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US FDA Officially Authorises Zyn Nicotine Pouches for Sale The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially authorized the sale of Zyn nicotine pouches, signaling the agency's approval of the product as a tool to help individuals quit smoking cigarettes. This decision, announced on Thursday, allows 10 different Zyn flavours, including mint, coffee, cinnamon, and menthol, to remain available on the market.Zyn nicotine pouches, produced by a company owned by tobacco giant Philip Morris, have been sold to adults in the US for over a decade. However, they have only now received formal approval after the FDA completed its review process. The pouches, which do not contain actual tobacco but instead deliver nicotine, have rapidly gained popularity in recent years.The FDA's approval is based on data submitted by the company, showing that a significant number of adults who previously used cigarettes and/or smokeless tobacco have successfully switched to using nicotine pouches. This approval does not, however, indicate that Zyn is a safe product, but rather that it is considered less harmful than other forms of nicotine and tobacco.Unlike traditional forms of oral nicotine, such as nicotine gum or patches, Zyn pouches are placed between the gum and lips, where they slowly release nicotine. This delivery method is similar to snus, a smokeless tobacco product commonly used in Norway and Sweden, which contains tobacco. While snus is banned in the UK and the rest of the EU, it remains legal in the US.The FDA's decision does not imply that nicotine pouches are without risk. The agency emphasized that "there is no safe tobacco product," and that adults who do not use tobacco products should refrain from starting. In addition, the FDA reiterated that youth should not use any tobacco products. Notably, the FDA's statement also pointed out that less than 2% of American students reported using nicotine pouches in the previous year, contrasting with the widespread uptake of e-cigarettes among teens.In related news, the FDA also proposed a new rule this week aimed at reducing the amount of nicotine allowed in cigarettes, cigars, and rolling tobacco, as part of its ongoing efforts to address tobacco-related health risks.
“Yorkshire Set to Welcome New Medical Trials Centres for Cutting-Edge Research” In an exciting development for healthcare and research, new medical trials centres are set to open in Yorkshire. This expansion will offer advanced clinical research facilities and provide opportunities for local communities to engage in cutting-edge medical trials. These centres aim to boost the region's reputation as a hub for medical innovation and clinical excellence.The new centres will focus on a variety of research areas, including oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular diseases, contributing to the development of new treatments and therapies. The expansion comes as part of a national effort to accelerate the pace of medical research and bring more trials to underserved regions.These medical trial centres are expected to attract top researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers to Yorkshire. The government has backed the initiative, with the aim to ensure that clinical trials are more accessible to people across the UK. The centres will play a crucial role in not only providing advanced medical services but also training the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.Local residents will benefit from increased access to experimental treatments and the opportunity to participate in trials that could lead to breakthroughs in various fields. Experts believe that the presence of these centres will encourage more people to consider participation in medical research, which can lead to faster development of life-saving drugs and therapies.In addition, the opening of these centres is expected to boost the local economy, creating jobs in research, healthcare, and administration. The investment in Yorkshire’s healthcare infrastructure signals a promising future for the region’s medical community.
Foreigners Hospitalized in Fiji After Suspected Alcohol Poisoning Seven foreigners, including four Australian tourists, one American, and two expatriates living in Fiji, were hospitalized with suspected alcohol poisoning after consuming cocktails at a bar in the five-star Warwick Fiji Resort on the Coral Coast. The group, who displayed symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues, has since been reported in stable condition.Details of the IncidentThe affected individuals, aged between 18 and 56, reportedly became ill on Saturday night shortly after consuming drinks at the resort’s bar. Initial treatment was administered at Sigatoka Hospital before they were transferred to Lautoka Hospital for further care.A 56-year-old Australian woman remains under close medical surveillance, while a 19-year-old Australian woman reportedly suffered “serious medical episodes.” Two other Australian women, aged 49 and 18, were in critical but less severe condition, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).Local media have also reported that at least one Fijian may have been hospitalized in connection with the same incident.Warwick Resort and Local Authorities RespondThe Warwick Fiji Resort issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to a “thorough investigation” and said they are awaiting test results from health authorities. Fiji police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.The incident follows a similar case in Laos weeks earlier, where six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming tainted alcohol. However, Fiji tourism officials, including Brent Hill, have distanced the current incident from the Laos tragedy, emphasizing that it appears to be unrelated.Tourist Safety ConcernsThe Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its travel advice, warning tourists to be cautious of drink spiking and methanol poisoning when consuming alcohol in Fiji. Tourists are urged to seek urgent medical attention if they suspect any tampering with their drinks.Two Australian families in Fiji have been offered consular assistance, while New Zealand and British officials confirmed no involvement of their nationals in the incident.Impact on Fiji TourismAs one of the Pacific’s most popular travel destinations, incidents like these pose challenges for Fiji’s tourism sector. The Warwick Fiji Resort is a well-regarded five-star destination, and this event highlights the importance of rigorous safety measures to protect tourists.
Inside Sunderland's Thriving Medical Cannabis Industry: A Booming Sector on the Rise Sunderland, a city once known for its industrial past, is now at the forefront of the UK’s burgeoning medical cannabis industry. Since the legalization of medical cannabis in the UK in 2018, the sector has experienced remarkable growth, and Sunderland’s cannabis processing facility, now the largest in the country, stands as a testament to this boom.Sunderland’s Medical Cannabis Processing Hub: Growth and ExpansionLocated on an industrial estate by the River Wear, Sunderland’s Curaleaf UK facility was a modest operation when it opened six years ago, with only 42 employees. Today, that number has swelled to approximately 200, and the workforce continues to expand. As one of the UK’s largest medical cannabis processing sites, it is helping to meet the increasing demand for cannabis-based treatments.Tabitha Bonallie, 26, a health and safety officer at the lab, recalls the rapid growth of the facility since she first joined four years ago. “When I first started, the lab had just opened, and the growth in such a short time has been incredible,” she says. The growth of the medical cannabis industry in Sunderland is not only creating jobs but also helping to reshape the city’s economic landscape.The Rise of Medical Cannabis in the UKMedical cannabis became legal in the UK in 2018, largely due to a campaign to make it available for children suffering from severe epilepsy. While NHS prescriptions remain limited, the private medical cannabis sector has seen a steady rise in demand. Medical cannabis is prescribed by specialist doctors for conditions such as chronic pain, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).The end product most commonly used by patients is dried cannabis flower, which can be vaped, though other forms like THC-infused edibles are also popular. Chronic pain remains the most frequent condition treated with medical cannabis in the UK, with a growing number of private clinics seeing more patients seeking alternative treatments.From Portugal to Sunderland: The Journey of Medical CannabisThe process of creating medical cannabis begins over 1,000 miles away in Portugal, where greenhouses house thousands of cannabis plants. These plants, nurtured under optimal weather conditions and supplemented with industrial LED lights, are carefully harvested and processed into the final product. General Manager Nuno Mendoca explains that the cultivation process follows rigorous standards, treating the plants like any other pharmaceutical pro
Hext to Skip Paris 2024 Olympics Due to Medical Counsel Para-Swimming World Champion Suzanna Hext Withdrawn from Paris Paralympics on Medical AdvicePara-swimming world champion Suzanna Hext has been withdrawn from the Paris Paralympics on medical advice. The 35-year-old athlete from Wiltshire, originally from Cornwall, was scheduled to compete in the S5 100m freestyle heats on Friday morning, an event in which she secured a silver medal at last year’s World Championships.Shortly after her absence from the race was noted, ParalympicsGB confirmed her withdrawal. "Following consultation between the ParalympicsGB and Aquatics GB medical teams, Suzanna Hext has been withdrawn from competition in Paris," stated a representative from ParalympicsGB. "We are, of course, disappointed for Suzanna, who has worked tirelessly to reach this stage. Athlete welfare is of utmost importance, and we continue to provide support to all team members during and beyond their Games experience."Hext transitioned to Para-sport after a riding accident in 2012 left her paralyzed. She previously had to withdraw from the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 after experiencing multiple asthma attacks that led to her falling unconscious and requiring hospital treatment. Hext also missed the 2022 World Championships in Madeira due to sepsis developed at a training camp. However, she made a remarkable comeback last year, spending five days in the hospital for an infection before clinching a silver medal in the 100m and a gold in the 50m at the World Championships in Manchester.
West Ham Defender Kurt Zouma Nears Move to Saudi Pro League West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma is on the verge of completing a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Orouba. The 29-year-old French center-back is set to undergo a medical with the Saudi club, and if he passes, the transfer will be finalized.Zouma, who has been with West Ham since joining from Chelsea in a £29 million deal in 2021, initially agreed to move to a club in the United Arab Emirates earlier this summer. However, that deal fell through after Zouma failed the medical. Following this setback, the Hammers allowed Zouma to stay in the region to explore other transfer options, leading to the potential deal with Al-Orouba.The details of Zouma's transfer to Al-Orouba are still being negotiated. If the medical is successful, Zouma will complete his move to the Saudi Pro League side, adding to the growing list of European players making the switch to the Middle East.Zouma has been a key player for West Ham, making 103 appearances since his move from Chelsea. He played a crucial role in West Ham's 2023 Europa League final victory over Fiorentina and was named the club captain for the 2023-24 season following Declan Rice's transfer to Arsenal. His departure would mark the end of an important chapter at West Ham, where he has been a solid presence in defense.As the terms are being finalized, the football world will be watching to see if Zouma's move to the Saudi Pro League is confirmed, adding another high-profile transfer to this summer's transfer window.
Cambridgeshire NHS Trusts Launch Recruitment Drive for Medical Research A new recruitment drive, Love Research, has been launched by three NHS trusts in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to enhance treatments and advance medical knowledge. This initiative aims to involve more residents in crucial research efforts, focusing on a wide range of conditions from common ailments to rare diseases.Why Volunteers Are NeededDr. Vikki Hughes from the Royal Papworth Hospital emphasized the importance of patient involvement in medical research. "Research is our lifeline to innovation," she said. "We cannot do research without the involvement of our patients."The campaign, which is a collaboration between Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), seeks to connect with more participants. This increased involvement is expected to lead to breakthroughs in various treatments, particularly for heart and lung conditions.Scope of ResearchThe research encompasses a broad spectrum of areas including:CancerMental healthDementiaCardiovascular and respiratory diseaseThe initiative also focuses on cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence and new imaging techniques, which are anticipated to revolutionize NHS care.Dr. Ashley Shaw, CUH's medical director, highlighted the crucial role of volunteers. "By participating in research or allowing us to contact them about research, the public can directly contribute to improving treatments for everything from common ailments to rare diseases," he said.Impact of Cambridgeshire DiscoveriesThe campaign underscores the significant impact of research conducted in Cambridgeshire, which has contributed to advancements in healthcare both nationally and internationally. Dr. Ben Underwood, director of research at CPFT, pointed out the urgent need for research support, particularly in areas like dementia, where someone in the UK is diagnosed every three minutes.Dr. Underwood expressed gratitude to all participants, carers, and families involved, acknowledging their vital role in translating discoveries into tangible benefits for NHS patients.How to Get InvolvedResidents interested in contributing to medical research are encouraged to join the Love Research campaign. By participating, they will help shape the future of healthcare and support the development of innovative treatments that could transform patient care.For more information on how to get involved, potential volunteers can contact their local NHS
5 Signs You're Running Low On Calcium Calcium is an extremely important component of our body that is responsible for healthy development. If calcium levels drop too low, this means that you have a calcium deficiency. Some symptoms indicate early on that you may be running low on calcium. To get a proper diagnosis, you can get a calcium serum test done as well. Calcium is an extremely important component and is responsible for the development of bones, teeth, heart, muscles, and nerves in our body. Adequate calcium levels also help our body to perform certain tasks well, such as blood clotting, as well as the release of hormones and enzymes in our body. There are a few symptoms and signs that directly indicate that you might have low levels of calcium in your body. It is best to maintain track of your calcium levels by getting the calcium serum test done regularly. This article provides more information about calcium deficiency, its symptoms, and how to treat it. How to Track Calcium Levels? To maintain and track the calcium levels in your body, it is best to get a calcium serum test done. It can also be prescribed by doctors to track your body’s reaction to certain diseases and their treatment. The general required amount of calcium that should be present in the body stands at between 8.6 and 10.2 milligrams per deciliter. It depends more on how much calcium you consume every day, which depends on your age as well as your gender. Adults 19-50 years: 1,000 mg Adult men 51-70 years: 1,000 mg Adult women 51-70 years: 1,200 mg Adults 71 years and older: 1,200 mg The serum calcium test price may defer depending on the city you reside in, where you are getting your test done, if it has been paired with other tests as well, etc. To get a lower rate, it is always best to be on the lookout for discounts and cashback offers that are actively provided by many diagnostic centres. 5 Symptoms of Low Calcium Count Several signs can be a direct indicator of a low calcium count in your body. 5 of these major signs have been listed below for your reference:1. Fatigue: This is one of the most common symptoms that can indicate that you might need to get a calcium serum test done. Fatigue can cause body aches and stiffness, as well as a depressed mood in people. It is a result of your cells and your body not getting enough nutrients. 2. Pain in Your Muscles: Calcium does more than simply strengthen