Traditional Maltese balconies to serve as stray cat shelters

Jan 4 2022

Various models of traditional Maltese balconies will be serving as shelter for various stray cats around the island. Through funds given from the Ministry for Animal Rights, the Marsa Local Council came up with the initiative, with Marsa Mayor Josef Azzopardi explaining to ONE News how the idea came to mind and fruition.

‘The shelters are divided up into those which provide food and drink for cats and others which provide shelter’ he explained. ‘What’s wonderful about these shelters is that they are completely new. They were not found randomly and later transformed. They were invented by the local council.’Azzopardi went on to highlight the cultural element due to them being based upon iconic Maltese balconies, providing room for up to six cats each and nourishment.

They were purposely made with marine plywood so as to be able to survive the elements outside and elevated off the ground so as not to suffer the cold. The Minister for Animal Rights Anton Refalo said that the funds are bing used in an innovative and useful way. He said that the Marsa council benefited from a total of €8,000 and is using them responsibly.

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Photo Source: ONE News, Josef Azzopardi FB

Wintery and rainy weather to make a comeback this weekend

Jan 4 2022

Weather news portals are reporting that wintery weather, bringing in clouds, rain and wind, is set to make a comeback in the coming days. The upcoming weekend is set to bring colder temperatures with even strong winds and some rain and possibly hail.

Maltese Islands Weather reports that Friday is to kick off isolated showers with a maximum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius and lowest 8 degrees Celsius.This weather is set to carry on all throughout the weekend up until the start of next week on Monday. The sea is also set to get rougher starting Sunday.

Sunday and Monday are forecasted bring 1mm to 6mm of rain, with the risk increasing to 60% on Monday. Winds are set to increase to force 5/6 and even 6/7. This comes after particularly sunny and even warm days over the New Year’s Eve celebrations. As we transition to wintery weathers, we urge all those venturing out to be careful given the context rains create.

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Photo Source: Andrea Muscat

Puttinu Cares president Dr. Victor Calvagna passes away

Puttinu Cares president Robert Calvagna passes away

Jan 4 2022

After a tragic accident which rendered him brain dead, Puttinu Cares president Victor Calvagna has sadly passed away.

Puttinu Cares took to social media to announce the passing, describing him as a humble man who gave his entire life to help children suffering and their parents whom he loved dearly.

‘He taught us how to be of service to others without expecting anything back’ the post said. Puttinu Cares went on to thank him for the example and values he set for many people and the NGO itself.

Calvagna was hit by a car in Qawra and after intensive medical care, MRI tests confirmed that he was unfortunately brain dead. His wife Carmen later stated that treatment will be stopped in order to let nature take its course.

Rest in Peace Dr Calvagna. Your service to society and all those in needs will never be forgotten.

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Can weight loss help protect against COVID-19?

Jan 4 2022

During the holiday season, it’s quite common for one to far more freely indulge in their favourite foods. Some experts are also saying that another reason to pay attention to weight is to protect against COVID-19. One new study suggests that losing weight can reduce the risk of severe disease and even death from COVID-19 as being overweight or obese can allegedly place one at higher risk.

With obesity being a massive health threat in many countries, Malta included, COVID-19 makes it alleged more dangerous. One US based study found that 30% of COVID hospitalisations were people with obesity. According to another study from August shows that people with obesity are 46% more at risk of getting infected. Severe sickness is also more likely, with a whopping 113% higher chance of being hospitalised, 74% of needing ICU treatment and a dangerous 48% risk of death.

This increased risk has led many to wonder if losing weight might prevent infection. The problem would be that it is ethically impossible to do randomised controlled trials to determine whether this is true. A large retrospective study published in JAMA surgery suggests that substantial weight loss does make a difference. It looked at records from 21,212 people for more than six years and tracked progress.

The weight loss among the group that had surgery was associated with lower risk of hospitalisation, need for supplemental oxygen and severe symptoms. This suggests obesity can be a modifiable risk factor for the severity of infection. Obesity is a problem with COVID because of various biological reasons. Fat cells create chronic inflammation and likeliness of blood clotting, whilst also making it harder to breathe. Infection with COVID could make all these worse.

Many experts state that any weight loss is positive at nearly any weight level. However many scientists also highlight that weight loss itself is not protective enough, unlike vaccination against the virus. Weight loss simply adds an extra benefit.

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