FRANKFURT, Germany, March 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — XCMG Machinery (SHE:000425, “XCMG”) is proud to announce its recent triumph at the 2024 German Design Awards, where it has been awarded the Excellent Communications Design in Integrated Campaigns and Advertising for its innovative “Cultural Gift” design. This accolade underscores XCMG’s commitment to blending industrial culture with rich contemporary significance, further establishing its position as a leader in sustainable development within the industry.
XCMG Machinery Is Honored with the Prestigious 2024 German Design Award for Excellent Communications Design in Integrated Campaigns and Advertising.
XCMG Has Been Awarded the Excellent Communications Design in Integrated Campaigns and Advertising for Its Innovative “Cultural Gift” Design by German Design Award.
The award-winning design features a collection of culturally inspired items, including tea sets, playing cards, decorative lamps, USB drives, thermal mugs, and business backpacks. Each item is meticulously crafted following green and low-carbon principles from concept through production. The design draws inspiration from Han Dynasty stone relief paintings, ingeniously integrating engineering equipment components with traditional Han elements to create a novel visual composition that bridges modern manufacturing with ancient Chinese culture.
This recognition by the German National Design Award marks another significant milestone for XCMG following their victory at the “2023 Red Dot Winner” award in Germany this past July. The German Design Award stands as one of the most competitive and influential accolades globally within contemporary design sectors. It celebrates groundbreaking designs that set new directions in the world of design.
The core theme of XCMG’s winning entry revolves around “rooted in culture and based on innovation,” showcasing scenes where modern equipment manufacturing intersects with Han Dynasty aesthetics. This approach not only pays homage to millennia-old Han culture—a brilliant gem in China’s civilization—but also highlights Xuzhou’s deep historical roots as a cradle of Han cultural heritage.
As an emblematic city rich in two thousand years of history and cultural depth, Xuzhou provides endless inspiration for creativity that shines through this internationally recognized achievement. Through such endeavors, XCMG continues to foster sustainable industry development while promoting Chinese cultural heritage on a global stage.
TAIPEI, March 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Regent Taipei has prioritized ESG and guest well-being since its grand opening in 1990. Its main banquet hall features floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the entire room in natural light throughout the day, enhancing guests’ well-being. This unique banquet hall spatial design, combined with a range of sustainable environmental services, offers a “Sustainable Meetings” and conference experience unlike any other venue.
Regent Taipei’s ballroom was built with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to fill the whole room all day.
The highlight of the “Sustainable Meetings” package lies in the conference space. It is designed to create a friendly environment and enhance attendees’ alertness and overall well-being. The banquet hall’s expansive two-story floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of a green park, which complement the venue’s eco-conscious setup featuring plastic-free and disposable-free decorations, traceable food sources, and rejuvenating mid-session activities. This holistic approach enables guests to come together in promoting environmental sustainability and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The conference package accommodates groups of 20 or more starting at NT $1,180 per person.
Regent Taipei hosts approximately 600 conferences every year, with around 80,000 attendees, focusing on sustainable development as a key management goal. By offering eco-friendly meeting spaces and services, the hotel not only helps businesses meet their sustainability goals when hosting seminars or events, but also meets its own sustainability standards, benefiting the hotel, businesses, attendees, and the environment.
The newly introduced “Sustainable Meetings” package goes beyond just the basics. Regent Taipei has swapped out flowers for potted herbs, plastic bottles for glass cups, and paper agendas for digital ones, saving an estimated 70% of paper usage, and saving 140,000 sheets of paper and 2.07 tons of tree felling annually. Plus, the conference meals are all about 100% local ingredients, reducing food mileage, carbon footprint, and supporting Taiwanese farmers. From Changhua purple sweet potato to Donggang fish roe dumplings, attendees will all get a taste of culinary delights across all of Taiwan. In terms of well-being, the hotel has collaborated with Tai Chi masters, yoga instructors, and spa aromatherapists develop programs that keep minds and bodies refreshed during breaks, making conferences a whole lot more enjoyable.
Additionally, the conference package offers urban exploration itineraries, allowing attendees to take a sightseeing bus tour of Taipei while tasting local cuisine and soaking in the city’s vibrant culture. The hotel is also collaborating with the sustainable travel brand “WALK in TAIWAN,” certified with the Green Travel Label, to design a series of cultural exploration tours led by professional guides, allowing attendees to experience Taipei’s history, culture, and modern vitality.
Regent Taipei is the first member of the global sustainable tourism certification organization EarthCheck in Taiwan. The hotel aligns with international certification standards in ten aspects of sustainable development, including greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and conservation, ecosystem protection, and social and cultural management. With their commitment to sustainability and certification from EarthCheck, Regent Taipei is leading the way in green tourism. The “Sustainable Meetings” package is just one more step towards a greener, happier planet.
For more details, please contact: 2523-8000 ext. Banquet Department Or visit our official website at: www.regenttaiwan.com Regent Taipei Address: No. 3, Ln. 39, Sec. 2 ZhongShan N. Rd.
HONG KONG, March 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In recognition of its immense potential for long-term growth, leading global travel service provider Trip.com Group has been named among the Fortune Asia Future 30, a list of 30 companies headquartered in Asia that have demonstrated remarkable innovation, paving the way for robust growth over the next five years.
“We are humbled and honoured to be recognised by Fortune Asia Future 30 as we continue to strive towards being a leading player in the Asian and global market,” said Ms Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group. “Through innovations in technology and business strategy, we prioritise unlocking new value for our partners and providing our users with the best and most seamless travel experience possible.”
To identify the Asia Future 30, Fortune and the BCG Henderson Institute examined around 700 publicly traded companies across the Asia-Pacific region with at least $10 billion in market value at the end of 2022 or $10 billion in revenue through 2022.
Companies were assessed on their market potential, as well as their capacity to deliver, weighted by a machine learning algorithm for their ability to predict growth over the following five years. The four categories in consideration were: strategy, technology and investment, people, and structure.
Fortune Asia Future 30 Award Ceremony at the Fortune Innovation Forum 2024 in Hong Kong: Clay Chandler, Chair, Fortune Innovation Forum and Executive Editor, Asia, Fortune; Eddy Yip, Product & Marketing Director, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Territory Manager, Hong Kong, Trip.com; Fang Ruan, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG
Expanded offerings, tech innovation, and diversity as growth drivers
This award comes as Trip.com Group embraces exciting growth opportunities in 2024 – travel trends such as experiential tourism and eco-friendly practices spur Trip.com Group to further expand its product offerings; technological innovation such as AI continues to redefine the travel experience, and the ongoing commitment to diversity drives Trip.com Group to lead progress within the industry.
Now approaching its 25th anniversary, Trip.com Group reported an impressive performance in 2023, with a 122% increase in full-year net revenue compared to the previous year and a 25% increase compared to 2019, showing its adaptability amidst challenges posed by the pandemic.
As today’s travellers are increasingly drawn to unique experiences rather than mere sightseeing, Trip.com Group has diversified its offerings to meet the rising demand. The sought-after “Hotel Rooms Plus X” offering combines hotel stays with experiences such as afternoon tea, and spa treatments, among others, to elevate the entire experience. Moreover, the company continues to redefine travel experiences through innovative formats and exclusive events, from popular livestream shows such as “Super World Trip BOSS Live” in Phuket ahead of Songkran to a sunrise experience at the Empire State Observatory in New York City during the Chinese New Year.
Sustainability has been part of Trip.com Group’s strategy as industry players and travellers alike grow more conscious of how travel impacts the environment. Since the introduction of the low-carbon hotel standard initiative in China in 2023, more than 2,000 hotels have been recognised as low-carbon hotels, and more than 3 million guests have made reservations, reducing about 2,750 tons of carbon emissions. The Group has also introduced eco-friendly flights, vehicles, and other green initiatives to provide more environmentally friendly options and raise awareness among partners and consumers.
Powering the continuous growth of Trip.com Group is its use of cutting-edge technology. Since its launch in 2023, the revolutionary AI travel assistant TripGenie has secured nearly 1 million inquiries, helping users get travel inspirations, plan itineraries, and find suitable flights and hotels all through simple user questions. The Trip.Vision app, released last month on the Apple Vision Pro, also brings users closer to their dream destinations through virtual reality – whether it’s the peaks of Mount Everest, the depths of the Sahara Desert, or the iconic rocks of Guilin – from the comfort of their living rooms. These innovations are redefining what it means to travel, streamlining processes while simultaneously fuelling a wanderlust to explore more.
Trip.com Group has long recognised that a diverse, inclusive workforce is essential to achieving its mission and vision, and it has taken pioneering steps over the years toward creating a gender-inclusive workplace. At Trip.com Group, women currently hold 43% of middle-management positions and 33% of management positions at the Vice President level and above. The childcare subsidy, hybrid work arrangements, and other measures for pregnant employees and new mothers support working families to balance their personal lives and professional development.
With innovation, diversity, and sustainability as key drivers of growth, Trip.com Group is set to play a bigger part on the global stage, while maintaining excellent standards to meet the rising and evolving demands of global travellers.
Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.
Now that warmer weather is finally approaching, it’s time to get your spring and summer wardrobe in order. If you’re still on the hunt for a comfy pair of sandals that won’t break the bank, more than 55,000 Amazon shoppers have rave-reviewed Cushionaire Luna Cork Footbed Sandals. Not only do these summery slip-ons provide the comfort and support needed to spend an entire day on your feet, but they can be had now for as little as only $30 a pair!
Amazon
These comfy kicks have over 55,000 five-star ratings for a reason!
Because these sandals deliver two essential, very desirable things— versatility and value. With 25 colors to choose from (prices vary based on selection), you’ll find a hue to fit any vibe — and at as low as $30, you’re getting one heckuva deal on these compared to the similarly styled Birkenstocks, which can go for up to $100. And remember what we said about the warming weather? Don’t expect to snag these Cushionaires for a better price between now and Labor Day. With a price point this low and so much love from Amazon shoppers, these comfy sandals are destined to be everywhere this summer. Snag a pair for yourself before your fave color sells out!
Why do I need these?
Along with a contoured cork footbed that helps keep your foot securely in place, these feature cushioned heel cups and ample arch support. They have a 1.25-inch platform to give you a boost, but shoppers say they are still super easy to walk in.
Also easy: Their buckled straps are fully adjustable, so you can customize their fit, while their vegan leather upper is soft against the foot and won’t cause any unwanted rubbing or blisters. On top of all that, the durable rubber sole provides serious traction on all types of terrains, so you’ll be able to wear them everywhere from the beach to to the supermarket to the hiking trail. They really do have it all.
C’mon; your tootsies are hankering to be out and proud as the temps rise. Give them something supportive and stylish to parade around in. (Amazon)
What reviewers say
Fashionable, functional, and tres affordable, no wonder these slip-ons are beloved by so many shoppers, many of whom even compare them to those household-name sandals. “They look just like Birkenstocks for a fraction of the price,” raved one. “I’ve owned Birkenstocks in the past and I just can’t justify buying a new pair every season which I have to do due to the fact that my feet also run HOT and inevitably stink up every shoe I own (LOL). Just buy them; you won’t regret it!”
Others downright prefer them to their more expensive counterparts. “I honestly found them more comfortable for my flat feet than Birks were. They arent bulky at all, lots of cushioning, super cute, they are all the things,” echoed another five-star reviewer.
“You can walk in them all day and not feel any discomfort,” testified a third. “Like walking on a cloud, and they’re stylish.”
A final fan did caution, “BUY YOUR ACTUAL SHOE SIZE! I followed Amazon’s suggestion of going down a size (suggested a 9 when I wear a 9½) … DO NOT DO THAT. Get your actual shoe size, and you should be golden.” They also added in their five-star write-up, “The footbed is cushioned a lot, and the straps are soft and thick. … The straps can be cinched down for narrow feet without having to manually make new holes. Super comfy.”
Amazon
There are 25 versatile styles to choose from — prices vary based on selection.
Unmatched Cleaning Experience with Advanced AI Technology
BEIJING, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On 28 March 2024, SMOROBOT officially unveiled the ValorTM series of intelligent robotic pool cleaners (hereinafter “Valor”), setting a new standard in automated pool cleaning and maintenance.
With the continuous advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), robots have become an integral part of our daily lives. The introduction of cleaning robots for pool settings has significantly enhanced the modern lifestyle, offering a blend of intelligence, ease, and premium experience. Valor, a revolutionary intelligent cordless robotic pool cleaner from SMOROBOT, is forged from the accumulated experience and insights garnered from the Tank series. The new Valor lineup emerges from years of extensive technological expertise, industry insights, and creative industrial design. It represents a major leap forward in pool cleaning technology, ushering in transformative changes in functionality.
Autonomous Pool Cleaner with Powerful Suction and Underwater Vision System
Leveraging years of industry experience and innovation, SMOROBOT introduces the Valor Series Intelligent Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, a new model featuring a TornadoTM suction system with an impressive 8000GPH extreme suction motor, complemented by four roller brushes at both the front and rear, and a double-layer ultra-fine filter basket. The cleaner is engineered to capture every speck of debris in the pool – leaves, fine sand, algae, stones, hair, and more – ensuring comprehensive cleanliness. The groundbreaking anti-clogging runner design addresses the perennial issue of clogged filtration systems and cleaning pipes found in traditional pool cleaners, allowing for uninterrupted and efficient operation.
Valor stands out not only for boasting the most powerful cleaning suction system in the industry, but also for its innovative motor power adaptive deployment system. The system automatically adjusts the robot’s travel and brush rotation speeds when encountering dirtier pool areas, optimizing suction power for unparalleled cleaning performance.
Alongside the groundbreaking Valor, SMOROBOT debuts its TridentTM underwater vision system, a first-of-its-kind integration of cutting-edge underwater detection and visual recognition technologies. Trident sets a new standard with its capabilities, including underwater 3D mapping, stain identification and positioning, obstacle avoidance, and path planning. By seamlessly integrating cameras, lasers, sonar, IMU, and other sensors, it accurately identifies the type, intensity, and location of pool stains. Trident then automatically generates a 3D pool map uses intelligent algorithms to optimize cleaning paths for the pool’s floor, walls, waterline, and steps, elevating the cleaning process to new level of efficiency. Furthermore, the directional cleaning capabilities allow it to intelligently assess dirt levels and adjust the cleaning strategy accordingly, ensuring the highest degree of cleaning efficiency.
Reliable, All-Terrain Pool Cleaning for Diverse Settings
Henry Pu, CEO of SMOROBOT, commented, “Recognizing the complexities of pool cleaning, our mission has been to revolutionize this task through AI technology. Our products are crafted to elevate lifestyles around the globe, offering everyone the luxury of effortless Clean.”
With the launch of the Valor Series Robotic Pool Cleaner, SMOROBOT has significantly enhanced the user experience. The product has been meticulously designed and continuously optimized, not only in terms of its exceptional performance and reliability but also in the innovations of its hardware and software. Every detail underscores SMOROBOT’s unwavering commitment to pool cleaning technology, while every innovation reflects a deep understanding of user needs. Valor now sets a new standard for functionality among pool cleaning robots worldwide, revolutionizing the industry with its groundbreaking capabilities.
Valor demonstrates exceptional adaptability to all terrains, capable of handling cleaning duties in a wide array of pool shapes and sizes. No matter the contour, whether diamond-shaped, bowl-shaped, rectangular or for diving, the series adapts to fulfill the unique cleaning requirements of all users. The tracked drive chassis with brushes ensures efficient wall cleaning, while the adaptive suction system maintains robust adhesion to walls no matter the material. This adaptability addresses the cleaning requirements of both the wall and waterline in all pool types.
The 10,400mAh removable battery boasts an impressive running time of up to 180 minutes per charge. The wide range of cleaning modes cater to a wide range of scenarios, including a Weekly Timer Mode for a “charge once, clean for a week” convenience, along with Standard, Rapid, and Professional Cleaning modes tailored to specific pool environments. Activating and switching between modes is effortless, with a simple button click. Once the cleaning operation is complete, the robot automatically returns to its starting position, and users can conveniently track the cleaning status through the accompanying app.
Given the necessity of pool robots to operate underwater for extended periods, they must be highly reliable in navigating complex and sometimes unclear underwater environments. The Valor series has undergone rigorous testing, enduring over 1,000 hours of operation in dirty conditions. They have achieved numerous professional certifications, including CE, FCC, RCM, REACH and ROHS certifications, etc. The batteries come with a full suite of six safety features, including short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, discharge over-temperature protection, charging over-temperature protection, charging low-temperature protection, and water ingress protection, ensuring a safe, worry-free, and superior intelligent pool cleaning experience for users worldwide.
About SMOROBOT
Focused on the philosophy of “Power of Effortless Clean”, SMOROBOT specializes in pool cleaning, offering comprehensive solutions from R&D to commercialization. With long-term technical accumulation, industry experience, and product innovation, SMOROBOT has achieved cable-free, highly intelligent pool-cleaning robots with versatile, automated solutions for global customers. With design and maintenance centers in the US, Europe, and China, SMOROBOT ensures localized rapid customer services, continually delivering exceptional experiences and solutions worldwide.
SHANGHAI, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Under the theme of “Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities,” the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024 was held in Hainan, China on March 26th. M&G has been the forum’s official stationery supplier since 2005. As part of this partnership, M&G set up a Green Office Zone at the venue, offering top-quality office supplies and sustainable stationery products.
In response to the call for low-carbon transformation, M&G prepared eco-friendly stationery kits for the attendees. The barrel of the gel pen was made of Polylactic acid (PLA), fermented from corn and other starch containing biomass. The cover of the booklet was made with premium pull-up leather certified by Global Recycled Standard (GRS). The paper used was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
At the same time, M&G launched its customized eco-friendly stationery service, to help more enterprises and organizations reduce the environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions of the office. The Chinese stationery giant hoped to enable more people to work and live in a more sustainable way by embedding a sustainable attitude in the everyday stationery products.
In 2021, M&G took the lead in China stationery industry to launch its sustainable development strategy. M&G has carried out work proactively under the four strategic pillars of “sustainable products,” “response to climate change,” “sustainable supply chain,” and “empowering employees and communities,” achieving beneficial results, and taking a solid step toward “writing a sustainable business future.”
M&G have successfully launched a variety of eco-friendly products, including its first carbon-neutral stationery series made from recycled takeout container, “Carbon Emission Reduction Plan” gel pens utilizing recycled plastic acrylic from old household appliances, and the Endangered Species Wetland series, made from PLA biodegradable materials or recycled materials, contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts.
M&G is the leading player in the Chinese stationery market, leading in business scale, profitability, distribution coverage, research and product development. It has now become one of the largest stationery companies worldwide.
Every year, M&G Stationery invests around 100 million RMB into R&D, achieving over 1100 intellectual property claims. Its strong distribution network covers 70,000 retail terminals, covering more than 80% of schools across China, and over 50 overseas countries.
JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf) of the Republic of Indonesia, led by the Deputy for Marketing, has reintroduced the Wonderful Indonesia co-branding partnership program in 2024. Established back in 2017, this initiative serves as a platform for cooperation between Wonderful Indonesia and various tourism stakeholders under the concept of Indonesia Incorporated, including academics, industry, government, community, and media.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, at the launching of the Extra Affordable Sales Activation (BERKAH) co-branding program
The Wonderful Indonesia 2024 co-branding partnership will kick off with a collaborative campaign during the sacred months of Ramadan and Eid called BERKAH, also known as Belanja Extra Murah (Extra Affordable Sales Activation). This initiative offers a platform for Wonderful Indonesia co-branding partners to participate in promoting and selling products or services through indonesia.travel website and will be amplified through @creativebyindonesia as well as @pesona.indonesia starting from 28 March 2024 to 12 April 2024.
“This program benefits both Wonderful Indonesia co-branding partners as well as consumers, amidst the price surge towards the Eid al-Fitr, this program offers extra affordable prices” said Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. Leveraging the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period, known for increased consumer demand, serves as a strategic campaign window for this program.
Throughout Ramadan, Indonesia experiences a profound cultural and economic significance, which reflect the unique characteristics of this holy period, marked by Muslims fasting and preparing for Eid al-Fitr after a month of dedication. Some common trends are:
Rise in food and drink intake: There is a notable increase in food and drink consumption, particularly during iftar and sahur. This involves buying ingredients for Ramadan delicacies like dates, porridge, syrup, and traditional snacks.
Surge in New Clothing Purchases: During the month of Ramadan, many Indonesians tend to shop for new clothes in anticipation of Eid al-Fitr festivities.
Rise in Beauty Product Sales: Beauty product purchases surge during Ramadan, particularly amongst the female market. This uptick encompasses buying cosmetics, skincare items, perfumes, and various beauty products.
The Rise of Online Shopping: Numerous individuals are utilising e-commerce platforms to buy a wide range of products, including food, clothing, and beauty items. The convenience and simplicity of online shopping are particularly beneficial during this hectic month.
During Ramadan, both physical and online stores provide special promotions and discounts to entice customers and boost sales. These offers may consist of significant discounts, complimentary gifts, and other exclusive deals designed to enhance the shopping experience during this sacred month. Additionally, the hospitality sector and tourist destinations have seen a notable surge in visits as individuals seek staycations or vacations with their families.
Wonderful Indonesia encourages all stakeholders, regardless of their direct connection to the tourism & creative economy sector, to participate in and contribute to the success of this program. Partners interested in joining can reach out via email at Kemitraan@indonesia.travel for more details.
In fact, according to Park, “you might be surprised to know that STIs are going up for everybody, including for people over the age of 55.”
STIs on the rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Although infections like chlamydia, for example, are highest among adolescents and young adults, a new research review presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases points out that STIs — specifically, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis — in Americans ages 55 to 64 have more than doubled over the past decade. Given that 1 in 6 people globally will be 60 and older by 2030, the review calls on health professionals to take the initiative by bringing up sexual health as a routine part of health care for older adults.
This isn’t the first study to point out the rise in STIs in this age group. A 2020 study found that STIs in general among older adults have “dramatically increased in recent years, especially among those who are widowed and divorced.”
Although new HIV diagnoses are dropping among people 50 and older, about 1 in 6 HIV diagnoses in 2018 were in this older age group, according to the CDC. In addition, Park points out that herpes, which is highly contagious, is “an infection that stays with you forever once you become infected” and that the percentage of people with herpes “goes up with age.”
By the time people are over the age of 50, Park says “about 1 in 5 of us has herpes type 2,” which causes genital herpes. “And then when we talk about herpes type 1, which causes oral herpes or cold sores, it’s over 60 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 50 that has herpes type 1.”
STIs — including the most common sexually transmitted infection, HPV (or human papillomavirus), which can cause health problems such as genital warts and certain cancers in women and men, according to Cleveland Clinic — can also spread in retirement communities where the ratio of men to women is “really skewed,” says Park.
That’s because men typically don’t live as long as women, notes Park, so there tends to be fewer men in those communities. “The ones that are around are getting lots of action, so they’re having multiple partners,” she says. “And if you have multiple concurrent partners, that is the easiest way to spread an STI in a community.”
STIs can spread in retirement communities where the ratio of men to women is “really skewed,” says Dr. Ina Park. (Getty Images)
Why are older adults at risk of STIs?
There are several reasons STIs continue to infect older adults. Park, who also serves as a medical consultant to the CDC Division of STD Prevention, says that some have had “absolutely zero education” when it comes to sexually transmitted infections and how to prevent them, while others were either only taught about unplanned pregnancy or experienced “fear-based education” that focused solely on the “worst-case scenario” pictures of STIs.
For still others, it may have been years since STIs were even on their radar. Park acknowledges that one of the “biggest adjustments” that some newly single older adults face is dating after being in a long-term, stable partnership and “not having had to think about sexual health for decades,” she says, adding: “It’s definitely a brand-new world out there.”
Dr. Justyna Kowalska, author of the new study and professor of medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw in Poland, stated in a press release: “Rising divorce rates, forgoing condoms as there is no risk of pregnancy, the availability of drugs for sexual dysfunction, the large number of older adults living together in retirement communities, and the increased use of dating apps are likely to have contributed to the growing incidence of STIs in the over 50s.”
However, she added that these numbers likely underestimate how many older adults are impacted by STIs, given that “stigma and embarrassment both on the part of older people and health care professionals … is leading to this age group not seeking help for STIs.”
‘We make assumptions that older people are not sexual beings’
Another contributing factor: Some doctors either assume that older adults aren’t having sex, aren’t comfortable bringing up the topic or run out of time to cover it during a checkup.
“I think we, as a society, really stop discussing sexuality or thinking about sexuality past a certain age, because I think we make assumptions that older people are not sexual beings,” says Park. “And I’m here to tell you that’s absolutely not the case. I think we’re really doing a disservice to folks.”
If physicians don’t ask their older patients whether they’re sexually active, then they’re “missing out on that opportunity to have that conversation,” not only to “see if they’re actually having pleasure in their sex life” but also to “troubleshoot any issues that might be going on and then give them the opportunity to test for STIs.”
Park says that the reason physicians may not bring up the topic is that “some of us feel uncomfortable with the idea that someone that’s the age of our parents, for example, is still having sex,” she says, “but it’s certainly still happening — not for everybody, but it’s important as providers and clinicians to ask and see what’s going on in people’s sex lives, because it’s something that for some people goes on lifelong.”
There is also the issue of shame when it comes to sex and STIs, making it harder for older adults (and younger people) to bring it up with their doctor. “Shame and stigma are such a huge factor in STIs and why people avoid going in to get tested because they are afraid to know the answer to the test results,” Park says.
But Park wants people of all ages to know that “most STIs can be cured,” and the ones that can’t be cured can “certainly be controlled.”
She says we need to think about sexual health as an important part of our overall health and not something that only younger people need to be conscious of. Along with using condoms, which reduce the risk of STIs when used consistently and correctly, Park recommends that those who are sexually active and aren’t in monogamous relationships get tested for STIs between different sexual partners or at least once a year.
“Just because you happen to be above a certain age, you are not immune to getting an STI if you are still sexually active,” Park says. “So don’t have that illusion that your age is going to protect you. Go out and use protection yourself and get tested.”
Brings a wide range of innovative products aiming to become the market leader for cleaning solutions in East Africa
TATU CITY, Kenya, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — German-based cleaning equipment manufacturer Karcher has announced an approximate €3 million investment in the Kenyan market. The move was made to operationalize the business into a full subsidiary, which includes a regional distribution centre at Freight Forwarders Solutions (FFS) in Tatu City, the 5,000-acre mixed-use Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Nairobi’s doorstep, positioning Kenya as a hub for East Africa.
L-R: Axel Stolz, Regional President, Africa & India, Karcher; Richard Mumo, Managing Director Kenya & General Manager, East Africa, Karcher; Christian May, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Sales Officer, Karcher; Mr. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya; and Joseph Nguyo, Senior Deputy Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion during the official launch of Karcher’s local warehouse operations at Tatu City
Christian May, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Sales Officer at Karcher, emphasized the importance of this investment: “Our goal is to transform the cleaning landscape in Kenya by bringing advanced products and services to our customers. By establishing Kenya as our regional hub, we are reducing lead times and enhancing responsiveness, ensuring prompt service and satisfaction for our clients.”
Stephen Jennings, Founder & CEO of Rendeavour, the owner and developer of Tatu City, added, “Karcher joins the ranks of many leading global brands at Tatu City SEZ. As Kenya’s first mixed-used SEZ, Tatu City has already attracted USD 2.5 billion in investment from more than 78 businesses, from healthcare and food and beverage production to call centres, software engineering, and now cleaning solutions. These investments are creating many thousands of much-needed jobs for Kenyans.”
The company that provides warehouse operations for Karcher in Kenya, FFS, has an international-standard logistics and distribution hub in Tatu Industrial Park. FFS provides inbound cargo, freight, and transport services across East and Central Africa. It has a 14,000 m2 warehouse complex, equivalent to the size of some of Nairobi’s larger shopping malls, at Africa Logistics Properties (ALP), in Tatu City.
FFS CEO Ben Clay said, “As we launch warehouse operations for Karcher in the Kenyan market, we are committed to empowering businesses with seamless logistics solutions, leveraging technology, and fostering excellence in service delivery and economic growth.”
“Karcher’s investment in Kenya highlights the strong economic ties between Germany and Kenya. As a global leader in cleaning technology, Karcher exemplifies German engineering excellence and innovation. We look forward to further collaboration and mutual growth between our two nations,” said Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Republic of Germany to Kenya.
Karcher has established a presence in seven Carrefour outlets and partnered with various distributors to cater to different customer segments. Its flagship store, located in Upper Hill, Nairobi, serves as a brand store and service centre operated by Equipment and Logistics Limited, which was recently presented with a twenty-year partnership award.
More than 78 local, regional and global businesses are operational or under development in Tatu City’s business-friendly location, including CCI Global, Heineken, Dormans, Copia, Cooper K-Brands, Grit Real Estate Income Group, Twiga Foods, Freight Forwarders Solutions, ADvTECH, Friendship Group and Davis & Shirtliff.
Business benefits at Tatu City SEZ include VAT zero-rating, import and stamp duty exemptions and 10% corporate tax for the first 10 years and 15% for 10 years thereafter.
Tatu City is a 5,000-acre new city on Nairobi’s doorstep with homes, schools, businesses, a shopping district, medical clinic, nature areas and recreation for more than 250,000 residents and tens of thousands of day visitors. Tatu City’s schools educate thousands of students daily, a range of homes suits all incomes and more than 78 businesses thrive in the country’s first operational Special Economic Zone. Located 30 minutes from Westlands, Tatu City represents a new way of living and thinking for all Kenyans in a live, work and play environment that is free from traffic congestion and long-distance commuting.
Tatu City is a development by Rendeavour, Africa’s largest new city builder with 30,000 acres of visionary projects in growth trajectories across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kärcher is a globally active family-owned company from Winnenden and the world market leader in cleaning technology. Karcher is a B2B and B2C global brand known for its high-pressure cleaners, floor care equipment, parts cleaning systems, wash water treatment, military decontamination equipment and window vacuum cleaners, among others.
SAO PAULO, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Foundation is pleased to announce its partnership with Instituto Claret, a reputable charitable organisation in Brazil.
Vantage Foundation partners Instituto Claret to uplift underprivileged in Brazil
Instituto Claret offers a range of programmes including support for children, families, violence prevention, homeless assistance, food security, and vocational training. These initiatives, touching the lives of thousands monthly, highlight the organisation’s unwavering commitment to uplift underprivileged communities.
“Instituto Claret is dedicated to supporting people in vulnerable situations through human-centred services and programs tailored to all age groups, from young children to seniors, including families and teenagers in need of after-school support,” says Paula Rodrigues Diego Unger, manager of Instituto Claret.
“Our mission is to help individuals reach their fullest potential. By providing a safe environment, we can shelter them, and listen to their needs and aspirations. This allows us to offer tailored assistance and connect them with essential support such as education, healthcare, and advocacy for their rights.”
The collaboration exemplifies a shared commitment to philanthropy and social consciousness. Both entities stand united in their missions to accelerate meaningful community improvement. This initiative with Instituto Claret is part of a series of programmes run by Vantage Foundation, underscoring the organisation’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact worldwide.
“Vantage Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to creating positive change in meaningful ways around the world,” expressed Steven Xie, Executive Director of Vantage Foundation. “With each initiative we undertake, we contribute together with our partners to a more inclusive future for all.”
Since its launch at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK with the support of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team in late 2023, Vantage Foundation has expanded its footprint to include countries like Malaysia and Singapore. Just last month, Vantage Foundation collaborated with The iREDE Foundation to empower child amputees in Nigeria.
Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organisation launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK with the support of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the NEOM McLaren Extreme E team in 2023. For more information, please visit www.vantage.foundation
