Health

Doctors Increasingly Discouraging Vaping, Even to Quit Smoking

Doctors are increasingly discouraging patients from using e-cigarettes, citing accumulating evidence of vaping’s major detrimental health impact—even as a smoking cessation tool.

For current smokers, “there are other very powerful, safe, and FDA-approved interventions,” according to Dr. Petros Levounis, President of the American Psychiatric Association and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

The American College of Cardiology issued new medical guidelines in July strongly against the use of e-cigarettes, particularly for patients with chronic heart disease. E-cigarettes have been found in young individuals to “increase heart rate and blood pressure and affect the ability of the blood vessels to relax,” according to Dr. Naomi Hamburg, a cardiologist and Professor of Medicine at Boston University. It is preferable to use a known safe alternative.

Despite its introduction to the US market in 2007, e-cigarette use has continued to rise. Sales in the United States have climbed by nearly 50% in the last two years.

E-cigarettes have frequently been characterised as the lesser of two evils when contrasted to regular cigarettes.

According to Levounis, the flavour possibilities, perceived reduction in danger when compared to traditional cigarettes, more manageable scent, and targeted ads to vulnerable demographics, particularly youth, could all be factors.

However, research demonstrate that e-cigarettes are harmful since they affect the entire body. EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-use-associated lung injury) is a medical disorder that not only damages the lungs but can also affect other organ systems.

Their long-term consequences are unknown because they have not been on the market long enough to collect this data, according to experts.

“We simply cannot conclude that it is safer than cigarettes,” stated Dr. Jason Rose, a Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician and Associate Professor of Medicine at The University of Maryland, as well as the Associate Dean for Innovation and Physician Science.

health,Tobacco, cigarette

Most people that find it difficult to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, try vaping.

Doctors are now advising that people attempting to quit smoking may begin to use e-cigarettes in addition to traditional cigarettes, a behaviour Hamburg refers to as a “dual use pattern.” This combination is extremely dangerous since the combined action can be especially damaging to blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders.

Frances Daniels, a parent and volunteer with Parents Against Vaping, describes her heartbreaking experience of witnessing her then-17-year-old son, who used e-cigarettes recreationally, suffer in the Intensive Care Unit for 5 weeks after being diagnosed with EVALI.

“At one point, they had six different chest tubes and were on a transplant waitlist,” Daniels explained.

Fortunately, Daniels’ child recovered completely without the need for a lung transplant months after leaving the hospital, but the incident is still tough to recall and discuss.

“It’s very difficult to watch your child struggle to do basic human functions like breathing,” she said.

Doctors advise anyone attempting to quit smoking to use only products approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) with a patch, gum, or inhaler is an option, as are drugs such as Bupropion or Varenicline.

Combinations of various NRTs, such as the patch and the gum, are frequently prescribed. According to Levounis, in some circumstances, psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy are required.

Adherence and appropriate use are critical regardless of the instrument. It is vital to notice that “it is not exactly double spear mint gum,” according to Levounis. You must chew it and then place it between your gum and cheek until the sensation subsides.

The FDA has not approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, although firms are still seeking permission for this reason. The FDA argues that more research is needed to determine whether they can be used safely to help people quit smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes.

E-cigarettes, as smoking cessation aids, “are not ideal, and there are other options that science has proven to be safe and effective,” Hamburg added.

E-Cigarette Starter-kit

Vaping in Thailand

Thailand’s vaping regulations have been the topic of much debate and controversy in recent years. With a rising number of tourists and residents vaping, the Thai government has enacted stringent restrictions to regulate the usage and sale of electronic cigarettes and vaping items.

Understanding these rules and their effects is critical for anyone seeking to vape in Thailand or vacation there. Noncompliance with these requirements can result in serious penalties such as fines and jail. It is vital to know that the sale and possession of nicotine-containing vaping goods is strictly prohibited in Thailand.

Furthermore, it is recommended to become acquainted with the individual legislation of each province, as some may impose additional limits on vaping in public places. Noncompliance with these requirements can result in serious penalties such as fines and jail.

It is vital to know that possessing vaping products or e-cigarettes, whether used or not, might be considered illegal in Thailand. As a result, before making any travel plans or indulging in vaping activities in Thailand, it is best to properly investigate and understand the country’s vaping legislation.

Vaping is strictly regulated in Thailand, and some aspects of the rules may have altered since then. Before making any decisions, it’s best to double-check the most recent information from official sources.

Thailand has banned the import, sale, and possession of e-cigarettes and vaping goods at the time. This prohibition applied to both nicotine and non-nicotine devices and liquids. Individuals caught using vaping products in Thailand may risk penalties and perhaps imprisonment. Furthermore, Thai officials were known to be stringent in enforcing these prohibitions, and the penalties for breaching the law may be harsh.

Travellers entering Thailand were urged not to carry any vaping devices or e-liquids with them, as customs authorities at airports and border crossings have the authority to confiscate these products and, in some cases, levy fines or other penalties.

It’s critical to stay up to date on any changes to Thailand’s vaping rules and regulations, as the situation can alter over time. Before travelling, examine official government sources or contact the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Health

Report Causes Pfizer Stock to Climb Approximately $1 Billion Acquired by Starboard

(VOR News) – According to a rumor that activist investor Pfizer Starboard Value has taken a holding in the struggling pharmaceutical business that is expected to be worth around one billion dollars, the stock of Pfizer (PFE) is on the increase in premarket trading on Monday.

This comes after the report was made public. The report was made available to the general public following this. Starboard Value was successful in moving forward with the acquisition of the position.

Starboard is said to have approached Ian Read, a former chief executive officer of Pfizer, and Frank D’Amelio, a former chief financial officer, in order to seek assistance with its goals of boosting the performance of the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read and D’Amelio are both former Pfizer executives.

The purpose of this is to facilitate the accomplishment of its objectives, which include enhancing the overall performance of the firm.

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.

It is stated in the report that the hedge fund is of the opinion that Pfizer, which is currently being managed by Albert Bourla, who succeeded Read as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019, does not demonstrate the same level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) discipline that Read did. Bourla took over for Read in 2019. Read was succeeded by Bourla in the year 2019.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, has made substantial investments in the acquisition of more companies that are involved in the research and development of cancer medicines.

These businesses have been acquired for billions of dollars. The biotechnology company Seagen, which was acquired by Pfizer in the previous year for a price of $43 billion, is included in this category. One of the businesses that can be classified as belonging to this category is Seagen.

In spite of the fact that the S&P 500 Index experienced a 21% increase in 2024.

No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

Due to the fact that the demand for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines fell after the firm reached its pandemic peak in 2021, the share price of the corporation has decreased by over fifty percent since that time.

This drop has occurred ever since the company’s shares reached their maximum peak, which was during the time that this decline occurred. Not only have they not changed at all, but they have also remained essentially stable. This is in contrast to the S&P 500, which has gained 21% since the beginning of this year.

Recently, the corporation was forced to take a hit when it decided to recall all of the sickle cell illness medications that it had distributed all over the world.

Fears that the prescription could lead patients to experience severe agony and possibly even death were the impetus for the decision to recall the product. In spite of the fact that Pfizer’s stock is increasing by almost three percent as a result of the news that followed the company’s decision, this is the circumstance that has come about.

SOURCE: IPN

Health

New Study Reveals Drinking Soda Pop Increases the Risk of Stroke

If you drink too much soda, fruit juice and coffee, beware!

A recent report from global research indicates that excessive consumption of coffee or soda pop is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the intake of black and green tea is correlated with a reduced risk. Excessive consumption of soda pop or coffee warrants caution!

Recent research indicates that it may substantially elevate the risk of stroke.

Consuming four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke, according to studies, although ingesting 3-4 cups of black or green tea daily typically offers protection against stroke. Additionally, consume more coffee; it may reduce your risk of mortality.

Recent findings from global research studies co-led by the University of Galway and McMaster University, alongside an international consortium of stroke researchers, indicate that soda, encompassing both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened variants such as diet or zero sugar, is associated with a 22 percent heightened risk of stroke. The risk escalated significantly with the consumption of two or more of these beverages daily.

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop

The correlation between fizzy drinks consumption and stroke risk was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Women exhibit the most elevated risk of stroke from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) associated with fruit juice beverages. Consuming over 7 cups of water daily diminishes the likelihood of stroke due to a clot.

Researchers observed that numerous items advertised as fruit juice are derived from concentrates and have added sugars and preservatives, potentially negating the advantages often associated with fresh fruit and instead elevating stroke risk.

Fruit juice beverages were associated with a 37 percent heightened risk of stroke resulting from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage). Consuming two of these beverages daily increases the risk thrice.

Consuming over four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke by 37 percent, although lower consumption levels do not correlate with stroke risk. Conversely, tea consumption was associated with an 18-20 percent reduction in stroke risk. Additionally, consuming 3-4 cups daily of black tea, such as Breakfast and Earl Grey varieties, excluding green and herbal teas, was associated with a 29 percent reduced risk of stroke.

Consuming 3-4 cups of green tea daily was associated with a 27 percent reduction in stroke risk. Notably, the addition of milk may diminish or inhibit the advantageous effects of antioxidants present in tea. The lower risk of stroke associated with tea consumption was negated for individuals who added milk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational reasons and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical counsel. Consistently consult your physician regarding any inquiries pertaining to a medical problem.

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Health

Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, What Else Should You Know?

(VOR News) – Even though breast cancer affects one in eight American women, receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel isolated.

Experts in breast cancer from the American College of Physicians (ACS) advise patients on how to manage their disease so that they may better cope with this awful information.

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.

In addition to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, there are various surgical options available for the treatment of breast cancer.

Women of African descent are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, an extremely aggressive form of the disease that has never proven easy to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy, has been shown to be helpful when combined with chemotherapy and is currently the recommended course of treatment for certain combinations of triple-negative breast cancer.

In her presentation, Dr. Katharine Yao said, “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue and that they have an honest, individualized discussion with their care team.”

She is currently responsible for developing breast cancer treatment recommendations for more than 575 hospitals and institutions nationwide in her role as chair of the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Institutions (NAPBC).

Yao, vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, pointed out that each decision made about a patient’s treatment plan should take her preferences and diagnosis into consideration.

She ought to think about whether she would prefer a mastectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast with or without reconstruction—or a lumpectomy, which involves a surgical procedure that spares part of the breast tissue.

She stated that “the breast cancer you have may be very different from the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend” in a press release issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”

Throughout your journey, it is critical that you look after your emotional health because having breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on your mental health.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis does not mean that everything in your life stops to be normal.” Director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas and state head of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer for Arkansas, Dr. Daniela Ochoa She thinks adding the burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to all the other pressures in life may be taxing.

“Managing stress and emotional health is vital component of a treatment plan.”

Ochoa recommends clinically trained psychologists and social workers who have assisted people in coping with cancer to anyone receiving treatment. Learning coping techniques might also be facilitated by joining cancer support groups or cancer wellness initiatives.

Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines comprehensive care as having support at every stage of the procedure from surgeons, oncologists, patient navigators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, women should see a surgeon or medical oncologist to explore their options; nevertheless, treatment shouldn’t be discontinued after just one appointment or after surgery is over.

Additionally, you can ask trustworthy friends or family members to accompany you to appointments and aid you with research or notes. They could serve as a network of support for you.

Yao stated in his talk that “one of the most important things is that patients should search out a team they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need.”

SOURCE: MP