International health news
About 70 per cent of executives at European organisations are considering educating their staff on travel risks. The results are from the 2017 Business Impact of Travel Risk survey, which highlights business executives’ understanding of the correlation between health and travel security risks and business continuity.
The World Health Organisation is concerned that not enough people have an understanding of health literacy. Simply put, health literacy is the knowledge of obtaining information, gaining an understanding, and the ability to manage their health. Patients would rather use the internet than visit a doctor, even ignoring a doctor’s advice in favour of the web.
According to US scientists, there might be a new way to treat chronic pain. The venom of the Conus regius sea snail, used naturally to kill prey, contains a compound that can treat pain.
Country updates
A Dengue fever outbreak has struck Nauru with at least 70 reported cases. Nauru and Australian immigration officials have called for a crisis meeting as the outbreak is a threat to their public health system.
Announced on 19 February, the Government of Dubai issued the final deadline for expatriate workers to obtain mandatory health insurance. Set for 31 March 2017, expats who do not purchase health insurance before this date face a fine. The fine is payable by both employee and employer. According to the Dubai Executive Council, around 98 per cent of expats already have health insurance in the Arab state.
Health advice
Eating 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day may give us longer lives. Conducted by Imperial College London, the research has shown that specific sorts of fruits and vegetables reduced the risk of heart disease and cancer. The vegetables that lower the risk of cancer are green vegetables, yellow vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables. Apples, pears, citrus fruits, salads, green leafy vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables lower the risks of heart disease and strokes.
‘Do not dive’. It’s a warning sign most of us will be used to seeing at pools and beaches where the water is shallow. The International Travel & Health Insurance Journal advise you to be careful when taking the plunge abroad though. Countries as such as Thailand and Bali do not have as strict regulations as others.