health risks 結果共18筆

Discover the risks of household rubber and plastic gloves as Taiwan’s Consumer Protection Committee finds excessive plasticizers in some products, leading to recalls and health warnings. Learn about the actions taken to address these concerns.

As Taiwan faces soaring temperatures, the Health Promotion Administration warns of a significant rise in heat-related illnesses, urging preventive measures to protect public health.

Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang to lead a delegation to Geneva, advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHO and emphasizing the unanimous domestic support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, despite the challenges posed by UN Resolution 2758. Chiang highlights Taiwan’s effective governance and sovereignty over its territory, calling for meaningful participation in the UN system to enhance global visibility, improve cross-strait relations, and promote regional stability.

Recent surveys in Taiwan reveal a troubling rise in smoking rates among workers, despite longstanding bans and efforts to curb tobacco use in workplaces. Health risks from secondhand and thirdhand smoke are increasing, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and smoking cessation programs.

A food poisoning outbreak at Hi-Lai Harbour restaurant in Kaohsiung has led to 50 people seeking medical attention for symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, following dining experiences on April 26 and 27. The Kaohsiung City Department of Health is investigating, conducting microbial tests, and has mandated an improvement plan for the restaurant.

The Taiwan food industry is rocked by a scandal involving the detection of carcinogenic industrial dye Sudan Red in breading and marinade powders used by numerous restaurants across the country. Over two metric tons of tainted powders have been distributed in 11 municipalities nationwide, prompting swift action from health authorities and food businesses.

Lawmakers and health advocates in Taipei call for gender equality in cancer prevention policy, pushing for junior high school boys to be included in the public HPV vaccination program. Data shows higher rates of oral HPV infections and head and neck cancer in males. Taipei City has already allocated funds for HPV vaccinations for boys, with calls for nationwide implementation. Suggestions include using increased tobacco health surcharge revenue to fund vaccinations. Calls for equal opportunities in cancer prevention measures for all students and a focus on lowering cancer risks for children.

Taiwan prepares for the coldest period of the winter as Lunar New Year approaches, according to meteorological expert Peng Chi-ming. If a cold surge leads to disaster, it is classified as an ＂other natural disaster,＂ potentially resulting in work or school closures. Employers are advised to implement safety measures and consider potential risks caused by cold temperatures. Failure to comply with guidelines may result in fines of up to NT$300,000. Holidays due to low temperatures are unprecedented in Taiwan, with work or school suspension only possible if low temperatures cause a disaster. In extreme cold weather conditions, transportation, water, or electricity disruptions may lead to work or school suspension based on assessment by city and county chiefs.

A concerning rise in obesity among Taiwanese adolescents highlights the urgent need for awareness and intervention. Experts emphasize the link between lifestyle habits and chronic disease risks, advocating for early education on diet and exercise.

The Taiwan Health Promotion Administration warns the public that heated tobacco products have the same nicotine content and addictiveness as traditional tobacco, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO’s report revealed that marketing strategies used by heated tobacco businesses may mislead consumers into thinking these products are less harmful. Rats exposed to aerosols from a single heated tobacco stick had nicotine concentration in their blood 4.5 times higher than those exposed to traditional tobacco smoke. Nicotine not only leads to addiction but also causes harm to attention, learning, mood control, impulse control, pregnant women, and developing embryos. Heated tobacco emissions contain harmful and carcinogenic substances, putting the body at risk. Data does not support the idea that substituting traditional tobacco with heated tobacco reduces health risks. Tobacco companies use misleading marketing tactics to lure consumers, claiming lower health risks and reduced secondhand smoke and odor. It is important to note that no heated tobacco products are currently approved for sale in Taiwan, and their manufacturing, importation, selling, supplying, display, advertising, and usage are prohibited under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental effect on Taiwanese students’ eyesight, with 81.61% of high-school students, 73.16% of junior high school students, and 45.23% of elementary students experiencing poor eyesight in the 2022-2023 academic year. Excessive use of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, is a major contributing factor to the prevalence of myopia, the most common eye condition among children. A survey conducted by the Child Welfare League Foundation in 2019 found that the average age at which children own their first phone is ten. Ophthalmologists warn that individuals with myopia over 500 degrees are three times more likely to develop glaucoma and 5.5 times more likely to develop cataracts compared to their peers. The risks escalate for those with myopia over 700 degrees, as they are 44 times more likely to experience retinal detachment and 127 times more likely to suffer macular degeneration. Even successful myopia laser correction does not eliminate the potential risks of ocular diseases, as thinning of eye tissues and elongation of the eye axis persist. The golden period for myopia control is considered to be between 3 to 18 years of age, and various strategies such as increased outdoor activities, the use of mydriatic agents, Orthokeratology, daily disposable contact lenses designed for myopia control, and the latest children’s vision management lenses can be employed. These alarming rates highlight the urgent need to strike a balance between technology use and effective prevention strategies and early treatment for Taiwanese children.

Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je criticized the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) governance in Taiwan, pointing out various shortcomings such as shortages of land, water, electricity, talent, and labor during Lai Ching-te’s tenure as premier. Ko also claimed that Taiwan is currently lacking eggs, pork, vaccines, health screening resources, and even toilet paper. He further highlighted present issues including low birthrates, national security risks from an aging population, wage stagnation, inflation, slow industrial transformation, and high housing costs. Ko accused the government of not allocating special budgets for expenditures, resulting in an alleged surplus of NT＄900 billion, and criticized their lack of transparency. He expressed disappointment with the DPP’s failure to address issues left by the Kuomintang (KMT) after eight years in power. Additionally, Ko mentioned that Taiwanese people generally feel insecure about the current status of the Taiwan Strait, which has caused societal discord, political factions, and cross-strait unrest.

During a cold snap in Taiwan, 18 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) were reported, resulting in 13 deaths before reaching the hospital. The fire departments in Taipei and New Taipei responded to these incidents, with some individuals pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of these deaths is currently under investigation. The cold front has caused temperatures to drop to as low as 10-12 degrees Celsius in certain areas, leading to a warning from the fire bureau about the potential cardiovascular risks associated with colder weather. Individuals with chronic diseases are advised to take precautions and seek regular health check-ups.

Taiwan’s Social Protection Expenditure (SPE) for 2022 has reached a new high of NT$2.5342 trillion, according to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). This represents a 4.9% growth rate and an increase of NT$118.1 billion compared to the previous year. The DGBAS attributes the significant growth to factors such as increased costs related to COVID-19 vaccine procurement and vaccination efforts, higher National Health Insurance payments, and increased funding for childcare allowances and educational subsidies. Social security spending in Taiwan aims to mitigate risks or burdens associated with aging, disabilities, survivors, sickness and healthcare, childbirth, family and children, unemployment, occupational injuries, and housing, following the standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Taipei Show Chwan Hospital Director Cheng Cheng-chieh incurred a substantial medical bill and received minimal compensation from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) after suffering two broken ribs in a skiing accident in the US. Despite being treated at the largest emergency room in Anchorage for over six hours, Cheng only had a six-minute conversation with doctors. The most significant charge on his bill, which totaled approximately NTD＄500,000, was NTD＄280,000 for computed tomography (CT) scans. Upon returning to Taiwan, Cheng applied for overseas medical coverage from the NHI and was only reimbursed NTD $3,704, a stark contrast to the estimated cost of emergency care in Taiwan. Cheng’s experience highlights the financial risks of high medical costs abroad that are not fully covered by Taiwan’s health insurance system.

Learn about a new study from the University of New South Wales that reveals a grim trend: 400 people worldwide have lost their lives while taking selfies between 2008 and 2021, with young women aged 22 being the most affected demographic. The research classifies selfie-related incidents as a ＂public health hazard,＂ a sentiment echoed by Samuel Cornell of the University of Sydney. Falls from elevated locations and accidents at waterfronts are the leading causes of selfie-related injuries and fatalities. Smartphones are identified as a prime contributor to these risks, with 80% of selfie-related deaths being tourists, predominantly female. Instances of drowning and fatal falls have been reported in India, the U.S., and Australia. This data serves as a cautionary reminder of the unintended consequences of our increasingly digital lives.

Taiwan has been facing a persistent flu season since the beginning of the year, with three concurrent viruses spreading. Physician Huang Li-min from National Taiwan University Hospital warned of the severity of the flu outbreak and projected a potential two-year ’immunity debt’. Huang also highlighted the heightened risk of a Mycoplasma outbreak in Taiwan, urging the public to practice preventative measures such as vaccinations and adherence to public health guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan has implemented targeted surveillance and testing at international airports, leading to the detection of various viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and adenoviruses. The World Health Organization is monitoring the Mycoplasma situation in China, urging vigilance despite a decline in the pandemic.

Discover how Taiwan’s elderly are confronting the challenges of loneliness as the nation becomes a super-aged society. With rising health concerns and the benefits of community living spaces, Taiwan is striving to ensure seniors remain connected and supported.