Month: August 2024

Editorial: Confronting Austria’s Scorching Summers – The Unmistakable Signs of Climate Change

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Austria, known for its alpine landscapes, lush forests, and temperate climate, is facing an alarming shift in its weather patterns. Recent summers have brought severe heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. This disturbing trend is not just a random anomaly but a clear manifestation of the global climate crisis. The cause of these severe hot temperatures in Austria is multifaceted, rooted primarily in human-induced climate change, exacerbated by local and regional factors. The Role of Global Climate Change At the heart of Austria’s extreme heat is the broader context…

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Beware of Skimming: Protect Your Credit Card While on Vacation

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As more people resume travel in the post-pandemic era, the risks associated with using credit cards while on vacation are increasing. One of the most common threats is skimming, which criminals use to steal credit card information. This article explores skimming, how to detect it, and what steps you can take to protect yourself while travelling. What Is Skimming? Skimming occurs when criminals use hidden devices to capture credit card information. These devices, often installed on ATMs, gas pumps, or point-of-sale (POS) terminals, are designed to look like legitimate card…

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Do you drink too much sparkling water? These are the risks

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Drinking sparkling water is generally considered safe and can be a refreshing alternative to still water. However, there are some potential risks and considerations to be aware of: 1. Dental Health Acidity: Sparkling water is slightly acidic due to the carbonic acid formed when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water. Although less acidic than soft drinks, this can still contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time, especially with frequent consumption. Added Flavors: Some flavoured sparkling waters contain citric acid or other acidic additives, which can further increase the risk of…

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36 degrees and thunderstorms on the way: weather forecast until next week

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The summer heat is here to stay on Friday. While temperatures will once again reach high levels, the risk of thunderstorms will increase from the afternoon onwards. Friday will begin with bright sunshine in large parts of Austria, although the northern edge of the Alps may see thicker clouds at the start of the day. After a sunny morning, clouds will quickly develop by midday, and the first showers and thunderstorm cells could develop. Thunderstorm risk in the mountainsThe central and northern mountain regions are particularly affected, where the thunderstorms…

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Fever, pain, rash—the Mpox pandemic feared

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The World Health Organization calls upon authorities worldwide to prepare for possible Mpox outbreaks.The disease caused by the monkeypox virus manifests itself through a wide variety of symptoms. The WHO is now sounding the alarm again. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared its highest alert level due to a new variant of the viral disease, Mpox, in Africa. It has declared a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC). This has no specific implications but is intended to alert authorities worldwide to prepare for possible outbreaks. The monkeypox virus…

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August 15 – Assumption of Mary: meaning of the Feast

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Today, Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This feast day refers to the belief that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven, body and soul at the end of her earthly life. This doctrine is a significant aspect of Roman Catholic theology and is celebrated as the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th. Key Points: Assumption vs. Ascension: Unlike the Ascension of Jesus, described in the Bible, which involves Jesus ascending to heaven by his divine power, the Assumption of…

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Tourists bring deadly disease to Europe

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Bright sunshine and swaying palm trees on an exotic beach in South America sound like the perfect vacation for many. But for some tourists, the summer adventure has brought home more than just fond memories. This summer, 19 Europeans brought home an unexpected souvenir: an infection with the Oropouche virus, a tropical pathogen that had been brought to Spain, Italy, and Germany as an uninvited guest. The affected holidaymakers had recently visited Cuba and Brazil, where an outbreak of the virus has prompted health authorities to issue warnings about the…

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Mpox is spreading: WHO imposes highest warning level worldwide

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Almost all parties agree that there is work to be done. The World Health Organization (WHO) has activated its highest alert level due to a new variant of the Mpox virus in Africa and declared a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC). The WHO believes there is a risk that Mpox could spread internationally again after 2022 and pose a health risk to several countries. As WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva, the organization followed the recommendation of independent Mpox experts who had met in the so-called…

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Heatwave warning service of the Vienna government to protect the population

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Heat can have serious effects on health. Vulnerable and heat-sensitive population groups, therefore, need special protection. The most important thing is to prepare for heatwaves and take preventative measures. Thus, the Vienna Regional Health Directorate has introduced a preventive heatwave warning service for the Viennese population. In cooperation with GeoSphere Austria, the warning service warns of impending heatwaves that could harm health. Unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to increased sweating and dehydration. Physical overheating and heat buildup can lead to heat stroke, collapse, confusion, and, in the worst…

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