Latest news with #Staphylococcus
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Over 140 Pretoria police vehicles parked and out of service
Over 140 Pretoria police vehicles parked and out of service Pretoria's policing capacity has taken a significant knock, with 145 police vehicles currently out of service across the city. The alarming figures revealed in recent data highlight mounting pressure on already strained resources—sparking concerns over crime response times and public safety in key areas, including Mamelodi East, Pretoria Central, and Silverton. The information was revealed in a written reply by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to questions posed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The DA has slammed the Lesufi-led administration for failing to prioritise public safety, warning that inoperative police vehicles are leaving communities vulnerable to crime. It was revealed that crime prevention efforts in Gauteng are being severely hampered by a shortage of operational police vehicles, with 710 out of 5,630 vehicles across the province currently out of service. This includes major shortages at stations like Ivory Park (16 out of 78 vehicles) and Pretoria Central (14 out of 80). Here is the complete list of the affected police stations in and around Pretoria: Area Amount of police vehicles in operation: Vehicles unserviceable Centurion – Laudium 20 0 Centurion – Lyttleton 54 9 Mabopane 38 5 Mamelodi 45 6 Mamelodi East 55 12 Pretoria Central 86 14 Rietfontein Pretoria 40 2 Pretoria North 55 4 Pretoria West 41 6 Soshanguve 60 8 Silverton 32 10 Sinoville 33 4 Soshanguve Block H 56 9 Sunnyside 57 8 Akasia 48 6 Atteridgeville 37 4 Hillcrest Pretoria 45 4 Eersterust 20 3 Pretoria West 22 2 Ga-Rankuwa 54 6 Garsfontein 33 4 Hammanskraal 32 7 Hercules 28 4 Villieria 29 1 Valhalla Centurion 38 4 Wonderboompoort 17 3 Total: 1075 145 Also read: Is there an outbreak of Staphylococcus in Pretoria? Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Indian Express
08-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘A dahi, which won't fall, is the dahi you want': Celeb nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar recommends the ‘spoon test' before consuming curd
Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar's words of wisdom have helped prominent Bollywood A-listers such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan lose weight and transform their physique without compromising on health. In a recent Instagram post, the expert shared a popular 'spoon test' that can determine the efficacy of the dahi (curd) you make at home. In the caption underneath her post, Diwekar listed out a detailed step-by-step recipe to make the best dahi: 'Try it at home. 1. Buy whole milk, preferably buffalo (better for setting thick curd) 2. When you heat it, pour some aside in a small katori (silver, ceramic, mitti – your choice) 3. While it's still little hotter than warm, put a small culture of previously set home set curd to it. 4. Stir 32 times 5. Wait for the milk to settle 6. Cover with a light cloth (I don't use a metal lid) 7. Then store it in a cool and dark place 8. On completion of 8-12 hrs, set another batch and then refrigerate if you don't immediately plan to eat it.' CV Aishwarya, a clinical nutritionist and lecturer at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, told that the spoon test for curd is a simple yet effective method to assess its consistency, fermentation quality, and microbial activity. It involves scooping a portion of curd with a spoon. If the curd holds its shape and appears firm, it indicates proper setting. If it breaks apart or appears watery, it may suggest poor fermentation or microbial imbalance. 'Curd is formed through the fermentation of milk by lactic acid bacteria. During proper fermentation, these bacteria produce lactic acid, which coagulates the milk proteins, forming a gel-like structure. A well-set curd is more likely to contain viable probiotic cultures, which are essential for gut health. In contrast, poorly fermented or runny curd might lack a sufficient live bacterial count due to contamination or inappropriate incubation conditions,' explained Aishwarya. According to her, the spoon test is an effective and practical preliminary method for assessing the setting quality and probable microbial health of curd. However, for scientific validation of curd efficacy—particularly in research or clinical contexts—additional analyses such as pH testing, microbial culturing, and probiotic viability assays are required. Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator revealed that regular consumption of curd after lunch can significantly alter gut microbiota composition due to its probiotic content, primarily Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. 'These live cultures enhance beneficial bacterial populations, improving microbial diversity and suppressing harmful bacteria like Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus,' she said, adding that the lactic acid bacteria in curd strengthen gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, and promote short-chain fatty acid production, which supports colon health. 'Daily intake sustains transient probiotic effects, such as increased Lactobacillus gasseri and Bifidobacterium lactis, aiding digestion and immune modulation,' mentioned the expert. Curd's probiotics also improve nutrient absorption, reduce bloating, and may lower the risk of inflammatory bowel conditions by balancing gut flora. However, Malhotra noted that individual responses vary based on baseline microbiota and dietary habits. This is to say that pairing curd with fiber-rich meals can amplify these benefits through synergistic prebiotic-probiotic interactions. However, Malhotra also warned of overconsumption, which can also cause digestive discomfort and contribute to weight gain. 'Additionally, excessive calcium intake from curd might slightly reduce the absorption of iron and zinc,' she said. 'Go ahead and add it to your lunch routine, but be mindful of your body's response and adjust accordingly,' To enjoy curd's benefits without drawbacks, she urged moderation. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
NDTV
07-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
World Food Safety Day 2025: Tips To Prevent And Manage Foodborne Diseases
World Food Safety Day is observed every year on June 7 to understand what makes food unsafe and how to prevent foodborne diseases. Foodborne illnesses are usually infectious or toxic and caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances entering the body through contaminated food. Some common food infections include Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Hepatitis A and norovirus. Some of the common symptoms people experience after contracting a foodborne infection include diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, abdominal cramps, nausea and jaundice. On World Food Safety Day 2025, let us understand some basic guidelines that will help us prevent and manage any food-related infections. 4 Tips To Prevent Foodborne Illnesses Food that is mishandled can lead to foodborne illness, explains the US Food Safety and Inspection Service. Prevent foodborne illness by following these four easy steps: 1. Clean: Wash Hands And Surfaces Often Everything that touches food should be clean. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Thoroughly wash all surfaces in the kitchen that come in contact with raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Rinse and pat dry cutting boards after each use. Serve cooked products on clean plates, using clean utensils and clean hands. 2. Separate: Don't Cross-contaminate Raw meat, chicken, seafood, and eggs can spread germs to the rest of the food, so it is important to keep them separately all the time, whether when you are purchasing raw meats or storing them in a refrigerator. Also, keep a separate cutting board for these. 3. Cook To The Right Temperature Food is safely cooked when the internal temperature gets high enough to kill germs that can make you sick. Make sure every meal you cook is cooked properly and all the raw veggies are washed well before using in salads or cooking. 4. Chill: Refrigerate Promptly Bacteria can multiply rapidly if left at room temperature or in the "Danger Zone" between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (4.44 and 60 degrees Celsius). Refrigerate perishable food like meat, seafood, dairy, cut fruit, vegetables, and cooked leftovers within 2 hours. Pack warm or hot food into clean and small containers and then refrigerate. 4 Effective Ways To Manage Foodborne Diseases If you have eaten a possibly contaminated food item and are experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness, the following tips can be helpful, as shared by Harvard Health: 1. Rest And Maintain Distance From Others If you have a food-related illness, rest as much as possible and avoid any exertion. Stay away from others and try not to use the same bathroom, so you don't spread any bugs you're carrying. 2. Stay Hydrated Avoid sugary drinks or alcohol as these can worsen your symptoms. Keep hydrating by taking small sips of water. It is important to keep drinking water as "severe dehydration can cause chemical imbalances in the body and even lead to kidney failure," says Dr. Christopher Baugh, an emergency medicine physician at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. 3. Take Medication Wisely If your symptoms don't include a high fever or bloody stool, Dr Baugh says it's probably okay to take an antidiarrheal medication. However, if the symptoms are mild and you can stand them, it may be wise to avoid medications and let your body expel the invaders. "If you take the medication, there's a risk that it might improve the symptoms but prolong or worsen the illness," Dr Baugh says. 4. Don't Hesitate To Consult Your Doctor In case of distress or troublesome symptoms, especially signs such as severe dehydration, abdominal pain, high fever or bloody stool, it is important to consult your doctor urgently and seek medical assistance. "Untreated bacterial food poisoning may progress into a life-threatening condition without antibiotics and intravenous fluids," Dr Baugh explains. Remember these prevention tips in your daily routine and follow the management tips if you do contract a foodborne illness. Stay safe and healthy. Happy World Food Safety Day!
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- The Citizen
Warning: Six armed and dangerous CIT robbers at large in Pretoria
Warning: Six armed and dangerous CIT robbers at large in Pretoria A manhunt is underway in Pretoria after six heavily armed suspects escaped following a violent cash-in-transit robbery. Police are urging the public to remain alert as officers intensify efforts to track down the dangerous fugitives, who are considered extremely armed and volatile. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo police arrested five suspects, aged between 35 and 50, soon after they allegedly committed a cash-in-transit robbery in Ekangala, Tshwane on Wednesday. 'Police recovered one of the getaway cars and more than one hundred rounds of ammunition. Police are on the lookout for more than six other suspects.' He said it is reported that the suspects used a BMW to ramp the cash-in-transit van. 'The suspects then bombed the van and took undisclosed amount of cash before speeding off in different cars. The police from Gauteng Highway Patrol responded swiftly and spotted two of the getaway cars, a silver Mercedes Benz and Silver Mazda CX3.' Masondo said a high speed chase ensued. 'While on the N12 Highway, the suspects started shooting at the police and police returned fire. One of the getaway cars was chased until the driver lost control and the suspects jumped out of the car and ran into the mielie field while shooting at the police.' Furthermore, police were joined by private security officers, and the search continued until five suspects were arrested. 'Inside the getaway car, police found scores of ammunition.' He said preliminary investigation revealed that these suspects are out on bail after committing cash-in-transit robberies in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces. 'The search is underway for the suspects who escaped. Those who were arrested are expected to appear before the Margistrate Court on Monday facing charges that include cash-in-transit robbery, attempted murder and possession of ammunition. More arrests might be added, pending the investigation.' Also read: Is there an outbreak of Staphylococcus in Pretoria? Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Here is the official fuel price for June
Here is the official fuel price for June Despite a stronger rand and favourable oil price movements in May, South African motorists will see only a slight drop in fuel prices this June as a new fuel levy hike eats into potential savings at the pump. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy confirmed on Tuesday that the official fuel price adjustments will come into effect on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. While consistent over-recoveries throughout May pointed to a more significant decrease, the levy increase announced in the latest national budget has narrowed the benefit by around 15 cents per litre. As a result, 93 and 95 petrol prices will drop slightly by 5 cents per litre, while diesel will see a larger decrease of 37 cents per litre. Here is the June fuel prices: Fuel Change Petrol 93 decrease of 5 cents per litre Petrol 95 decrease of 5 cents per litre Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) decrease of 37 cents per litre Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) decrease of 37 cents per litre Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale) decrease of 56 cents per litre LPGAS decrease of 89 cents per kg Meanwhile, motorists remain on edge as the final fuel prices hinge on a court ruling following an urgent application by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to suspend the recent fuel levy increase. The 2025 levy increase will see the total tax on petrol rising to R6.37, including the R2.18 Road Accident Fund levy. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana raised the General Fuel Levy, and announced various government expenditure cuts, in his third Budget Speech that was proposed on May 21. Also read: Is there an outbreak of Staphylococcus in Pretoria? Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
