Not drinking enough water raises risk of death by 20%

Jan 3 2023

New research published on Monday in the medical journal the Lancet has shown that adults who are not hydrated enough may show water ageing signs and higher risk of chronic diseases.

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health conducted the study over a 25 year period and analysed the medical visits of over 11,000 adults in the US aged between 45 to 66.

They then followed up with visits at ages 70 through 90, and emerging evidence showed that ‘adding consistent good hydration to other healthy lifestyle choices may slow down the ageing process.’

Researchers tracked hydration in subjects by monitoring how much sodium was found in the blood of participants, with higher sodium levels indicating less hydration.

Blood-sodium concentrations were found to be between 135 to 146 millimoles per litre. Those with levels on the higher end of the range (i.e greater than 144 millimoles per litre) were 50% more likely to how signs of physiological ageing.

These include high cholesterol, blood pressure, surging sugar levels, sunken eyes, etc. A 20% increase of premature death risk was also registered.

#MaltaDaily

Former Labour MP Silvio Parnis passes away

Jan 3 2023

The Labour Party has announced the passing of former MP Silvio Parnis.

The party expressed its condolences to those close to him, describing Parnis himself as an ‘example of someone who remains down to earth and lends an ear to the needs of the citizens.’

Parnis also served on ONE News’ broadcasting apart from him being part of 5 legislatures representing the fourth electoral district. As a former mayor, Parnis also served in the cabinet of ministers.

Rest in Peace Silvio and condolences to all your loved ones.

#MaltaDaily

Man pleads not guilty to shooting field owner in face on New Year’s Eve

Jan 3 2023

A 66-year-old man was remanded in custody yesterday evening after being charged with shooting the owner of a field neighbouring his own in the face on New Year’s Eve.

The pensioner from Paola, Martin Delia, was arraigned on Monday at around 2000hrs and was accused of attempted murder and the destruction of evidence.

Delia was accused of firing at the owner of a field neighbouring his from a 5 metre distance. He also went on to destroy CCTV footage which could have potentially incriminated him.

Delia was arrested shortly after the shooting on Saturday morning but plead not guilty to the charges. Other crimes he was accused of were attempted homicide, grievous bodily harm, carrying a weapon during the commission of a crime against a person and without a police permit, and tampering with evidence.

Request for bail was rejected due to the grave nature of the offence and due to civilian witnesses still having to testify.

However, the court also ordered that the prisons director ensure that Delia receive the medical treatment he needs due to him suffering from terminal kidney disease, is on dialysis and is losing his eyesight.

#MaltaDaily

Babies named ‘Lionel’ increase by 700% since World Cup final

Jan 3 2023

Following Argentina’s win during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, more babies than ever are being named after star player Lionel Messi.

According to Argentine outlet La Capital, one in every seven babies in the Santa Fe province registered in December were either named Lionel or Lionela.

This is an approximately 700% increase to the previously monthly data available for baby names in the province that encompasses the city of Messi’s birth, Rosaria.

Others have also predicted a baby boom in around nine months following the victory itself. World Cups are known to give a kick (pun intended) to birth rates in the winning countries.

Meanwhile, Messi himself was born the year after Argentina last won the World Cup, which saw Diego Maradona bringing in the victory in Mexico.

The baby naming phenomenon was reported following the 1986 victory, which saw many fans naming their children Diego. According to other statistics from 2014, babies in Argentina had around a 1% of being named Diego in the 18 months before the victory. The numbers rose to 5.5% during the week of the final and they did not drop to normal until six months after the final.

#MaltaDaily