Thirteen days have passed since Israel launched its bombardment offensive against the besieged Gaza Strip, following a deadly attack on October 7 by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. The conflict had killed more than 3,700 Palestinians, including more than 1,500 children, and about 1,400 Israelis as of Thursday, according t
The Global Times will publish a series of in-depth reports on the "Past and Present of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," exploring the historical, religious, and cultural clashes, delving into the various wars and internal struggles between Israelis and Palestinians, and analyzing the power struggles triggered by external influences from Europe and the US, in an attempt to clarify how the past has influenced the present Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Climbing five flights of stairs can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease by 20%, according to a recent study published in the journal Atherosclerosis.
The study collected data from more than 400,000 adult participants in the United Kingdom.
“These findings highlight the potential advantages of stair-climbing as a primary preventive measure for ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) in the general population,” said study corresponding author and the United States’ Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Regents Distinguished Chair Professor Dr Qi Lu in a news release.
The researchers say climbing stairs is more effective for cardiovascular health than walking 10,000 steps a day.
They based this off the data collected from participants who were susceptible to cardiovascular disease based on their “family history, genetic risk factors and established risk factors such as high blood pressure and history of smoking”, along with their lifestyle habits.
The researchers followed up with the participants after 12-and-a-half years.
“Short bursts of high-intensity stair-climbing are a time-efficient way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profile, especially among those unable to achieve the current physical activity recommendations,” Prof Qi stated in the press release.
The research also shows participants who stopped climbing stairs daily saw a 32% increase in cardiovascular disease.
According to the digital publication Well and Good, climbing stairs daily can help lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, lower blood pressure, and improve balance and skeletal muscles.
While adding a few extra flights during your day is great, experts recommend taking it in stride, especially if you’re not used to that kind of activity.
“If the shortness of breath becomes more significant or chest pain occurs, you may want to seek medical attention, just as you would with any exercise,” cardiologist and US’ University of Michigan Health-West chief medical officer Dr Ronald G. Grifka told Well and Good. – By Ebony Williams/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Tribune News Service
China has always stood on the side of peace, international law, and the legitimate demands of the Arab and Islamic countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with his Malaysian counterpart Friday, as the conflict in Gaza strip continues to escalate.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in face of war and peace, all parties are called on to abandon geopolitical considerations, form international consensus, cease fire and stop the war as soon as possible so as to prevent a larger-scale humanitarian disaster.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Zambry Abdul Kadir told Wang that he highly appreciates the effort that China has been made in promoting cease-fire, protect innocent civilians and seeking dialogues for peace talks.
Zambry said he expects China to play an important role in prompting Israel, Palestine back to the negotiation table and supports China's position on ensuring the smooth delivery of humanitarian aid, expediting the implementation of the "two-state solution," and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
At the invitation of the Egyptian government, Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on Middle East affairs will attend a summit on the Palestinian question held in Cairo, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
Zhai arrived in Doha and spoke with Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov and Qatar's Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi on Thursday.
Wang told Zambry that while we are enjoying peace here today, the world is not peaceful or fair, and many innocent people are suffering and dying. China opposes all attacks on innocent civilians and any actions that violate international law. China supports the statement issued by the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit over Gaza strip.
The root of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the constant occupation of Palestinian land and the long-term neglect of the Palestinian people's demands for statehood, Wang said, adding that the fundamental solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is to implement the "two-state solution" and realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel.
China supports the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian nation and hopes that the Palestinian question will return to a track of political settlement and the resolutions passed by the UN Security Council on this matter will be effectively implemented, Chinese foreign minister said.
China is willing to strengthen communication with Malaysia and all peace-loving countries and continue to make efforts for peace in the Middle East, Wang said.
In their phone call, Zambry also congratulated China on the successful hosting of the third Belt and Road Initiative International Cooperation Forum and believes that the Belt and Road Initiative is conducive to promoting regional connectivity, strengthening international trade ties, and bringing more opportunities for regional and global development.
