Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1372546
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 MAY 2021 17 COMMERCIAL GZIRA Local Council in collab- oration with MIDI participated in the Light Up the Night 2021 initiative by lighting MIDIs of- fices on Manoel Island blue and purple on the night of the 11th and 12th May. The Light Up the Night 2021 initiative is an annual event which is organ- ised globally by NGOs with the aim of raising awareness for three disabling illnesses, Myal- gic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME,CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM). What is Myalgic Encephalomy- elitis and Fibromyalgia? Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia are two distinct chronic and invis- ible disabilities, which roughly make up 0.2% - 6% of Malta's population, an estimated 75% to 85% of these sufferers are predominantly women. Fibro- myalgia is the second most common chronic condition affecting the bones, muscles and soft tissues, causing pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, joints and tendons. Its classic symptoms are wide- spread pain and fatigue leaving sufferers in extreme pain 24/7, thus finding it difficult to cope with life and work. An estimated 4–6% suffer from it in Malta. ME, most, commonly but wrongfully known as Chronic Fatigue Syn- drome (CFS), is a devastating multi-system disease that caus- es dysfunction of the neurolog- ical, immune, endocrine and energy metabolism systems, leaving its sufferers completely depleted and unable to func- tion, in pain, and often unable to take care of themselves and needing a carer with them. An estimated 0.2–0.4% suffer from it in Malta. ME sufferers often are faced with being confused with Fi- bromyalgia. Even though both are awful, ME is far more dis- abling and can lead to death. 40% of Fibromyalgia sufferers are unable to work, whilst ME being far worse has a staggering 75% of sufferers house bound that cannot work. 25% of suf- ferers are bed bound and there is a 3% death rate amongst the sufferers. They are truly dev- astating for both the sufferers and their loved ones alike, as no to little help can be found in Malta. Not enough is known amongst medical specialists to properly diagnose and give ad- equate treatments as the Gov- ernment refuses to accept us as a disability. Light Up the Night 2021 Bird Ringing at Manoel Island's Glacis Park IN an effort to monitor the use of the Glacis Park at Manoel Is- land by small land birds during spring migration, bird ringers from BirdLife Malta's ringing scheme recently held a series of bird ringing sessions at the Is- land's Glacis Park. The Manoel Island Glacis Park is an isolated green area surrounded by an urbanised environment, attracting birds on their journey from south- erly wintering areas up to their breeding territories in Europe. The Glacis Park will be rehabil- itated as part of MIDI's plans to develop Manoel Island, pro- viding a public park measur- ing 80,000sqm for the general public to enjoy and appreciate. The rehabilitation of the Glacis Park will ensure that the natu- ral landscape will be protected and preserved in its present state by means of long-term planning and sustainable use. Bird ringing is the process of fitting wild birds with an indi- vidually numbered metal ring, noting the species and if pos- sible, sex and age, and taking various biometrical data such as wing span and weight. Im- mediately after processing the birds are released back into the wild. Manoel Island's Gla- cis Park is a delightful magnet for birds that land to rest and/ or forage after a night of migra- tion over the Sahara and Med- iterranean, before continuing their journey further north. Pictured are a male Subalpine Warbler (MT: Bufula Passari- ja) and a Wood Warbler (MT: Vjolin Ħadrani) all observed at Manoel Island. Apart from migratory birds, bird ringers also encountered local resident and breeding birds which remain in Mal- ta year-round and nest in the Glacis Park, such as the male Spanish Sparrow (MT: Għasfur tal-Bejt) and male Sardinian Warbler (MT: Bufula Sewda) pictured. Bird ringing in the Maltese Islands is carried out by the BirdLife Malta Ringing Scheme. All bird ringers are li- cenced under this scheme and registered with the relevant lo- cal authorities. Photographs courtesy of Benjamin Metzger BURGER KING® Malta con- tinues to emerge onto new ho- rizons by investing in innova- tion and technology to provide guests with a better experience and access to their flame-grilled goodness. The Home of The WHOP- PER® has just announced the release of the BURGER KING® Malta app, offering several coupons that are exclusively available on the app. This new mobile application is beneficial to all the King's loyal subjects, with the brand promise to have fresh deals al- ways available. The app was de- signed specifically for the local market using the latest tech- nologies. "We are now making it easier than ever for our guests to con- nect with us and enjoy great savings that the brand is so committed to giving," said John Bonello Ghio, Farsons Group Head of Food Business. BURGER KING® continues to commit and evolve within the local market, with further features of the app to be intro- duced in the coming months. The BURGER KING® app is available to download from the Google Play Store and the App Store. BURGER KING® is operated in Malta by Food Chain Lim- ited, a member of the Farsons Group, with outlets in Vallet- ta, Paceville, Sliema, Mosta, Qormi, Malta International Airport and Paola. Burger King Malta launches new app