Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments in healthcare. image Concerned for vaccine-hesitant loved ones? Here’s what you need to know before talking to them As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve globally, vaccination rate has become a key factor in determining how much a country opens up its economy. Yet not all around the world are convinced to take the shots. Globally, 67% of the population is still not fully vaccinated. Although this number falls below 40% in higher-income countries, it is frustrating for those who can’t wait for life to return to normalcy or who are worried about the health of their loved ones. If you belong to the 33% and are desperate to persuade those you care about to take the vaccines that they have access to, here are a few important reminders by the MIT Technology Review to help you navigate your conversations better: (1) Know that not all unvaccinated people are anti-vaxxers – Let’s face it, the vaccines came out unprecedentedly quickly, and suddenly we were all inundated with new languages and scientific terms – ‘mRNA vaccines’, ‘breakthrough cases’ and many more. Not everyone is able to process this information instantly to make an informed decision for themselves, especially the elderly and those who have pre-existing health issues. The reasons for being hesitant about taking the vaccines are personal. We need to respect those reasons. (2) Identify the obstacle – Is the person you are speaking to afraid of needles, or are they concerned that should the side effects kick in, they won’t be able to take time off work? Offering to help eliminate the obstacles or ease their concerns might result in a more productive conversation. (3) Watch your language – Instead of using language that implicitly shames the person (“If you don’t take the vaccine, you are a bad person”), experts recommend that “ownership” language that suggests vaccination is in the individual’s own hands works better. Examples of ownership language include “Claim your dose” or “The vaccine has been made available to you”. (4) Know your facts – Addressing a person’s concerns with clear, accurate facts without sounding condescending goes a long way. Educate yourself. Increasing vaccine uptake is urgent and crucial, but the process of encouraging vaccination does not have to be filled with animosity. Kindness and understanding will help to get us far. Healthcare in the Spotlight Reuters: Merck pill seen as ‘huge advance,’ raises hope of preventing COVID-19 deaths Data shows that the experimental oral antiviral drug could halve the chances of dying or being hospitalised for those most at risk of contracting severe COVID-19. COVID tests and superbugs: why the deep sea is key to fighting pandemics Scientists have been searching the cold, dark abyss of the North Atlantic – where they have found sponges that contain powerful molecules capable of killing drug-resistant superbugs. ABC News: Can golden rice prove agricultural science has a role in ending malnutrition? Golden rice, enriched with vitamin A and designed to end suffering among the world’s poorest children, has been approved in the Philippines. Other similar crops could soon make their way to the table. CNN Health: Meet ‘EMMA’: The AI robot masseuse practicing ancient wellness therapies Using sensors and 3D vision to measure muscle stiffness, EMMA (Expert Manipulative Massage Automation) identifies pressure points and delivers massages to patients to help offer pain relief and relaxation. Hindustan Times: Indian scientists working on 1st ever dengue DNA vaccine Scientists are hopeful the method can overcome longstanding vaccine development challenges posed by dengue serotypes. US News: Hospitals confront climate change as patients sick from floods, fires crowd ERs For some medical professionals, the growing toll of patients sickened by climate-related problems has stimulated a reckoning with the health care industry’s role in global warming. Medical News Today: Eco-anxiety: 75% of young people say ‘the future is frightening’ A new survey of 10,000 young people in 10 countries finds climate change is causing widespread, deeply felt anxiety. They also feel betrayed by governments that have so far not done enough. Healthbytes Tips for a healthy heart – are you taking care of yours? Source: South China Morning Post Heart disease is the world’s number one killer, but new advances help us better understand how to keep hearts beating better and for longer. Learn from leading cardiologist Dr. Boon Lim what you can do to better care for your heart.