World Milk Day

Posted on May 31, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

A drink which every human being is intimately familiar with, milk is a white liquid food produced by the mammary glands of mammals and is the primary source of nutrition for their young, including breastfed human infants before they can digest solid food. Immune factors and immune-modulating components in milk contribute to milk immunity. Early-lactation milk, which is called colostrum, contains antibodies that strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of many diseases. Milk contains many nutrients, including protein and lactose.

Milk is a staple food in many households around the world. It is a rich source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients that are important for the growth and development of the human body. However, the production of milk has a significant impact on the environment. The dairy sector is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation.

As an agricultural product, dairy milk is collected from farm animals. According to Statista, the volume of cow milk produced worldwide has risen steadily over the last several years. In 2015, 497 million metric tons of cow milk was produced worldwide, by 2022 that figure had risen to around 544 million metric tons. India is the world’s largest producer of milk and the leading exporter of skimmed milk powder, but it exports few other milk products. New Zealand, Germany and the Netherlands are the largest exporters of milk products. The US CDC recommends that children over the age of 12 months should have two servings of dairy milk products a day. More than six billion people worldwide consume milk and milk products, and between 750 and 900 million people live in dairy-farming households.

To celebrate the importance and nutritive value of milk as a global food, the Food and Agriculture Organization or FAO of the United Nations established World Milk Day. The day has been observed on June 1 each year since 2001 and is intended to provide an opportunity to bring attention to activities that are connected with the dairy sector. June 1 was chosen because many countries were already celebrating a milk day during that time of year.

The day provides an opportunity to focus attention on milk and raise awareness of dairy’s part in healthy diets, responsible food production, and supporting livelihoods and communities. FAO data shows that more than one billion people’s livelihoods are supported by the dairy sector and that dairy is consumed by more than six billion people globally.

The theme for World Milk Day 2023 is “Reducing the environmental footprint of the dairy sector while providing nutritious foods and livelihoods” The 2023 theme will focus on showcasing how dairy is reducing its environmental footprint, while also providing nutritious foods and livelihoods. This theme highlights the importance of sustainable dairy farming practices that can help reduce the environmental impact of the dairy sector.

One way to reduce the environmental impact of the dairy sector is to promote sustainable farming practices. Sustainable farming practices can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. For example, farmers can use renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to power their farms. They can also use organic farming practices that do not rely on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Another way is to promote the use of alternative dairy products like soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk which have a lower environmental impact than traditional dairy products. They require less water and land to produce and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

World Milk Day is an opportunity to celebrate the dairy industry while also promoting sustainable dairy farming practices. By reducing the environmental footprint of the dairy sector, we can ensure that future generations have access to nutritious foods and livelihoods.

International Day of Families

Posted on May 15, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Today is the International Day of Families. Families are the basic unit of society and play a critical role in shaping individuals and communities. A Family is the smallest and the primary focus of human attachment, nurturance and socialisation. All the lessons of life are learnt from the family and these stay on the psyche for the entire life. Family, which comes from the Latin, familia, is a group of people related either by consanguinity or affinity. The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and society. Ideally, families offer predictability, structure, and safety as members mature and learn to participate in the community.

United Nations declared in 1993 that 15 May would be the International Day of Families to raise awareness of the importance of families and to promote family-oriented policies and programs. The day is an opportunity to recognise the importance of families and to promote their well-being. It also aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by families and to encourage the adoption of policies and programs that support families.

The theme for the 2022 edition was Families and Urbanisation. Urbanisation is one of the most important megatrends shaping the world and the life and well-being of families worldwide. Sustainable urbanisation is related to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals and targets that depend on how well urbanisation is managed towards benefitting families and enhancing the well-being of all generations living in cities. The theme thus aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable, family-friendly urban policies.

The world is becoming increasingly urbanised. According to the United Nations, 55% of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas, and this number is expected to reach 68% by 2050. Urbanisation has many benefits, such as access to better healthcare, education, and job opportunities. However, it also presents challenges for families, such as higher living costs, limited space, and a lack of social support.

One of the biggest challenges facing families in urban areas is housing. In many cities, housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable, forcing families to live in small apartments or even on the streets. Another challenge facing families in urban areas is the lack of social support networks. In traditional, rural communities, families often have access to extended family members, neighbours, and community organizations that provide social and emotional support which may be unable in urban areas. Despite these challenges, families in urban areas also have unique opportunities for growth and development.

Preparations for the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024 have been centring on megatrends and their impact on families. The focus on selected megatrends, including technological change, migration, urbanization, demographic and climate change, aims to facilitate the analysis of their impacts on family life and to recommend responsive family-oriented policies to harness the positive aspects of those trends and counteract their negative facets.

Earth Day

Posted on April 21, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Tomorrow is Earth Day, an annual observance celebrated each year to raise awareness and take action for the protection and preservation of our planet. This year is the 53^rd edition that the day has been celebrated.

In the past few decades, our planet has been facing numerous environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and species extinction. These issues have become increasingly pressing and have underscored the importance of taking action to restore the health and balance of our planet.

Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing our planet. The average temperature of the earth has been increasing steadily over the past few decades, resulting in melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather conditions. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities are the primary drivers of climate change. To mitigate its impact, it is crucial that we reduce our carbon footprint, shift to renewable energy sources, and implement more sustainable practices in our daily lives.

Another pressing environmental issue is pollution. Air, water, and soil pollution are all having a significant impact on the health of our planet. Air pollution caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and transportation, can result in respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer. Water pollution caused by industrial waste and agricultural runoff is also a major concern, as it can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems. Soil pollution caused by the use of pesticides and fertilizers can also have a devastating impact on the health of our planet.

Deforestation is another significant environmental challenge. Forests are critical to the health of our planet, as they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. However, deforestation for commercial and agricultural purposes is leading to a rapid loss of forest cover, which can result in soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and decreased water quality. Species extinction is a major environmental issue. As the human population continues to grow, we are putting increasing pressure on the planet’s natural resources and habitats. This is leading to the loss of wildlife and plant species, which can have a ripple effect on entire ecosystems.

To restore our earth, we must take action at both the individual and collective levels. Some of the steps that we can take to make a positive impact include reducing, reusing, and recycling, using renewable energy, supporting sustainable agriculture, conserving water, protecting wildlife and planting trees.

The theme for Earth Day 2023 is Restore Our Earth. This theme emphasises the need for global action to address and mitigate the pressing environmental issues facing our planet. It is a call to action to take steps towards restoring the health and balance of the earth and its ecosystems. This theme recognises that our planet is facing multiple environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and species extinction, which are all having a significant impact on the earth’s health. These issues have become increasingly pressing, and we must take action now to restore the planet’s balance and health.

The theme encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to take concrete steps towards mitigating environmental challenges and to work towards restoring the health of the earth’s ecosystems. This includes reducing carbon emissions, shifting to renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable practices, and preserving natural habitats and biodiversity. The theme also highlights the importance of taking action to address the environmental challenges facing our planet and to work towards restoring its health and balance. It is a call to action for everyone to do their part in protecting and preserving our planet for future generations.

Earth Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the impact that we are having on our planet and to take action to restore its health. By taking these simple steps, we can work together to create a more sustainable future for our planet and future generations. By reducing our impact on the environment, we can help ensure a healthy and sustainable future for our planet and all of its inhabitants.

World Health Day

Posted on April 7, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

An annual event celebrated globally today or April 07, World Health Day was initiated by the World Health Organization or WHO in 1948 as a means to raise awareness about health issues and to promote better health practices around the world. Every year, a different theme is selected to highlight a specific health concern that needs to be addressed.

This year, the World Health Organisation will observe its 75^th birthday. World Health Day is one of 11 official global health campaigns marked by the WHO, along with World Tuberculosis Day, World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World AIDS Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Chagas Disease Day, World Patient Safety Day, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week and World Hepatitis Day.

This year, World Health Day 2023 will be focusing on the theme of Health for All. This theme is an opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved the quality of life during the last seven decades. It is also an opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow and to emphasise the importance of health equity and how it can be achieved through a collective effort.

The right to health is a basic human right. Health equity refers to the idea that everyone should have equal access to quality health services regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or location. However, in many countries, certain populations face disparities in health outcomes and access to health services, making it difficult for them to achieve optimal health. These disparities are often caused by systemic inequalities, such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate access to healthcare. 30% of the global population is not able to access essential health services and almost two billion people face catastrophic or impoverishing health spending, with significant inequalities affecting those in the most vulnerable settings. Universal health coverage offers financial protection and access to quality essential services, lifts people out of poverty, promotes the well-being of families and communities, and protects against public health crises.

COVID-19 set back every country’s journey to universal health. Along with this and other health emergencies, overlapping humanitarian and climate crises, economic constraints, and war, the journey for every human being’s access to healthcare has become more urgent. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the stark differences in health outcomes between different populations. Research has shown that communities of colour, people living in poverty, and those in rural areas have been disproportionately affected by the virus. This disparity is due to a combination of factors, including a higher prevalence of underlying health conditions, inadequate access to healthcare, and limited resources to protect themselves from the virus.

To achieve health equity, we must address these underlying factors that contribute to health disparities. This can be done by implementing policies and programs that aim to reduce poverty, increase access to education and healthcare, and improve living conditions. It is also important to address systemic inequalities, such as racism and discrimination, which can have a significant impact on health outcomes.

One of the key ways to build a fairer and healthier world is through universal health coverage or UHC. UHC means that everyone should have access to quality health services without facing financial hardship. This can be achieved by providing access to essential health services, such as preventive and curative care, and by ensuring that everyone has access to affordable medicines and vaccines. By implementing UHC, we can help reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes for all populations. It can also help to address the issue of “medical impoverishment,” where individuals and families face financial hardship due to high medical expenses. In addition, UHC can also help to improve overall health outcomes, reduce the burden of disease, and enhance economic growth and development.

Another important factor in building a fairer and healthier world is investing in research and development. This includes investing in the development of new and innovative treatments, as well as improving existing health technologies and medical practices. Research and development can also help to identify and address the root causes of health disparities, leading to more effective and equitable solutions. Additionally, strengthening health systems is also crucial in achieving health equity. This involves improving access to quality healthcare, increasing the availability of healthcare workers, and strengthening the management of health systems. By strengthening health systems, we can ensure that everyone has access to the care they need, regardless of where they live or their socioeconomic status.

Finally, it is important to prioritise the health of vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and the elderly. This involves addressing the specific health needs of these populations and ensuring that they have access to quality health services and adequate care. By prioritizing the health of vulnerable populations, we can help to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes for all. Evidence shows that health systems powered by primary health care or the PHC approach are the most effective and cost-effective way to bring services for health and well-being closer to people.

World Autism Awareness Day

Posted on April 3, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Yesterday was World Autism Awareness Day, a day which tries to raise awareness about autism, its symptoms, causes, and the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly, passed on November 1, 2007, and adopted on December 18, 2007. World Autism Day is one of only seven official health-specific UN Days.

The terms Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month are often contested by autism rights advocates, who claim that they feed into perceived ableism against autistic people. Such groups advocate using the term Autism Acceptance Day as an alternative for both events under the belief that it promotes overcoming anti-autism prejudice rather than simply increasing awareness of autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. ASD is characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour and speech and nonverbal communication. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism, and that number continues to grow. Although autism is a life-long condition, early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with autism.

There is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. How people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently. Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal or GI disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

Autism is mainly characterised by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information. Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, they can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism. The symptoms of autism can vary greatly from one individual to another and can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of autism include difficulty with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours. Individuals with autism may also have sensory sensitivities, such as being oversensitive to sounds, light, or touch. They may also have difficulty with communication, including nonverbal communication, and may have trouble understanding the social cues and emotions of others. The exact causes of autism are not yet known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that there is a strong genetic component to autism and that certain genes may increase a person’s risk of developing the condition. However, the exact genes involved are still being studied. In addition to genetics, environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins during pregnancy, can also play a role in the development of autism.

The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on individuals, their families and communities. The stigmatisation and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policymakers in developing nations, as well as donor countries.

Living with autism can be a challenge for individuals with the condition, as well as their families. Individuals with autism may have trouble fitting in with their peers and may struggle with social interactions and communication. They may also have difficulty with everyday tasks, such as shopping, cooking, and personal care. Additionally, they may have trouble adapting to change, which can make life even more difficult. For families of individuals with autism, the journey can be a difficult one. They may face challenges such as finding appropriate educational and healthcare services, navigating the complex healthcare system, and providing emotional support to their loved ones with autism. They may also face stigma and discrimination from society, which can be isolating and difficult to overcome.

However, despite these challenges, there is hope. With early diagnosis and intervention, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. Many organisations and support groups offer resources and support to individuals with autism and their families. Additionally, many schools and workplaces are becoming more inclusive and accommodating of individuals with autism, making it easier for them to live, work, and play in their communities.

In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, it is important to continue to raise awareness about autism and to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals with autism and their families. This can be done by educating others about the condition, volunteering with organizations that support individuals with autism, and advocating for better resources and support for individuals with autism and their families. World Autism Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing to work towards a world that is inclusive and supportive of individuals with autism and their families. Through awareness, advocacy, and support, we can help individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. So let us all do our part to spread awareness and support those with autism in our communities.

Memories and Such

Memories of a very ordinary life

Tag Archives: UN Days