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eufic.org   How much do you work out? According to World Health Organisation, adults should be moderately exercising 150 min/week, and kids should be getting 60 min/day. Being physically active can lower your risk of disease, diabetes and cancer.   So, get up and start moving (even just a little)! Read on to see what science says about physical activity.

Fitness Health: WHO's Guide   READ MORE     Exercising during the weekend: is it better?   READ MORE   Sit Less & Stay Active at Work   READ MORE   Sports nutrition: macro & micro-nutrients   READ MORE

Are you balancing your calorie intake?   Are Europeans active enough?   In Europe, 6 in 10 people rarely exercise or play any sports. In 2015, European policy was put in place to encourage people to be more active in their daily lives, but how effective is it? The World Health Organization investigates.   LEARN MORE

CANADA news

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President-elect López Obrador of Mexico

September 28, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke yesterday with Mexican President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador. 

The Prime Minister and President-elect agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the dynamic partnership between Canada and Mexico.

They discussed NAFTA and the mutually beneficial economic and trading relationship between our two countries. 

The call took place following a bilateral meeting between the Prime Minister and President Enrique Peña Nieto on September 25, 2018 on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. 

The Prime Minister announces changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service

September 28, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service:

Annette Gibbons, Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Foreign Direct Investment, Privy Council Office, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, effective October 29, 2018.

Paula Isaak, currently Assistant Deputy Minister, Education and Social Development Programs and Partnerships, Indigenous Services Canada, becomes President of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, effective October 9, 2018.

Biographical notes

• Annette Gibbons
• Paula Isaak
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand and President Sebastián Piñera of Chile
  
  September 26, 2018
  New York, United States
  
  Today, Prime Minister Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, and the President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera.
  The leaders affirmed their commitment to advancing a progressive approach to trade that ensures the benefits of trade are shared equitably, and that creates good, middle class jobs, new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, and broad-based economic growth.
  They also shared views on how to advance these shared objectives through mutual trade initiatives like the Pacific Alliance and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
  The leaders agreed that Canada, Chile and New Zealand would continue to cooperate closely on this important issue. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Mario Abdo Benítez, President of Paraguay

September 25, 2018
New York, United States

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Benítez discussed the importance of the bilateral relationship between Canada and Paraguay, as well as their shared priorities including investment, economic growth, and addressing the crisis in Venezuela.

They also underscored their mutual commitment to deepening engagement between the two countries, particularly on trade through ongoing Canada-MERCOSUR trade negotiations

Prime Minister concludes successful week at the United Nations General Assembly

September 26, 2018
New York, New York

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today wrapped up a productive week in New York, where he participated in the 73^rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

At UNGA, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s longstanding commitment to the UN and the importance of countries working together to deliver economic growth that benefits everyone, advance gender equality, fight climate change, and build a more peaceful and secure world.

Prime Minister Trudeau hosted a roundtable with world leaders to build on the momentum from the G7 Leaders’ Summit, where a historic $3.8 billion CAD was mobilized to advance education for girls and women in crisis and conflict-affected states. Today, Canada welcomed a total contribution of more than $527 million CAD from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Qatar to help developing countries give every child access to quality education and modern skills training.

The Prime Minister also delivered remarks at 12 Years to Break Barriers and Leave No Girls Behind, where over 500 stakeholders committed to concrete action to dismantle barriers to girls’ education.

Together with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Rwanda President Paul Kagame, Prime Minister Trudeau led a roundtable discussion on ways we can create more good quality jobs and opportunities for young people across Africa.

The Prime Minister also joined UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other world leaders at the Sustainable Development Financing event to discuss how to make Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development a reality. During the event, the Prime Minister announced that Canada will contribute $20 million to the Global Infrastructure Hub (GI Hub) as part of its efforts to develop transformative infrastructure projects around the world. The GI Hub brings together public and private investors to develop quality infrastructure that creates good jobs, strengthens communities, and drives economic growth.

The Prime Minister was honoured to speak to the UN General Assembly at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit. In his remarks, he paid tribute to Nelson Mandela for his contribution to international peace and reconciliation and endorsed the political declaration adopted at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit.

In addition, the Prime Minister delivered the prestigious Russell C. Leffingwell Lecture during an armchair discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations where he discussed Canada’s role on the world stage, the importance of multilateralism, and the future of globalization.

While in New York, the Prime Minister met with many world leaders to discuss shared priorities, including Prime Minister of Nepal, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, President of Colombia, Iván Duque, President of France, Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, and President of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez.

Quote

“The challenges we face today know no borders. Canada is committed to working with partners around the world to build a better future for all of us – from growing economies that benefit everyone, to fighting climate change, to creating a safer, more peaceful world. At UNGA this week, we came together to support resilient, sustainable infrastructure, create more opportunities for young people across Africa, and make sure the world’s most vulnerable women and girls have the chance to learn and succeed. That’s the kind of progress we make when we work together.”
— Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

• Canada is the fifth largest donor to the UN system.
• Canada is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2021-22
• Canada holds the G7 Presidency for 2018, and is advancing domestic and international priorities framed under the following five key themes:
  • Investing in growth that works for everyone
  • Preparing for jobs of the future
  • Advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment
  • Working together on climate change, oceans, and clean energy
  • Building a more peaceful and secure world

Associated links

• Canada supports global infrastructure with new hub in Toronto
• Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls, and Women in Developing Countries

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U.S.A.s interesting latest

MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program A new MedWatch Safety Alert: Caution When Using Pen Needles to Inject Medicines intended for:Patient, Health Professional, Pharmacy, Endocrinology was just added to the FDA Safety Communications Webpage. You can read the complete MedWatch Safety Alert that includes recommendations at: https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm621788.htm A new MedWatch Safety Alert: Differences in strength expression on product labels of compounders and conventional manufacturers may lead to dosing errors intended for: Pharmacy, Health Professional, Risk Manager was just added to the FDA MedWatch Webpage. You can read the complete MedWatch Safety Alert that includes recommendations at: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/PharmacyCompounding/ucm621769.htm A new MedWatch Safety Alert recall: Oscor Inc. Issues Recall of TB – Temporary Bipolar Pacing Lead (Unshrouded 2 mm Pins Models) was just added to the FDA Recalls webpage. You can read the complete recall alert at: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm621931.htm A new MedWatch Safety Alert recall: Ventana Medical Systems Recalls Multiple Detection Kits Due to Potential for False Negative Results Caused by Reagent Dispenser Issues was just added to the FDA Recalls webpage. You can read the complete recall alert at: https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ListofRecalls/ucm622007.htm A new MedWatch Safety Alert recall: Pro-Med Instruments Recalls the DORO LUCENT Headrest Due to Possible Malfunction and Failure was just added to the FDA Recalls webpage. You can read the complete recall alert at: https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ListofRecalls/ucm622006.htm A new MedWatch Safety Alert recall: Endo Pharmaceuticals Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall for Two Lots of Robaxin® 750mg Tablets 100 Count Bottle Packs Due to Incorrect Daily Dosing Information on Label was just added to the FDA Recalls webpage. You can read the complete recall alert at: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm622008.htm Is the EU-US Privacy Shield framework in your compliance picture? By Lesley Fair Four companies just entered into proposed agreements with the FTC to settle charges that they made misrepresentations about their participation in the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield. The cases reflect the FTC’s continuing commitment to enforcing the framework. Two of the complaints also focus on a Privacy Shield obligation that may be worth more of your company’s attention. Read more >

THE WHITE HOUSE's latest

REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS Confirm Brett Kavanaugh -The Wall Street Journal “Judge Kavanaugh was right to call the confirmation process a ‘disgrace’ in his passionate self-defense,” The Wall Street Journal editorial board writes. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s “allegation should have been vetted privately, in confidence, as she said she would have preferred. Instead ranking Democrat Dianne Feinstein held it for six weeks and it was leaked—perhaps to cause precisely such a hearing circus.” Consumer Confidence Rises to Highest Level in 18 Years -CNBC “Consumer confidence rose in September, notching its highest level in about 18 years. The Conference Board’s index rose to 138.4 this month from 134.7 in August,” Fred Imbert reports. “Consumers’ assessment of current conditions remains extremely favorable, bolstered by a strong economy and robust job growth,” said Lynn Franco, the Conference Board’s director of economic indicators. Trump Addresses U.N. General Assembly: We Choose ‘Independence’ Over ‘Global Governance’ -The Washington Free Beacon “President Donald Trump spoke about globalism and national sovereignty in a speech before the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday,” Jeffrey Cimmino writes. “I honor the right of every nation in this room to pursue its own customs, beliefs and traditions. The United States will not tell you how to live, work or worship. We only ask that you honor our sovereignty in return,” the President said. Trump, at UN General Assembly, Signs Major Trade Deal with South Korea, Reveals Possible Kim Jong Un Meeting 'Soon' -Fox News “President Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a major agreement of Trump’s trade agenda Monday, on a busy day at the U.N. General Assembly,” Frank Miles reports. “This agreement will reduce bureaucracy and increase prosperity in both of our countries. Workers in South Korea and America will find new customers and new opportunities to expand and grow,” President Trump said. Trump to UN: ‘We Commit to Fighting the Drug Epidemic Together’ -CBS News “President Trump vowed Monday to work with the United Nations and its member countries to fight drug trafficking and addiction across the globe,” CBS News reports. “U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres applauded Mr. Trump for ‘focusing a global spotlight on the world drug problem,’ adding, ‘we have never needed it more.’” Trump Health Chief: Premiums to Drop for Popular ACA Plan -The Associated Press “Premiums for a popular type of ‘silver’ health plan under the Affordable Care Act will edge downward next year in most states, the Trump administration's health chief announced Thursday,” Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar reports. “Azar's numbers were in line with a broader independent analysis earlier this month by Avalere Health and The Associated Press, which found premiums and markets stabilizing nationwide.” How Trump Rescued Our Economy from Obama’s ‘New Normal’ -The Daily Signal “It’s hard to believe that just two short years ago, our economy was limping along with no sign of a massive boom around the corner. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, the pivotal factor in the last two years has been President Donald Trump,” Michael Busler writes. “The real median income is set to hit a record level by the end of 2018.” Nikki Haley: John Kerry's Secret Talks with Iran are 'Anti-American' -Washington Examiner “U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley charged Wednesday that former Secretary of State John Kerry's ongoing talks with Iran are ‘anti-American,’” as they undermine U.S. diplomacy, Pete Kasperowicz reports. “What Secretary Kerry did was not only disrespectful, it was hurtful to America,” Ambassador Haley said. How Trump Rescued Our Economy From Obama’s ‘New Normal’ “It’s hard to believe that just two short years ago, our economy was limping along with no sign of a massive boom around the corner. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, the pivotal factor in the last two years has been President Donald Trump,” Michael Busler writes in The Daily Signal. Growth under President Trump has “driven down underemployment, increased the proportion of Americans in the labor force, increased the number of part-time employees finding full-time work, boosted wages, and reduced the unemployment rate overall. This all will lead to ever higher incomes for families. The real median income is set to hit a record level by the end of 2018.” Click here to read more. “President Trump and Japan Foreign Minister Shinzo Abe agreed Wednesday to negotiate a new trade deal between the two countries. A centerpiece of the proposed deal would be increased U.S. car sales in Japan and Japanese agriculture sales in the U.S.,” S.A. Miller writes in The Washington Times. “It can only be better for the United States. It couldn’t get any worse than what has happened over the years,” the President said. “Over the first two years of his administration, President Trump has prioritized policies that promote American competitiveness and U.S. interests in trade deals as well as focus on lowering the cost of healthcare and the price of medicines,” Grover Norquist and Alex Hendrie write in the Washington Examiner. “Just 100 days since the administration rolled out their drug pricing plan, at least 15 manufacturers have committed to lowering drug prices. In this time period, there have been 60 percent fewer price increases, and 54 percent more price decreases.” In Fox News, Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH) writes that it is abundantly clear that President Trump’s tax cuts are working. “The U.S. is the largest economy in the world and is getting stronger every day thanks to the leadership of President Trump,” Rep. Renacci concludes. “First Lady Melania Trump announced she’ll be visiting four ‘beautiful and very different’ countries when she travels to Africa next month on her first major solo trip abroad,” Caitlin Yilek reports in the Washington Examiner. “This will be my first time traveling to Africa and I am excited to educate myself on the issues facing children throughout the continent, while also learning about its rich culture and history,” the First Lady said.

PRESS

European Council     27/9/2018  Address by President Donald Tusk to the 73rd United Nations General Assembly The European Union is fighting intensely to preserve the rules-based international order, which is currently under great strain, in terms of trade, security, climate change or human rights. We say this not only as countries strongly supporting the United Nations, but as a continent that cares deeply about respect, mutual understanding and solidarity between nations. As leaders, we must equip the United Nations with the means to fulfil its mandate successfully. More unity and collective action are needed in the struggle against conflict, poverty and famine, terrorism and mass displacement of people, of the kind we see in Venezuela, Syria, Myanmar and many other places. To that end, the European Union firmly supports the current effort to reform the UN. These reforms are badly needed and overdue. The urgency is clear and implementation is essential. The European Union is taking on more responsibility for security matters. We have initiated ambitious co-operation among our own militaries. We are ready to step-up help to our neighbours through crisis management missions, capacity building and peacekeeping, in cooperation with others, including NATO, the African Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Union also supports the Action for Peacekeeping initiative and expects it to produce more effective and better resourced global security solutions. Europe has undertaken action against the increased use of disinformation and outside propaganda in open democratic elections. The anonymity of cyberspace is used by external actors to cloak malicious political interference. It is not just Europe's problem; many others here today are similarly affected. The United Nations should help expose this phenomenon, attribute responsibility and increase democratic resilience. One hundred years since Nelson Mandela's birth, we remember his triumph over apartheid in South Africa. I am very pleased that this occasion has also coincided with deeper ties between the African and European Unions. The summit of our both Unions in Abidjan last November was key. Thanks to the excellent cooperation between the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations we have until today helped over 30.000 people to leave Libya through voluntary humanitarian returns. We want to expand the work with our partners in other areas. Therefore, education, investment in development, climate change and free trade will be at the heart of our future relations. Africa is a continent of great challenges but it is also a continent of equally great opportunities. Instability in Libya has brought the world's attention to the suffering caused by human smugglers and traffickers who take brutal advantage of people and weaken the states in which they operate. The Security Council named some of worst violators last June. They and those like them, should be sanctioned, apprehended and brought to justice. In the meantime, the European Union will work diligently and in good faith with our North African partners on search and rescue efforts in the Mediterranean. Only collective responsibility can offer effective solutions to global phenomena such as migration and forced displacement. And I truly hope that the recent UN debates on the future governance of migration and refugee protection represent a step in the right direction. The European Union leads global resettlement efforts, including through resettlement from Turkey, which is hosting refugees displaced by the fighting in Syria, as are Jordan and Lebanon. The Syrian people are suffering as the war continues. The memorandum of understanding on Idlib needs to be fully implemented to help avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. All parties must respect international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians, and allow aid to reach those in need. A meaningful political process under the United Nations auspices is especially needed to bring about a resolution to the conflict. Sustainable development and increasing continent-to-continent connectivity will bring countries, people and societies closer together. These priorities will be crucial in our future relations with Africa and also at the next month's Asia-Europe Meeting, which I will be hosting in Brussels. They go hand in hand with the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and with other international commitments. From floods to fires, the impact of climate change becomes more visible every year, and sadly, we are now measuring the impact in loss of human life. And still, even though only slow progress is being made on our main task, namely to implement the Paris Agreement, the European Union remains fully committed to it and makes it a priority in its relations with our partners. And when we talk about the environment, let me use this occasion to appeal to all the leaders to undertake action to protect the waters around the Antarctic. There is still time to save the natural habitat of many endangered species by establishing maritime sanctuaries in the Southern Ocean. Let me say it loud and clear: those who can imagine our planet without whales, penguins and other species will also have to imagine our planet without humans. Non-proliferation is another global challenge we face but here, things are looking up thanks to multilateral action on sanctions. On the Korean peninsula, a year ago the situation was critical. Although much depends on the attitude of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), we have seen that diplomacy can open the way to more comprehensive solutions. A similar situation exists with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran. While addressing nuclear issues, the deal has also helped to create space for dialogue on other concerns, like Iran's regional behaviour and ballistic missile programmes. The agreement is good for European, regional and global security. That is why the European Union is committed to maintaining the agreement, as long as Iran remains fully committed to it. A while ago, I mentioned the one hundredth birthday anniversary of Nelson Mandela. In the coming hours, the seventy fifth birthday anniversary will be celebrated by another Nobel peace prize winner, a great Pole, Lech Wałęsa. They are both symbols of a beautiful cause: how to win without violence, how to forgive our oppressors, and how in public life, to overcome evil with good. Today, when so many people, also here in this hall, including even the most powerful world leaders, are starting to give up on freedom, solidarity and democracy, let us remember Mandela's and Wałęsa's message. And that, regardless of how difficult their situation was, they never capitulated in their fight. Thank you.