With eight in 10 French women saying they are afraid to be out alone at night, the French government has launched a national information and awareness campaign on violence against women.
The numbers are frightening. French women simply don’t feel safe in public spaces. More than half say they feel uncomfortable using public transport, verbal attacks are commonplace and six in 10 say that they’d move to a different side of the road or street if they saw an unknown man coming towards them, according to a 2022 study.
A dedicated 24/7 service
Women’s safety is a priority, leading the French government to set up an instant messaging service that allows victims or women with questions and concerns to speak with a police officer at any time of the day or night. The service is called Ma Sécurité and can be found here. It can also be downloaded as an app.
Step-by-step plan of action
The wider campaign also highlights what people – victims and witnesses – should do in the event of an attack.
Advice for victims during or just after an incident is to draw attention to themselves by making noise or a scene of any kind, to get to a place where there are other people for shelter, and then to call the police on 17, where they will be asked for their name, place where the aggression occurred, where they are now and a description of the attacker.
Witnesses to assaults should intervene or create diversions, being careful not to endanger themselves. Taking photographs or video footage of the incident is also encouraged if it is safe to do so. The witness should then alert police immediately with the location of the attack as well as a clear description of the perpetrator. If the victim is still nearby after the attacker has fled, try to get them to safety and reassure them until the authorities arrive.
Following a meeting of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, attended by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, a landmark global drowning prevention resolution has been enacted. It is the first in the history of the World Health Organisation.
Drowning has caused 2.5 million deaths in the past decade and is one of the main causes of death amongst children. For 10 years, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation (PCMF) has sought to reverse these statistics through its international Learn to Swim and Water Safety programmes, which provide theoretical and practical training to children and adults, and raise public awareness of water hazards.
At the end of May, the Foundation headed to Geneva to participate in the talks and discussions surrounding the proposition of a new global drowning prevention resolution, which had been put forwards by the governments of Bangladesh and Ireland, within the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Called “Accelerating Action on Global Drowning Prevention”, it builds on the progress of the April 2021 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention, which aims to reduce drowning incidents that may lead to death or long-term injury.
It also calls on the WHO to support and move ahead with multi-sector action on drowning prevention, including the creation of a Global Alliance on Drowning Prevention and the completion of a global status report on cases and causes of drowning.
The PCMF made its presence felt in Geneva at an event hosted by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which was held just days being the passing of the new resolution and brought together numerous supporters of the initiative.
Monaco finished fourth in the Games of the Small State of Europe, winning 33 medals over the course of a week’s worth of intense competition in Malta, including 13 golds.
With 33 medals – 13 gold, eight silver and 12 bronze – Monaco finish behind Malta, Cyprus and Luxembourg. The hosts won their home tournament with an incredible 97-medal haul, which included 38 golds. The Principality finished ahead of Iceland, San Marino, Montenegro, Andorra and Liechtenstein.
Seven medals for young prospect Giulia Viacava
During these games, the majority of Monaco’s success was in the pool. It is there that the young 16-year-old prospect Giulia Viacava shone, winning seven medals (three gold, four bronze), whilst Théo Druenne (two golds) also put in some impressive performances.
Giulia Viacava, Monaco Gold Medallist. Photo credit: Manu Vitali / Monaco Communications Department
There was also plenty of success in the dojo, where Monaco won eight medals overall in the Games’ judo events. Xiaoxin Yang, one of the top-ranked table tennis players in the world, won medals in all three disciplines of the sport.
Monaco’s table tennis gold medallist Xiaoxin Yang. Photo credit: Manu Vitali / Monaco Communications Department
“These games are a success”
Amidst the elation, there was also plenty of disappointment for Monaco, with many falling just short of the podium. The Rugby 7s and basketball teams both finished fourth, as did Olivia Vild (triple jump), amongst others.
“These games are a success,” said Yvette Lambin Berti, Secretary General of the Monegasque Olympic Committee. “Our sportspeople needed to get back together after the enforced break because of the pandemic back in 2021. All of our athletes should be congratulated. The team spirit has been brilliant throughout the week. It’s a strong message, carrying hope and promise for the youth of the future,” she continued.
Many of those that stood atop the podiums in Malta will now have their sights set even higher, with the 2024 Paris Olympic Games just one year away.
Shop locally, but with a financial incentive: that’s the concept behind the Carlo app, an innovative payment system that backs local businesses by giving shoppers 5% cashback on their purchases.
Since it was launched back in 2019 by a Monaco Tech-supported start-up, led by engineer-turned-entrepreneur Antoine Bahri, the Carlo app has welcome thousands of users and hundreds of business partners to its “little black book”.
Today, around 2,000 people use Carlo each day in the Principality and millions of euros in cashback have been generated through their 3,000 daily transactions, with every penny being put back into Monaco’s local economy.
Restaurants, boutiques, florists, wellness centres, food stores, opticians… The more than 500 partnered companies that have signed up to the scheme are diverse and all-encompassing. And they’re not just in Monaco either. The app has now spread to Aix-en-Provence, where it has been picked up and embraced by residents and visitors wanting to support local businesses.
A phone-based contactless system
Using the app couldn’t be simpler. It’s available for free on both iOS and Android, and after downloading, prospective users will be directed to a registration and payment information page.
Think of it as a contactless wallet: once accepted, all the user needs to do is scan the merchant’s QR code, which will be displayed at the checkout, enter in the amount of their purchase and then validate the payment using their unique pin, fingerprint or facial recognition – whatever suits most.
There are already 2,000 regular users of the Carlo app in the Principality. Photo credit: Carlo
The bank card affiliated with the Carlo account will then be debited. Cashback of 5% of the total amount is almost instant and can be put towards a purchase in another Carlo-affiliated store in the future.
You can also add money to your Carlo account at the click of a button if you prefer to keep a direct eye on your balance rather than use the automatic debiting process.
To check out the list of businesses already signed up to the Carlo marketplace in Monaco, click here.
Fermented foods have taken the culinary world by storm, captivating our taste buds with their interesting flavours and textures. But beyond their delicious appeal, these foods harbour a host of health benefits.
In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of fermented foods, exploring their production process, nutritional transformations, and the remarkable advantages they offer for both the general population and athletes alike.
THE FERMENTATION PROCESS
Fermentation is a traditional technique for preserving food. During the process, microorganisms diligently break down carbohydrates into end products such as carbon dioxide, alcohol, or organic acids. They also generate probiotics—live microorganisms that contribute to a harmonious gut environment and provide a myriad of health benefits. Moreover, fermentation unlocks the potential of the food by releasing bioactive compounds like vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants, thereby enhancing its nutritional value.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FERMENTED FOODS
Now that we’ve explored the curious world of fermented foods, let’s uncover the scientifically-proven benefits they offer. Fermented foods are packed with probiotics to support and maintain a healthy and robust gut environment. These beneficial bacteria aid digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and strengthen the gut barrier. Research consistently highlights the positive effects of probiotics on digestive health, although individual responses may vary.
Fermentation also enhances the bioavailability of essential nutrients in food. For instance, fermented dairy products like yoghurt and kefir feature increased levels of B vitamins, calcium, and amino acids. This can be particularly advantageous for those with lactose intolerance. However, it’s important to note that nutrient enhancements can vary across fermented foods and methods.
The powers of fermented foods extend beyond your gut. Emerging research suggests that they play a pivotal role in mental health. Consuming fermented foods has been associated with improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, and better cognitive function. Although the mechanisms are still being investigated, it is believed that probiotics and bioactive compounds from fermentation influence neurotransmitter production, reduce inflammation, and impact neural signalling pathways.
And let’s not forget their immune-boosting benefits. Probiotics found in fermented foods strengthen your immune system by stimulating immune cell production, enhancing gut barrier function, and reducing inflammation. Regular consumption of fermented foods may help reduce the risk of common infections and support immune function. Nevertheless, individual responses and optimal strains and doses require further research.
FERMENTED FOODS FOR ATHLETES
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, incorporating fermented foods into their diet can provide additional benefits. When you push your body through intense exercise, inflammation becomes a common challenge. But fear not! Fermented foods, rich in antioxidants, come to the rescue. By reducing oxidative stress and aiding tissue repair, they accelerate your recovery and get you back in the game faster.
And let’s not forget about electrolyte balance. When you sweat, essential electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and sodium are lost. Fermented drinks like kefir and kombucha provide a delicious and natural way to replenish those electrolytes. By restoring this delicate balance, you optimize your performance and pave the way for a swift recovery.
Finally, protein is an essential part of an athlete’s diet to grow and repair muscles. With fermented foods, you can expand your protein sources beyond the traditional options. Tempeh and fermented beans offer a plant-based, protein-rich alternative to fuel your body. Just remember to introduce them gradually to avoid any digestive discomfort.
For Health and performance benefits, fermented foods have you covered
Fermented foods have emerged as delightful allies on our journey to better health. Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance or a health-conscious individual seeking overall well-being, incorporating fermented foods like kefir, yoghurt, miso, and tempeh into your diet can be a smart move.
Tristan Boetti is a sports nutritionist. Through his company Performance & Bien-Être Monaco, he works with professional athletes as well as recreationally active individuals to help them achieve their goals through customised nutrition plans and expert advice.
The centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race will be kicked off by NBA star LeBron James, who joins a host of other celebrities who have previously done the honours.
Two legends in one: on the one hand, there is the Le Mans 24-hour car race, which has been a can’t-miss event in the motorsport world’s calendar since its inception in 1923, while on the other is Los Angeles Lakers’ power forward, LeBron James, the all-time leading scorer in America’s National Basketball Association (NBA).
AN HONOUR
This year, they come together as James will be the celebrity opener at the centenary edition of the famous endurance race, joining other household names such as Steve McQueen, Brad Pitt and Rafael Nadal who have opened the race in past years. It has been a habit to invite stars to be the honorary starter since 1949.
James will signify the start of the race by lowering the flag at the Circuit de la Sarthe in northwestern France.
“It’s an honour for me to be part of this historic moment in motorsport and help celebrate the centenary of one of the biggest sporting events in the world,” said the basketball icon. “I look forward to kicking off this iconic race and watching its world-class drivers compete on Le Mans’ global stage.”
TOP NAMES IN CARS
The list of participating teams reads like a who’s who of the automotive world as well, with Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota and Peugeot in the running, as well as the return of Cadillac, who will field three cars in 100th anniversary event.
The two-times around the clock race is being held on 10th June with a 4pm kick-off.
