When the sun is out after a long winter, every one loves it. But not the people of Canary Islands. Tourists there are being warned about the "unusually high risk" of UV rays this week. The Ministry of Health for this holiday destination has urged both, residents and visitors to take extra precautions and preventative measures to limit the impact of sun exposure over their body and skin.

The Ministry observed Aemet, Spain's national weather agency for the forecast which showed higher than normal UV or ultraviolet radiation levels in the region. It is in this backdrop that everyone in the region are requested to be extra careful when they are out in the sun. UV levels are set to reach 7, which is a 'high risk' in La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera and Gran Canaria. Other regions like Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are expected to reach a level 6, which is also classed as 'high risk'.

UV Index Explained

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), a UV index is a measure of the level of UV radiation, which ranges from zero upward. The higher the UVI, the greater potential for damage to skin and eye and the less time it takes for harm to occur, notes WHO.

The range 1 to 2 represents a low risk, 2 to 5 is moderate, 6 to 7 is at high risk, 8 to 10 is at very high and anything over 11 is extremely risky for anyone to stay out.

UV radiation levels fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest values occurring during the four-hour period around solar noon. The reported UV Index (UVI) typically reflects this daily peak. Depending on geographic location and the use of daylight saving time, solar noon falls between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. In some countries, sun protection advisories are issued when UV levels are expected to reach 3 or higher, as exposure at these levels increases the risk of skin damage, making protective measures essential.

What happens to you when you are out in sun for too long?

While sun bathing is good, being out in the sun when the UVI indicates a high or very high risk, may cause you health concerns. It can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, incresed risk of skin cancer, eye damage and in severe cases, heat related disease.

Sunburn

It is one of the most common skin injury which happens when there is excess exposure to UV radiation from the sun. This happens when the UV radiation directly damages the DNA skin cells. These damaged cells die and shed, this is why people experience peeling after getting a sunburn.

Dehydration

This is also a common occurrence when your body loses too many fluids or electrolytes. It can also interfere with your normal body functions. You may feel dehydrated, especially when you are out in the sun, but not well hydrated. The most common symptoms are dizziness, fatigue and headache on hot days.

Hyponatremia

This is an electrolyte disorder in which your body experiences low sodium in blood. The symptoms could lead to nausea, confusion and even weakness. There are extreme cases when one may have seizures, slip into coma or die.

Heat Exhaustion

This is one of the most common consequence of being out under the hot sun. Dehydration with prolonged heat exposure can lead to heat exhaustion.

Heatstroke

When you are out under the sun and your body's core temperature cross 104°, heatstroke may occur. This is also known as sunstroke. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it causes more than 600 deaths each year in the United States.

Cases of the highly infectious and deadly Ebola virus have crossed over 900 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the World Health Organization said.

The outbreak has been identified as caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, which differs from other known ebolaviruses, such as Zaire ebolavirus and Sudan ebolavirus. It also has no treatment or vaccine.

The death toll due to the disease has also reportedly surged over 200.

"As surveillance efforts have been scaled up in the #DRC #Ebola response, more than 900 suspected cases have been identified so far, including 101 confirmed cases,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), shared in a post on social media platform X.

"In Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak, nearly 5 million people live amid ongoing conflict. Today, 1 in 4 people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and 1 in 5 are internally displaced," he added.

Ebola Outbreak: 10 countries at risk

The ongoing Ebola outbreak is the 17th outbreak of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is also the third recorded due to the rare Bundibugyo strain.

The outbreak, which has also spread to Uganda, has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO.

According to the African Union's health agency, more countries on the continent are at risk of being affected by the Ebola virus.

"We have 10 countries at risk," said Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), listing the following:

• Angola
• Burundi
• Central African Republic
• Republic of Congo
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• South Sudan
• Tanzania
• Zambia.

Another reason for the spread is the ongoing violence against healthcare workers.

The WHO chief has also voiced out concerns of violence in affected countries that is "forcing people to flee, including health and humanitarian workers".

Last week, the Rwampara health centre was stormed by a group of angry residents demanding the bodies of relatives who had died from Ebola, according to local sources. A day later, a tent provided by Doctors Without Borders, also known by its acronym MSF, at a hospital in Mongbwalu in Ituri province was set on fire.

The adverse conditions has also displaced people, further increasing the transmission of the virus in crowded relief camps.

Tedros noted that "this is severely impeding efforts to scale up Ebola contact tracing and identify infections early enough to provide supportive care. Ongoing insecurity and fear are also fueling mistrust within communities".

Also read: Bundibugyo Ebola: Scientists Investigate Spillover Event

What Is Ebola?

Some symptoms can indicate a possible infection. This includes fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding. This eventually leads to severe complications like bleeding, organ failure, and death. The hosts of the virus are animals like bats, primates, and antelopes.

WHO Says Vaccine Could Take Months

Meanwhile, the WHO says it could take up to nine months before a vaccine against this particular species of Ebola is ready.

Two possible "candidate vaccines" against the Bundibugyo species are being developed, but neither has gone through clinical trials yet, WHO advisor Dr. Vasee Moorthy said, according to the BBC.

In a remarkable emergency response, Dubai paramedics revived a man who collapsed from a heart attack, earning widespread praise on social media.

The man reportedly collapsed suddenly and showed no signs of consciousness or a pulse. People at the scene immediately alerted emergency services, who responded within minutes. The team began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using an advanced CPR machine.

A video now going viral on social media shows paramedics arriving within minutes and performing CPR using the LUCAS 3 automatic chest compression device. The machine, which delivers high-quality chest compressions more consistently than manual CPR, helped circulate blood to vital organs and revived the man within minutes.

“Dubai’s emergency response looks like the future: a man collapses from a heart attack, paramedics arrive within minutes, strap on the LUCAS 3 automatic CPR device, and revive him right there,” a social media user wrote.

“If there were a machine like this, it would be a huge help because people wouldn’t have to perform CPR for a long time,” another user added.

How The LUCAS 3 Device Saves Lives

The LUCAS 3 chest compression system is a mechanical CPR device originally developed by Swedish startup Jolife AB in collaboration with Norwegian inventor Willy Vistung and cardiologist Stig Steen. The device and company were later acquired by medical technology company Stryker in 2016.

The device is designed to deliver continuous, high-quality chest compressions while reducing physical strain on caregivers.

According to the company, studies have shown that the LUCAS device can improve blood flow to the brain and achieve higher EtCO2 values compared to manual chest compressions. With more than 50,000 devices in use worldwide, including within the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, a patient is reportedly treated using the device approximately every minute, it added.

What Is CPR? How To Give CPR?

CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is an emergency life-saving technique used when a person stops breathing or their heart stops beating. Quick action is critical, as CPR can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival.

Steps to keep in Mind While Giving CPR

Step 1: Check The Surroundings

Ensure the area is safe by checking for dangers such as traffic, fire, or falling objects.

Step 2: Position The Person

Lay the person on their back on a firm surface and open the airway by tilting the head back slightly. Check the mouth for any visible obstruction and remove it carefully if possible.

Step 3: Check Breathing

Listen for breathing sounds for no more than 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.

Step 4: Chest Compressions

Place the heel of one hand at the center of the chest, slightly below the nipple line. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and push hard and fast — about 2 inches deep — at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to rise fully between compressions.

Step 5: Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, tilt the person’s head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose shut, and seal your mouth over theirs. Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second, while watching for chest rise. If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again.

Step 6: Repeat The Cycle

Continue alternating 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths until the person starts breathing or emergency medical professionals arrive.

Key Considerations For CPR

• CPR should be used in emergencies such as cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, or severe trauma.

• Always confirm that the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally before starting CPR.

• CPR is intended for emergency situations. If a healthcare professional is nearby, seek their assistance immediately.

Excessive screen time use is harming sleep, mental health, learning, and development of children, according to a new advisory by the US surgeon general’s office, which urged parents to limit children’s screen time.

Even as President Donald Trump's nominee for surgeon general awaits confirmation, the "Harms of Screen Use" bulletin warns that children and teens are spending more time on their digital devices than on sleep or school, the USA Today reported.

It noted that excessive screen use is linked to heavy or compulsive screen use

• anxiety,
• depression,
• poor academic performance,
• behavioral problems
• developmental delays.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said evidence of risks to children’s physical and mental health is “mounting,” even though screens can also provide some benefits.

The advisory promotes the slogan “Live real life,” encouraging children and families to replace excessive screen use with in-person activities and healthier routines.

Alongside the report, the officials also released a toolkit recommending steps for parents, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers to help reduce screen dependence and encourage safer technology habits among young people.

The advisory also links excessive and "compulsive" screen use to

• poor sleep and school performance,
• mental health issues like anxiety and depression,
• behavioral and social issues, substance abuse, and developmental disruptions.

The report aligns with recent studies, which show how too much screen time affects developing minds.

Recent findings from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, suggest that early digital exposure to children before the age of one increases the baby's risk of autism.

The findings led by the Department of Pediatric Neurology showed that infants exposed to high levels of digital media at around one year of age are significantly more likely to display autistic signs by the time they reach age three.

India has also issued pediatric and education guidelines advising parents to limit screen exposure for young children, though there is no nationwide ban. States like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have also taken up action against social media use and screen time.

Countries banning screen time

While countries are not fully “banning” screen time, several of them have introduced restrictions, guidelines, or proposed laws aimed at reducing children’s screen time, especially around smartphones and social media in schools.

• France banned smartphones in primary and middle schools in 2018 and has tested stricter “digital pause” policies for students under 15.
• China has some of the world’s toughest rules, including limits on video game play for minors, restrictions on nighttime gaming, and proposed limits on smartphone use for children.
• South Korea introduced laws targeting gaming addiction among minors, including past shutdown rules that blocked late-night gaming for children.
• Netherlands and Finland have encouraged schools to restrict phones in classrooms to improve concentration and learning.
• Australia has debated stronger social media age restrictions, and several states have tightened school phone bans.
• United Kingdom schools widely enforce smartphone bans, while lawmakers continue discussing stricter online safety rules for children.
• Sweden has pushed for reduced screen exposure in early childhood education, emphasizing printed books and traditional learning methods.