Globe-trotting: Basic screen time rules can prevent obesity – The Tribune

Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide. But in New Zealand it’s a particularly pressing issue. With one of the highest rates in the OECD, about one in three New Zealand children are overweight or obese. Obesity in children can lead to severe health issues that persist into adulthood. While many factors contribute to childhood obesity – such as diet, physical activity and genetics – one often-overlooked factor is screen time. Children are constantly surrounded by devices such as TVs, tablets and smartphones, and screen time has become a normal part of daily life.

Peru closes 91 ports amid massive waves

Lima: Massive waves of up to 13 feet (four metres) are pummeling the coasts of Peru, leaving scores of ports closed on Saturday, authorities said. Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until January 1, the National Emergency Operations Centre said on its X social media account. Callao, which sits adjacent to the capital Lima and is home to Peru’s largest port, has closed several beaches and barred tourist and fishing boats from venturing out. Many beaches along the central and northern stretches of the country were closed to prevent risk to human life, authorities said. Dozens of fishing boats were damaged, while those that were spared were still unable to work in the dangerous conditions. ANI

US witnesses rise in workers’ strikes

Seoul: The United States experienced surging labour strikes in 2024, with workers across various sectors staging protests over issues ranging from wages to working conditions. The nation witnessed 334 labour actions across 515 locations as of Friday, continuing an upward trend in strike activity in recent years, according to the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations’s Labor Action Tracker, a database of strike and labour protest activity. One of the year’s most notable strikes occurred at Starbucks, where at least 5,000 workers from over 300 stores across 45 states walked off their jobs on Christmas Eve, according to their union, Starbucks Workers United, reports Xinhua news agency. ANI