On April 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed new rules that would
ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
Through careful consideration of the scientific evidence and our authorities under the Tobacco Control Act, we've determined that these actions are appropriate for protection of the public health, Dr. Robert Califf, FDA Commissioner, via statement,
as reported by CNN.
According to the FDA, around 18.6 million people,
36% of all smokers in the U.S., smoke menthol cigarettes.
CNN reports that people of color and minority groups are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes, as they are the tobacco industry's target market.
.
The FDA reports that while 30% of white smokers prefer menthols, 85% of Black smokers choose the same.
The FDA reports that while 30% of white smokers prefer menthols, 85% of Black smokers choose the same.
40% of women prefer them as well,
compared to only 31% of men.
40% of women prefer them as well,
compared to only 31% of men.
A 2013 study published in the 'American Journal of Preventive Medicine' also found that those in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to smoke menthols.
.
According to the CDC, over half of kids who smoke reach for menthol cigarettes.
The proposed rules would help prevent children from becoming the next generation of smokers and help adult smokers quit.
Additionally, the proposed rules represent an important step to advance health equity by significantly reducing tobacco-related health disparities, Xavier Becerra, Health and Human Services Secretary,
via statement, as reported by CNN.
One study published in 'BMJ Journals' predicts eliminating menthol cigarettes would help 923,000 people, .
Including 230,000 African Americans,
quit smoking within the first year and a half.
The CDC reports that while smoking rates have gone down, the habit is still responsible for over 480,000 deaths per year in America
Latest Weight-Loss Drug , Faces Shortages .
The United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) says that high demand has left the latest
weight-loss drug, Zepbound, in short supply.
'Newsweek' reports that the Eli Lilly product
is expected to experience limited availability
through Q2 of 2024 as surging demand has
outpaced the manufacturer's expectations.
We have experienced
an unparalleled surge in
demand for our type 2
diabetes and obesity medicines, Eli Lilly spokesperson, via 'Newsweek'.
We recognize this situation may
cause a disruption in peoples'
treatment regimens and are
working with purpose and
urgency to help meet
the surge in demand, Eli Lilly spokesperson, via 'Newsweek'.
The FDA said that Novo Nordisk's weight-loss
drug, Wegovy, is also experiencing a
widespread supply shortage with no end
in sight for the drug's limited availability.
By the year 2030, 'Newsweek' reports
that the weight-loss drug market is
expected to grow to about $100 billion.
We expect our investments
in manufacturing and supply
capacity to progressively increase
production of our medicines
throughout 2024 and beyond, Eli Lilly spokesperson, via 'Newsweek'.
Over the past year, manufacturer Eli Lilly
has already seen share prices rise over 102%.
The company has announced plans
to expand operations to meet increased
demand for its incretin products which are
used in the firm's diabetes treatments. .
Incretin mimics gut hormones
that regulate blood sugar
while also suppressing appetite
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Experts' Tips on Taking, Supplements as Sleep-Aids.
'Time' recently spoke with experts regarding
over-the-counter sleep aids and whether they
can really help someone with insomnia.
'Time' recently spoke with experts regarding
over-the-counter sleep aids and whether they
can really help someone with insomnia.
Melatonin has become a popular
supplement in recent years for being
a safe and effective sleep aid.
According to a 2023 study by the American Academy of Sleep
Medicine (AASM), nearly two-thirds of people in the
United States have tried using melatonin to help them sleep. .
It’s not something that is generally
harmful or toxic, which is probably
why people are tempted to take
more when a little bit doesn’t work, Dr. Milena Pavlova, neurologist at Brigham and Women’s
Faulkner Hospital and an associate professor of
neurology at Harvard Medical School, via 'Time'.
'Time' points out that supplements, such as
melatonin, are not regulated by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Similar to melatonin, over-the-counter antihistamines
like Benadryl have become a popular sleep-aid due to
containing doxylamine, which causes drowsiness.
However, doxylamine also comes
with a number of side effects,
including a potential hangover the next day.
The big problem with antihistamines
is they can make people extremely
groggy and really impair cognitive
function the next day, Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, professor of medicine
in the division of sleep medicine at the
University of Pennsylvania, via 'Time'.
While antihistamines can induce
drowsiness, they don't normally
result in quality, restorative sleep.
Experts suggest eliminating things that prevent healthy sleep, like alcohol and caffeine, while also incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
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FDA to Outlaw Soda Ingredient , Already Banned Around the World.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) has been used as an emulsifier in various products
since the 1930s, ScienceAlert reports. .
Countries such as India, Japan and nations within
the European Union have banned BVO for years.
California also outlawed it in 2022.
Studies have indicated that BVO builds up in fat tissue when consumed and prevents iodine from properly functioning within the thyroid. .
BVO has also been linked with heart and behavioral problems, ScienceAlert reports. .
Recent toxicology studies prompted
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
to propose banning BVO in November.
The proposed action is an example of how
the agency monitors emerging evidence
and, as needed, conducts scientific research
to investigate safety related questions, , James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, via ScienceAlert.
... and takes regulatory action when the
science does not support the continued
safe use of additives in foods, James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, via ScienceAlert.
Over the years many beverage makers
reformulated their products to replace
BVO with an alternative ingredient, and
today, few beverages in the US contain BVO, James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, via ScienceAlert.
The FDA's BVO reclassification will still need to
go through a review process before completion.
James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, said that regulations
for authorizing other food additives are
currently being reviewed by the agency...
... in order to automatically block
the approval of ingredients known to
cause cancer in animals or humans
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FDA Warns These , Cinnamon Brands , Could Contain Lead.
NPR reports that the Food and Drug Administration
has issued an advisory that several brands
of cinnamon could potentially contain lead.
The six brands impacted by the advisory are: , La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad,
Supreme Tradition and El Chilar. .
These brands are commonly on sale at
discount stores and were found to contain
between 2.03 and 3.4 parts per million of lead.
The FDA said that while no illnesses have been
linked to the products, it has recommended
a voluntary recall of the cinnamon brands.
It is important to note that the lead
levels found in the ground cinnamon
products listed above are significantly
lower than lead levels in cinnamon in
the recalled apple sauce pouches
removed from the market this past fall, FDA statement, via NPR.
The FDA added that the impacted products , "could be unsafe for prolonged use.".
NPR reports that long-term lead exposure
in children can lead to slower development,
brain and nervous system damage,
as well as behavioral and learning problems.
According to the CDC, while adults
can experience similar impacts, higher
amounts of exposure are necessary.
The FDA said that "historically, lead chromate has
been illegally added to certain spices" to increase
their weight and enhance their color, "which
increases the monetary value of the adulterated spices." .
FDA's leading hypothesis
remains that this was likely
an act of economically
motivated adulteration, FDA statement, via NPR
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FDA Approves Marketing , That Cites Yogurt's Ability , to Reduce Diabetes Risk.
NBC reports that the Food and Drug Administration
has decided that food makers can advertise
that regularly consuming yogurt could
reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
NBC reports that the Food and Drug Administration
has decided that food makers can advertise
that regularly consuming yogurt could
reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The decision comes following a 2018 petition from
Danone North America, which owns major yogurt
brands Dannon, Activia, Wallaby Organic and Silk. .
The decision comes following a 2018 petition from
Danone North America, which owns major yogurt
brands Dannon, Activia, Wallaby Organic and Silk. .
The petition sought to have the FDA allow the
company to market yogurt's ability to reduce
the risk of Type 2 diabetes without objection.
On March 1, the FDA confirmed that
it would not oppose the marketing
campaign, while including some caveats. .
Those caveats include that the marketing must
note that evidence is limited to eating two cups,
equal to three servings, of yogurt per week. .
NBC reports that Danone's petition is
part of a standard process which the
FDA calls "qualified health claims.".
While these claims do not require the FDA's
approval, companies often petition the
agency to define the specific language
necessary to avoid making false claims.
The petition reportedly cited yogurt's nutrient
profile of proteins, vitamins and low sodium.
The petition also cited studies which have supported
the link between regularly consuming yogurt and
reduced risk of diabetes and related conditions.
The petition also noted that
the evidence supports the health
effects of yogurt as a food rather
than related to any single nutrient
or compound and thus is
independent of fat or sugar content. , FDA announcement, via NBC
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Trader Joe’s Recalls Basil , After Reports of Salmonella Infections.
On April 17, the grocery chain
recalled Infinite Herbs organic basil.
The basil has been "linked to a dozen Salmonella infections in seven states," CNN reports. .
One person has been hospitalized.
The 2.5-ounce packages were sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C., from Feb. 1 through April 6. .
The CDC is advising consumers to dispose of any Infinite Herbs organic basil that was bought from Trader Joe's.
The agency also says to clean anything that the contaminated basil may have come in contact with. .
Investigators are trying to determine if any other products have been contaminated, CNN reports. .
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, the CDC says. .
Symptoms can develop anywhere between
6 hours and 6 days after consuming the bacteria.
Most people don't need treatment
and recover within 4 to 7 days. .
If your symptoms are severe, or if you experience diarrhea and dehydration for more than three days, the CDC recommends contacting your health care provider
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Today Is , World Autism
Awareness Day.
April 2, World Autism Awareness Day,
kicks off World Autism Month.
The special day and month,
marked by the color blue,
is meant to increase the
understanding of autism.
In 2023, the CDC reported that 1 in 36 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder.
A lot of research is being
conducted on the disorder.
and several groups have been formed
to raise more money for research.
Signs of autism can present
themselves in children as
young as 6 months old.
The symptoms become
more prevalent around
2 and 3 years old.
According to Autism Speaks,
symptoms include sensory sensitivities,
gastrointestinal disorders.
seizures and sleep issues, anxiety,
depression and attention issues
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US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
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A stomach virus, identified as the 'norovirus,' is rapidly spreading across the northeast region of the United States, as per data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
#Norovirus #CDC #NorovirusOutbreak #CentersForDiseaseControl #NorovirusAwareness
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JoJo Siwa is walking back her claim about wanting to create a new genre of music, called "gay pop" ... saying he didn't mean to snub the LGBTQ+ legends who came.. TMZ.com
The LGBTQ+ community in Poland has long advocated against the erosion of human rights after years of rule-of-law concerns. Euronews reporter Julian Lopez travels to Warsaw to speak with activists and community members about their hopes - and fears - for the future.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 10:00Published
Explore the key highlights of the Congress party's Lok Sabha election manifesto, including provisions for caste census, employment opportunities for youth, and women empowerment. Learn about the groundbreaking inclusion of a law on civil unions for Queer couples, marking a significant step towards LGBTQ+ rights in India.
#CongressPollManifesto #CongressManifesto #CongressManifesto2024 #LGBTQIARights #LGBTRightsIndia #LokSabhaElections2024 #LGBTRightsCongressManifesto #Oneindia
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Drug Shortages Reach , All-Time High in US, , Pharmacists Say.
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and
the Utah Drug Information Service.
the first quarter of 2024 saw
323 active drug shortages, Fox News reports.
The previous record of
320 shortages was set in 2014.
ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz said,
"some of the most worrying shortages involve generic sterile injectable medications," .
... "including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency medications stored in hospital crash carts and procedural areas." .
... "including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency medications stored in hospital crash carts and procedural areas." .
Abramowitz went on to say that the
"ongoing national shortages of therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder also remain
a serious challenge for clinicians and patients.".
A separate ASHP report said that "the most severe and persistent shortages are driven by economic factors that undermine investment in manufacturing capacity, manufacturing quality and supply chain reliability.".
These economic challenges are
driven by extreme price competition
among generic manufacturers, ASHP, via report.
ASHP will continue to engage
with policymakers regularly as we guide
efforts to draft and pass new legislation
to address drug shortages and continue
to strongly advocate on behalf of our
members for solutions that work, ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz, via statement.
Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a white paper recommending tactics for Congress to help.
With today’s white paper,
HHS offers solutions and stands
ready to work with Congress to
ensure no patient faces the devastating
consequences of drug shortages or
goes without needed medicines, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, via press release
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This Day in History: , Kendrick Lamar Becomes the
First Rapper to Win the Pulitzer Prize.
April 16, 2018.
Lamar was awarded the
Pulitzer Prize for Music for his
extraordinary 2017 album, 'DAMN.'.
It was the first time the
prestigious award had been granted
to a genre outside of classical music or jazz.
According to the Pulitzer Prize administrator,
the decision to recognize
Lamar's work was unanimous.
['DAMN' is] a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life, Pulitzer Prize
Awarding Committee.
Lamar grew up during the 1990s
in Compton, CA, surrounded by the
influence of artists like Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre.
His previous album efforts
became known for their social commentary.
A fellow nominee called Lamar
“one of the greatest living American composers, for sure.”
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This Day in History:, Jackie Robinson Breaks Color Barrier.
April 15, 1947.
The 28-year-old baseball player
became the first African American
to play for Major League Baseball.
The Georgia native stepped onto the grass
of Ebbots Field in Brooklyn as a Brooklyn Dodger.
Two years later,
the star infielder was named the
National League's MVP as well as a batting champ.
He led his team to six National League
pennants and the World Series in 1955.
Robinson was subjected
to the racism of both players and
baseball fans throughout his career.
Jim Crow laws forced him to dine
at different restaurants and stay at
different hotels than the rest of his team.
Robinson was inducted into
the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
His number, 42, was the the first to be retired in 1997
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:58Published
Donald Trump's supporters have resorted to creating and circulating AI-generated counterfeit images depicting black voters, purportedly to sway African Americans towards Republican voting. BBC Panorama's investigation unearthed numerous deep fakes portraying individuals of African descent endorsing the former president. Despite Mr. Trump's overt attempts to court black voters, crucial for Joe Biden's victory in 2020, there is no direct evidence linking these manipulated images to his campaign. Co-founder of Black Voters Matter, an organisation advocating for black voter participation, highlighted these manipulated visuals as part of a calculated effort to construct a false narrative portraying Mr. Trump has been widely embraced within the black community.
#USElection #TrumpSupporters #AIimages #FakeNews #Disinformation #AfricanAmericanVoters #ManipulatedMedia #VoterTargeting #PoliticalDeception #ElectionInterference #BlackVoters #TrumpCampaign #DigitalManipulation #RacialTargeting #SocialMediaManipulation #PoliticalPropaganda #FalseNarratives #Misinformation #ElectoralInfluence #MediaForgery
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This Day in History:, Malcolm X Is Assassinated.
February 21, 1965.
Malcolm X was assassinated by rivals
of the Nation of Islam in New York City.
He had been addressing his Organization
of Afro-American Unity at the Audubon
Ballroom in Washington Heights.
Founded months earlier, the organization
advocated black identity and held that racism —
not whites — was the greatest foe of the African American.
The Nation of Islam advocated
Black nationalism and racial separatism.
Malcolm’s new movement steadily
gained followers, becoming increasingly
influential in the civil rights movement.
An estimated 30,000 mourners
attended his funeral in Harlem
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:47Published