Positive News

This week I decided to gather some of the positive news I’ve seen recently - so here we go.

This photo was taken yesterday at Stockwood park in the sun

1) Lemonade is now available on Spotify and Apple Music (Yes – really!)

Beyoncé finally listened to our pleads and dropped Lemonade on the streaming platforms Spotify and Apple music three years after its initial release. The digital album had been exclusive to Tidal since 23^rd April 2016, until now. This proved to be a problem in the beginning as initially it cost a hefty price of £19.99 to subscribe to the platform. (The same cost as Netflix, Student Apple Music, and Spotify combined – yikes!) I would say that after last week’s release of Bey’s Netflix film Homecoming, and a live album to accompany this that we are being spoilt, but honestly – it’s what we deserve!

(April 23^rd)

2) Malawi begins Malaria vaccine trials that can offer children partial protection from the disease

After three decades of hard work, the RTS,S vaccine has been given the thumbs up for widespread distribution, and has now been introduced into Malawi. This vaccine offers up to 40% partial protection to children from Malaria. Most cases and deaths from the mosquito-borne infectious disease occur in African children under 5 years of age and the RTS,S vaccine aims to target infants as they are the most at risk. Children will have to have four injections of the vaccine (once a month for 3 months, then a 4^th dose 18 months later) A previous trial of the vaccine began in 2009, but 10 years later it has been given the all clear for further rollouts as it was deemed to be safe and successful in preventing malaria. The vaccine will also be introduced to Ghana and Kenya later this year. Check out the NHS website for more information on Malaria and the symptoms. 

(April 23^rd)

3) Missing dog found two years later thanks to microchip

A missing dog in Colorado has been returned to its family nearly two years later in Florida. Cedar - the German Shepherd was discovered in snowy Colorado in a ditch with an injured leg. The pooch had been missing for almost two years.  A police officer found Cedar and took her to the vet who was able to reunite the doggo with her human family because of her microchip. Find out more about this here.

(April 23rd) 

4) Primary and secondary schools will be offered free menstruation products from next year

The Government’s scheme to offer free sanitary products to secondary school and colleges has been extended to reach those in primary education also in England. This follows a similar system put in place in Scotland last year that dedicated £5.2m to help fight period poverty by making sanitary products available to students at schools, colleges, and universities across Scotland. The welsh government has also announced that it will pledge £2.3 million in helping to tackle period poverty in both primary and secondary schools. Campaigners have praised the government’s funding announcement. Click here for more info on the costs of periods and what you can do to save money if these legislations do not apply to you. 

(April 16^th)

5) Music and Dance therapy to be offered to dementia patients 

The Independent reported earlier this month that Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, believes ‘people with dementia should be given music and dance therapy’ and plans to endorse ‘personalised care’ as a key part of the NHS’s ‘long term plan.’ This coincides with the planned launch of the Music for Dementia 2020 campaign – a national campaign to make music available for everyone living with the condition by 2020. There is increasing research that suggests music can bring calm to people with dementia as it allows them to feel less agitated. Playlist for life offers fab tips on how to make a playlist for a loved one with the condition to make their day just that bit better. Click here to go to the site to start making your own tunezzzz.

Thanks for reading my post - please don’t hesitate to tell me what you think. I would love to hear your criticism, especially if you hated it - Kes xxx