By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

December 8, 2022 – A low-pressure system observed in the Central Atlantic Ocean has led the National Hurricane Center to believe there is a 50 per cent chance a subtropical or tropical storm will develop. They reported on Tuesday,  the system was 800 miles northeast of the Leeward Islands.

NHC said that by Thursday or Friday, the system should move northeastward, where it will interact with a mid-latitude trough, thereby limiting the chances of development.

The potential subtropical or tropical storm would become the 15th named storm of 2022 and will be called Owen.

Here is the very latest forecast:

Central Subtropical Atlantic

Showers and thunderstorms have increased since last evening near a

large non-tropical area of low pressure located over the central

subtropical Atlantic about 850 miles east-southeast of Bermuda.

However, the system remains embedded within a frontal zone, which is

expected to become more pronounced later today as the low begins to

move east-northeastward at 20 to 25 mph toward colder waters and

interact with a mid-latitude trough.  Therefore, while the system

could show some subtropical characteristics today, its chances to

fully transition to a subtropical or tropical cyclone appear to be

decreasing.  Nevertheless, significant non-tropical development of

this low is expected during the next couple of days, and additional

information, including hurricane-force wind warnings, can be found

in High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.  The

next Special Tropical Weather Outlook on this system will be issued

by 9 AM EST Thursday.

* Formation chance through 48 hours…low…30 percent.

* Formation chance through 5 days…low…30 percent.

Photo Credit: ACCUWEATHER

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, December 8, 2022 – Bahamas’ Price Control Regulations were amended two months ago and several grocers have not complied.  Now, Prime Minister Phillip Davis said the government will take measures to ensure grocers change their prices and obey the law.

Speaking at a Christmas Tree Lighting in Christie Park on Tuesday night, Davis said, “we are a country of laws, so we are going to make sure what we do, to help you, gets to you.”

He said the change was in response to the high cost of living in The Bahamas.  He promised the residents in attendance that the government will do all it can to ensure the people’s survival amidst the inflation. Many grocers complained that the price control would cut into their profits.

President of the Retail Grocers Association, Phillip Beneby announced that a proposal was sent to the government regarding the Price Control Basket, however, they have not received a response.

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

December 8, 2022 – Testosterone levels sink when obesity is at play in men, Doctors advise men keep weight down and muscles hard and lean to avoid ED and prostate cancer.

If you suffer from Obesity this means you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more depending on your weight and height. Whether it’s from beer, a desk job which encourages a sedentary lifestyle or one too many slices of pie, many people gain weight as they age.

In the Caribbean we have some of the highest levels of obesity in the world according to the Caribbean Public Health Agency and for men it can cause a host of dangerous side effects.  This theory is supported by a study from Harvard University explained that while obesity affects men and women about the same amount, men bore a particular burden, since obesity takes a special toll on male hormones, sexuality, and prostate health.

The study explained that the effects of obesity on testosterone levels can be extreme, lowering them faster than even age. Testosterone is directly related to men’s sex drive, their body’s fat distribution, muscle mass and strength and the production of red blood cells and sperm.

In addition to low testosterone, obese men are more at risk for erectile dysfunction (ED), kidney stones and lower levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) this antigen is extremely important as it helps doctors detect if you have prostate cancer. Obesity raises your risk of heart disease, hypertension and other serious health effects.

So what can you do?

• See a doctor or nurse who will calculate your BMI and help you create healthy targets hit in your journey.
• If you’re uncomfortable, calculate your BMI at home and start to make some healthy lifestyle changes
•  Lifestyle changes that can help with obesity include eating regular healthy meals at mealtimes instead of lots of sugar filled snacks. Focusing on fresh fruits and veggies instead of processed food.  Eat fibre fresh foods which will keep you feeling full. Drink lots of water
• Try to get your body moving more exercise is key for losing weight
• If you find going to the gym difficult incorporate exercise into activities that you find enjoyable. Join an adult football league, start jogging, play tennis, go swimming. If you enjoy it you’re more likely to stick with it.
• Don’t focus on the scale. Losing weight isn’t the only goal, maintaining healthy habits will help you more in the long run. Focus on creating healthy habits and those will eventually lead to weight loss as disappointment stemming from weight loss that is not immediate may discourage you initially.

One Scottish study suggests that when men get together to exercise, it could be more effective than exercising alone. So grab your friends and work with each other to get yourselves as healthy as possible.