify an ion channel activated by mechanical force. After painstaking work, Piezo1 was identified. Based on its similarity to Piezo1, a second ion channel was found (Piezo2).
The breakthrough by Patapoutian led to a series of papers from his and other groups, demonstrating that the Piezo2 ion channel is essential for the sense of touch. Moreover, Piezo2 was shown to play a key role in the critically important sensing of body position and motion, known as proprioception. In further work, Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels have been shown to regulate additional important physiological processes including blood pressure, respiration and urinary bladder control.
It all makes sense!
The groundbreaking discoveries of the TRPV1, TRPM8 and Piezo channels by this year’s Nobel Prize laureates have allowed us to understand how heat, cold and mechanical force can initiate the nerve impulses that allow us to perceive and adapt to the world around us. The TRP channels are central for our ability to perceive temperature. The Piezo2 channel endows us with the sense of touch and the ability to feel the position and movement of our body parts. TRP and Piezo channels also contribute to numerous additional physiological functions that depend on sensing temperature or mechanical stimuli. Intensive ongoing research originating from this year’s Nobel Prize awarded discoveries focusses on elucidating their functions in a variety of physiological processes. This knowledge is being used to develop treatments for a wide range of disease conditions, including chronic pain (Figure 4).
Figure 4 The seminal discoveries by this year’s Nobel Prize laureates have explained how heat, cold and touch can initiate signals in our nervous system. The identified ion channels are important for many physiological processes and disease conditions.
Caterina MJ, Schumacher MA, Tominaga M, Rosen TA, Levine JD, Julius D. The capsaicin receptor: a heat-activated ion channel in the pain pathway. Nature 1997:389:816-824.
Tominaga M, Caterina MJ, Malmberg AB, Rosen TA, Gilbert H, Skinner K, Raumann BE, Basbaum AI, Julius D. The cloned capsaicin receptor integrates multiple pain-producing stimuli. Neuron 1998:21:531-543.
Caterina MJ, Leffler A, Malmberg AB, Martin WJ, Trafton J, Petersen-Zeitz KR, Koltzenburg M, Basbaum AI, Julius D. Impaired nociception and pain sensation in mice lacking the capsaicin receptor. Science 2000:288:306-313
McKemy DD, Neuhausser WM, Julius D. Identification of a cold receptor reveals a general role for TRP channels in thermosensation. Nature 2002:416:52-58
Peier AM, Moqrich A, Hergarden AC, Reeve AJ, Andersson DA, Story GM, Earley TJ, Dragoni I, McIntyre P, Bevan S, Patapoutian A. A TRP channel that senses cold stimuli and menthol. Cell 2002:108:705-715
Coste B, Mathur J, Schmidt M, Earley TJ, Ranade S, Petrus MJ, Dubin AE, Patapoutian A. Piezo1 and Piezo2 are essential components of distinct mechanically activated cation channels. Science 2010:330: 55-60
Ranade SS, Woo SH, Dubin AE, Moshourab RA, Wetzel C, Petrus M, Mathur J, Bégay V, Coste B, Mainquist J, Wilson AJ, Francisco AG, Reddy K, Qiu Z, Wood JN, Lewin GR, Patapoutian A. Piezo2 is the major transducer of mechanical forces for touch sensation in mice. Nature 2014:516:121-125
Woo S-H, Lukacs V, de Nooij JC, Zaytseva D, Criddle CR, Francisco A, Jessell TM, Wilkinson KA, Patapoutian A. Piezo2 is the principal mechonotransduction channel for proprioception. Nature Neuroscience 2015:18:1756-1762
David Julius was born in 1955 in New York, USA. He received a Ph.D. in 1984 from University of California, Berkeley and was a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University, in New York. David Julius was recruited to the University of California, San Francisco in 1989 where he is now Professor.
Ardem Patapoutian was born in 1967 in Beirut, Lebanon. In his youth, he moved from a war-torn Beirut to Los Angeles, USA and received a Ph.D. in 1996 from California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Francisco. Since 2000, he is a scientist at Scripps Research, La Jolla, California where he is now Professor. He is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator since 2014.
112 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine have been awarded between 1901 and 2021.
12 women have been awarded the medicine prize so far.
32 years was the age of the youngest medicine laureate ever, Frederick G. Banting, who was awarded the 1923 medicine prize for the discovery of insulin.
87 years was the age of the oldest medicine laureate ever, Peyton Rous, when he was awarded the medicine prize in 1966 for his discovery of tumour-inducing viruses.
The Nobel Assembly, consisting of 50 professors at Karolinska Institutet, awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Its Nobel Committee evaluates the nominations. Since 1901 the Nobel Prize has been awarded to scientists who have made the most important discoveries for the benefit of humankind.
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Studies have shown that after middle age, adults will on average lose three percent of their muscle strength with each passing year. This progressive loss of muscle strength has been associated with shorter life expectancy and reduced quality of life, when compared to individuals who have maintained normal muscle strength.
Loss of muscle mass – also known as sarcopenia – is a common consequence of the aging process and contributes to, weakness, balance instability, and age-related decline of health and well being.
Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to prevent muscle breakdown and the health impact of sarcopenia with age.
Use it or lose it
The muscles need regular use to maintain their strength and function. The ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle and immobility for prolonged periods of time lead to an accelerated muscle loss and weakness. Therefore, the first step for reducing the risk of sarcopenia is to reduce physical inactivity by adopting a consistent fitness routine. Research has shown that the best approach is to engage in aerobic and resistance training, along with balance exercises for maintaining muscle strength.
Protein Power
The body requires an adequate amount of calories and nutrients to function properly. A diet that lacks essential nutrients such as protein, fails to provide the building blocks necessary to grow, repair, and maintain muscle health. The latest nutrition recommendations suggest that healthy adults consume approximately 0.8 grams of protein per 1 kg of body weight and increase with greater physical activity levels. Try to include healthy portions of foods and snacks that are high in protein, throughout the day. Some high protein sources include fish, lean meats, eggs and dairy products, nuts and seeds, beans, and tofu.
Strengthen Digestion
Unfortunately, as we age, our digestion becomes weaker and without a strong digestive process, even a healthy diet may fail to provide essential nutrients required to maintain the health and function of your muscles. It’s important to support all aspects of the digestive sequence to maximize nutrient breakdown and absorption. Starting with the mouth by maintaining proper oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and chewing your food thoroughly. In general, you can consume smaller portions and eat more times to ensure adequate intake of nutrients and lessen the digestive burden of large, heavy meals. You can include a small cup of warm lime water before meals to stimulate digestion, support acidity, and promote digestive enzyme function.
Practice Wellness Promotion
The importance of staying healthy cannot be overstated and although there are numerous reasons to practice a wellness lifestyle, here’s one more benefit to consider. Chronic illness, such as inflammation, places significant stress on the mind and body. This prolonged stress response leads to the breakdown of muscle, as seen in chronic liver and kidney disease, as well as cancer. Also, the feeling of fatigue, soreness, and overall lack of well being discourages or hinders physical movement, resulting in muscle loss and weakness due to inactivity. When it comes to chronic illness, prevention through practicing a wellness lifestyle is possible.
