Connect with us

Technology

Meet Jordic: The Unlikely Voice of a Heart-Health Warning Men Need to Hear

Published

on

Launching today on World Heart Day, JOE Media Group’s ‘Listen to Jordic’ turns a commonly ignored symptom into a captivating folk anthem about cardiovascular risk.

LONDON, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What if an early warning sign of heart disease was not in your chest, but in your pants?  

That is the provocative question behind ‘Listen to Jordic’, a new heart-health awareness campaign from JOE Media Group. Taking its cue from the Nordic pronunciation of “J” as “Y”, the campaign introduces Jordic (pronounced “YOR-dik”), an unlikely Viking messenger who gives a voice to the part of the body men may be least willing to discuss. His message is intended to get more men talking about erectile dysfunction (ED) and recognising it as a potential health warning: for some men, ED can be an early sign of underlying cardiovascular disease.1–3  

To make the warning difficult to ignore, Jordic takes centre stage in an epic folk-style song and music video, using humour to challenge the shame and stigma surrounding ED. 

Backed by his merry Viking companions, Jordic delivers his warning:  

“When I’m low, can’t grow,  

Don’t doubt, find out  

If this problem down below  

Is telling you something you need to know.”  

The campaign reframes ED from a source of embarrassment into a potentially useful health signal: evidence that the body may already be trying to communicate something important. By meeting JOE’s predominantly male audience through the cheeky, entertainment-led language familiar from the media and comedy they grew up with, ‘Listen to Jordic’ aims to make a serious message easier to hear, share and act on.

Paul McDonnell, Commercial Director UK & Ireland, JOE Media Group, explained why the campaign felt like a natural fit for JOE’s audience:  

“Sometimes, the most important health message is the one we’re least comfortable hearing – and men, in particular, aren’t always great at listening to those messages. That’s what we really liked about the ‘Listen to Jordic’ campaign. It takes an issue that can feel embarrassing or ‘unmanly’ and approaches it in a light-hearted, disarming way, without losing the seriousness of the message behind it. 
 
That felt like a natural fit for JOE’s comedic and playful tone of voice, allowing us to cut through the noise of the everyday social feed and reach our unrivalled male-focused audience in a way that feels authentic to them. Jordic is essentially your best mate looking out for you – telling you something you might not necessarily want to hear, but something that could genuinely save your life. If we can use JOE’s platform to get more men to listen, get a quick check and find out what’s going on, then hopefully we can make a real difference.” 

Behind the humour is a serious health message. ED can precede heart symptoms by two to five years,4 creating a critical window for men to seek medical advice and better understand their risk. Yet that warning frequently goes unheard. Research found that 63% of men experiencing ED have never spoken to a doctor about it.5 And part of the reason might be because many don’t realise ED can signal something more serious: 78% of 2,000 men surveyed in the UK were unaware it can signal an underlying heart problem.6 Coronary heart disease is the UK’s leading cause of death in men, claiming around 41,000 lives each year.7,8 

Vernon Bainton, Chief Medical Officer at Havas Lynx, explained the medical rationale behind the campaign:  

“We know that erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease often share common vascular origins. Crucially, ED can be an early warning, sometimes emerging years before a more serious cardiovascular event. While ED is not a definitive indicator of heart disease, it is a signal that should never be ignored or sidelined by stigma. By normalising this conversation, ‘Listen to Jordic’ bridges a vital gap, empowering men to recognise these signals correctly and take the proactive step of consulting a healthcare professional.”

Following Jordic’s performance, audiences will be directed to ListenToJordic.com where they can learn more about the connection between ED and cardiovascular health and understand when to seek medical advice.  

“I’m telling you now  

I’m begging you please  

Erectile dysfunction  

could be heart disease.”   

The video launches today, World Heart Day, exclusively on JOE.co.uk, supported by editorial and social content across JOE’s ecosystem. Created by Havas Lynx UK for JOE Media Group, the campaign film was produced by Lightfarm Studios, with music by Jamute. The original track will be released across major streaming platforms through VOLYUM.   

About JOE Media

JOE Media Group is Ireland’s largest digital media house, reaching every 18+ individual in Ireland at least once per week. Home to JOE, SportsJoe, Lovin, LovinIE, HER and HerFamily, our brands produce and publish influential content that impacts and engages audiences on social. We act as a conduit – connecting brands to our highly engaged communities that span men’s lifestyle, politics, culture, women’s lifestyle, sport and entertainment.

Campaign Credits

Client: JOE Media Group
Commercial Director UK & IE: Paul McDonnell
Content Director: Ros Madigan
Editorial Director: George Mckay
Deputy Editorial Director: Gerard Brand
Lead Comedy Producer: David Atkinson
Agency: HAVAS LYNX UK (Manchester)
Chief Executive Officer: Claire Knapp
Chief Creative Officer: Alex Okada
Executive Creative Director: Chris Wellard
Senior Creative Curator: Sophia Shaw
Creative Director: Michael Stott
Deputy Creative Director: Bronwynne Evans
Senior Creative Copywriter: Steven Gormley
Senior Art Director: James Danson
Senior Designer: Callum Dawes
Senior Designer: Dan Augey
Designer: Emily Broughton
Senior Artworker: Sam Malpass
Scientific Director: Faye Emery
Planner: Hollie Dalton
Group Account Director: Fliss Barber
Account Executive: Denise Omolara
Animation Production Company: Lightfarm Studios
Music and Sound Production: Jamute
Music Direction: James Feeler
Music Production: James Feeler & Charly Coombes
Singer: Charly Coombes
Executive Producer: Gabriela Alberti
Sound Engineers: Fernanda Galetti, Marcelo Filho and Pedro Cortez
Production Coordinators: Ana Cordeiro and Julianna Zuppo
Music distribution: VOLYUM
Music label: Art of Sound

References: 

Salonia A, Brock G. Erectile Dysfunction: A Harbinger of Cardiovascular Disease Risk. In: Jannini, E.A. The Canary in the Coalmine. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. p. 27–41. Cham: Springer; 2026. De Leonardis F, et al. Biomedicines. 2022;10(8):1848. Montorsi F, et al. Eur Urol. 2003;44(3):360–365.Jackson G. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Arab J Urol. 2013;11(3):212–216.Healthline. Results for Healthline’s Survey on Men’s Health | Erectile Dysfunction Edition. Accessed August 2026. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health-survey-and-ed. TRTed. TRTed & The Urology Foundation Survey Results Report. Accessed August, 2026. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/633aebd8e9bf1113de502a13/649069bfc332d7314ad09560_Results%20Summary%20Report.pdf. British Heart Foundation. Global Cardiovascular Disease Factsheet. Accessed August 2026. https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-global-factsheet-jul26.pdf?rev=8338da85e336432ebb502d6c94d72f8c&hash=D32AF4DD15A77546FE3BCFDD182C3D26.  British Heart Foundation. Cardiovascular disease Statistics 2026. Chapter 1- Mortality. Accessed August 2026. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/heart-statistics/heart-statistics-publications/cardiovascular-disease-statistics-2026. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meet-jordic-the-unlikely-voice-of-a-heart-health-warning-men-need-to-hear-302891603.html

SOURCE Havas Health Network

Continue Reading

Technology

CTM and Huawei Jointly Launch the World’s First Integrated QKD-Communication Target IP Network to Reinforce Digital Security Across the Greater Bay Area

Published

on

By

MACAO, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To counter the emerging network security challenges posed by quantum computing, CTM has actively embraced the national quantum strategy. It is designing a quantum-secured framework to build an integrated QKD-communication network security foundation, further enhancing the end-to-end transmission security of critical data. In addition, CTM plans to roll out quantum-secured private lines for enterprise and government sectors to unlock new growth opportunities while supporting Digital Macao and fortifying digital security across the Greater Bay Area. CTM and Huawei are pioneering the world’s first integrated QKD-communication target IP network, driving the development of the quantum industry chain throughout the region.

The rapid advancement of quantum computing is driving a disruptive shift in the global network security landscape. Encrypted data that would take traditional computers trillions of years to crack can now be breached in just minutes using quantum computing. This poses an unprecedented, seismic challenge to the security defenses of critical digital assets and sensitive data. To strengthen China’s digital security defenses, the 15th Five-Year Plan Outline has designated quantum technology as a strategic future industry.

CTM and Huawei have jointly launched the world’s first integrated QKD-communication target network. Innovative QKD-communication integration combines the quantum, negotiation, and communication channels into one, while seamlessly integrating communication and quantum networks into a single network to create a next-generation communication network foundation with quantum security. The network will serve as a shield against quantum computing threats for core and sensitive services such as government office, financial transactions, and critical infrastructure, ensuring end-to-end secure transmission of critical services.

Mr. Poon Fuk Hei, CEO of CTM, stated that as a core enabler of Macao’s digital and intelligent transformation and a trusted guardian of its communication security, CTM has long been dedicated to building and strengthening local communication networks. It has been a key driver behind the evolution and real-world deployment of the network foundation powering Digital and Intelligent Macao. He added that, aligning with national strategic goals and Macao’s regional digital security needs, CTM has proactively deployed a local quantum-secured network foundation, fully accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge quantum security technologies in Macao.

Leon Wang, President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, stressed that security and resilience is one of the three defining characteristics of IP bearer networks. He noted that in the realm of quantum security—a crucial subset of security and resilience—Huawei has maintained continuous investment and innovation across hardware, software, algorithms, and more. For example, Huawei pioneered the industry’s first router with built-in QKD. This innovation helps operators to reduce TCO by over 60%. This empowers CTM to build a quantum-secured network foundation featuring QKD-communication integration, providing robust security assurance for the digital transformation and core data transmission of government and enterprise customers.

Looking ahead, CTM and Huawei will continue to deepen their strategic partnership in industrial development and technological innovation, designing products specifically for quantum-secured private lines while accelerating their deployment on live networks. Meanwhile, leveraging Macao’s unique geographical advantages and technical expertise, the two companies aim to drive collaborative development, technological innovation, and practical applications of the quantum security industry within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, ultimately safeguarding the high-quality development of the region’s digital economy.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/ctm-and-huawei-jointly-launch-the-worlds-first-integrated-qkd-communication-target-ip-network-to-reinforce-digital-security-across-the-greater-bay-area-302892553.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Sectra signs partner agreement to bring enterprise imaging to Brazil

Published

on

By

LINKÖPING, Sweden, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — International medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra (STO: SECT B) has signed a partner agreement with S&S Partners, marking Sectra’s entry into Latin America’s largest healthcare market. The initial commercial focus will be on Sectra’s enterprise imaging platform Sectra One Cloud, providing Brazilian hospitals access to a unified imaging environment that reduces operational complexity and supports improved diagnostic care.

“Brazil’s leading hospitals have signaled interest in a unified, cloud-based imaging platform, and we see a clear opportunity in a market where the transition from on-premise to cloud is gaining momentum. Partnering with S&S Partners gives us access to the relationships and local knowledge needed for a successful market entry,” says Torbjörn Kronander, President and CEO at Sectra.

Brazil has approximately 7,100 hospitals, with the private sector accounting for the majority of advanced imaging investment. The market is shifting away from on-premise capital purchases toward cloud-based platforms with subscription economics, driven by demand from major private hospital groups for more scalable and operationally efficient imaging solutions.

“Brazil’s leading hospital groups have been looking for a scalable, cloud-based imaging platform that consolidates multiple specialties in a single system. With Sectra, we can offer that. The transition toward cloud subscription models is already underway in the market, and we see a clear opportunity to support hospitals in making that shift effectively,” says Daurio Speranzini, CEO, S&S Partners.

S&S Partners brings executive-level experience from the medical technology sector in Latin America, with established relationships across Brazil’s leading private hospital groups and a track record of building healthcare technology businesses in the region. The company has already initiated commercial activity, including marketing activity ahead of the Brazilian Radiology Congress that reached approximately 3,000 users across Brazil’s top hospital accounts.

Sectra’s enterprise imaging solution provides a unified strategy for all imaging needs while lowering operational costs. The scalable and modular solution, with a VNA at its core, allows healthcare providers to grow from ology to ology and from enterprise to enterprise. Visit Sectra’s website to read more about Sectra and why it’s top-ranked in “Best in KLAS”.

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Torbjörn Kronander, CEO and President Sectra AB, 46 (0) 705 23 52 27
Marie Ekström Trägårdh, Executive Vice President Sectra AB and President Sectra Imaging IT Solutions, 46 (0)708 23 56 10

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/sectra/r/sectra-signs-partner-agreement-to-bring-enterprise-imaging-to-brazil,c4401751

The following files are available for download:

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sectra-signs-partner-agreement-to-bring-enterprise-imaging-to-brazil-302892555.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Ultima Markets Named “Prime Player in Forex Industry 2026” at Forex Expo Dubai

Published

on

By

EBENE CYBERCITY, Mauritius, Sept. 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Ultima Markets concluded its participation at Forex Expo Dubai 2026, held on 22 and 23 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Operating from Booth 127, the team engaged with institutional partners and retail traders, presenting competitive trading conditions alongside institutional-grade technology.

During the official ceremony, Ultima Markets was awarded “Prime Player in Forex Industry 2026.” The accolade recognises the broker’s dependable market execution and ongoing commitment to technological innovation.

In an official Executive Interview conducted by the expo organizers, Waleed Yaseen, Country Manager for Jordan, addressed evolving trader interests and expectations. Yaseen outlined the firm’s trading platforms and flexible account solutions, while detailing Ultima Markets’ five-year growth outlook and the expo’s role in connecting the global trading community.

At the booth, visitors experienced live platform demonstrations and joined the “Hit 10.00” Challenge, competing to freeze a digital timer at exactly ten seconds. Global Market Analyst Georg Schmidt joined the team on site to deliver real-time market commentary.

“Forex Expo Dubai brings together some of the most engaged traders in the region,” Schmidt said. “Comparing notes on where the markets are headed and hearing directly what is on people’s minds has been the highlight of the event.”

Ultima Markets concluded the event positioned to reinforce its international partner network and support traders worldwide.

About Ultima Markets

Ultima Markets operates globally through entities regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), and Financial Services Commission (FSC). As the Official Regional Partner of FC Internazionale Milano, UM unites football passion with trading knowledge. Serving 170+ countries with 1,000+ instruments, the broker is a 50+ award winner and proud supporter of the UN Global Compact, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals for responsible growth.

Risk Warning

Leveraged derivative products are complex and involve a high risk of losing your capital quickly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how these products work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of loss.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ultima-markets-named-prime-player-in-forex-industry-2026-at-forex-expo-dubai-302892556.html

SOURCE Ultima Markets

Continue Reading

Trending