Results for: Public Health

A boil water advisory that was issued for the town of Millet, Alta. after a water main break has been lifted. The town’s website issued an update on the water main break early on Sunday, stating that the advisory had been lifted effective immediately. Residents were advised that they could resume regular water practices. The town thanked residents for their patience and encouraged them to help spread the word to neighbours and friends who don’t use social media. A Millet employee had previously told Global News that the town was first made aware of the water main break on Thursday night and the water was shut down for repairs on Friday morning. The water was back on by Friday afternoon, but Alberta Health Services had placed the town under a boil water advisory until further notice, encouraging residents to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it.

Wildfire smoke is becoming increasingly common in North America due to hotter and drier conditions, leading to large, intense wildfires. Exposure to wildfire smoke can exacerbate respiratory and cardiac problems, and make people more susceptible to infection. To mitigate the risks, individuals should monitor forecasts, have face masks and air monitors available, and prepare for changes in outdoor activities and household ventilation. Communities need contingency plans for festivals and recreation venues, as well as rules for businesses to protect outdoor workers. Improved forecasting, air quality monitoring, and research are essential for effective adaptations to wildfire smoke.

The Biden administration’s immigration policies have resulted in millions of unvaccinated migrants entering the United States, leading to a resurgence of preventable infectious diseases. These diseases are not only infecting migrants themselves but also spreading to the broader population, including school children and healthcare workers. The article argues that it is crucial to vaccinate all illegal immigrants to protect public health, save lives, and reduce healthcare costs.

An alarming surge in drowning deaths has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marking the first increase in decades. The data shows a significant rise in fatalities between 2020 and 2022, with over 4,500 people losing their lives each year due to unintentional drowning. Notably, the increase was most pronounced among high-risk groups, including children under age 4, adults over 65, and Black individuals of all ages. Black and Native American or Alaska Native individuals had the highest drowning rates by race and ethnicity.

Experts emphasize the importance of persevering with drug decriminalization efforts despite the federal government’s denial of Toronto’s request. They argue that treating substance addictions as health issues, rather than criminal offenses, is essential for addressing the drug crisis effectively. Decriminalization policies facilitate access to help and reduce the stigma associated with substance use, empowering individuals to seek treatment and achieve fulfilling lives.

In a historic shift, the US President’s administration has proposed reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. This would bring federal policy more in line with public opinion, where 88% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational use. The reclassification from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug would reduce the potential for arrests at the federal level, facilitate research, and provide a significant boost to the legal industry.

The Biden administration has formally proposed reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift that would bring federal policy more in line with public opinion. Marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act since 1970, meaning it is deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The proposal would downgrade marijuana to a Schedule III drug, putting it alongside drugs like ketamine and painkillers containing codeine, considered to have a moderate to low likelihood of dependence.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a major public health concern, affecting over 1.3 billion adults globally. Despite its significant impact on health, hypertension often goes unnoticed until complications arise. This silent killer is responsible for millions of preventable deaths each year, outnumbering other leading risk factors like smoking and high blood sugar. In India, approximately 311 million people (or one in three adults) have hypertension, and the numbers are rising alarmingly.

Amidst global conflicts, a study from Maharishi International University highlights the potential of meditation practices such as Transcendental Meditation and the Transcendental-Sidhi program in promoting social well-being, fostering peace, and reducing collective stress and violence. The study emphasizes the importance of evidence-based meditation in public health initiatives, particularly in conflict zones.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the BJP government of mishandling the healthcare sector in India, a claim supported by the party’s manifesto that guarantees universal healthcare access for all citizens. Ramesh criticized the government for imposing an 18% GST on health insurance, contributing to the lack of coverage for over 63% of Indians. The Congress manifesto includes free healthcare services in public health facilities, as well as a Rajasthan model cashless insurance plan offering up to INR 25 lakhs for universal healthcare.