Asthma attacks more common for Malta’s central residents

Jun 9 2023

According to information tabled in parliament by Health Minister Chris Fearne in response to a parliamentary question by PN MP Albert Buttigieg, asthma attacks are much more common for those living in Malta’s central regions.

The Northern Harbour and Southern Harbour District registered the highest amount of discharges due to Asthma by region.

In 2022, the Northern Harbour district registered 145 total discharges, followed by the southern harbour district at 123. Comparatively, Gozo saw just 1 in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Northern district saw 86 cases, the south eastern 57, and the western district 60. For this year, between January and February 2023, the same district registered the highest once again at 33 and 32 respectively.

Meanwhile, the age group most admitted to hospital due to asthma was the 65 to 74 group, with 81 cases in 2022. However, between January and February 2023, it was the 75 to 84 age group who registered the highest, but this would be too early to make a prediction based on just the two first months of the year.

What do you make of this?

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Neil Agius celebrates 37th birthday ahead of 100

Jun 9 2023

Neil Agius celebrated his 37th birthday just ahead of his attempt at undertaking a 100 mile swim, taking some time to rest and enjoy some cake and heartfelt messages.

The athlete celebrated his 37th ‘trip around the sun a little bit different than usual, resting and recovering for the journey that lies ahead.’

Neil has been training for the upcoming 70 hours of swimming as he makes his way from Mallorca to Ibiza.

‘Listening to my body and understanding it’s limits is something I am trying to do more and more’, he explained. ‘I’ll be honest it’s not easy as my body just seems to keep giving.’

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A post shared by Neil Agius (@neil.agius)

Sharing an image of his birthday cake as well as a supportive drawing by ‘The Coffee Club: Nathalie Anastasi’, he is officially gearing up for the challenge ahead which is set to take place later this month.

The potentially record-breaking initiative will all go towards raising more awareness about saving the world’s oceans and seas from pollution and other negative impacts.

On behalf of MaltaDaily, we wish Neil a happy 37th birthday and massive good luck for the challenge ahead!

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Ex-Love Islander Rani issues empowering post

Jun 9 2023

Love Island contestant Rani, who has been at the centre of much of local social media following her brief appearance in the Love Island villa, issued a message of empowerment and self-love, whilst also showing the messages of support she received amidst everything else.

‘I am sharing this because of the messages I have received from young girls. I am so happy and proud that I can be an inspiration in this area’ she wrote.

She uploaded a photo of a private message she received in her Instagram DM’s, with an anonymous supporter telling her ‘you are what I aspire to be in the future.’

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A post shared by RANI (@rani_dahl)

‘The onlyfans and medical this or that will be explained very soon. But that stuff is just media noise’ Rani continued to explain.

‘If there’s one message I want to be taken away from this whole situation while eyes are still on me, it’s this; spend time with yourself, get to know and love who you are, until your biggest priority becomes protecting and doing right by that person. You’ll automatically worry a whole lot less about what other people are doing and saying, because it just isn’t important.’

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The Malta International Arts Festival is just one week away!

Jun 9 2023

The Malta International Arts Festival is just around the corner tickets are selling fast, and this is no surprise if you take a look at this year’s programme.

Two of the anticipated highlights of the Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF) will take place at Teatru Manoel: Guilhem Desq from France with his medieval hurdy-gurdy; and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) featuring, amongst other works, two major highlights: Piano Concerto No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich and Beethoven’s 6th Symphony, known as the The Pastorale.

Desq’s relationship with the hurdy-gurdy can be traced back to his childhood when he learned how to play the instrument at the age of eight, thanks to the influence of his father who was a seasoned luthier. This medieval instrument is truly fascinating and it is played by turning a crank which rotates a wheel acting like a violin bow. Desq developed the instrument beyond its conventional repertoire. He takes his audience on an eclectic odyssey where the traditional realm blends with music influences with virtuosity and electronics – contributing to his fame as the ‘Hendrix of the hurdy-gurdy’.

Under the baton of conductor Michael Laus, MPO presents a tour de force programme with two national premieres: “Piano Concerto No. 2” (1957) by Dmitri Shostakovich featuring Greek pianist Konstantinos Destounis and “Pacific 231” (1923) by Arthur Honegger – both considered to be seminal works of the 20th century. The first half of the programme includes two compositions by Maltese composers: “Elegy” by Christopher Muscat and “The Forbidden” by Ruben Zahra. The second half of the programme is dedicated to Beethoven’s 6th Symphony, known as the Pastoral Symphony. Set in five movements, this is one of Beethoven’s most popular works, filled with beautiful melodies with each movement depicting a different scene from nature.

Beethoven’s 6th Symphony, known as the Pastoral Symphony

Don’t miss your chance to see these two performances at our national theatre. We also invite you to take a look at the other events planned for this year’s festival, which will take place between the 16 and 25 June. For tickets and more information visit www.festivals.mt/miaf.

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