
Lighting Control System Market Size, Share Projections 2031 by Key Manufacturer- Signify Holding, Legrand S.A., Eaton Corporation, General Electric Company, Acuity Brands, IncThe second significant risk factor for cancer is poor diet and obesity. A diet high in processed foods, red and processed meats, sugary beverages, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Obesity, which often results from poor dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle, is a known risk factor for various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity is essential in lowering the risk of cancer and promoting overall health.
Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access. It was finding out that the much-hyped medications didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It's a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It's all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person's response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are typically prescribed along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn't happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It's not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn't respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I'm hoping it's slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.” The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.As Alibaba Group continues to work towards fully restoring services at the affected data center, the company remains committed to learning from this incident and enhancing its resilience to better protect customer data and ensure uninterrupted service delivery in the future.
Examining Generative AI / Cutting Through Chaos / Impersonations Via Generative AI Help Sway Polls; Interference Seen In U.S., Japan, SlovakiaShare Tweet Share Share Email The idea of crowdsourcing has expanded into several areas of life, from funding creative projects to helping individuals cover unexpected expenses. One of the most significant uses of crowdsourcing today is in healthcare financing. With rising medical costs and the increasing need for specialized care, many people are turning to the community for help. This is where “Crowdsourced Healthcare Financing” comes into play. Community-funded medical support leverages the collective power of individuals to help others pay for medical bills, treatment , and recovery costs. Understanding Crowdsourced Healthcare Financing Crowdsourced healthcare financing refers to a system in which people raise money from the public, typically through online platforms, to cover medical expenses. It’s an alternative method to traditional healthcare funding, which often depends on insurance or personal savings. Crowdsourcing allows individuals to tap into their networks, including friends, family, and even strangers, who can contribute financially to their medical needs. In its simplest form, crowdsourcing is a way to gather small amounts of money from a large group of people. This practice has been around for years but has gained significant momentum with the rise of digital platforms. Platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, and GiveSendGo have made it easier for people to reach potential donors from all over the world. The Role of Online Platforms in Crowdsourced Healthcare Financing The internet has revolutionized the way we seek financial support. Through crowdsourcing websites, people can create personal fundraising pages where they share their stories, medical needs, and fundraising goals. These platforms offer a simple and efficient way to connect with individuals who are willing to help. By telling their stories, patients and their families can gain emotional support as well as financial assistance. Online platforms also make it easy for people to donate. With just a few clicks, donors can contribute to a cause they feel passionate about. These platforms usually offer a variety of payment methods , including credit cards, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrency, making donations accessible for almost anyone. Why Crowdsourced Healthcare Financing is on the Rise There are several factors contributing to the rise of crowdsourced healthcare financing. One of the most significant reasons is the increasing cost of healthcare. As healthcare expenses continue to rise, many individuals find themselves without adequate insurance coverage or the financial means to pay for medical treatments. Crowdsourcing offers a solution to this problem, allowing people to access funds when they need them most. Another reason for the popularity of crowdsourced healthcare financing is the personal connection that donors can feel with the cause. People often choose to donate to medical causes because they can relate to the emotional aspects of the situation. Whether it’s a personal story of illness, a community member’s health battle, or a heart-wrenching tragedy, crowdsourcing allows donors to support causes that matter to them on a deeper level. The Benefits of Crowdsourced Healthcare Financing Accessibility One of the key advantages of crowdsourced healthcare financing is its accessibility. Unlike traditional healthcare financing methods, such as loans or insurance, crowdsourcing allows individuals to reach a wide audience of potential donors. This can be particularly beneficial for those who do not have access to traditional funding options or whose insurance doesn’t cover all their medical expenses. Speed In emergencies, time is often of the essence. Crowdsourcing allows people to raise money quickly, sometimes within days or even hours. This quick access to funds can be crucial in situations where medical care cannot wait. Emotional Support Beyond the financial assistance, crowdsourcing provides emotional support for patients and their families. By sharing their story, individuals can connect with others who have had similar experiences, offering a sense of community and hope. Donors also feel a sense of fulfillment by helping others in need, fostering a stronger sense of solidarity. Transparency and Trust Crowdsourced platforms usually offer transparency, showing how the funds are being used. This helps build trust between the person raising money and the donors. Patients can provide updates on their health and treatment, which keeps donors engaged and ensures that the funds are being allocated appropriately. Challenges of Crowdsourced Healthcare Financing While crowdsourcing offers several benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Some of the most common challenges include: Limited Funding Potential Although crowdsourcing can help raise significant funds, there is no guarantee of success. People often need to have a large social media following or an existing network of supporters to raise enough money. For those who don’t have a strong online presence or extensive networks, crowdsourcing may not always be a viable solution. Potential for Exploitation With the ease of creating a fundraising page, there is also the potential for fraud. Some individuals may exploit crowdsourcing platforms for personal gain, even if they don’t have legitimate medical needs. This can make it harder for donors to identify genuine causes from fraudulent ones. Platforms have measures in place to prevent fraud, but it remains a concern for some donors. Emotional Burden on Fundraisers While the emotional support from donors can be uplifting, the process of sharing one’s personal medical journey can also be emotionally exhausting. Fundraisers must constantly update their supporters and keep their pages active to maintain engagement. This can take a toll on individuals who are already dealing with the stress of illness. How to Launch a Successful Crowdsourced Healthcare Campaign To run a successful crowdsourced healthcare campaign, there are several key steps to follow: Be Transparent and Honest Transparency is crucial for building trust. Be clear about the medical situation, what the funds will be used for, and how much is needed. Honesty helps establish credibility, which is essential for attracting donors. Share Your Story People are more likely to donate when they feel emotionally connected to the cause. Share your personal story, including the challenges you’re facing, the impact of your illness, and how the funds will make a difference. Including photos or videos can make your campaign more engaging. Utilize Social Media Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for reaching a wide audience. Share your fundraising page across your social media accounts to increase visibility. Encourage friends and family to share your campaign as well to help spread the word. Provide Regular Updates Keep your donors informed about your progress. Provide regular updates on your health, treatment, and how the funds are being used. This helps build trust and keeps people invested in your journey. The Future of Crowdsourced Healthcare Financing As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, crowdsourced healthcare financing is expected to become even more prevalent. With advancements in technology and the increasing use of digital platforms, raising money for medical needs will likely become even more accessible. While it may not replace traditional healthcare systems, crowdsourcing will play a key role in supporting individuals who find themselves in need of financial assistance. As more people discover the power of community-funded medical support, crowdsourced healthcare financing may continue to grow, offering hope to those who need it most. Conclusion Crowdsourced healthcare financing is an innovative and effective way to address the rising costs of medical treatment. By leveraging the power of the community, individuals can access much-needed funds to cover their medical expenses. Although there are challenges, such as the potential for fraud and the emotional burden on fundraisers, the benefits of accessibility , speed, and emotional support make crowdsourcing a viable option for many. As healthcare costs continue to rise, crowdsourcing may become an essential part of the healthcare landscape, offering a lifeline to those in need. Related Items: Healthcare Financing , Medical Support , Online Platforms in Crowdsourced Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
As the controversy continues to swirl, the "sinister house" has become a focal point of fascination for curious onlookers and amateur ghost hunters. Some thrill-seekers have even attempted to conduct their own investigations of the property, further fueling the rumors and speculation surrounding its supposed malevolent presence.As a result of these issues, the number of complaints regarding Tencent Video membership benefits has reached a concerning level. Users have taken to social media, forums, and review sites to express their discontent and call for improvements. It is clear that Tencent Video must take action to address these criticisms and make necessary changes to regain the trust and loyalty of its user base.
The much-hyped Mike Tyson fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul showed the potential power of Netflix to create live, global sports events on streaming video. For many people though, it also demonstrated the limitations of the technology. Thousands of Netflix users reported technical difficulties while trying to watch the fight. Frustrated viewers contended with buffering and blurry video, a result of tens of millions of households trying to watch the bout at once. It’s the kind of thing that, if the event were aired on a traditional network, would have provoked angry calls to cable companies. Live sports is considered one of the great opportunities for streamers, including Netflix, which need mass audiences tuning in to please advertisers. Companies including Amazon and Apple are spending big, driving up the price of live sports rights and encroaching further on the turf of legacy network rivals. But sports are also a challenge for tech firms. Even without buffering or grainy feeds, live streams are typically delayed compared with cable and satellite broadcasts, which means streaming audiences risk seeing spoilers on social media if the events are simulcast. For Netflix, the stakes are high. The company will host its first live NFL games on Christmas, including one featuring a halftime show from Beyoncé. Netflix is also preparing to air WWE’s “Raw” pro-wrestling franchise starting next year. Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, said he has “full faith” in the company’s engineering team, which learned much from the Paul vs. Tyson live match and will adjust before the NFL games. Netflix said it worked quickly to stabilize the viewing for a majority of its subscribers during the boxing event, in which the 27-year-old Paul defeated the 58-year-old Tyson. “We were overwhelmed in the sense of the expectation — it far exceeded our expectations in terms of how many people came to the fight,” Riegg told The Los Angeles Times. “It’s as simple as that. As much as we forecast how many people would come, many, many more people came. It’s impossible for our engineering team to test that magnitude of traffic and viewership unless they have a real, live thing, which is what happened.” On the bright side, Netflix showed that it can be a big draw for sports fans, with an average audience of 108 million live viewers globally tuning in for the fight. Netflix said there were 65 million live concurrent streams, calling it the “most-streamed global sporting event ever.” Industry observers say the day is coming when streamers could place their own bid to host the Super Bowl on their platforms, as long as they can handle the traffic. “Once they prove that they’re capable of delivering a consistent, robust, top-of-the-line, premium experience for these events that consumers have grown to expect, then I have no doubt that we’re going to get there,” said Rob Rosenberg, a former Showtime Networks executive and founder of New York-based Telluride Legal Strategies. The technological challenges aren’t unique to Netflix. Glitches have arisen during other live events streamed on competitors’ platforms, including on YouTube during an NFL game last year and on Amazon’s Prime Video during a Thursday Night Football game in 2022. There are various reasons why buffering occurs, particularly with a highly-anticipated program. When a sporting event is being live streamed, the captured video is released in smaller segments of a few seconds in length that are then transmitted to streaming subscribers and decoded by the users’ devices. If too many devices are seeking those video segments at the same time, it can cause a backlog. Streamers can try to solve the problem by rerouting traffic, but even that sometimes isn’t enough. Streaming services can try to prepare ahead of time by buying more bandwidth capacity from the internet service providers, but it can be difficult to guess how many people will watch, especially if the streamer is new to a particular type of content. There may be limits on how much bandwidth companies can buy. For example, Australia has much less available bandwidth compared with the United States, said Simon Wistow, a co-founder and vice president of strategic initiatives at cloud computing company Fastly. Wistow added that if streamers buy too much capacity and it isn’t used, that’s wasted money. “There’s a lot of complexities, a lot of things go on,” Wistow said. “The scale of internet traffic just gets bigger and bigger every year.” Netflix said it will improve its systems to better handle live events at unprecedented scale and work with ISPS to continue increasing its capacity. The company has been steadily putting on more live events, such as a hot dog eating competition, Screen Actors Guild Awards and a tennis exhibition match. The company’s first live event was a Chris Rock comedy special last year, which has drawn 23.5 million views. An early effort at live streaming, a “Love Is Blind” reunion special, encountered technical trouble due to a bug that went unnoticed until people tried to watch the program. The Paul vs. Tyson event was a new milestone for Netflix’s live streaming efforts. For some viewers, like Florida resident Malcolm Scott, the streamer’s issues were unacceptable. Scott even sued Netflix for breach of contract last week, alleging that Netflix viewers missed large portions of the fight. Netflix declined to comment on the lawsuit. Brian Comiskey, a futurist at the trade group Consumer Technology Assn., chalked Netflix’s problems up to technological growing pains. “At the end of the day this is content being delivered from thousands of miles away via files,” said Comiskey, calling himself a millennial who remembers what it was like pre-smartphone. “This is a tremendous step in technology, but it only gets better from there.” Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s chief media and business officer said he believes Netflix will be ready to stream its games. “I think it shows the power of their global platform, their international reach, which is one reason why we did this deal,” Rolapp said during the Sports Business Journal Media Innovators Conference. “So, I think what they did was pretty extraordinary.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’
In conclusion, the growing likelihood of infighting among the anti-government armed groups underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the internal divisions and promote unity within the opposition movement. Only through concerted efforts and meaningful dialogue can the warring factions hope to overcome their differences and work towards a common goal of achieving peace and stability in the region.
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