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Minnesota Suit Against E-Cigarette Maker Juul Goes To Trial

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(MINNEAPOLIS) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is set to make the opening statement in his state’s lawsuit against Juul Labs on Tuesday, marking the first time any of the thousands of cases against the e-cigarette maker over its alleged marketing to minors will be heard in a courtroom.

In 2019, Minnesota filed a lawsuit against Juul, claiming the San Francisco-based firm illegally targeted young people with its products to make a new generation addicted to nicotine. Ellison has refused to specify how much money the state seeks in damages and civil penalties. However, upon announcing the action, he said it might be in the ballpark of Minnesota’s historic $7.1 billion settlement with the cigarette industry in 1998.

Juul has faced thousands of lawsuits nationwide, but most have settled, including 39 with other states and U.S. territories. In 2020, Minnesota added tobacco industry behemoth Altria, which previously owned a minority stake in Juul, as a co-defendant. Altria completed its divestment earlier this month and claimed to have lost its $12.8 billion investment. Altria announced a $2.75 billion investment in rival electronic cigarette firm NJOY a few days later.

“We will demonstrate how Juul and Altria misled and hooked a generation of Minnesota youth on their products, causing both great harms to the public and great expense to the State to remedy that harm,” Ellison said.

The jury trial will run three weeks before Hennepin County District Judge Laurie Miller. The landmark 1998 lawsuit by the state and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota against the big cigarette companies took roughly four months.

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Juul has faced thousands of lawsuits nationwide, but most have settled in Minnesota

This lawsuit resulted in the release of millions of pages of previously secret industry papers and a $7.1 billion settlement soon before the state’s closing statements. Part of the money was used to fund anti-smoking programs, but Juul and Altria pointed out in court filings that lawmakers chose to spend most of the money on state government.

Ellison wants to deliver part of the state’s opening statement personally before passing it off to attorneys from two outside law firms handling the case for Minnesota. Consumer fraud, public nuisance, unjust enrichment, and conspiracy are all alleged in the case. A brief submitted last week provides a taste of the state’s claims.

“Defendant JUUL, in a conspiracy with Altria, preyed on and enticed Minnesota’s children to buy a product that may sentence them to a lifetime of nicotine addiction and other destructive behaviors,” state attorneys stated. “the company launched a design and marketing campaign aimed at enticing children, focusing on attracting ‘cool kids,’ creating a nicotine’ buzz,’ and utilizing social media and celebrities as ‘pushers’ of its addictive products.” Defendants allege their actions were in the name of assisting “aging smokers” to quit smoking. That claim is false; it is a ruse.”

According to Juul, Minnesota rejected settlement offers identical to those it received from other states, which gave “hundreds of millions of dollars to further combat underage use and develop cessation programs in those states.”

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Effective interventions to address underage use of all tobacco products in Minnesota

“Effective interventions to address underage use of all tobacco products in Minnesota, including vapor, rely on evidence-based policies, programs, and enforcement, not headline-driven trials,” the statement said. “This is the approach Juul Labs supports and has helped to implement.”

The creator of Marlboro cigarettes and other tobacco products, Altria Group, formerly Phillip Morris Cos., is downplaying its role. In a court filing last week, it stated that it purchased a 35% investment in Juul Labs in 2018 after its own vaping devices failed to find popularity, and only after Juul informed Altria “and announced to the world” that it had made “meaningful changes” to its marketing methods.

sAltria, based in Richmond, Virginia, said the services it offered to Juul lasted slightly over a year and ended in March 2020, including offering key counter space in retailers, mailing a Juul ad, and offering discounts to adult smokers. And it contends that its sponsorship did not materially raise sales of Juul products in Minnesota nor the use of e-cigarettes by minors in the state.

Juul, which debuted in 2015, quickly gained the market leader in the United States due to the appeal of flavors such as mango, mint, and creme brulee. Its popularity was boosted among teens, some of whom became addicted to Juul’s high-nicotine pods. In response to the backlash, Juul discontinued all U.S. advertising and its flavors in 2019. Juul’s appeal with teenagers has now declined, and its share of the multibillion-dollar market has decreased to around 33% from a high of 75%.

In June, the Food and Drug Administration rejected Juul’s proposal to keep its products on the market as a smoking substitute for adults, though that decision is under appeal. In September, Juul agreed to pay roughly $440 million to settle a two-year probe by 33 states into its marketing of high-nicotine products.

States still suing Juul include New York, California, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Alaska, Illinois, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

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SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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What To Know About Zyn, The Tiny Nicotine Pouch That’s Sparked A Big Health Debate

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ZYN is a product that I would like to know more about.

Zyn is an oral pouch consisting of powdered nicotine and several flavorings such as mint, coffee, and citrus. Pouches represent the most rapidly expanding sector within the tobacco business, which has faced challenges for many years in trying to compensate for declining cigarette sales.

Philip Morris International promotes Zyn specifically to adult individuals who use tobacco. Despite the absence of tobacco, U.S. regulations classify it as a tobacco product.

Rival companies offer comparable merchandise. For example, Altria offers its own branded flavored pouches called On.

Users place them in the space between their lips and gums, allowing for a gradual delivery of nicotine that is taken into circulation at a low rate. Due to the absence of tobacco in pouches, spitting was unnecessary, which was common with traditional products such as chew and snuff.

According to Philip Morris executives, including solely nicotine in Zyn’s composition is one factor that makes it attractive.

“Individuals may hesitate to transition to an oral tobacco product if they perceive it to be comparable to conventional chewing tobacco,” stated Corey Henry, the company’s spokesperson. “Zyn places significant importance on consumer acceptability.”

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Is Zyn considered to be a healthier alternative to other tobacco products?

Tobacco products entail significant health hazards. Cigarettes are universally recognized as the most detrimental, heightening the probability of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory issues. Chewing tobacco is associated with the development of oral cancer, periodontal disease, and dental attrition.

However, during the past ten years, experts and health regulators have started recognizing varying degrees of risk associated with different tobacco products.

In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration declared that snus, an alternative oral tobacco product, contains fewer carcinogenic substances compared to cigarettes. This makes it a potentially advantageous option for smokers who choose to transition.

Snus and nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, share similarities, but the key difference is that Snus contains fermented tobacco. Research conducted in Sweden and other countries where smokeless tobacco is widely used has demonstrated a decreased incidence of lung cancer and related illnesses in comparison to European nations with higher rates of smoking.

Limited information is available regarding the long-term impacts of nicotine pouches, but many researchers anticipate that these pouches will exhibit comparably low levels of carcinogens and other harmful substances.

However, they are still secure. A recent investigation discovered that Zyn and comparable products contain minimal amounts of toxic chemicals, such as ammonia and formaldehyde.

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Will the FDA grant authorization for the use of ZYN among adult smokers?

Currently, FDA regulators are allowing Zyn to remain on the market while evaluating Philip Morris’ marketing application, which was filed in 2020.

To obtain FDA approval, corporations typically need to demonstrate that their products effectively decrease disease rates among adult tobacco consumers while also avoiding any appeal to teenagers and adolescents.

Contrary to the most recent official data. Last year, when polled, only 1.5% of high school and middle school students reported utilizing nicotine pouches. That figure is significantly lower than the approximately 10% of those who utilized electronic cigarettes.

However, anti-tobacco proponents highlight concerning indications: videos depicting young individuals consuming the pouches have accumulated millions of views on social media in recent months. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable increase in online engagement that preceded the emergence of Juul, a stylish e-cigarette that has been severely criticized for contributing to a significant increase in teenage smoking.

The issue of Zyn becoming viral has ignited a contentious discussion among health professionals, parents, and even politicians.

The FDA is actively monitoring the usage of Zyn and other pouches among underage individuals and will intervene if deemed appropriate.

Only a limited number of items have received FDA approval to aid in smoking cessation. These include medicines, nicotine gums, and patches. According to several studies, Zyn functions similarly to those products by gradually administering nicotine, which helps to decrease cravings.

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Bloomberg – VOR News Image

However, a preliminary study indicates that Zyn and other pouches may not be sufficient in aiding smokers to quit.

According to a recent study by researchers at Ohio State University, it takes smokers between 30 and 60 minutes to take in enough nicotine via Zyn to satisfy their cravings. Smokers were able to attain equivalent levels of nicotine and relief for five minutes by using cigarettes.

Philip Morris is only concerned with acquiring FDA approval to continue selling its products. In the future, the company intends to pursue a designation that recognizes its products as having a lower risk, comparable to snus. However, it is worth noting that no tobacco corporation, including Philip Morris, has ever made a formal request to the FDA for the approval of their products as aids to facilitate complete cessation of smoking.

SOURCE – (AP)

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How to Build Muscle – Tips for Effective Muscle Growth

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How to Build Muscle - Tips for Effective Muscle Growth

Tips for Effective Muscle Growth: Muscle building isn’t just aesthetics; it’s about feeling strong, healthy, and confident. If you want to bulk up, gain strength, or just make your muscles look better, you’ll need dedication and knowledge.

Building muscle effectively and sustainably is important, so we’re excited to walk you through it at Wellhealthorganic.com/how-to-build-muscle-know-tips-to-increase-muscles.

This comprehensive guide examines the fundamentals of muscle growth to provide valuable insights and actionable tips that will help you achieve your fitness goals.

We cover every step, from understanding the science behind muscle growth to optimizing your nutrition and workout routines. So, let’s get started and unlock the keys to a stronger, fitter you!

Understanding Muscle Growth

We must understand the science behind muscle growth before diving into the nitty-gritty of muscle building. Muscle growth is a highly regulated process that involves repairing and strengthening muscle fibers.

It is a natural and necessary part of the muscle-building process to create microscopic tears in your muscle fibers when you engage in resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises.

In repairing these tears, your muscles become stronger and larger, resulting in your desired results. Muscle growth is not solely determined by exercise; nutrition, rest, and other lifestyle factors also play a significant role. Optimizing these factors can help you achieve lasting results and maximize your muscle-building potential.

Essential Nutrition for Muscle Building

When it comes to fueling your gains, macronutrients are a key player. Nutrition is the foundation of muscle building, providing your body with the fuel and building blocks it needs to grow and repair muscle tissue. Each nutrient plays a unique role during muscle growth and recovery.

Proteins provide the amino acids necessary for muscle repair and synthesis, often referred to as the building blocks of muscle. You can support muscle growth by incorporating lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu.

Additionally, carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source for intense workouts, while healthy fats play a crucial role in hormone production and general health.

Additionally, micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are important for maintaining muscle function and recovery. A well-rounded diet containing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can give your body the essential nutrients it requires.

You can optimize your muscle-building efforts and achieve your goals more effectively by prioritizing nutrition and fueling your body with high-quality foods.

Effective Workout Strategies

A well-designed workout routine is essential for stimulating muscle growth and maximizing your gains while nutrition lays the foundation for muscle growth. It is crucial to design an effective workout routine to stimulate muscle growth. As a result of placing stress on your muscles, strength training, in particular, is highly effective for building muscle, as it encourages them to adapt and become stronger.

Muscle-building programs often include resistance training, which involves lifting or using resistance bands. Compound exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, are particularly effective since they target multiple muscles simultaneously, resulting in efficient and effective workouts. By incorporating a variety of exercises and training techniques, you can also prevent plateaus and maintain a challenging and engaging workout.

You should design your workout routine based on consistency, emphasizing progressive overload: gradually increasing the weight, reps, or intensity of your workouts over time to increase your weight, reps, or intensity. Promoting continuous growth and progress toward your fitness goals is possible by challenging your muscles and providing them with adequate stimulus.

Importance of Rest and Recovery

Despite the importance of consistent exercise in building muscles, allowing your body to rest and recover between sessions of exercise is equally important.

During rest periods, your muscles undergo repair and regeneration, ultimately leading to growth and adaptation. Neglecting rest and recovery can result in overtraining, fatigue, and an increased risk of injury, hindering your long-term progress.

It would be best to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night to support muscle growth and repair. During sleep, the body releases growth hormones essential for muscle repair and regeneration. Additionally, prioritizing sleep can improve mood, regulate appetite, and improve overall health.

Additionally, it is important to include rest days in your workout routine to ensure that your muscles have adequate time to recover. Focus on gentle activities such as stretching, yoga, or light walking during rest days to promote blood flow and relieve muscle tension. To maximize muscle-building potential and ensure optimal recovery, you must listen to your body and honor its need for rest.

Hydration and Muscle Building

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However, hydration is often overlooked in relation to muscle building, despite being essential to muscle function and recovery. Dehydration can adversely affect exercise performance, hinder muscle recovery, and increase the risk of injury. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining fluid balance, regulating body temperature, and supporting muscle nutrient transport.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercising, to ensure adequate hydration. Be attentive to signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, thirst, and fatigue, and adjust your fluid consumption accordingly.

Additionally, it is possible to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat by consuming electrolyte-rich beverages, such as sports drinks or coconut water, in addition to water.

By prioritizing hydration and ensuring adequate fluid intake, you can optimize your exercise performance, support muscle recovery, and enhance your overall health and well-being. Hydration is crucial to building muscle and maintaining overall health and vitality.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

You should know common pitfalls hindering your progress as you embark on your muscle-building journey. In the absence of proper nutrition, a common mistake is to consume insufficient calories or to fail to prioritize macronutrients like protein and carbohydrates. To avoid this, fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods that facilitate muscle growth and recovery is important.

Overtraining is another common mistake that can result in burnout, fatigue, and an increased risk of injury. As part of your workout routine, incorporate rest days to avoid overtraining and make sure you are using proper form and technique to reduce the risk of injury and maximize effectiveness.

Additionally, do not over-rely on supplements for muscle growth as a shortcut. While supplements may be helpful in some circumstances, they should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and proper training program. It would help if you focused on whole foods and proven training strategies to support your muscle-building goals.

The key to achieving muscle-building success is avoiding these common mistakes and adopting a balanced approach to nutrition, exercise, and recovery.

Building a Supportive Community

As a final point, building a supportive community is essential to stay motivated and accountable during your muscular-building process. You can connect with like-minded individuals who share your objectives and values through online forums, social media groups, or local fitness communities.

Connecting with others on a similar path allows one to share experiences, exchange advice, and celebrate successes. In addition, having a support system can provide motivation and encouragement during challenging times, helping one remain focused on and committed to one’s goals.

Building a supportive community can enhance your overall experience and increase your chances of success, whether you’re looking for workout buddies, nutrition tips, or camaraderie. Therefore, do not be afraid to connect with others and build a network of support to assist you in building muscle.

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Zyn Nicotine Pouches Are Flying Off Shelves. Critics Say They’re Dangerous For Kids

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Move over, vapes; Americans appear to have a new addiction: Zyn, a tobacco-free nicotine pouch product that has seen a surge in sales over the last year. Philip Morris International stated on Thursday that it would export around 350 million cans of Zyn in 2023, representing a 62% increase over the previous year. Shipments usually correlate with sales, even if they are a slightly different indicator of demand.

Growth is projected to continue this year, with the business aiming to supply more than 520 million cans, strengthening Marlboro’s full-year estimate.

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Zyn Nicotine Pouches Are Flying Off Shelves. Critics Say They’re Dangerous For Kids

Zyn has been a cultural hit over the last year, capturing the attention of Gen-Z consumers who have become devoted customers. According to Zyn’s website, it is intended for adults over the age of 21 who are already nicotine users.

“We follow the law and voluntarily do more than the regulations require,” a company spokeswoman said. “For example, we age-gate our digital channels to people over the age of 21 and do not use social media influencers in the United States. Aside from that, we frequently request the removal of inappropriate internet information.”

A can of Zyn costs around $5 and contains roughly 15 pouches (in a range of flavours) with varying quantities of nicotine that are absorbed in a person’s gum and lip over an hour before being spat out. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, nicotine is highly addictive and can impair young people’s developing brains.

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yn Nicotine Pouches Are Flying Off Shelves. Critics Say They’re Dangerous For Kids

However, like Juul, the popularity and growth of Zyn may need help, particularly from the US authorities.

By law, anyone who manufactures or distributes “non-tobacco nicotine” must follow FDA laws, which include:

  • Not selling to anyone under the age of 21.
  • Not giving away samples.
  • Not making claims that their products are less harmful than cigarettes without FDA approval.

Last month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration to investigate Zyn’s marketing to young people.

“I’m delivering a warning to parents, because these nicotine pouches seem to lock their sights on young kids—teenagers, and even lower—and then use the social media to hook them,” Schumer stated at the time of the press conference. “Zyn is the next battle.”

In response, a Phillip Morris International spokeswoman stated that Zyn’s “marketing and advertising are strictly directed” to clients 21 and older and that the materials only include people aged 35 and up.

Phillip Morris International’s shares fell 2% in early trading despite the gain due to weaker cigarette demand. Big Tobacco has steadily turned its focus away from cigarettes and towards smokeless alternatives such as vapes or “heatsticks” for people to obtain their nicotine fix.

Phillip Morris International purchased Zyn-maker Swedish Match in 2022 to support the company’s shift towards investing in additional “smoke-free products.”

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Zyn Nicotine Pouches Are Flying Off Shelves. Critics Say They’re Dangerous For Kids

According to the earnings statement, CEO Jacek Olczak stated that newer products now account for 40% of total revenue, surpassing the traditional Marlboro brand in sales.

“The fourth quarter also marked the first anniversary of our combination with Swedish Match, which delivered very strong results in 2023 driven by the stellar US performance of Zyn,” according to Olczak.

The business stated that it will invest approximately $1 billion this year to increase Zyn manufacturing in the United States in response to demand.

SOURCE – (CNN)

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