COLOMBO -- The death toll from the devastating floods and landslides which has hit Sri Lanka since last Friday has risen to 164 with 104 people still missing, the Disaster Management Center said here Monday. Over 400,000 people were affected by the severe rains and strong winds and over 100,000 people were relocated to 304 safe locations set up across the country. People residing in low lying areas towards southern Sri Lanka were advised to evacuate to safer location due to the threat of rivers overflowing as the Meteorology Department on Monday warned of more rains followed by strong winds. The Meteorology Department said that the depression in the East central Bay of Bengal had intensified in to a Cyclonic storm "MORA" but was now further moving away from the island. Under its influence cloudy skies, windy and showery conditions are expected over the country, the Department warned. "Strong winds about 80km/ph can be expected over the country (these wind conditions are especially expected over the western slope of the central hills) and surrounding sea areas," the Department said in its latest weather report for Monday. It also said that rains or thundershowers would occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western and Central provinces. Heavy falls above 100 mm could be expected at some places, particularly in the Western slope of the central hills. Aid has continued to pour into Sri Lanka as thousands were affected by days of heavy rains triggered by the yearly monsoons in the island country. Tri forces along with rescue teams continued search and rescue operations into Monday while many other teams were also seen distributing dry rations and food to those who remained in their houses which were partially inundated. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena who visited some of the worst affected areas during the weekend has assured immediate relief to the victims and has pledged to build new homes for those who have lost their houses. cotton braceletswrist band coupon codetrio spinnersjordan wristbandyouth wristbandscustom wrist sweatbandsrubber wristbands custom cheap
GENEVA - The 71st World Health Assembly (WHA), which closed on Saturday, has endorsed an action plan to counter worldwide declining physical activity, especially among young people where 81 percent of adolescents aged 11-17 years do not meet global recommendations.Member States endorsed the World Health Organization Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) at the May 21-26 WHA here on the 70th anniversary of the WHO.You approved our new Global Action Plan for Physical Activity, which is essential for our fight against noncommunicable diseases, said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus WHO Director-General in his closing speech at the WHA on Saturday.He noted that the WHA held a very successful Walk the Talk event, and regular yoga sessions during committee meetings that helped liven up the assembly and are important statements that we practice what we preach.GAPPA is a new initiative aimed at increasing participation in physical activity by people of all ages and ability to promote health and beat noncommunicable diseases.These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and support improved mental health and quality of life.WHO says that worldwide, 23 percent of adults and 81 percent of adolescents aged 11-17 years do not meet the global recommendations for physical activity.Prevalence of inactivity is as high as 80 percent in some adult populations influenced by changing patterns of transportation, use of technology, urbanization, and cultural values.GAPPA provides countries with a prioritized list of policy actions to address the multiple cultural, environmental and individual determinants of physical inactivity.These actions are connected to four objectives that focus on creating active societies, environments, active people and active systems.The plan's goal is a 15 percent reduction in the global prevalence of physical inactivity in adults and in adolescents by 2030.WHO defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscle that requires energy expenditure.It can be undertaken in many ways: walking, cycling, sports and active forms of recreation (e.g. dance, yoga, tai chi, weight training) are common types.Physical activity can also be undertaken as part of work (e.g. lifting, carrying or other active tasks) and as part of paid or unpaid domestic tasks around the home (e.g. cleaning, carrying and care duties).Sedentary behavior is defined as any waking activity characterized by low energy expenditure, such as sitting, reclining or lying down.WHO says recent evidence indicates that high levels of continuous sedentary behavior (such as sitting for long periods of time) are associated with abnormal glucose metabolism and cardio-metabolic morbidity, as well as overall mortality.
