Dogshih Summer Festival to kicks off on August 5th, features concerts and fireworks show

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  COVID-19 and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae to Peak in July

  Taiwan is currently experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 alongside outbreaks of Mycoplasma and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Dr. Huang Li-min, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at National Taiwan University Hospital, predicts that the COVID-19 wave will peak in July, while the Mycoplasma outbreak could persist for another one to two months. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 623 new severe cases and 38 deaths, with severe cases and fatalities doubling from the previous week.Dr. Huang Li-min of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department at National Taiwan University Hospital (Image / Sourced from Chung Guang_Liu Pinxi)Dr. Huang noted that the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals is increasing, with a peak expected in July followed by a decline in August. In addition to COVID-19, RSV, Mycoplasma, and enterovirus are also circulating. Mycoplasma, which primarily affects children, has been spreading for four months and accounts for half of pneumonia cases, though no severe cases have been reported. RSV infects both adults and children, with older adults at higher risk for severe illness. While the current RSV outbreak is intensifying, severe cases remain few.Illustration of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (Image / Courtesy of motionelements Library)Regarding when the multiple viral and bacterial infections might subside, Dr. Huang stated that immune debt generally lasts for two years. He predicts that Taiwan will continue to be affected until the first half of 2025, with a return to normalcy expected in the latter half of 2025.

  2024-06-27 09:00
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  Stay safe while hiking in the heat by following this advice from experts

  With summer officially here, many people are excited to go hiking along their favorite local trails or tackle an out-of-town bucket-list hike. But before you grab your backpack and race out the door, hiking and safety officials urge caution.Temperatures are already soaring in many parts of the nation and around the world, and high heat has the potential to make any hike risky — and even deadly.Earlier in June, a young couple was rescued on a hiking trail in the California desert after running out of water and becoming dehydrated. The boyfriend was conscious during the rescue, but the girlfriend appeared unconscious, and medical officials referred to her “severe condition,” according to KTLA in Los Angeles.Others have not been as fortunate. Last year, a 14-year-old boy died while hiking with two family members in Texas’ Big Bend National Park. The temperature was 119 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius). In 2021, a couple, their 1-year-old child and their dog all died in California while hiking in Devil’s Gulch Valley on an extremely hot day. Experts said they likely perished from hyperthermia (an abnormally high body temperature) and dehydration.Despite these heat-related dangers, it’s possible to hit the trails safely when temperatures soar. Here’s how to do so, according to experts.／PxHereIn Phoenix, where more than 200 hikers are rescued every year — mostly due to hiking during the hottest part of the day — the city instituted a program to close certain trails when the heat reaches excessive levels.How to tackle hiking in the heatDespite these heat-related dangers, it’s possible to hit the trails safely when temperatures soar. Here’s how to do so, according to experts.Prepare for a hot hike ahead of timeWhether it’s hot or cool, you should be in reasonable shape before tackling any hike. If you’re planning a hilly, 5-mile trek, for example, make sure you’re able to hike 5 challenging miles before arriving at the trailhead.To prepare for heat, become acclimatized to hot weather. You can do so by taking short, easy hikes in warm weather, progressing up to longer, more difficult hikes in hot weather. If that’s not possible and you’re traveling to a hot locale for your hike, schedule the trek several days into the trip when your body will be more accustomed to the weather.It’s also good to know your sweat rate, said Dr. Floris Wardenaar, an assistant professor of nutrition at Arizona State University in Phoenix. Wardenaar, who studies the physiological aspect of hiking, recommended weighing yourself before and after several hikes, then comparing any weight loss with the amount of water you consumed during the hike.“Body mass loss is a good proxy marker of sweat loss,” Wardenaar said. “You shouldn’t lose more than 2% of your body weight on a hike.” If you’re losing more weight than that, you should be drinking more fluids.Load up on water and carry a water filterWater is essential for any hike, no matter the season — but it’s critical in hot weather. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the amount of water they’ll need.Hike in the morning, preferably on shady trails“The benefit of hiking earlier in the day versus later in the evening is that in the evening, the earth still holds heat from the day,” Wardenaar said. “It will radiate from the rocks, too.”A neck buff and hiking gloves are also a good idea, said Abe Christian, operations manager for the Florida Trail Association. The Florida Trail meanders more than 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers) through the state, from Big Cypress Swamp on the southern tip of the peninsula to Fort Pickens in the panhandle.／StockSnap.ioIf possible, select a trail that winds through shady woods, along water or even in a cool canyon or cave. This way, should you struggle with the heat, you can find shade and water for cooling off.Wear light, loose clothing that covers most of your skinA long-sleeve shirt and pants might seem counterintuitive on a hot day, but they’ll prevent sunburn and stop your skin and body from heating up.A neck buff and hiking gloves are also a good idea, said Abe Christian, operations manager for the Florida Trail Association. The Florida Trail meanders more than 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers) through the state, from Big Cypress Swamp on the southern tip of the peninsula to Fort Pickens in the panhandle.“There are plenty of places on the Florida Trail where the sun can beat you to death,” Christian said. “So you need to cover your skin as best as possible.”The buff can also double as a compress should the heat get to you. Just dip it in water and place on your head and neck.

  2024-07-01 09:00
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  Tourism Bureau Launches Major Events and Hualien Accommodation Discounts to Encourage Weekday Travel

  To promote domestic tourism, the Tourism Bureau has invited accommodation providers to offer weekday discounts and established a "Discount Accommodation Zone" on the Taiwan Stay website. Currently, there are over 1,000 discount packages available, covering the Hualien area and various events, allowing the public to enjoy quality services and discounted accommodation prices.Post-pandemic, global travelers' accommodation habits have changed, with the lodging industry moving towards diversified and segmented markets, including leisure, business, and budget-friendly services. Many well-known domestic chain brands have launched sub-brands targeting different market segments, offering comfortable accommodation spaces and prices, providing more choices for travelers.To alleviate the concentration of domestic travel on holidays and encourage weekday travel, the Tourism Bureau, in collaboration with local governments, has initially enlisted 60 accommodation providers to offer weekday discounts. (Illustrative photo: Shutterstock/Reach)To alleviate the concentration of domestic travel on holidays and encourage weekday travel, the Tourism Bureau, in collaboration with local governments, has initially enlisted 60 accommodation providers to offer weekday discounts. This initiative has received responses from renowned brands such as Just Sleep under the Regent Hotels Group, Fullon Hotels' Fullon City Resort, Taichung Fongyi Moxy Hotel under the Marriott International Group, Howard Hotels, Far Eastern Shangri-La, and Evergreen Hotels, offering convenient and comfortable travel experiences and accommodation prices to meet different travelers' needs.In addition to general accommodation discounts, the "Discount Accommodation Zone" on the Taiwan Stay website recently includes discount information paired with various local events, such as the Tourism Bureau's midsummer festival "Leisure Fun" from June to September, national travel card accommodation discounts, the "2025 Taipei & New Taipei World Masters Games" organized by the Taipei City Government, and the "Hualien County June to September Exclusive Accommodation Discounts" to boost Hualien's post-earthquake tourism, providing convenient choices for the public.The Tourism Bureau is working with local governments to ensure that the public can travel safely and enjoy their trips. (Image/Source: Freepik)In the future, the Tourism Bureau will further collaborate with local governments to launch recommended lists of quality accommodations in various counties and cities, offering more references for the public to ensure safe and enjoyable travel. Through extensive cooperation and promotion, the Tourism Bureau aims to invigorate the domestic tourism market, enhance the overall development of the tourism industry, and provide more diversified choices and quality services for domestic travelers.For details on the various accommodation discount packages, please visit the "Discount Accommodation Zone" on the Taiwan Stay website. Accommodation providers are welcome to join the Discount Accommodation Zone, and the public is encouraged to make full use of these offers.

  2024-06-28 09:00