Monthly Archive 22/10/2024

On October 20th, the “Hushan Cup” 2024 Chongqing Kaizhou Hanfeng Lake Marathon kicked off by the serene shores of Hanfeng Lake in Kaizhou District. Over 10,000 runners took to the course, enjoying a refreshing autumn day as they sprinted along the scenic route, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of mountains and water.

The marathon featured three categories: a full marathon (42.195 kilometers) with 3,000 participants, a half marathon (21.0975 kilometers) also with 3,000 runners, and a 5.5-kilometer fun run with 4,000 entrants.

The racecourse is uniquely designed along the shores of Hanfeng Lake, a location that embodies the distinctive charm of Kaizhou. Hanfeng Lake is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and the largest inland lake in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, covering 15 square kilometers—essentially, a dazzling gem nestled within this region.

Both the full and half marathon events began and concluded at the intersection of Hubin East Road and Shuanghui Street, while the fun run finished at the Kaizhou Museum. Along the route, participants could take in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kaizhou, including sites such as Qingsheng Bridge, Lakeside Park, and Hanfeng Lake National Wetland Park, alongside historical landmarks like Juzizhu Garden, the Comrade Liu Bocheng Memorial Hall, and the Kaizhou Museum. Runners truly embraced the picturesque experience of “the lake in the city, the city amid the mountains, and people among the stunning landscapes.”

After a competitive day, Xu Ruanan and Pan Yuancen claimed victory in the men’s and women’s full marathon categories, respectively. Runners from Kenya triumphed in the half marathon, securing first place in both the men’s and women’s events.

In conjunction with the marathon, Kaizhou also rolled out a “cultural, sports, business, and tourism feast” for runners and local visitors. The 9th Chongqing Cultural Tourism Consumer Season (Kaizhou branch) and the 2024 “Kaizhou Hanfeng Lake: A New Destination for Vacation” series of autumn events also launched on this day. These activities, running from October 20 to November 4, include the 7th National College Canoeing Championships, the Chongqing Kaizhou Hanfeng Lake University Dragon Boat Invitational, the 7th “Enjoy Hanfeng Lake” Swimming Open, the 2024 National Paddleboard Championships, and the 2024 “Happy Kaizhou Autumn Consumer Expo,” among many others.

Wes Streeting's plan for an NHS "transformation" appears on several of Monday's front pages, with the Guardian reporting the health secretary wants to give every NHS patient access to a digital "passport" containing their health records – despite fears this may create a "target for hackers". Beneath that story the paper runs an image from Gaza, depicting mourners gathered around a row of bodies wrapped in white cloth – the latest victims of Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza.The Times also picks up the story of Streeting's plan to "move care closer to home, digitise services and prevent illness" in its second lead – but the paper splashes on a "council housing revolution" Angela Rayner will mount with the help of almost £1bn from Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the upcoming Budget. Pictured on the front page is an emotional young mourner at a Hyde Park memorial for One Direction star Liam Payne.The Daily Telegraph uses its second lead to report a different facet of Streeting's NHS plan, with a warning patients may soon be fined for missing appointments. In the lead slot is a story on the chancellor's proposed changes to inheritance tax in the upcoming Budget, with the paper citing "economists from across the political spectrum" who warn the change is unlikely to raise more money for government coffers.The Daily Express also leads on the Budget, quoting a survey that suggests 84% of disabled pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments under Labour's cost-saving measures – and citing "calls" for the government to perform a U-turn ahead of the Budget. Below the masthead, the paper has an image of cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, saying the former Olympian has been "overwhelmed by love" since the announcement of his terminal cancer diagnosis.Sir Chris is pictured again on the front page of the Daily Mail alongside his wife Sarra. The paper splashes on a "shock report" warning of the health risks faced by the hundreds of thousands of pupils and teachers who have been exposed daily to asbestos, a toxic material once used for insulation. The paper announces the launch of a new campaign "to strip the toxic material from all public buildings".The Financial Times also carries an education story, with its second lead reporting that the costs of special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision are pushing rural councils to "breaking point". The paper reports that the end of a temporary change to accounting rules means two-thirds of English county and rural councils may have to declare "bankruptcy" by 2027. The paper leads with a story on "faltering confidence" that is hindering a global economic recovery. Metro picks up again where the Mail left off, with a medal-heavy photo montage of Sir Chris whom it dubs "A hero of a human being". Below, the paper leads on research that suggests some 9 million people have fallen victim to an "epidemic" of online scams in the last year.Sir Chris appears again on the Daily Mirror's front page, with the paper focusing on the scale of public support the cyclist has received since revealing his terminal diagnosis. For its lead story, the paper splashes on King' Charles's message to winners ahead of the Pride of Britain award – the paper's annual ceremony in conjunction with ITV that celebrates Britain's unsung heroes.The i newspaper leads on reports of the poor state of the UK's air defence capability – a "gap" meaning the country "would struggle to protect itself from a missile attack", according to former defence ministers.Meanwhile the Daily Star is looking ahead to Christmas already, with a story on "fun-sponge beetles" attacking Christmas trees and therefore "aiming to annihilate festive joy".. At the top of the front page, the paper pictures Jeremy Clarkson, who, according to the paper, was "days from death" with a recent heart scare.The Times previews the Budget, reporting that a billion pounds will be used to fund the start of a "council housing revolution" in England. The paper says the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, has secured the "boost" from the Treasury – and will use it to build thousands of homes. The money is apparently being considered as a "down payment" ahead of far bigger sums next spring.
The Daily Telegraph warns the Chancellor that making changes to inheritance tax could "backfire." The paper says the adjustments that Rachel Reeves is reported to be considering would "not raise money" and would instead "increase bureaucracy for thousands of bereaved families". According to the paper, Ms Reeves may opt to extend from seven to 10 years the amount of time someone must stay alive after giving a gift to avoid inheritance tax being charged.
The Guardian reports on the government's 10-year plan for the NHS in England. Privacy campaigners tell the paper that proposals for new digital medical records -all stored on the NHS app on people's smartphones – could become a target for hackers. Writing for the paper, the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, seeks to reassure, insisting that all patient data will be "protected and anonymised".
The i newspaper warns there's a "significant" gap in the UK's air defences which could leave the country unable to protect itself from a missile attack. With growing instability in the Middle East and increasing aggression from Russia, three former Conservative defence ministers tell the paper that the UK needs its own version of Israel’s Iron Dome defence system. The paper reports that it comes after RAF Typhoons were unable to shoot down ballistic missiles fired into Israel from Iran.
The Daily Mail uses its front page to launch a new campaign, calling for asbestos to be removed from all public buildings in the UK – starting with hospitals, and thousands of schools. The paper quotes solicitors representing people with asbestos-related cancers, who say it is "outrageous" the toxic material is still present in so many school buildings.
Ambulance crews in England are being told to leave patients in hospital corridors after 45 minutes, according to both the Times and the Telegraph. The "drop and go" system, which is already used in London, is said to be "causing friction" in A&E departments. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine warns patients are being "dumped" without proper handovers, putting the vulnerable at risk. The London Ambulance Service says patient safety is paramount.
The Daily Mail also reports on another Downing Street reshuffle – of the paintings in the Prime Minister's residence. After the outcry from Conservatives over Sir Keir Starmer's decision to move a portrait of Margaret Thatcher out of his office, the paper lists all the other paintings that have apparently been taken down – including those of Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh. Now it's the turn of William Shakespeare. The paper says an eighteenth century portrait of the Bard by the French artist Louis Francois Roubillac has been moved into storage. A "tragedy of errors" says the paper's editorial.
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“Daddy, the fruits are ripe!” “Let’s go taste them and see if they’re sweet!” Recently, at a tropical fruit farm in Zhugao Town, Jintang County, Chengdu, a variety of tropical fruits like king bananas, papayas, passion fruits, and dragon fruits hung from the branches. Li Deping, the farm’s owner, was there picking fruits alongside his 6-year-old daughter.

Li, a native of Zhugao Town, previously worked in the clothing trade in Chengdu. In 2019, he and his wife returned to their hometown, transforming a vacant area in the village into a farm dedicated to growing dragon fruits, which his daughter loves. Starting with just one variety, they have now expanded to eight. They’ve also introduced papayas, passion fruits, king bananas, and sugar apples, creating this lush tropical fruit farm from scratch.

“These are all fruits that kids love. We ensure a fresh supply every season,” Li shared. At the farm, dragon fruits are nearing harvest while passion fruits are ready for picking. The fruits are plump and vibrant; when you slice open the golden flesh, the sweet, aromatic juice flows out, making them irresistible.

Chengdu has a subtropical monsoon climate, and the winter’s low temperatures pose significant challenges for growing tropical fruits. To tackle this, Li chose a site on elevated land in the village that avoids waterlogging and maintains ample sunlight, increasing the chances for successful cultivation. To counter the climate differences between local and southern regions, he built greenhouses to help protect the fruit trees during winter, effectively mitigating the cold’s impact on growth. He also insists on using organic fertilizers to enhance fruit quality.

Li sees two main advantages in his operation: the longer growth cycle and a closer consumer market. “A longer growth cycle reduces the time from branch to table, resulting in better texture and fresher fruits,” he explained. For instance, dragon fruits in tropical areas typically mature 45 days after flowering and are then transported elsewhere. However, Li’s fruits take about ten additional days to ripen, which significantly enhances their color and sugar content. Since he is rooted in Chengdu, the dragon fruits picked in the morning reach consumers by the afternoon, selling at around 100 yuan per kilogram.

By adhering to organic farming principles, Li’s tropical fruits have garnered a strong reputation. Regular customer Liu Weining drives a considerable distance to personally select and harvest fruit. “I truly value the natural quality of the fruits here. Witnessing the entire picking process gives me peace of mind when I eat,” he remarked.

As Li watches his farm grow, he feels an immense sense of accomplishment. Yet, what brings him the most joy is that his daughter’s childhood is intricately linked with the farm. Through this experience, she actively participates in planting and learns the lesson that “you reap what you sow.”

Looking ahead, Li is working on an expansion project to cultivate even more high-quality tropical fruits. “We plan to expand by 100 acres and can accommodate up to 500 students for experiential learning, allowing more children to engage with farming life,” he said excitedly.

The 2024 China Drone Racing League Suzhou Station took place from October 18 to 21, gathering 91 teams from across the country. Nearly a thousand athletes, coaches, and event staff came together to support the development of the low-altitude economy.

The China Drone Racing League is the world’s first national drone racing league, and this Suzhou event marks the fifth stop of the 2024 season. The competition features multi-rotor drone racing across three categories: Open, Youth, and Women’s divisions. Participants will face intense challenges through qualifying rounds, elimination heats, and finals to determine the champions in each category.

The race was held on a 500-meter track by Lake Huanying, where contestants used ground radio remote control devices to navigate their multi-rotor drones through a series of obstacles at high speeds, all from a first-person perspective.

“Drone racing is a sophisticated sport that combines optics, mechanics, electronics, communication, and transmission technologies,” said a representative from the Suzhou Development and Reform Commission. “This event will help Suzhou cultivate a new industry model of ‘low-altitude + culture, sports, and tourism,’ further advancing the city’s low-altitude economy from a state of readiness to soaring success.”

In recent years, Suzhou has seized opportunities in the low-altitude economy, focusing on developing an intelligent manufacturing cluster centered on medium to large drones, as well as a service ecosystem that includes flight support, education and training, aviation maintenance, and aviation finance. The city is actively expanding into five key application areas: public low-altitude services, urban air transportation, smart logistics in the low-altitude space, unique low-altitude consumer experiences, and testing and certification of low-altitude aircraft, aiming to become a national demonstration zone for the low-altitude economy.

New York beat Minnesota 67-62 in Game 5 of finals Liberty win first title in franchise’s 28-year history WNBA finals Game 5 – as it happenedBryan Armen Graham at Barclays CenterSun 20 Oct 2024 22.47 EDTLast modified on Mon 21 Oct 2024 01.38 EDTShareThe New York Liberty are WNBA champions for the first time in their 28-year history after coming from behind to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime on Sunday night in a heart-stopping winner-take-all Game 5 of the finals.
WNBA finals Game 5: New York Liberty beat Minnesota Lynx in OT to win first title – liveRead moreJonquel Jones scored 17 points to lead New York on a night when her teammates Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggled mightily on the offensive end, combining for 5-of-34 shooting from the floor. The Liberty became the first men’s or women’s basketball team from New York to raise a banner since the ABA’s Nets back in 1976, sending a sellout crowd of 18,090 fans into a state of bedlam at the buzzer.
“I could never dream of this,” said the Bahamian-born Jones, a first-time WNBA champion who was named Most Valuable Player of the finals after averaging 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 54.2% from the field across the five contests. “You know how many times I’ve been denied. It was delayed. I am so happy to do it here.”
Napheesa Collier, the WNBA’s defensive player of the year, scored 22 points to lead Minnesota before fouling out in the dying seconds of overtime. Kayla McBride added 21 for the Lynx.
<strong>Schedule</strong></p><p><i>Best-of-five series. All times Eastern.</i></p><p><b>Thu 10 Oct</b>&nbsp;Game 1: <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/11/wnba-finals-game-1-score-lynx-liberty\">Minnesota 95, New York 93 (OT)</a></p><p><b>Sun 13 Oct</b>&nbsp;Game 2: <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/13/wnba-finals-game-2-score-liberty-lynx\">New York 80, Minnesota 66</a></p><p><b>Wed 16 Oct</b>&nbsp;Game 3: <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/16/sabrina-ionescu-three-pointer-wnba-finals-lynx-liberty\">New York 80, Minnesota 77</a></p><p><b>Fri 18 Oct</b>&nbsp;Game 4: <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/18/wnba-finals-game-4-score-liberty-lynx\">Minnesota 82, New York 80</a></p><p><b>Sun 20 Oct</b>&nbsp;Game 5: <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/20/new-york-liberty-wnba-champions-game-report\">New York 67, Minnesota 62 (OT)</a></p>","credit":""}”>Quick GuideWNBA finals 2024ShowSchedule
Best-of-five series. All times Eastern.
Thu 10 OctGame 1: Minnesota 95, New York 93 (OT)
Sun 13 OctGame 2: New York 80, Minnesota 66
Wed 16 OctGame 3: New York 80, Minnesota 77
Fri 18 OctGame 4: Minnesota 82, New York 80
Sun 20 OctGame 5: New York 67, Minnesota 62 (OT)
Was this helpful?Thank you for your feedback.The Liberty were one of the original eight WNBA franchises and the lone member of that group to have not won a championship. No longer. After coming up short in five previous finals appearances, including last year against the Las Vegas Aces, a long-sought title is theirs at last.
<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">CHILLS… 🗽<br><br>NEW YORK LIBERTY SECURES THE TITLE IN BROOKLYN! <a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBAFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#WNBAFinals</a> presented by <a href=\"https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@YouTubeTV</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/aOJ4ilOSvc\">pic.twitter.com/aOJ4ilOSvc</a></p>&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1848193122297061458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">October 21, 2024</a></blockquote>"}}”>CHILLS… 🗽NEW YORK LIBERTY SECURES THE TITLE IN BROOKLYN! #WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/aOJ4ilOSvc
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 21, 2024The Liberty fell behind by as many as 12 points during the first half and didn’t take their first lead until Nyara Sabally’s lay-up with 3:07 left in the third quarter. They trailed 60-58 at the end of regulation when Stewart was fouled with 5.2 seconds left. After the disputed call was upheld following a video replay, Stewart hit both free throws and the game went to overtime when McBride missed a three at the horn.
Afterward Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve decried the “marginal at best” contact on the foul that allowed New York to tie the game, going as far as to say the championship was “stolen” from the Lynx.
“We know we could have done some things, right, but you shouldn’t have to overcome to that extent,” Reeve said. “The headlines will be ‘Reeve cries foul.’ Bring it on. Because this shit was stolen from us.”
View image in fullscreenNew York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, right, reacts after scoring against the Minnesota Lynx during the third quarter. Photograph: Pamela Smith/APLeonie Fiebich’s three-pointer early in overtime put New York ahead for good, before Sabally’s steal and breakaway lay-up opened a 65-60 lead with 3:14 remaining that left Minnesota on the ropes. The Lynx got as close as 65-62 with 18.4 seconds left and possession, but Bridget Carleton’s missed three dashed their hopes.
“That was ugly, but we found a way to win,” New York coach Sandy Brondello said.
Ellie the Elephant: the viral mascot twerking her way into New York loreRead moreStewart, who never left the floor, finished with 13 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Ionescu logged five points, eight assists and seven rebounds, while Sabally added a crucial 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench. When it was finished, the capacity crowd celebrated in the stands and the court was showered with streamers and confetti while Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York and Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind played on the arena soundsystem.
“I’ve been manifesting this moment for awhile, There’s no feeling like it,” Stewart said. “Credit to Minnesota they gave us a tough series. The fans have been amazing everywhere we’ve gone. To bring a championship to New York, first ever in franchise history it’s an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with the city. it’s going to be bonkers.”
The best-of-five finals between the Liberty and the Lynx will go down as one of the most dramatic in WNBA history. All five games came down to the last few possessions, with the first and fifth contests going to overtime and the third featuring a last-second winner. WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert announced before Game 1 that it will be moving to a best-of-seven format starting with next year’s finals.
Minnesota were denied in their bid for a record fifth WNBA championship, remaining level with the Seattle Storm and Houston Comets on four titles. The Lynx won all of those from 2011 through 2017, featuring a core four of Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus and Rebekkah Brunson, but didn’t make it back to the finals until this year.

According to a recent report from the China Meteorological Administration, a new wave of cold air is set to hit various regions in China starting today. This cold front will move from the northwest towards the eastern parts of the country, affecting conditions from October 21st to 23rd. Meteorologists are predicting a temperature drop of 3 to 6 degrees Celsius in the central and eastern regions, with some areas experiencing drops of over 8 degrees. Additionally, the eastern Northwest region, northeastern Inner Mongolia, North China, the Northeast, and the Huanghuai regions will encounter winds ranging from 4 to 6 levels, with gusts reaching 7 to 8 levels. Significant winds are also expected in the eastern and southern coastal areas, where gusts could reach levels 9 to 10.

Today, the areas most affected by the drop in temperature will be regions such as central and southern Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Ningxia, with northeastern Inner Mongolia facing winds of 6 to 7 levels.

Compared to the previous cold air mass, this system is somewhat weaker and not anticipated to bring a significant drop in temperatures. However, residents of eastern Inner Mongolia and the Northeast should remain vigilant about temperature fluctuations, as it’s essential to dress appropriately to avoid catching a cold.

In terms of precipitation, from October 21st to 22nd, regions including southern Chongqing, central and eastern Guizhou, western Hunan, southern Hubei, central Anhui, southern Jiangsu, and the Shandong Peninsula can expect moderate to heavy rainfall. Between the 22nd and 23rd, parts of eastern Northeast China will also see moderate to heavy rain, with regions in eastern Jilin and eastern Heilongjiang expecting rain to turn into snow, potentially leading to areas of heavy snow and localized blizzards. Such weather patterns could create slippery and icy road conditions, prompting the public to exercise caution when traveling. Additionally, regions in Heilongjiang may experience heavy snowfall that could impact agricultural facilities, warranting attention to possible effects on local farming activities.

In a recent report by Saga Shimbun, it has been revealed that an 80-year-old man was arrested by local police at Saga Castle around noon today after being found in possession of a folding knife. This incident occurred just hours before Princess Aiko’s scheduled visit to the area, marking her first public official duty outside of Tokyo since turning 21.

The man, from Yamaguchi Prefecture, was discovered within the historical site of the Saga Castle, carrying a folding knife with an 8.5 cm blade. He was apprehended on charges of violating sword and firearm laws after museum staff alerted law enforcement due to his suspicious behavior. When questioned, the man admitted he understood carrying a knife was inappropriate but claimed he had no intention of causing harm.

Remarkably, this arrest happened just half an hour before Princess Aiko’s convoy passed through the vicinity. The princess, the only daughter of the Emperor of Japan, is visiting Saga Prefecture to attend the National Sports Festival. She arrived at Saga Airport earlier today, where she was warmly greeted by local citizens. This outing is not only significant for her as a public figure but also represents her first solo trip for official duties since reaching adulthood.

In a recent turn of events, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has charged four men in connection with a significant workers’ compensation fraud scheme that allegedly generated nearly $10 million in illegal profits. The primary suspect, 55-year-old David Fisch from Laguna Niguel, is facing over a decade in prison due to his history of insurance fraud convictions, which have resulted in a lifetime ban from participating in California’s workers’ compensation system.

Following a three-year investigation, prosecutors revealed that Fisch secretly controlled clinics and medical service providers, utilizing illegal referral fees and falsely reporting charges to insurance companies to profit unlawfully. A statement from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office emphasized, “Fisch referred patients to specific providers to receive illegal referral fees and then billed workers’ compensation insurance companies for related services unlawfully.”

The other three defendants include 78-year-old Martin Brill, 61-year-old Robert Lee, and neurosurgeon Vrijesh Tantuwaya. According to the indictment, the defendants co-founded the Southern California Injury Network, offering medical management services that included marketing, billing, and collections. Although Fisch presented himself as a “consultant,” he was actually at the helm of the entire operation. Tantuwaya, who practices in San Diego and was also implicated, co-founded a medical group that served as a key partner for Fisch’s company. Tantuwaya’s attorney, Scott Simmons, firmly denied the allegations, highlighting the surgeon’s 22-year spotless professional record and asserting, “The evidence will prove his innocence; Tantuwaya has never received any illegal kickbacks.”

All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have been released on bail while awaiting trial. Fisch is facing the most serious allegations, including two counts of conspiracy, two counts of soliciting compensation from clients, and eight counts of insurance fraud. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer pointed out that such fraudulent actions not only inflate insurance premiums but also exacerbate the challenges faced by American families amidst rising living costs. Should the defendants be convicted, Fisch could face a sentence of over ten years.

The California Department of Insurance estimates that similar fraudulent activities cost state residents an additional $440 in premiums each year. The District Attorney’s Office underscored the importance of combating such fraud as a protective measure for all Californians.

Many people believe that fresh fruits and vegetables are the best choice for optimal nutrition, often viewing canned options as inferior due to the processing they undergo. However, recent research has shown that canned fruits and vegetables can offer nutritional value comparable to their fresh or frozen counterparts. In fact, for certain produce, canned options may even have higher nutritional content.

A study conducted by researchers at Michigan State University, published in the “American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine,” found that canned fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh or frozen ones. Particularly, canned tomatoes were noted to have higher levels of B vitamins, vitamin E, and carotenoids compared to fresh tomatoes. The canning process also makes the fiber in legumes more soluble, which is beneficial for the body.

Additionally, The Foundation for Fresh Produce (FPP) highlighted a survey that found adults and children who frequently consume canned foods—defined as eating six or more different canned products within two weeks—tend to have healthier eating habits than those who eat one or two kinds. The study revealed that canned food consumers had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables and a broader range of essential nutrients, including calcium and fiber, as reflected in their higher Health Eating Index (HEI) scores.

Moreover, canned products offer excellent cost-effectiveness, helping families save on their grocery budgets. According to FPP, there is no significant price difference among fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables. However, they found that the cost of canned vegetables is half that of frozen vegetables and just a fifth of fresh options. Popular canned vegetables like corn, tomatoes, peas, and green beans are generally cheaper than their fresh or frozen versions.

Another advantage of canned produce is that the fruits, vegetables, and legumes are harvested at peak ripeness, which helps retain their nutrition, flavor, and safety. Experts from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization have noted that produce has the highest nutritional value at the time of harvest. Once harvested, fresh crops begin to lose nutrients, as they are cut off from their soil or energy sources. Furthermore, if vegetables are stored for too long before cooking, they may lose additional nutritional value.

A study from UC Davis indicated that spinach stored at room temperature (68°F) for seven days could lose nearly all its vitamin C, while refrigerating it could result in a 75% loss. In contrast, carrots left at the same room temperature only lose 27% of their vitamin C.

FPP encourages consumers to enjoy fruits and vegetables in whatever form they prefer—fresh, canned, or frozen. Canned foods not only simplify healthy eating, being nutritionally comparable to fresh and frozen options, but they also make it easier for people to enjoy convenient, wholesome meals at home, fostering better dietary habits.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced today that it has approved the monkeypox vaccine produced by Danish biotech company Bavarian Nordic for adolescents aged 12 to 17, a group particularly vulnerable to monkeypox outbreaks. This decision follows a confirmation of the vaccine’s prequalification status on October 8, as reported by Reuters.

A recent wave of monkeypox cases, which spread from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to neighboring countries, led the WHO to declare a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC) in August, marking the second such announcement in two years.

In September, the WHO authorized the vaccine for adults to facilitate easier access in African countries severely affected by the outbreak. Generally, the monkeypox virus can cause flu-like symptoms along with skin lesions, and children, teenagers, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly at risk.

Last month, the European Union also approved the Bavarian Nordic monkeypox vaccine for use in adolescents. Additionally, Bavarian Nordic is preparing to conduct clinical trials to evaluate the vaccine’s safety in children aged 2 to 12, aiming to expand its potential use.

This clinical trial is partially funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and is expected to commence in October.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Bavarian Nordic monkeypox vaccine, it is currently only available for adults aged 18 and older. During the monkeypox outbreak in 2022, the FDA had also granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for this vaccine.

Moreover, Japanese regulatory authorities have confirmed that another monkeypox vaccine, LC16 produced by KM Biologics, is suitable for children, though it requires the use of special needles.