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Long COVID to cost Australian economy almost $10 billion in 2022 – new research

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The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10–20% of individuals are affected by long COVID after recovering from their initial COVID infection.

Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and “brain fog,” but greater than 200 different symptoms have been linked to long COVID. The condition affects every day functioning and might be debilitating.

Our research, published today, estimates the economic burden long COVID in AustraliaWe have calculated that the long-term COVID-19 pandemic will cost the Australian economy almost A$10 billion in 2022 alone.

What is long COVID?

WHO defines long COVID as continuation or development of new symptoms three months after primary COVID-19 infection, if these symptoms persist for not less than two months without some other explanation.

We are still learning what causes long COVID, but persistent symptoms may very well be explained by the various effects of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) on different parts of the bodyFor example, the virus can affect heartblood vessels and lungs.

Studies suggest long COVID is linked to the virus persisting in the body long after infectionwhich in turn causes dysfunction immune system.

SARS-CoV-2 may affect the brain and getting to knowespecially executive function, which is the power to plan, monitor, and implement goals. This may cause difficulty in performing work tasks and other every day activities for individuals with long COVID.

What did we do?

We used Australian data to estimate the variety of infections in 2022 and modelled long COVID-19 and recovery rates across all age groups to understand the burden of long COVID-19.

We then used this data in a mathematical model to estimate the labor supply losses across the economy in 2022 and determine the decline in real gross domestic product (GDP). Economic losses occur because people affected by Long COVID could also be unable to work or work at reduced capability for a while.

We found that at the height in September 2022, up to 1,374,805 people (5.4% of Australians) were living with long COVID after a single infection. Taking under consideration recovery from long COVID, up to 3.4% would still be living with long COVID after 12 months.

We estimated that Long COVID caused greater than 100 million lost work hours in 2022. These lost employment hours translate into an economic cost of about $9.6 billion, or 0.5% of GDP in 2022.

Working-age adults between the ages of 30 and 49 were hardest hit. Estimated labor force losses were best for those aged 30–39 (27.5 million hours, or 26.9% of total labor force losses), who had the best overall variety of individuals with long COVID of any age group. Those aged 40–49 followed closely behind, with an estimated lack of 24.5 million hours, or 23.9% of total labor force losses.

The higher variety of long-term COVID cases amongst younger age groups is probably going because they’re more likely to experience COVID infections, perhaps because they’re more mobile and socialize with others.

We didn’t include losses incurred by healthy employees who were unable to work because they were caring for others with COVID or long COVID. In addition, we only considered a single COVID infection and the danger of developing long COVID after it. However, we didn’t consider the danger of reinfection, which increase the likelihood long COVID. Therefore, our studies likely underestimate the impact of long COVID.

Symptoms of long COVID-19 may make work difficult.
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Long COVID affects people of all ages and may occur whatever the severity of COVID infection. The widespread and ongoing nature of COVID infections signifies that even when only a small percentage of individuals get long COVID, that remains to be a really large number of individuals.

For comparison, 2% of Australians have coronary artery disease, which is the leading explanation for disease and death in Australia (and globally). Even if only 3.4% of individuals have chronic, long COVID, that is at very high public health and economic costs.

And unlike coronary heart disease, which primarily affects older people, our study shows that the consequences of long COVID-19 are best in working-age adults, which explains why the economic impact is so large.

Global trend

Many countries, including United States and Great Britain are experiencing similar economic losses due to long COVID-19, due to the increasing number of individuals unable to work.

The latest estimates indicate roughly 400 million people around the globe have long been affected by COVID. The disease could cost 1 trillion US dollars annually – equivalent to about 1% world economy.

The weight of evidence around long COVID and its impact on the health of the population has led experts to call for this state of affairs to be taken under consideration in political decisions.

A young woman sits at a desk and looks out the window.
Chronic COVID is common in young people.
Author: DimaBerlin

What can we do?

In Australia, the direct effects of acute COVID, corresponding to hospitalization and death, are primarily used to determine eligibility for antivirals and the worth of vaccines. Healthy people under 70 should not eligible for subsidized antiviral drugswhile vaccines are limited for kids and adult low booster rates.

But there is robust evidence vaccinations reduce the likelihood of long COVID and a few evidence antiviral drugs may lower the danger. Therefore, long COVID ought to be included in Australian policy and guidelines on antivirals and vaccines.

Other measures that reduce the danger of COVID infection may even reduce the danger of long COVID. These include specializing in protected indoor airand use of masks in high-risk and crowded places throughout the COVID epidemicespecially in healthcare and elderly care facilities.

Finally, we’d like to consider how to support individuals with long COVID who cannot work. Long COVID is the sting in the tail of SARS-CoV-2, and proactive planning for it’ll reduce the impact on society.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Method Man Says He ‘Doesn’t Want to Be Seen as a Sex Symbol’ and Wants to Blend In

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Method Man wants to be known for greater than just his looks. During a recent appearance on the show, he shared the importance of prioritizing respect over his status as a sex symbol.

On the show, Tamron Hall asked him about a quote from his 2023 speech. Men’s health cover. “In the article, you said, ‘I’m not a sex symbol.’ You said that sometimes you don’t want to be desired; you just want to be respected.” Hall also touched on Method Man’s tendency to take his shirt off in public, such as at a recent Usher concert: “How do you reconcile not wanting to be desired with constantly having your shirt unbuttoned?”

He quickly responded, “That’s the thing; now that I have it, I’m going to show it, but not for that reason.” The legendary rapper continued, “I’m showing it while I still have it. But that’s the thing, right? I love the admiration. I love it. Does it ever get awkward? Absolutely. Sometimes you just want to blend in, and I’m that type of person.”

Hall replied, “You can never fit in.” Method Man continued, “Sometimes I do. Again, I can appreciate the admiration. And then there are the only things where he’s like, ‘The Greatest Man Alive.’ I mean, you can pour fuel on the fire all you want, but honestly, I think we’re all beautiful and sexy in our own way, so let’s be sexy together.”

In his cover, the artist shared that he just isn’t a sex symbol. “That’s the fucking point, man. Put the words together. Sex and symbol. What’s the symbol? I ain’t doing nothing. So what’s the symbol?” he said. “I’m not gonna lie, I love every damn minute of it, but I don’t want to be that guy who, when the clock starts ticking, is still trying to be sexy.”

He continued, “I mean, Smokey Robinson will always be sexy to someone. I’m not using him as an example — I’m just saying that considering where Smokey is now, if Smokey was around at the same time as he was then, it would look ridiculous. And Smokey knew he was a sexy motherfucker. You get to a certain age where you just stop caring, and I think that’s the sexiest thing in the world.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Men bear the brunt of the ‘loneliness epidemic’ amid intense societal pressure

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A couple of weeks before Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey announced in May 2024 that they were expecting a baby, the pop icon posted a selfie of he looks tearful and desperate.

While media attention quickly focused on the pregnancy, little attention was paid to the significance of the male star and the future father publicly shares his sensitivity.

But Bieber’s social media post is noteworthy since it highlights his internal conflict.

Emotional pain is linked to serious health problems. Yet the public’s response to male displays of emotion and vulnerability is commonly minimized, if not dismissed. In response to Bieber’s tearful post, for instance, Hailey described it as “pretty crybaby.”

A yr ago, Canadian rapper Dax released the song “Being a person.” He said at the time: “This is a song that I put my heart into. I pray that it reaches everyone who needs it.”

The message of this song remains to be relevant today. Contains song lyrics:

How researchers Who study fatherhood and the roles that men play their familieswe recognize the loneliness and pain in these lyrics. We heard fathers describe the cost of attempting to keep their feelings in check.

IN the last study we conducted for 75 latest and expectant black fathers, they spoke of the need to deal with individual and collective trauma. This, they said, will ultimately help support their families. But they said resources to assist men with mental health are sometimes unavailable or very limited. They said they often feel invisible to health care providers.

“Being a father and a man,” one participant said, “you have to keep the peace and be strong on the outside. But on the inside, you know, you’re falling apart.”

Dax’s writing and our research reflect a perennial societal health concern—the deafening silence that typically surrounds men’s mental health issues.

The impact of isolation on men

In May 2023, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a warning highlighting what he described as the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the country. Our research confirms this plague.

Because men’s social support networks—colleagues, family, close childhood friends—are sometimes weaker than women’s, the epidemic disproportionately affects men. The resulting loneliness has very real health consequences.

Research shows that loneliness is related to negative health consequences, comparable to a better risk of heart disease and dementia.
Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images

In Murthy’s report, loneliness is related to negative health outcomes, including “a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia in older adults. In addition, a lack of social connections increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%.”

Although Murthy’s report focuses on each men and girls, research shows that it’s men are less likely than women to hunt mental health helpFurthermore, men have a more negative attitude towards searching for help and usually tend to discontinue treatment prematurely than women.

With these consequences in mind, a caring society might ask itself: Why do men bear the brunt of this health threat, and what will be done about it?

Redefining the value of men beyond just making a living

Many aspects can contribute to men feeling isolated and disconnected.

In “To Be A Man,” Dax points out one vital factor:

Traditional definitions of masculinity emphasize the importance of the man’s role as the family breadwinner.

Uncertain economy AND increasingly more expensive apartments and food prices make it unaffordable for a lot of men to offer financially for his or her families. These aspects also undermine men’s self-esteem and contribute to loneliness and feelings of alienation.

As partners and fathers, men are still often seen as inadequate in the event that they are unable to offer financially. And social norms emphasize that they are usually not valued for his or her abilities as caregivers, whilst they’re more involved in raising children than ever before.

This is detached from reality.

Men play a crucial role as caregivers of their children’s lives, in keeping with our research, and have a powerful influence on their children’s health and well-being. Men also find meaning of their role as fathers.

As Dax says:

The Cost of Suppressed Vulnerability

In addition to the pressure to offer for themselves, men must also overcome stereotypes that suggest they ought to be stoic and conceal their fears and sadness.

Here too, gender norms should be updated. Boys and men have to feel comfortable presenting their true, authentic selves to the world. When they suppress their vulnerability, it creates a barrier to searching for help. It also perpetuates stigma and the epidemic of loneliness.

A man sitting in a hospital room.
Men are less likely than women to hunt mental health help.
Getty photos

There is a fancy relationship between society’s assumptions and beliefs about men and fatherhood.

As a result, men are less likely than women to hunt mental health services. As a result, health care providers are they usually tend to underdiagnose and misdiagnose menFurthermore, when health resources are made available, they are sometimes not tailored to the needs of men.

Societal expectations can create unbearable pressure on men. And the most marginalized groups, as low-income black fathersbear a disproportionate burden, research shows. This has turn into more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Black fathers working in high-risk and essential jobs have prioritized supporting their children and families over their very own risks of infection and mental health.

As men proceed to redefine their roles inside families and communities, it is necessary for society to create an area that recognizes and accepts their vulnerability and full humanity in all social roles.

Men need an outlet for his or her pain. They would profit from relationships – with partners, family and friends – who support and nurture them in moments of joy and emotional challenges. Their loneliness will proceed to be disproportionate without the obligatory connection to services.

Men may consider participating in low-stakes discussion groups of their communities, online groups, and at their churches. They may additionally hunt down therapists in person or online for introductory sessions test the therapeutic interaction before establishing a more consistent pattern of therapeutic services.

In the song “To Be a Man” Dax sings:

As the Biebers adjust to life as parents, Justin can find people to talk over with about his experiences and emotions, individuals who see and appreciate him fully. And we hope that is the same for each man and father, living out of the highlight and doing the best they’ll for themselves and their family.


This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

ESScent of the week: Purple dreams come true with the latest fragrance from Parfums de Marly – Essence

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Remember when Rihanna he said that her reign just won’t let up? Well, neither will Parfums de Marly — especially with their recent purple reign.

I had been anticipating the release for weeks (like many of us), and after I finally got to smell it, I used to be absolutely blown away—in the very best way. You’d think I’d expect nothing less from one of my favorite area of interest perfume houses, but this scent was truly something special.

You know that feeling when a perfume is only for you? It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s magical. It’s shiny, floral, and absolutely charming — housed in a classy mauve bottle that is as stunning as the scent itself (but let’s be honest, all Parfums de Marly perfumes are masterpieces).

What stands out is the balance of fruit, florals, and a touch of powdery softness. It opens with mandarin and pear (two of my favorite notes) which are immediately uplifting. But once that violet petal shows up? Game over. It’s fresh without being too sweet, and I really like the way it dries all the way down to a smooth, creamy sandalwood finish. It’s a scent that feels each fun and complicated—perfect for a daytime brunch or an evening out.

There is something about Parfums de Marly that keeps them at the top of the area of interest fragrance game they usually prove it once more. Their scents aren’t just well-made; they evoke a mood, a sense, a vibration. They know the best way to create luxury without being over the top, and every of their scents looks like a piece of art. Whether it’s sensual, flirty or opulent, you realize you’re in for something special.

Why I find it irresistible: is a robust fragrance centered around a contemporary floral bouquet with fresh fruity and powdery notes. I really like the way it revolves around the violet petal, enhanced by the unique masculine-turned-feminine lavender. This lightness gives it an unsettling twist unlike the rest in my collection. In addition, the base notes of musk, patchouli and vanilla give a warm, velvety hug that lasts all day. At $375, it’s an investment, but well value it for its luxurious composition and longevity.

It’s not only me who can’t get enough of this scent — beauty lovers and scent connoisseurs all over the place are raving about it . In fact, #FragranceTok OGs like Zoe, Princess of PerfumeAND Karolina Stern have singled it out as a standout addition to Parfums de Marly’s already excellent offering, with some loving how the violet and sandalwood give it an unconventional twist. The purple bottle can be successful, attracting fans who appreciate the combination of elegance and playfulness.

But what really sets them apart is their ability to mix beautifully with other scents. , with a creamy sandalwood base, it begs to be mixed and matched. Which brings me to…

Perfect mixtures: If you like experimenting with scents like I do, you’ll have plenty of room to play with . For extra warmth, try layering it on yourself so as to add a comfortable, woodsy vibe. It enhances the sandalwood and adds extra depth. It’s also an awesome layering partner for floral days. Peony adds a soft, romantic touch to violets.

It’s a flexible fragrance that will be worn day or night. It has presence without being overpowering, and leaves a mark that’s each sophisticated and playful. As at all times, Parfums de Marly offers something special and is solely the latest example of their mastery of fragrance. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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