Oncology massage goes mainstream

22/07/2021 0 Comments read Cancer, Health & Science

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 22.07.2021 (The Medical Republic): Major cancer hospitals across the country are offering oncology massage as one of the tools in their integrative oncology and support centres to help some people cope better with treatment.

Clinical studies have suggested that massage can help ease stress, anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, insomnia and fatigue in patients with cancer. A 2004 study on the benefits of massage in around 1,200 patients from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York found there was a 47% reduction in pain, 51% drop in nausea, 42% improvement in fatigue levels, 59% improvement in anxiety levels and 48% improvement in depression.

In Sydney, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, and in Melbourne, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre offer oncology massage.

Oncology Massage gaining acceptance in cancer care

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Climate plans lag as Asia tops temperature-linked deaths

13/07/2021 0 Comments read Climate Change, Environment & Development, Health & Science

Low-lying and crowded coastal cities in East and South Asia most impacted by temperature related mortality. Photo Credit: ©Neena Bhandari

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 12.07.2021 (SciDev.Net): Asia accounts for more than half of the over five million global deaths attributed to ambient cold and hot temperatures, according to an international study. But many governments are failing to prioritise health in their climate change strategies, experts warn.

The study, published 1 July in The Lancet Planetary Health, found that mortality rates in low-lying and crowded coastal cities in East and South Asia were particularly affected by temperature.

Researchers found that 9.4 per cent of global deaths from 2000 to 2019 could be attributed to non-optimal temperatures, with most of those caused by exposure to cold. However, this is predicted to change as global warming increases heat-related deaths. Continue reading →

Asian food warms hearts on Australian MasterChef

10/07/2021 0 Comments read Arts, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Diaspora, Features

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 10.07.2021 (Khaleej Times): As COVID-19 lockdowns confined people to their homes, many sought comfort in home cooking. The 13^th season of MasterChef Australia showcased contestants from varied professions, inspired by their culture and heritage, improvising traditional recipes to incorporate local Australian produce and ingredients. They created dishes that attracted a huge following, including from second and third generation migrants from around the world.

The Australian food landscape, today, is a cultural melting pot. The penchant is growing to discover and savour the culinary diversity immigration has brought to this country. In recent years, it has been the subtleties and complexities of Asian flavours that is gaining popularity.

Four contestants with Indian, Bengali, Sri Lankan and Vietnamese heritage speak about what makes them passionate about food; when did they transition to cooking good food from enjoying eating it? Would they have been as passionate about their heritage and cuisine, if they hadn’t migrated; the importance of reducing food waste; their connection to the Middle East; and the doors that this competition has opened for them. Continue reading →