fbpx

Free contraceptives to be offered in 2023 reveals Health Minister

Free contraceptives to be offered in 2023 reveals Health Minister
Nov 2 2022 Share

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Health Minister Chris Fearne revealed that the government will be offering free contraception to the public in 2023. 

Fearne did not specify what type of contraceptives will be available. However, this comes after the Labour Party pledged the distribution of the contraceptive pill and intrauterine contraceptive device for free if elected. 

The minister said that the roll-out will ensure better family planning for younger people and mitigate the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. These, said Fearne, dipped in numbers during the pandemic but resurfaced after measures were lifted. 

The contraceptive rollout is expected to form part of a yet to be unveiled sexual health policy, with the government pledging the opening of more GU clinics. 

The original sexual health policy was shelved in recent years with the government going back to the drawing board. A national sexual and reproductive health survey is also currently being conducted by the Social Determinants of Health Unit. 

#MaltaDaily

Dar Bjorn celebrates 5 years since opening with surprise for Maria

Dar Bjorn celebrates 5 years since opening with surprise for Maria
Nov 2 2022 Share

In celebration of the opening of Dar Bjorn, the first ever home for people with neurological conditions 5 years ago in Qormi, a special celebration was held outside the building. 

Following Bjorn’s recent recovery in hospital, he was admitted once again last week for an operation which luckily was a success. 

He was released a day before just in time to celebrate the 5th year anniversary of DAR Bjorn – 5 years since he had realised his dream.

Unbeknownst to some, a special surprise was revealed as a new plaque was revealed dedicating the home to Maria Formosa for her endless hard work and unconditional love. 

Maria was visibly moved and Bjorn dedicated DAR Bjorn, the first ever home of its sort in Malta to his wife who has been by his side since day 1. Titled ‘Maria’s Chapter,’ the plaque thanks Maria for her “tireless work and great support.”

Present at the celebration was Bjorn, his wife Maria, Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli, Natalie Briffa, Dr.Joseph Massini, Peppi Azzopardi, Peter Busuttil and all 13 residents of DAR Bjorn. The home houses patients suffering from various conditions such as ALS, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and many more. 

After opening its doors in 2017, DAR Bjorn has given patients a sense of dignity and their families peace of mind and seeing the large volume of people requiring these services, a second DAR Bjorn will be opening its doors in the coming months.

Nothing but words of praise were given to Bjorn and his wife for their hard work. Qormi’s Mayor reiterated the positive effect this home has had on the town and its residents and how it is serving as an asset to our community. 

Meanwhile, Julia Farrugia Portelli shared a personal story saying how important DAR Bjorn is as it gives its residents dignity and comfort. Peppi Azzopardi also spoke, praising the people closest to Bjorn and how much their help is valued, he ended by saying that Bjorn is the brains of the home while Maria is the heart.

#MaltaDaily

‘Better to be a friend than a bully’ is Piggy Bank Campaign 2022’s theme

‘Better to be a friend than a bully’ is Piggy Bank Campaign 2022’s theme
Nov 2 2022 Share

The 19th edition of the Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign has just been inaugurated, with the theme of ‘Better to be a friend than a bully’ (Aħjar tkun ħabib milli bully).

The funds raised will all go towards the Malta Community Chest Fund, with President George Vella saying that this campaign aims to cultivate a sense of solitary, unity and love amongst children. 

Addressing the same conference, Education and Sports Minister Clifton Grima said that as kids cultivate a sense of altruism, their givings will be going for a noble cause. 

BOV Chief Executive Kenneth Farrugia said that throughout the years, a whopping €2.6 million. Last year saw a record of more than €60,000. 

#MaltaDaily

NASA photographs creepy smiling sun for Halloween

NASA photographs creepy smiling sun for Halloween
Nov 2 2022 Share

It seems as though our very own star wanted to get in on the Halloween action as NASA snapshotted an image of a creepily smiling sun this festive season. 

The jack-o’-lantern smile on the sun’s surface are actually splotches that occur on the surface which are cooler than the surrounding areas. 

The image was taken by NASA’s space-based Solar Dynamics Observatory and was shared to social media. And in came the comments likening it to various unsettling characters. 

The official Twitter account of NASA referred to it simply as ‘smiling’ sun, whereas the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities council photoshopped a pumpkin onto the image to create a jack-o’-lantern. 

Others likened it to the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters, a blob fish or even a lion’s eyes and nose. In actuality, the dark areas are coronal holes, which appear as irregular black patches when the sun is imaged in ultraviolet light or X-rays. 

Such splotches can appear on the sun at any moment and, being less dense, appear darker in appearance. 

Their magnetic field structure also sets them up to release streams of solar wind at speeds of more than 1 million miles per hour. Luckily, Earth’s magnetic field acts a as a shield and largely deflects solar wind activity. These phenomena were however known to disturb the atmosphere. 

#MaltaDaily