United News of Bangladesh

As the world observes World Food Safety Day, health experts are urging people to follow safe food handling practices and avoid common misconceptions that can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. Food safety plays a crucial role at every stage of the food chain, from production to consumption. However, several myths about storing, preparing and eating food continue to mislead people. Here are 10 common food safety myths and the facts behind them: Myth 1: You can tell whether food is safe by its smell or appearance Fact: Not always. Many harmful bacteria and microorganisms do not change the smell, taste or appearance of food. Food that looks normal can still cause illness. Myth 2: Leftover food can stay out for several hours Fact: Cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator and eaten within three to four days. If they will not be eaten soon, they should be frozen. Myth 3: Food is safe to eat if picked up within five seconds after falling on the floor Fact: The popular "five-second rule" is a myth. Germs can transfer to food immediately after it touches the floor. Myth 4: Kitchen cloths and sponges are harmless Fact: Dishcloths and sponges can carry dangerous bacteria and spread contamination around the kitchen. Experts recommend disinfecting them regularly or boiling them in water. Myth 5: Raw poultry should be washed before cooking Fact: Washing raw chicken or other poultry can spread bacteria to hands, kitchen surfaces, utensils and nearby food. Proper cooking is enough to kill harmful microorganisms. Myth 6: Food poisoning happens only a few hours after eating contaminated food Fact: Symptoms can appear within hours, days or even weeks, depending on the bacteria, virus or parasite involved. Myth 7: Frozen food can be safely thawed on the kitchen counter Fact: Thawing food at room temperature allows bacteria to multiply rapidly. Experts advise thawing food in the refrigerator or in cold water instead. Myth 8: Organic fruits and vegetables do not need washing Fact:All fruits and vegetables, including organic produce, should be washed thoroughly with clean water to remove dirt, bacteria and pesticide residues. Myth 9: Foodborne illness only causes an upset stomach Fact: While many cases are mild, some foodborne infections can lead to serious complications, hospitalization and even life-threatening conditions. Myth 10: Hand sanitizer replaces handwashing Fact: Hand sanitizer can reduce germs, but it is not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water, especially before handling or eating food. Health experts say following proper hygiene and food safety practices can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne diseases and help protect families from preventable illnesses. With inputs from NDTV

A simple daily walk may be one of the most powerful habits for long-term health, according to a US-based heart specialist. Jeremy London, a cardiovascular surgeon based in Savannah, Georgia, says walking regularly can strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, reduce stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases. In a video shared on Instagram, London explains that even moderate walking can make a meaningful difference to overall health. “It’s super simple, but it’s really powerful,” he says. “It decreases cardiovascular risk, controls blood pressure, controls blood glucose, and helps control weight.” He notes that the benefits of walking increase with frequency and duration, but even small amounts of daily movement are effective in improving health outcomes. Key benefits of walking London highlights several health benefits linked to regular walking: Longevity: Walking is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. “More is better, but even modest amounts move the needle,” he says. Heart and metabolic health:Regular walking helps manage blood pressure, blood sugar levels and body weight, supporting overall heart and metabolic health. Brain health and mood:Walking is also linked to better mental well-being, including reduced stress, improved mood and a lower risk of cognitive decline. Beyond physical health:London also points to less measurable benefits, such as spending time outdoors and having space to think. “Some of the best ideas come during a walk,” he notes. Experts say walking remains one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise, offering benefits for both physical and mental health when done consistently. Source: NDTV

Those unusual planters with small openings on their sides often resembling tiny buildings with windows and balconies  are more than decorative pieces. While commonly used for growing strawberries, these pots can also be used creatively for a variety of plants. Usually made of terracotta, strawberry pots are tall and urn-shaped, though shorter and wider versions are also available. The side openings are designed to hold soil and plants, allowing strawberries to grow above the ground and reducing the risk of rotting. However, gardeners can use them for much more than fruit. These pots are ideal for creating attractive and practical displays. Succulents such as hens and chicks fit well in the side pockets, offering a striking look. In colder climates, the pots can be moved indoors during winter, as long as the plants receive enough sunlight and are not overwatered. They are also perfect for a compact herb garden. Smaller herbs like parsley, thyme and mint can be planted in the lower openings, while larger ones such as rosemary or basil can be placed at the top, creating a neat and functional display. Adding small flowering plants like marigolds can enhance the look. Trailing flowers and vines, including petunias and sweet potato vines, can spill out of the openings, creating a colourful effect. Plants like nasturtiums, verbena and ivy also work well, while shade-loving varieties like caladium and coleus are good options for low-light areas. Watering all plants evenly can be challenging, but placing a perforated PVC pipe in the centre of the pot helps distribute water and nutrients effectively. Although strawberry pots come in different materials, traditional clay versions can crack in freezing weather. In colder regions, it is best to bring them indoors during winter and care for them as houseplants. Jessica Damiano is a gardening writer for The Associated Press and publishes the Weekly Dirt Newsletter.

By 23, Emma MacTaggart noticed her free time was rare and mostly spent on screens. Working long hours in investment banking, she often turned to her phone after logging off. Seeking a break, she and her roommates took up needlepoint, a childhood craft she hadn’t practiced in years. “It was a therapeutic way to distract yourself from work or stress while doing something with your hands instead of doomscrolling,” she said. MacTaggart is among many young people embracing analog hobbies to escape technology and reconnect with creativity. Knitting, gardening, and needlepoint-sometimes called “grandma hobbies” have gained popularity among Gen-Z and millennials. Other crafts, including pottery, origami, and blacksmithing, are also seeing renewed interest. Six morning habits can improve mental health, says US psychiatrist Now 26, MacTaggart has turned her passion into a business, What’s the Stitch, selling needlepoint canvases, accessories, and digital designs online, often adding humor and occasional profanity. Experts highlight the mental health benefits. Jaime Kurtz, psychology professor at James Madison University, said hobbies reduce stress and offer accomplishment. Clara Sherman, co-founder of So Bam Fun, said playing mahjong creates a “zen state” with friends. Some use technology to enhance their hobbies. Isaiah Scott, 22, compares birdwatching to “a video game, but in real life,” using eBird to log sightings and support conservation. He founded the nonprofit Rookery and Roots Conservancy and bought land in Georgia to protect habitats. Other hobbyists, like blacksmith Anna Weare and poet Kristie Landing, have leveraged social media to reach global audiences and create communities. Many say these crafts are not a trend but a deliberate embrace of analog life. MacTaggart, for instance, welcomed the “grandma hobbies” label. “I’ve been a grandma my whole life, so it’s fitting this is now my career,” she said.

Most Americans will "spring forward" for daylight saving time this Sunday, losing an hour of sleep a change that can leave people tired, irritable, and even impact their health. The shift in daylight darker mornings and longer evenings can disrupt the body’s internal clock, potentially causing sleep problems for days or weeks. Research shows a slight increase in heart attacks and strokes immediately after the March time change. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, and clocks will “fall back” on Nov. 1. Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe the spring switch. Globally, many countries also follow daylight saving time, though start and end dates vary. Experts recommend getting morning sunlight to help reset the circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and alertness. The extra evening light from daylight saving time delays melatonin release, making it harder to fall asleep. Sleep deprivation can affect heart health, metabolism, stress levels, and cognitive functions. The change also temporarily increases risks on the road, with more fatal crashes reported in the days after the shift, particularly in the morning. Heart attacks and strokes also see a small rise, possibly due to disrupted circadian rhythms combined with existing risk factors. To adjust, sleep specialists suggest morning sunlight, shifting daily routines like meals and exercise earlier, avoiding late naps and caffeine, and reducing evening exposure to screens. Although there have been repeated calls to end the time change including former President Donald Trump’s promise  health experts recommend sticking with standard time year-round, which better matches human biology and supports more consistent sleep.

Balancing on a single leg may seem simple, but it can be surprisingly difficult as we age. Practicing this exercise, however, can improve strength, enhance memory, and support brain health. While flamingos might do it naturally, most people spend little time poised on one leg. Balance is usually effortless in childhood, with abilities maturing around ages nine to 10, peaking in the late 30s, and gradually declining after that. For those over 50, being able to balance on one leg for more than a few seconds can reveal much about overall health and aging. There are several reasons to practice standing on one leg. It can reduce fall risk, build leg and hip strength, and improve memory. "If you find that it's not easy, it's time to start training your balance," says Tracy Espiritu McKay, a rehabilitation medicine specialist for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Read More: 5 simple lifestyle changes that may help slow biological ageing: Experts Why balance matters Doctors often use single-leg balance tests as indicators of health because they are linked to age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia. Muscle mass declines by up to 8% per decade after age 30, and research suggests that by their 80s, up to half of older adults may experience clinical sarcopenia. This affects blood sugar control, immunity, and muscle strength, all of which are reflected in balance ability. Regular one-legged exercises help maintain leg and hip muscles, reducing vulnerability to sarcopenia later in life. "The ability to stand on one leg diminishes [with age]," says Kenton Kaufman, director of the motion analysis laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "People are over 50 or 60 when they start to experience it and then it increases quite a bit with each decade of life after that." Balance is not only a physical measure but also a sign of brain health. Standing on one leg requires the brain to integrate information from the eyes, the vestibular system in the inner ear, and the somatosensory system, which senses body position and ground contact. "All of these systems degrade with age at different rates," says Kaufman. Read More: 80% of strokes preventable through lifestyle modification: Experts Espiritu McKay adds that balance ability can reveal the state of key brain regions, including those involved in reaction speed, daily task performance, and sensory integration. Brain atrophy occurs naturally with age, but rapid decline can limit independence and increase fall risk. CDC data shows that unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury among Americans over 65. Practicing single-leg exercises can reduce this risk. "These single leg training exercises really improve the balance control and actually change how the brain is structured," says Espiritu McKay. According to Kaufman, falls often result from slower reaction times rather than a lack of strength. "Imagine you're walking along, and you trip over a crack in the sidewalk. Most often, whether you fall or not isn't a strength issue, but it's whether you can move your leg fast enough, and get it to where it needs to be, to arrest your fall." Single-leg balance can even reflect short-term mortality risk. A 2022 study found people unable to maintain a single-leg stance for 10 seconds in mid-later life were 84% more likely to die within seven years. Another study of 2,760 adults in their 50s showed that the single-leg stance test was the most informative predictor of disease risk: participants who could balance for two seconds or less were three times more likely to die over 13 years than those who could maintain 10 seconds or more. "In Alzheimer's patients, researchers are actually finding that if they're unable to stand on one leg for five seconds, it usually predicts a faster cognitive decline," says Espiritu McKay. Training your balance Read More: Homeowners embrace no-mow lifestyle year-round Fortunately, research shows age-related decline can be slowed by practising single-leg exercises. These workouts strengthen the core, hips, and legs, while also benefiting brain health. "Our brains aren't fixed," says Espiritu McKay. "They're pretty malleable. These single leg training exercises really improve the balance control and actually change how the brain is structured, especially in regions that are involved in sensory motor integration and your spatial awareness." Balancing on one leg also activates the prefrontal cortex, improving cognitive performance during tasks and boosting working memory in healthy adults. Espiritu McKay recommends people over 65 practise single-leg exercises at least three times a week to enhance mobility and reduce fall risk, ideally incorporating them into daily routines. Starting earlier may offer greater benefits. Claudio Gil Araújo, an exercise medicine researcher at Clinimex in Rio de Janeiro, suggests those over 50 self-assess by standing on one leg for 10 seconds. "This can be easily incorporated into your daily activities," he says, suggesting exercises barefoot and with shoes. Daily activities like brushing teeth or standing at the sink can be used to train balance for just 10 minutes a day. Smooth hip strengthening exercises with gentle resistance, known as isokinetic exercise, can also improve one-legged stability. Source: BBC

The Siwa Salt Lakes in Egypt’s Siwa Oasis are known for their striking turquoise water and for a rare experience: in many of the pools, it is extremely difficult to sink. Unlike some viral travel locations that disappoint in real life, these desert pools often look much like the photos shared online. Located near Egypt’s border with Libya, the pools are shaped by the area’s geology and by salt extraction. As minerals are excavated from dried salt lakes, some basins later fill naturally with water from underground springs. In the intense desert climate, water evaporates quickly, leaving behind very high concentrations of mineral salts. That salinity makes the water denser, creating strong buoyancy, so swimmers tend to float on the surface soon after entering. Some accounts say salt levels in certain pools can rise to extremely high concentrations — far higher than seawater — which further increases buoyancy and makes sinking unlikely. Beyond their appearance, the Siwa lakes are also linked to the oasis’s long history. Reports note archaeological finds in the region dating back thousands of years. Locally, salt and salt-rich materials have traditionally been used in construction, including in structures such as the historic Shali Fortress. Bali named world’s top travel destination for 2026 by TripAdvisor Today, salt taken from the lakes and ponds is used in a range of products and in wellness practices. Many visitors and locals believe the mineral-rich water can help with skin and sinus problems, though these claims are largely based on tradition and personal experience. Visitors are commonly advised to be cautious: avoid getting the water into your eyes and avoid shaving right before swimming to reduce irritation. Why Mount Damavand, Asia’s tallest volcano, is so famous To reach the lakes, travelers typically book day tours from Cairo or Alexandria or use local transport such as tuk-tuks for shorter trips. Alongside floating in the salt pools, tourists often visit Cleopatra’s Pool, the Oracle Temple, the Shali Fortress area and the Mountain of the Dead tombs. Siwa became more accessible after a highway opened in the 1980s, bringing the once-isolated oasis onto Egypt’s travel map.   #With inputs from  NDTV

Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani devoted his life to creating outfits that celebrated women’s beauty and dignity, his longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti said on Tuesday, following the designer’s death at the age of 93. Speaking to journalists outside Valentino’s headquarters in Rome, Giammetti said the designer always believed fashion should enhance women rather than overshadow them. “He often said, ‘It’s not my fault, I just love beauty,’” Giammetti said. “From a creative point of view, he taught us to respect women.” Valentino, who founded his fashion house in 1960, dressed some of the world’s most famous women, including Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone and Julia Roberts. He was known for creating iconic red-carpet looks and for his signature shade, widely known as “Valentino red”. Giammetti said Valentino’s lasting legacy was the belief that fashion exists to embellish, not to ridicule. His business partner’s vision and craftsmanship helped turn the Valentino label into one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands. Valentino’s body will lie in state from Wednesday at the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, next to the designer’s historic atelier in central Rome. On Tuesday, admirers gathered outside the foundation, laying red roses in tribute. Among them was 21-year-old fashion student Luca Bonilli, who said Valentino had been a source of inspiration. “It is a great loss. Even for those who are not deeply interested in fashion, he was an important figure,” Bonilli said. Valentino’s funeral will be held on Friday at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and of the Martyrs in the Italian capital.   With inputs from NDTV

Tears have no colour, they say. Yet in Bangladesh, countless tears fall quietly, behind closed doors, where no one notices. A mother wakes before dawn, her chest tight with panic because sleep has once again betrayed her. A factory worker forces his trembling hands through another endless shift. A teenage girl laughs with her siblings while a storm of fear rages inside her. These are not isolated tales of sadness. They are glimpses into the daily battles of people living with mental illness. Some carry a diagnosis. Many do not. Yet all of them shoulder conditions too often brushed aside - as weakness, as silence, as shame. They are everywhere. But for each of them, there is almost no hand to hold, no ear to listen, no system ready to help. The quiet siege of daily life Numbers alone cannot tell the whole story, but they paint a grim picture. Between 2022 and 2025, researchers surveyed more than 7,500 women in hospitals across Bangladesh. What they found was staggering: three out of four pregnant and new mothers battled depression or anxiety, and more than half suffered from both at once. For many, what should have been a time of joy turned into ‘nights of exhaustion, despair and haunting thoughts’. (Source: Dhaka Tribune) Children and teenagers are no less burdened. An education system built on fear and finality too often crushes them. In May 2024, at least eight students died by suicide on the day their SSC exam results were released - proof that, for some, a single ‘piece of paper’ can feel like the end of life itself. (Source: Daily Observer) Adults carry their own silent weights. Nearly one in five struggles with depression or anxiety. Yet the vast majority never receive treatment - not because they do not want it, but because it is too costly, too far away, or ‘too shameful to seek’. In a country of more than 170 million people, there are only 260 psychiatrists and 565 psychologists - most based in cities. Rural Bangladesh, where most people live, remains abandoned in the dark. Why the silence deepens The last nationwide mental health survey was carried out in 2018. Since then, the country has endured the pandemic, spiralling prices, political turmoils and repeated climate disasters - each a heavy blow to already fragile minds. But no new data tells us how deep the wounds now run. Even for those who try to seek help, barriers stand tall. Counselling often means long travel, unbearable expense and stigma that can break a person before the illness does. Women face an added wall of silence, trapped by patriarchy and shame. Speaking about despair can invite ridicule or even abuse. For youth, failure feels final. For the poor, survival leaves no space for healing. On paper, Bangladesh has taken steps. It has joined the WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health. Plans are in motion for a new Directorate of Mental Health, with promises of expanding primary care and telemedicine. But promises are not practice. Most districts have yet to see any meaningful services. Budgets remain thin, facilities few and public awareness campaigns rare. The gap between ambition and lived reality continues to swallow lives. What must change Mental health is not a private weakness - it is a public issue, and ignoring it is a national failure. Experts urge: 1. Conduct national mental health surveys every 2–3 years. 2. Bring services closer - community centres, mobile clinics, school and workplace counselling, and promote tele-counselling.                3. Train and deploy more psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors - especially women professionals. 4. Embed mental health education into schools and workplaces. 5. Fight stigma through campaigns led by media, faith leaders, and communities. Each unheard cry is not just an individual tragedy - it is a collective loss. Bangladesh can choose to remain silent, becoming a country of unheard voices. Or it can choose to act — to open a clinic, to offer a listening ear, to save even one life. Because if even one life is pulled back from despair, the story changes. And that change begins the moment silence finally breaks.

Nepal's mountaineering community celebrated the conquest of the world's highest mountain with a rally of climbers, guides and others who gathered for International Everest Day. The event Thursday marked the 72nd anniversary of the first summit climb of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay, reports AP. Nepal's minister for culture and tourism led the celebration in the capital, Kathmandu,that included a walk around the city and a gathering at the old palace. “We are celebrating May 29 as the international Sagarmatha (Everest) day because the world needs to continue to recognize the achievement and contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay,” said Ang Tshering, who runs Kathmandu-based Asian Trekking.  Nepal hosts environment conference as Himalayan glaciers melt The event was not just a celebration for the mountaineering community but also a festival for Nepal and the world, said Tshering, who has helped hundreds of clients scale the Himalayan peaks. Nepal contains eight of the highest peaks in the world and every year hundreds of foreign climbers fly to the country in South Asia to tackle the mountains. The climbers hire thousands of people in Nepal to assist their climbs by carrying gear, cooking food and generally taking care of them as they spend weeks in the mountains. Nepal's government collects money from the climbers through permit fees. The end of May also marks the end of the popular spring mountaineering season, when climbers finish their adventures and retreat from the peaks before the monsoon season brings foul weather. "This day is celebrated also to mark the end of the climbing season where we gather climbers and the community," Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek said. According to Nepal’s Department of Mountaineering, 468 foreign climbers from 57 countries received permits to climb Everest by the end of May, along with a roughly equal number of Nepalese mountain guides. Many were able to scale the peak, but officials were still working to verify how many reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit. Climbers must report to the department with proof they reached the summit and cleared their garbage before they are issued the official certificate. Nepal seeks partnerships with Bangladesh in key areas Famed Sherpa guide Kami Rita reached the Everest summit for the 31st time Tuesday, breaking his own record for the most climbs to the top of the famed mountain.