Do’s and don’ts for tackling chronic back pain

Do’s and don’ts for tackling chronic back pain

Notably, the guidance includes both recommendations and warnings for long-term sufferers, arguing against the use of opioid painkillers; physical therapies, such as traction; and lumbar braces and belts. Instead, healthcare professionals are advised to develop exercise programmes; help patients educate themselves on the options and self-care strategies; and provide psychological support, such as cognitive behavioural…

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COP28 in Dubai enters final week, negotiations ramp up on emissions cuts, fossil fuels

COP28 in Dubai enters final week, negotiations ramp up on emissions cuts, fossil fuels

On Wednesday, UN climate chief Simon Stiell told a press conference that the text is “a grab bag of wish lists and heavy on posturing.” He added: “All governments must give their negotiators clear marching orders. We need highest ambition, not point scoring or lowest common denominator politics.” UN chief António Guterres has said the…

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Gaza fighting further compromises aid amid near ‘apocalyptic’ conditions: UN humanitarians

Gaza fighting further compromises aid amid near ‘apocalyptic’ conditions: UN humanitarians

In a joint statement 27 aid organisations including UN agencies and their partners issued a call for an immediate stop to the fighting, stressing that conditions in Gaza are “amongst the worst we have witnessed”.  Meanwhile on Thursday Israeli troops reportedly entered the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, where hundreds of thousands of displaced…

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World News in Brief: Russia’s LGBT ban condemned, unprecedented Africa malnutrition crisis, health after childbirth

World News in Brief: Russia’s LGBT ban condemned, unprecedented Africa malnutrition crisis, health after childbirth

This, in effect, bans all public LGBT activities and organisations within the country. The nine UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts said the ruling “significantly distances” Russia from its obligations under international law to promote and protect human rights for all. The experts sent an official letter to the Russian Government on Monday, outlining their urgent…

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COP28 is about action, not politics, ‘posturing or point scoring,’ says UN climate chief

COP28 is about action, not politics, ‘posturing or point scoring,’ says UN climate chief

Mr. Stiell’s strong message to government negotiators comes as the latest UN climate conference, running in the UAE’s main city, Dubai, since last Thursday, reaches the halfway mark with agreement on financing for climate adaptation and the fate of fossil fuels still up in the air.  “All governments must give their negotiators clear marching orders”. …

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UN's Türk urges probe into alleged sexual violence during Hamas terror attacks

UN’s Türk urges probe into alleged sexual violence during Hamas terror attacks

The High Commissioner also rejected allegations of double standards regarding the UN’s position on the crisis in Gaza, noting that he had been made aware of allegations of sexual violence during the Hamas attack on communities in southern Israel.  It was “painfully clear” that the “atrocious” attacks should be fully investigated independently “because that is…

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Opera, glass blowing, poncho weaving and more: UNESCO celebrates world’s cultural heritage

Opera, glass blowing, poncho weaving and more: UNESCO celebrates world’s cultural heritage

Convened in the town of Kasane, the Intergovernmental Committee is considering new entries to UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage and on Tuesday night they unveiled dozens of different entries which have made the cut already, ranging from glass blowing to poncho weaving.  The session in Botswana – the latest annual gathering of the committee –…

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Guterres urges Security Council to act over Israel-Palestine crisis as threat to international peace and security

Guterres urges Security Council to act over Israel-Palestine crisis as threat to international peace and security

In a letter to the Council, Mr. Guterres invoked Article 99, contained in Chapter XV of the Charter. This says that the UN chief “may bring to attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion, may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.” In a statement to journalists along with the…

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Ukraine: Lasting toll of war, ‘beyond measure’, Security Council hears

Ukraine: Lasting toll of war, ‘beyond measure’, Security Council hears

Briefing ambassadors at the Security Council, Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, said that like the previous year, the year 2023 has been devastating for the people of Ukraine. The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has verified 10,065 civilians killed and a further 18,679 injured since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022….

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