FDA Panel Backs , Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill.
NPR reports that a panel of advisers has
recommended that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approve the first over-the-counter birth control pill.
.
Pending the FDA's approval,
Opill will be sold by Perrigo.
The progestin-only pill utilizes a synthetic version
of the hormone to prevent pregnancy,
while most other pills also contain estrogen.
I feel that the risk of unintended pregnancy
is lower with this approach than any
of the other available contraceptive
approaches that women have access
to without seeing a health care provider, Dr. Deborah Armstrong, a professor of oncology,
gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins, via NPR.
I voted yes because the evidence
demonstrates that the benefits clearly
exceed the risks.
Opill has the potential
to have a huge public health impact, Kathryn Curtis, a health scientist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's division of reproductive health, via NPR.
NPR reports that the FDA questioned whether the
company had provided enough evidence to convince
the panel of the pill's safety without medical guidance.
One point the agency expressed concern about was if women with breast cancer would be aware
that the pill would be dangerous for them to take.
Ultimately, the advisery panel concluded that women
know enough about oral contraceptives to use
the over-the-counter version safely and effectively.
I think this represents a landmark
in our history of women's health.
Unwanted pregnancies can really
derail a woman's life, and
especially an adolescent's life, Dr. Margery Gass of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, via NPR.
So I'm very pleased that the FDA
is seriously considering this.
And I look
forward to it being on the market, Dr. Margery Gass of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, via NPR
How to Be , a Better Neighbor.
You don't even know
your neighbors, do you?.
Per a Pew Research study conducted in 2018, only a quarter of adults under 30
said they know even one of their neighbors.
A fostered sense of community may be what's missing in your young life.
A fostered sense of community may be what's missing in your young life.
Here are a few ways to
become a better neighbor:.
Say
Hello.
Obvious, yes, but the logical first
step to becoming a better neighbor
is to introduce yourself.
Don't do anything grandiose so you
don't come on too strong.
You don't have to show up with a fresh apple pie or anything like that. , Chris Loggins, supervising producer
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, via NPR.
You don't have to show up with a fresh apple pie or anything like that. , Chris Loggins, supervising producer
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, via NPR.
Small Acts
of Kindness.
Show your neighbors that you can
be a kind and generous person.
Always clean up after your pets,
and don't litter.
Connect.
Often it may feel easier to just go home, but experts believe human connection is worth the effort.
Overcoming the initial anxiety may trouble you, but meeting new people could increase your happiness
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden Is Giving $6 Billion , to Micron Technology , for Semiconductor Production.
On April 25, President Biden will travel to Syracuse, NY, to announce over $6 billion in federal grants that his administration is awarding to Micron Technology, NPR reports. .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was heavily involved in enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, issued a statement about the investment. .
This is the federal government taking back the reins, putting money where its mouth is when we say we want the future of tech to be stamped: 'Made in America.', Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Micron will invest $100 billion of the funds to construct a manufacturing facility in Syracuse.
Schumer referred to the plan as "quite a
great return" on the government's investment.
A factory will also be built in
Boise, Idaho, NPR reports. .
That facility is expected to be ready for production by 2026, while two New York factories will likely be ready by 2028 and 2029.
The White House estimates that
the projects could create 20,000 jobs
in construction and manufacturing.
in addition to "tens of thousands of
indirect jobs in the regions," NPR reports. .
The CHIPS and Science Act has also provided funding for Intel, TSMC and Samsung
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Are You in a Creative Rut? , Here's How to Stay Inspired.
Have you had a hard time accessing the creative part of your brain lately?.
Maybe you're hoping for a magical breakthrough
like something you'd see in a movie.
Experts say it may not be so easy, but it's still possible to pull yourself out of a creative rut if you keep these things in mind:.
Creativity Is for Everyone.
Most folks are creative, and experts
say you don't have to be a genius
to harness the power.
I think we are already
creative beings and
how you use that
[creativity] is
up to you, Sarah Urist Green, producer of
'The Art Assignment,' via NPR.
You don't need to have particular skills; you don't need to have
particular materials. , Sarah Urist Green, producer of
'The Art Assignment,' via NPR.
Take a Break.
Experts say allowing your brain to de-stimulate is great practice
if your schedule allows. .
What our brains actually need is periods of destimulation, Rahaf Harfoush, host of 'The Thought Experiment,' via NPR.
which means no screens, no emails, no audiobooks. , Rahaf Harfoush, host of 'The Thought Experiment,' via NPR.
Don't Force
Yourself.
Experts say don't use stress as a tool
to get things done.
Being overly reliant on pressure and stress may deepen your creative rut.
It could also increase chances of
anxiety attacks and depression
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
How to Be , More Timely.
Have you been rolling out
of bed with minutes to spare?.
Maybe you've been wondering to yourself: "where does all the time go?".
Strive to be on time with these helpful tips:.
Timeliness is
a Sign of Respect.
Being timely can project respect for ourselves and others.
I think it's very important to be on time. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
You can always let time pass, but you can't
get it back once it's already gone. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
Plan Ahead.
For the chronically late, experts
say it helps to have a plan.
There's a lot of steps
that I think people just don't consider. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
There's a lot of steps
that I think people just don't consider. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
Help yourself by picking out tomorrow's outfit today. Pack your bag, and confirm appropriate directions before you depart.
Be Honest With Yourself and Others.
Everybody is late for something now and then. True character is how you respond to it.
If you know you're going to be late to something, the very best thing you can do is communicate right away, Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
If you know you're going to be late to something, the very best thing you can do is communicate right away, Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
It's not thinking about it and then calling or texting
30 minutes later.
It means right at that moment. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
It's not thinking about it and then calling or texting
30 minutes later.
It means right at that moment. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
FDA Testing Reveals , Bird Flu Virus , in 1 in 5 Milk Samples.
'Time' reports that the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has warned that traces of bird flu have been found
in nearly one-fifth of commercial milk samples tested. .
In a statement released on the agency's website,
the FDA said that traces of the virus do not
necessarily indicate a risk to consumers. .
According to the FDA, more tests are needed
to confirm if intact pathogens that remain
infectious are present in the samples.
Those tests would determine , "whether there is any risk of illness
associated with consuming the product.".
'Time' reports that the results of the study
come as a stark warning of how quickly the
virus is spreading among dairy cows in the U.S.
The virus has already killed millions of birds globally,
raising both health and food security concerns,
as well as spooking global markets.
The virus has already killed millions of birds globally,
raising both health and food security concerns,
as well as spooking global markets.
So far, the Department of Agriculture has already
confirmed 33 infected herds across eight states,
including Texas, Michigan and Ohio.
So far, the Department of Agriculture has already
confirmed 33 infected herds across eight states,
including Texas, Michigan and Ohio.
In an effort to understand the extent of the outbreak
and potentially contain it, the USDA has implemented
mandatory testing of cows moving across state borders.
Authorities have stressed that the current
risk to humans remains low, with only one
identified human case in the U.S. this year. .
To date, the retail milk studies
have shown no results that would
change our assessment that the
commercial milk supply is safe. , FDA statement, via 'Time'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Is Cereal Good for You?.
'USA Today' reports that these are the
10 most-purchased cereals in America, according to data compiled by Google:.
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Cereal requires minimal preparation,
is shelf-stable, convenient, affordable
and can be a good way to get
some fiber in the morning, Leslie Bonci, a sports dietitian for the Kansas City Chiefs
and founder of Active Eating Advice, via 'USA Today'.
Cereal can also be a great way to
get micronutrients and one of the
best ways to ensure B vitamin
intake is included in your diet. , Leslie Bonci, a sports dietitian for the Kansas City Chiefs
and founder of Active Eating Advice, via 'USA Today'.
However, "cereals that are made of refined grains – grains that have had parts of the grain kernel removed – are lower in fiber and nutrients," according to registered dietitian Kate Zeratsky.
Added sugars are also a concern. For adults, the FDA advises consuming no more than 50 grams of added sugars per day as part of a 2,000-calorie diet.
The agency recommends that
children don't exceed 25 grams.
But some cereals contain large amounts of added sugars, such as Post's Golden Crisp, which has
21 grams of added sugars in just one cup.
Zeratsky suggests sticking with cereal brands that have added sugars "in the single digits" that also contain whole grains.
Cheerios and Rice Krispies contain
low amounts of added sugars, .
Cheerios and Rice Krispies contain
low amounts of added sugars, .
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains.
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains.
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains.
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains.
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
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.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
For years, medical organizations have fought to have over-the-counter birth control pills in the US, too. On Tuesday and Wednesday, a group of external advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration..