Major change of practice’ in asthma advice” – What’s New in 2025

In 2025, there has been a ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice across the UK. New joint guidelines from NICE, BTS, and SIGN (published November 2024) have replaced older separate ones, bringing fresh approaches to diagnosing, monitoring and managing asthma.
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These guidelines mark a turning point — or what many are calling a ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice — especially in how inhalers are prescribed, how overuse of relief inhalers is tackled, and how diagnosis is confirmed with newer tests.


What Triggers This “Major Change of Practice” in Asthma Advice


The push for ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice comes from accumulating evidence that some traditional asthma treatments, particularly reliance on short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) alone, may not be the safest or most effective over time. The new guidance recommends that asthma treatment starts, in many cases, using combination inhalers that include anti-inflammatory medication (ICS) even for mild asthma.
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This shift reflects research showing better control of symptoms, fewer exacerbations, and long-term lung health when inflammation is addressed early — a core part of this ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice.


Key Changes: Diagnosis and Tests


One of the central components of the ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice is diagnostic testing. Under the new guideline from BTS/NICE/SIGN, objective tests such as FeNO (Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide) and blood eosinophil counts are encouraged even early in the diagnostic process.
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This emphasises identifying type of inflammation, not just airflow obstruction. In previous guidance, diagnosis often focused primarily on reversible airflow limitation (spirometry, bronchodilator response). The ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice means doctors will increasingly rely on these inflammation markers to tailor treatments more precisely.


Key Changes: Treatment Strategy — Towards Anti-Inflammatory Reliever (AIR) and MART


Perhaps the most dramatic shift in the ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice is in how reliever inhalers are used. The new guidelines strongly discourage using SABA inhalers alone without inhaled corticosteroids. Instead, they promote combination approaches:


AIR (Anti-Inflammatory Reliever) therapy: using a combination inhaler (for example ICS/formoterol) both as needed for relief and to treat inflammation.
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MART (Maintenance And Reliever Therapy): using single inhaler therapy that serves both maintenance and relief roles. This was less emphasised previously in many UK practices. The ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice is that AIR and MART are now considered cornerstones for many patients aged 12 and over.
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Why This Matters for Patients with Asthma


This ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice could make a big difference in day-to-day life for people with asthma. Some implications are:


Fewer severe asthma attacks, hospital visits, and emergencies by preventing inflammation rather than just treating symptoms.


Better long-term lung health, fewer flare-ups and less chronic damage.


Reduced dependence on SABA inhalers — which, if overused, are linked to worse asthma control and higher risk of exacerbations.
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More personalised treatment: monitoring eosinophils, FeNO, inhaler technique, checking adherence. All part of the ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice to make care more precise and patient-centred.


What Changes Patients Should Expect


Because of this ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice, patients may notice several differences in how their asthma is managed:


Inhaler prescription changes: If you have been using a blue SABA alone, you may be offered a combination inhaler (AIR) instead.
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More tests: Your GP or respiratory clinic may ask you to have new tests such as FeNO or blood eosinophil count to guide treatment.


Review of inhaler technique and adherence: The guidelines emphasise checking you are using inhalers correctly, and that you are taking them as prescribed — core to the ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice.
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More regular reviews: Annual asthma reviews, monitoring of symptom control, and looking out for over-use of rescue inhalers are now standard parts of practice.


Common Concerns and Misconceptions


With any ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice, there will be questions and worries. Let’s address a few:


“Is it safe to combine relief and maintenance in one inhaler?” Yes — studies show that for many patients, AIR and MART reduce exacerbations and are cost-effective. The new UK guideline backs this.
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“Do I still keep a rescue inhaler?” Yes, but the reliance on separate rescue-only inhalers (high-dose SABAs alone) is reduced. The relief provided by an anti-inflammatory reliever inhaler that also includes ICS helps address symptoms and inflammation together.


“Will I need more inhalers / will treatment be more complex?” Not necessarily; for many people, the change simplifies treatment by reducing the number of inhalers. However, there may be adjustments during the transition.


How to Make This New Advice Work for You


To benefit from the ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice, here are practical steps:


Talk to your healthcare provider: Ask if your treatment plan is aligned with the new guidelines. If you are using SABA alone, enquire about AIR or MART options.


Check inhaler technique: Many problems stem from incorrect use. Make sure your inhaler, spacer (if needed), dose timing are correct.


Keep an asthma action plan: Ensure that you have a written plan that includes triggers, warning signs, what to do in flare-ups, and who to contact.


Monitor your symptoms and inhaler use: If you find you’re using rescue inhalers often, that’s a sign your asthma may not be well controlled. This data helps your doctor decide whether treatment needs adjusting.


Lifestyle supports: Avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight, exercise safely, reduce pollution or triggers in the home. These non-medical supports complement the new prescription practices in this ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice.


What This Means for NHS Practice, GPs, Pharmacists


The ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice affects not just patients, but how asthma care is delivered:


Practices will need to update formularies, ensure clinicians are aware of new guidelines, and have access to combination inhalers.
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Training may be required so healthcare workers can interpret new tests (FeNO, eosinophils), review inhaler technique, and manage AIR/MART strategies.


Health systems may need to monitor usage of SABAs, track asthma control metrics, reduce SABA overuse.


Cost-effectiveness: guidance indicates that AIR/MART not only improve outcomes but in many cases are cost-effective, meaning savings or cost neutrality over time.
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Challenges & What To Watch For


Even with this ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice, there are hurdles:


Not all clinics or GP surgeries may have easy access to FeNO testing or fast eosinophil count results.


Some inhalers (combination ICS/formoterol) might be off-label for certain age groups or under-12s, so special care/expert advice may be needed there.
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Patient acceptance: changes mean old habits (using blue inhaler when wheezy) may need rethink. Education and communication are crucial.


Costs and availability: even when guidelines recommend certain inhalers, supply, licensing, and cost can vary regionally.


Summary: What “Major Change of Practice” in Asthma Advice Means for You


To sum up, the ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice is not a minor tweak — it’s a shift toward early anti-inflammatory treatment, reducing overreliance on SABA alone, using newer tests to guide care, and emphasising inhaler technique, adherence, and regular reviews. For people with asthma, this means more tailored, safer, evidence-based treatment that aims not just to relieve symptoms, but to prevent flare-ups, preserve lung function, and improve quality of life.


Final Thoughts


While change can feel unsettling, this ‘Major change of practice’ in asthma advice offers hope. If you or someone you care for has asthma, now is a good time to review your asthma plan, talk with your GP or nurse, ask about new inhaler options, tests, and whether your treatment matches the latest guidance. Over time, these changes should lead to fewer emergency visits, fewer sleepless nights, and breathing more comfortably. That’s the promise behind this major change — breathing better, living better.

We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby

 

When researchers say “We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby”, they mean it: your local area — where you live — can profoundly impact maternal health, pregnancy risks such as gestational diabetes or having large babies, and even the health of the child. A recent study analysed more than 160,000 pregnancies, and the differences between postcodes were not trivial: they showed that where you live is as important as many biological factors in pregnancy. This article explores what that study found, why these postcode differences occur, and what can be done to support families in disadvantaged areas. 

What the study revealed

The central headline of We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby is that rates of pregnancy complications vary significantly by postcode — even within the same city. The research found that in some postcodes, many more women entered pregnancy overweight; in others, gestational diabetes was much more common; and in certain areas, babies were more likely to be “large for gestational age”. Risk levels weren’t randomly distributed. The study’s scale (160,000+ pregnancies) gives confidence that these postcode-based patterns are real, not statistical flukes. For families, this means that two women with very similar health may face very different risks depending largely on where she lives.
Why postcode matters

When we say We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby, it’s not just geography: postcode stands in for many underlying factors. These include access to healthy food, walkable neighbourhoods, pollution, socioeconomic status, quality of prenatal care, educational attainment, housing conditions, and more. For example, in some postcodes there are “food deserts” — few shops selling fresh produce. In others, clinics or maternity services are more distant. These structural disparities mean that postcode becomes a proxy for risk.
Specific risks linked to postcode

The evidence from We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby points to several specific risks being more common in certain postcodes:

Overweight at the beginning of pregnancy: Women living in postcodes with less socioeconomic advantage were more likely to start pregnancy with higher BMI, which increases risks for complications. 


Gestational diabetes: The study showed higher rates in some postcodes, possibly due to differences in diet, physical activity, and access to screening.


Large babies: Babies larger than usual (for gestational age) can mean complications at birth — labour difficulties, increased likelihood of caesarean, newborn issues. These were more frequent in certain postcodes.

These findings confirm that We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby in ways that go beyond individual health behaviour.
The impact on mothers and babies

The repercussions of We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby are not just statistical. For mothers in higher-risk postcodes, increased risk means more prenatal monitoring, higher stress, more medical intervention (such as induction or caesarean), and sometimes worse outcomes. For babies, consequences might include birth injuries, metabolic risk, or being born too large or small, with knock-on effects on early life health. The emotional burden is also real: worrying about complications, navigating medical appointments, possibly experiencing disparities in care quality.
Socioeconomic and environmental influences

Underlying We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby are socioeconomic and environmental forces. For example:

Income and education correlate strongly with health literacy, diet quality, ability to make regular prenatal visits.


Housing quality and crowding can increase stress or exposure to harmful environmental factors.


Access to green space and safe exercise environments influences physical activity, which helps prevent gestational diabetes and overweight.


Pollution and air quality, noise, and even stress from neighbourhood safety can affect pregnancy outcomes.

These factors help explain why two women living 10 miles apart might have very different pregnancy risks, in line with We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby.
What policy can do

The scale of We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby suggests policy change is needed to reduce postcode-based health inequalities. Some possible interventions:

Better prenatal care access in underserved postcodes: mobile clinics, subsidies, transportation help.


Nutrition support: affordable healthy food options in “food deserts”, subsidies or vouchers for fresh produce.


Education and outreach: programs in local community centres to teach about pregnancy risks, gestational diabetes, healthy pre-pregnancy weight.


Environmental improvements: cleaner air, safer walking/recreation spaces, less pollution in disadvantaged areas.


Screening and early intervention: ensuring that all women—regardless of postcode—receive timely screening for gestational diabetes, obesity counselling, etc.

Implementing policies like these would help address what was found when We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby.
What individuals can do

While systemic change is vital, We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby also shows that individual women and families can take steps to improve outcomes, even in more challenging areas. Some suggestions:

Maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy if possible: balanced diet, moderate physical activity.


Seek early prenatal care: book appointments early, ask about screenings.


Focus on diet: whole foods, fibre, low sugar, healthy fats.


Stay active: regular safe exercise (“walking groups”, community classes) even in small spaces.


Use any available local resources: community health centres, government programs, support groups.

These actions can help mediate some of the risks that the study reveals when We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby.
Why studies like this matter

It’s important that We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby exist, because they shine a light on inequalities that often get overlooked. When pregnancy risks are understood not only in terms of individual behaviour but in terms of place and resources, then we can work toward fairer health systems. Studies like these also help in targeting interventions where they are most needed, ensuring that mothers and babies everywhere have a chance at healthy outcomes.
Looking forward: what’s next

As we move past 2025, the lessons from We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby should guide research, policy and community practice. We’ll need more fine-grain data, more community voice, more investment into disadvantaged postcodes. Also, follow-up research should track long-term child health outcomes — do postcode differences in pregnancy translate into differences in child growth, development, schooling, long-term heart risk?
Conclusion

In sum, We studied over 160,000 pregnancies to show how your postcode affects you and your baby is more than a finding: it's a clear call to action. Postcode isn’t destiny — but it matters a lot. With awareness, policy, community help, and individual steps, we can lessen the postcode penalty, improving pregnancy outcomes for mothers and babies alike.

A 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach: Her Inspiring Life

A 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, and it seems her secret isn’t just luck but a blend of spirited attitude, movement, and enjoyment. Meet Mary Coroneos from Norwalk, Connecticut: as of her centennial birthday, she still heads to the gym regularly for strength training, savours the occasional frozen treat, and spends time by the sea. This combination—lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach—is more than symbolic; it’s practical, joyful, and seemingly effective in supporting long life.
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The Power of Strength: Lifting Weights


One of the most notable aspects when a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach is her resistance training. She doesn’t lift massive weights, but she works with light dumbbells, resistance bands and machines. There is growing scientific evidence that strength work preserves muscle mass, bone density, balance and reduces risk of falls. When a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, she impresses many by returning to the gym just weeks after breaking her arm, showing that strength is more than physical—it’s resilience.
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Why Treats Like Ice Cream Matter


It may seem whimsical, but when a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, the ice cream isn’t just dessert—it’s part of balance. Mary enjoys simple pleasures: treats in moderation help keep morale high. Life expectancy isn’t just about calories and macronutrients; it’s also about satisfaction, pleasure, and emotional well-being. Including ice cream occasionally reminds us that mental health, happiness and indulgence play a role when a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach.
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The Beach: Nature, Sun, Sea Air


Another pillar when a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach is her love of the beach. Fresh air, sun exposure (with care), walking on sand, and hearing the waves contribute not just to physical health but mental rejuvenation. For Mary, a visit to the beach is a way to connect with nature, reset, and enjoy calm moments. The soothing sound of waves and the feel of sand underfoot are small routines with large psychological benefit when a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach.
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Mental Stimulation, Community, and Purpose


Beyond weights, ice cream and the beach, when a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, she also emphasises staying mentally active. Mary reads newspapers daily, maintains curiosity, teaches for many years, and keeps up with social connections. Purpose and community engagement often appear in the stories of centenarians. Engaging in learning, socialising, and contributing to others lends meaning to each day. That’s part of what makes “lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach” not just a phrase, but a rounded lifestyle.
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Moderation, Not Perfection


When a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, it’s also a lesson in moderation. Mary doesn’t overeat, she limits harmful habits, and she enjoys treats like ice cream in controlled amounts rather than indulgence without boundary. She also avoids alcohol largely. Her gym routine works around her physical capacity: light weights, maintaining balance, adapting after injury. Seen this way, lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach become sustainable, satisfying, and smart choices over a long span of years.
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Overcoming Challenges


A compelling part of her story is that when a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, she hasn’t had a charmed, trouble-free life. Mary recently broke two bones in her arm but was back in the gym in about three weeks. That resilience underlines how routine and mindset matter. Strength training helps rebuild, and the joy of small things—ice cream, sea air, movement—provides motivation to carry on. Her experience shows that lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach are not mere hobbies, but anchors in her perseverance.
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Health Benefits Backed by Science


When a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, those may sound quaint but have strong backing. Regular strength training in older age helps mitigate sarcopenia (muscle loss), supports metabolism, improves posture and reduces risk of falls. Exposure to sunlight helps vitamin D synthesis; walks or light activity at the beach improve cardiovascular health. Occasional treats can reduce stress and improve mood. All these combine to lengthen both lifespan and quality of life when a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach.
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How You Might Apply It


You might think, “I’m not 100, but can I borrow from what she does?” Absolutely. When a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, these are small, adaptable habits. Start with gentle strength exercises—body weight, bands, light dumbbells. Include one treat you enjoy in moderation—maybe a scoop of ice cream or something similar. Spend time outdoors, walk by water if possible, or simply enjoy sunshine in a garden. Combined with social activity, mental stimulation, and purpose, lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach becomes not just her routine, but a recipe many could adapt.
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The Takeaway: Living Fully


In the end, when a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, what resonates most is her approach: movement, joy, balance, connection. Her life reminds us that longevity isn’t about rigid regimens or denying pleasure; it’s about including strength, delight, and nature. It’s about enduring through challenges, celebrating simple pleasures, and maintaining relationships. When a 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach, she gives us all a blueprint: live with purpose, move your body, savour the small things—and perhaps enjoy that scoop of ice cream on a warm day by the sea.

Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk: what recent research shows

Recent published work has drawn attention to a serious health concern: Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk. Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have identified a genetic variant, known as ALDH2*2, which reduces the ability of the ALDH2 enzyme to detoxify aldehydes. When individuals with this mutation are exposed to high levels of certain aldehydes—such as acrolein—they may experience an “aldehyde storm,” a sudden surge in toxic aldehyde compounds. This process can inflict severe damage on the liver, raising the risk of liver disease.
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What the ALDH2*2 mutation means


At the heart of this discovery lies a core fact: Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk centres on impaired aldehyde detoxification. The ALDH2 enzyme normally helps clear acetaldehyde (from alcohol metabolism) and other harmful aldehydes like acrolein (from environmental sources, smoke, pollutant combustion). In people carrying the ALDH2*2 variant, this enzyme’s efficiency is reduced dramatically. As such, aldehydes accumulate. This deficiency means oxidative stress, inflammation and damage to liver cells occur more readily.
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The “aldehyde storm” phenomenon


The concept of an “aldehyde storm” is central to understanding the connection: Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk arises from the sudden build-up of aldehyde compounds beyond what detoxification systems can handle. In the 2025 study by Izawa, Takami et al., mice engineered to mimic the human ALDH2*2 variant were exposed to allyl alcohol—this is metabolised into acrolein in the liver—and the result was a rapid rise in blood aldehyde levels. These elevated levels led to depleted glutathione (a key antioxidant), oxidative damage, and a form of cell death called ferroptosis in liver tissue.
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Prevalence and population impact


Importantly, Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk is not a niche concern—it affects many people. The ALDH2*2 variant is common in East Asian populations: around 40-50% of East Asians carry at least one copy of the low-activity allele.
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For those with negative environmental or lifestyle exposures—heavy drinking, smoking, pollution—the risks may multiply through this genetic vulnerability. This suggests that public health interventions in regions with high allele frequency need specific tailoring to these genetic realities.
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Risk factors that amplify the danger


While Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk sets up a genetic predisposition, several modifiable factors can amplify or reduce the damage. Carrying ALDH2*2 is not deterministic: exposure to additional aldehydes through smoking, alcohol, certain medications (for example, some anticancer drugs metabolised to acrolein) or environmental pollution worsens outcomes. Meanwhile, antioxidant capacity—especially glutathione levels—plays a protective role. If antioxidant resources are low, the body is less able to counteract oxidative stress during an aldehyde storm.
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Potential signs, symptoms, and medical implications


Understanding Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk also helps explain why some individuals experience severe liver damage under conditions others endure more easily. Signs of distress may include acute liver injury, elevated liver enzymes in blood tests, symptoms of liver inflammation, possibly progressing to fibrosis or even cirrhosis if exposures are repeated or chronic. For people with ALDH2*2, even modest exposures—if frequent—can add up. Medical practitioners should consider genetic screening or patient history (alcohol use, smoking, occupational exposures) when assessing liver disease risk, especially in East Asian patients.
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Implications for public health and personal choices


The discovery that Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk carries both challenge and opportunity. On the public health side, policies could emphasise reducing environmental aldehyde exposure (tobacco control, air quality improvements), regulating or informing about medications that produce aldehydes, and promoting diets rich in antioxidants. On the individual level, lifestyle choices—limiting or avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, eating antioxidant-rich foods, staying alert to liver health—could make a substantial difference. Education and awareness are critical.
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Research directions and therapeutic possibilities


Scientists studying Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk are investigating treatments or interventions that might mitigate the risks. Possibilities include drugs that boost ALDH2 activity, antioxidants that restore glutathione, or therapies targeting ferroptosis pathways. Additionally, better understanding of how acute vs chronic exposures trigger aldehyde storms may allow targeted monitoring. The hope is to tailor interventions for ALDH2*2 carriers that are safe, accessible, and culturally sensitive.
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Personal and societal stories


Beyond the lab data, Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk has human consequences. Families watching loved ones suffer from liver disease may not initially realise the role of genetics or daily exposures. Feelings of guilt, confusion or helplessness are common. Knowing about ALDH2*2 can empower people: to ask doctors questions, make informed lifestyle changes, and feel less alone. Collective understanding reduces stigma (for example around alcohol intolerance or flush reaction) and supports more compassionate health care.

 taking action together


In summary, Genetic mutation in some East Asians linked to aldehyde storm and increased liver disease risk is a scientifically supported, clinically meaningful risk factor that deserves broader attention. While the mutation itself cannot be altered by lifestyle, its effects—via aldehyde exposure and oxidative stress—can be mitigated. With rising rates of liver disease globally, particularly in populations with high ALDH2*2 prevalence, public health strategies, medical screening, education, and research must converge. Only by recognising both genetic and environmental dimensions can societies reduce the toll of liver disease for those affected.

Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death

 

In September 2025, Australia faced a somber milestone: Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reported that dementia accounted for almost 17,400 deaths in 2023—nearly one in ten of all deaths.
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This statistic has prompted health experts, carers, and people living with dementia to urge swift changes in policy, funding, and awareness. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death and warn that without intervention the burden will worsen.


The latest AIHW findings underline that while dementia was the leading cause of death overall, it strikingly affects women more than men. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death especially among older women, and point out that dementia is now the leading cause of death for women and the second for men after coronary heart disease.
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The gender disparity only increases the urgency for inclusive strategies to support those most at risk. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death insists that brain health be central in women’s health programmes.


One of the starkest projections is that without substantial changes, the number of Australians living with dementia could exceed 1.1 million by 2065. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death believe that early prevention measures—during mid-life and earlier—are essential to slow this trajectory.
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The report emphasises that many risk factors are modifiable. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death and they’re calling on governments to act now rather than wait.


What are these modifiable risk factors? Obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure in mid-life, smoking, impaired kidney function, and other lifestyle and health issues significantly increase dementia risk. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death underscore that public health policy must target these factors through education, preventive medicine, community programmes and accessible healthcare.
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Blood sugar control, hearing and vision care, mental health and social connection also play roles. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death insists that comprehensive risk reduction strategies be rolled out widely.


Beyond the numbers, there are personal stories that put flesh on the data. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death is not just a headline—it is lived by individuals, families, carers. Many report that diagnosis comes too late, that loved ones withdraw socially, as if dementia carries stigma as well as physical decline.
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The emotional toll, the guilt, the isolation—these need acknowledgement if policy is to meet human needs. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death demands humane care, not just clinical treatment.


Financial cost is another dimension. In 2020-21, Australia spent nearly AUD 3.7 billion on dementia diagnosis, treatment and care, with residential aged care services accounting for almost half of that. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death and note this cost will rise steeply unless action is taken.
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Investment now in prevention and community-based support may reduce pressure on aged care and hospitals in years hence. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death push for funding reallocation and smarter resource planning.


Awareness and education remain weak in many quarters. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death say that too many Australians still view dementia as an inevitable part of ageing rather than a preventable or mitigable condition.
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This misunderstanding can delay diagnosis, increase fear, reduce help-seeking behaviour. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death demand national campaigns, school curricula, public messaging that destigmatise dementia and promote brain health from a young age.


Policy makers are starting to respond. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death have urged the federal government to commit to funding “a national conversation” on dementia, including awareness raising and prevention, as well as strengthening care for those already living with dementia.
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Legislation, health-care workforce training, research into new treatments, and better support for carers are all part of their call. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death maintain that the cost of inaction far outweighs the investment required now.


For communities and individuals, there are actions possible today. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death encourage people to engage in regular physical and mental activity, maintain social connection, monitor health markers like blood pressure and blood sugar, not smoke, and seek help for hearing or vision loss.
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These measures may not guarantee prevention, but they build resilience. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death emphasises empowerment and collective responsibility.


In conclusion, Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death is more than a headline—it’s an urgent wake-up call. The data is clear, the risk factors are known, and the human cost is profound. With dementia now number one cause of death in Australia, the time for gradual steps is over. Advocates call for action on brain health as AIHW reveals dementia is leading cause of death demands that government, health systems, communities and individuals act together with courage, compassion and commitment. The task is daunting, but the cost of doing nothing is greater.

عالمی ردِ عمل: قطر پر حملوں کی شدید مذمت

 

اقوام متحدہ کی سیکیورٹی کونسل نے قطر کی دارالحکومت دوحہ میں ہونے والے تازہ حملوں کی سخت الفاظ میں مذمت کی ہے، لیکن دلچسپ بات یہ ہے کہ اس بیان میں اسرائیل کا نام صراحت سے نہیں لیا گیا۔ یہ فیصلہ امریکہ کی حمایت سے متفقہ طور پر کیا گیا، جس نے سلامتی کونسل میں ممبران کے اتفاق رائے کی ضرورت کو پورا کیا۔

بیان، جس کی مسودہ کاری برطانیہ اور فرانس نے کی، نے قطر کی علاقائی سالمیت اور خود مختاری کی بحالی پر زور دیا، ساتھ ہی کہا کہ تنازعے سے کشیدگی میں اضافہ ہونے والے حالات کو فوری کم کرنا چاہیے۔ یہ واقعہ اس وقت ہوا جب قطر امن مذاکرات کی میز پر مصروفِ کار تھا، خاص طور پر غزہ میں جنگ بندی کے سلسلے میں بات چیت کی کوششوں کے دوران۔

قطر کے وزیرِ خارجہ شیخ محمد بن عبدالرحمن بن جاسم ال تھانی نے الزام عائد کیا کہ اسرائیل نے دباؤ ڈالنے اور جنگ بندی کی کوششوں کو نقصان پہنچانے کے لیے وہاں کے حکام اور رہ نماؤں پر حملہ کیا۔ اُن کا کہنا تھا کہ یہ حملہ ظاہر کرتا ہے کہ عسکریں خواہش نہیں رکھتیں کہ میز پر گفتگو جاری رکھی جائے یا کہ معاہدے ہوں۔

پاکستان نے بھی وہیں سوال اٹھایا کہ آیا واقعتاً اسرائیل کے لیے یہ ضروری ہے کہ وہ میزبانوں کی رہائی کو اولین ترجیح سمجھے۔ پاکستان کے نمائندے نے کہا کہ ایسا لگتا ہے کہ اسرائیل اپنی ترجیحات بدلتے ہوئے امن کے امکانات کو پسِ پشت ڈال رہا ہے۔

امریکہ کی نمائندہ اقوام متحدہ ڈوروتی شیعہ نے بیان دیا کہ یہ حملہ نہ تو امریکہ کی پالیسی کے مطابق ہے اور نہ ہی اسرائیل کے مفاد میں۔ انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ اگرچہ یہ واقعہ افسوسناک ہے، مگر یہ امن کی طرف ایک موقع بھی فراہم کر سکتا ہے، خاص طور پر اگر بین الاقوامی برادری مل کر دہشت گردی کے خلاف ٹھوس اقدامات اٹھائے۔

الجزائر کی نمائندگی کرنے والی ایمّار بندجما نے اس بیان کو کمزور قرار دیا کہ وہ مجرم کا نام لیے بغیر صرف حملے کی مذمت کرے۔ اُن کا کہنا تھا کہ قانون کی پاسداری اور بین الاقوامی اصولوں کی روشنی میں واضح ہونے والی الفاظی حدود سے تجاوز ہونا چاہیے تاکہ ایسے واقعات کو مستقبل میں روکا جا سکے۔

یہ واقعہ دوحہ میں ہونے والی ایک مخصوص کارروائی ہے، جسے اسرائیل نے حزبِ اختلافی گروپ حماس کے سیاسی رہ نماؤں کے خلاف انجام دیا۔ اس حملے نے مشرق وسطیٰ میں پہلے سے مخدوش امن معاہدوں اور جنگ بندی کی کوششوں کو نئے سرے سے زیرِِ غور لایا ہے، خاص طور پر ایسے وقت جب عالمی سطح پر تشویش بڑھ گئی ہے کہ اگر ایسے واقعات کی باز پرس نہ کی گئی تو علاقائی تناؤ مزید بڑھے گا۔