Oncology massage goes mainstream

0 Comments read Cancer, Health & Science
Photo Credit: © Chris O’Brien Lifehouse

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.

When Marcia Sherring underwent a bilateral mastectomy and related surgeries followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, her surgeon referred her to the integrative oncology service at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a comprehensive cancer hospital in Sydney. She was recommended oncology massage for her lymphedema.

At first, she was hesitant. “I looked like an extra from a war movie with lots of scars and stitches on my body. But to my surprise, the oncology massage therapist wasn’t shocked. She seemed to have complete knowledge and understanding of my medical history and she modified her technique to account for the adhesions and scarring on my chest. It made me feel safe and confident in her hands”, says Sherring.

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Climate plans lag as Asia tops temperature-linked deaths

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

0 Comments read Arts, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Diaspora, Features
Kishwar Chowdhury. Photo Credit: ©MasterChef Australia

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 13th 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 →