Health
Zyn Nicotine Pouches Are All Over TikTok, Sparking Debate Among Politicians And Health Experts
Washington — The latest tobacco product selling online, Zyn, is a little pouch containing nicotine and flavours.
However, it has sparked a controversy among lawmakers, parents, and pundits, reflecting an increasingly complex picture in which Big Tobacco actively promotes alternative products while specialists grapple with their possible benefits and risks.
Zyn is available in mint, coffee, and citrus flavours and is marketed to adult tobacco users by Philip Morris International. However, videos of young people popping the pouches have received millions of views on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Zyn Nicotine Pouches Are All Over TikTok, Sparking Debate Among Politicians And Health Experts
Advocates are concerned that Zyn may become the newest nicotine product to entice underage kids, similar to how Juul sparked a years-long surge in vaping activity. Other scientists contend that the possibility of preventing people from using cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products, which result in 480,000 deaths each year in the United States, balances the risk.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result,” explained Dr. Jasjit Ahluwalia, an addiction specialist at Brown University. “That is how we’ve dealt with tobacco for decades. We’ve been all about abstinence, rather than promoting products that can prevent harm.”
Ahluwalia sees nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes as a means to assist smokers in reducing or quitting smoking.
That strategy is common in the United Kingdom, but it is not part of the medical mainstream in the United States, where only pharmaceutical-grade drugs such as nicotine gum and lozenges are officially allowed to assist smokers in quitting.
According to Ahluwalia, Zyn works like those products do: it releases modest quantities of nicotine, which are absorbed into the gums and reduce cravings. He emphasizes that the main distinction is that Philip Morris, the largest cigarette manufacturer in the world and a longtime foe of anti-smoking organizations, offers Zyn.
The Zyn debate has now spilt over into politics, pitting Democrats and Republicans in Washington against one another and sparking yet another conflict in the country’s culture war.
In late January, Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York urged regulators to look into Zyn, stressing its attraction to teenagers. Several House Republicans then warned residents that “Big Brother” planned to “ban nicotine.”
Tucker Carlson, a Zyn user, joined the fray, stating, “Zyn is not a sin,” praising its unverified benefits, such as “enhancing male vitality and mental acuity.”
Zyn users immediately evolved their online lexicon, which includes terms like “zynnies,” “zynner,” and “zynsky.”
Ollie Ganz, a tobacco and nicotine researcher at Rutgers University, said that there is a young male-led online subculture around Zyn, but much of that is not coming from the brand itself.
Online videos show young people chronicling their first Zyn experiences, comparing different taste combinations, and showcasing heaping stacks of used canisters.
“It’s concerning to see the countless Zyn-related memes and hashtags that are being amplified and normalized across social media,” said Kathy Crosby, CEO of the Truth Initiative, an anti-tobacco advocacy group.
Truth and other groups cite data indicating that nicotine can interfere with adolescent brain development.
The Food and Drug Administration’s responsible for balancing Zyn’s hazards to children with its potential to benefit adults.
According to an FDA representative, the government is monitoring underage use, with 1.5% of high school and middle school students reporting using pouches last year. That is well below the 10% who use e-cigarettes.
Zyn Nicotine Pouches Are All Over TikTok, Sparking Debate Among Politicians And Health Experts
The FDA has allowed Zyn to remain on the market while they assess Philip Morris’ marketing application, which has been waiting since 2020. If teen use continues low, the company may be able to obtain FDA approval for at least part of its products, which are available in several strengths and a dozen flavours.
In 2019, the FDA granted its first reduced-risk classification to a similar product: snus, a tobacco pouch popular in Sweden that has fewer carcinogens than cigarettes. The FDA stated that smokers who switch to snus lessen their risk of lung cancer, bronchitis, and other ailments.
Zyn eliminates the tobacco leaves contained in snus, leaving only nicotine, which Philip Morris claims boosts its attractiveness.
“People may be hesitant to switch to an oral tobacco product if they believe it is similar to traditional chewing tobacco,” business spokesman Corey Henry explained. “Consumer acceptability is a big part of Zyn.”
Henry says Philip Morris does not market Zyn through internet influencers or endorsements. The website is only available to people over the age of 21. Flavours such as cinnamon and peppermint are “familiar to adults,” Henry added.
Zyn launched in the United States in 2014, but sales have skyrocketed in the last year, producing $1.8 billion as shipments increased by more than 60% yearly.
On a November call with retailers, a firm executive described the rise as “gonzo” and “lights out.”
“I did not see this coming. “I don’t know anyone who did,” said Joseph Teller, the head of oral tobacco products.
Zyn Nicotine Pouches Are All Over TikTok, Sparking Debate Among Politicians And Health Experts
Zyn’s advertisements emphasize the pouches’ unobtrusive and convenient nature as a “smoke-free,” “spit-free” alternative for smokers “at work” or “on the move.”
However, to achieve the company’s claimed objective of a “smoke-free future,” Zyn will need to assist customers in completely quitting cigarettes rather than cycling between them.
There is limited research on switching, and preliminary findings show there may be better solutions than pouches.
Researchers at Ohio State University recently discovered that it took smokers 30 minutes to an hour to receive enough nicotine from Zyn to satisfy their cravings. Cigarette smokers achieved the same nicotine levels—and relief—in five minutes.
“The pouches we studied, especially those with lower nicotine concentrations, did not appear to meet the needs of smokers,” stated study leader Brittney Keller-Hamilton. “That being said, they didn’t totally flop either.”
For the time being, smokers who have found success with Zyn are hoping it remains available.
Last spring, while working as a bartender in Portland, Oregon, Justin Wafer, 39, was smoking one pack every day. On hectic days, he would vape instead of taking a smoke break.
But, when his reloadable electronic cigarette failed in May, he tried Zyn. He now pops a pouch every three to four hours and claims to have not smoked in over nine months.
“I don’t see how it’s any different from pharmaceutical solutions like lozenges or gum,” he said. “Except it’s easier to get and tastes better.”
SOURCE – (AP)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States of America has published a health alert warning both the general public and authorities in the healthcare industry about the growing danger of dengue virus infections in the United States.
US health agency issues dengue virus infection advisory
Puerto Rico, a commonwealth of the United States, has declared a public health emergency due to the over 1,500 cases that have been reported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been a record 745 disease cases among visitors in the United States this year.
The CDC issued an alert on Tuesday stating that the 9.7 million dengue cases reported in the Americas this year are more than twice as many as the 4.6 million cases registered in the previous year.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito bites carry the disease dengue, which has the highest incidence ever recorded, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Officials believe that the higher temperatures that have been brought about by climate change are acting as a driving force behind this trend.
Dengue fever is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical professionals should treat people who have recently traveled to regions known to have frequent or continuous dengue transmissions with increased suspicion.
Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urged medical professionals to order the required detection tests and swiftly report the findings to the authorities in charge of public health.
In addition, the United States Agency for Health Care encouraged healthcare providers “to promote mosquito bite prevention measures” among individuals and tourists who reside in or visit regions that have “frequent or continuous dengue transmission.”
Most of the time, dengue infections do not cause any symptoms. However, they might sometimes cause a moderate sickness. Dengue fever, on the other hand, may sometimes present itself as a serious condition that might result in death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that after a fever caused by dengue has gone, further symptoms may appear. These symptoms include severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, fast breathing, bleeding gums or nose, exhaustion, restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, intense thirst, pale and chilly skin, and weakness.
Dengue virus does not have a particular therapy; nevertheless, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), most cases are treated with pain medication, yet recovery might take several weeks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 505,430 cases of dengue virus worldwide in 2000. Seventeen years after its first report, that number increased to at least 5.2 million instances,.
Because dengue virus is often misdiagnosed and underreported, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised that the aforementioned statistic probably underestimated the number of occurrences.
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Loss Weight Without Exercise: Losing weight is frequently associated with going to the gym, but what if I told you that you might lose those excess pounds without entering a fitness centre? Yes, you heard that correctly! There are effective strategies to lose weight without exercising, such as focusing on long-term food and lifestyle modifications that are simple to adopt into your daily life.
Understanding Loss Weight
The Science of Loss Weight
Before discussing the tactics, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals of weight loss. At its foundation, weight reduction is about creating a caloric deficit, which means eating fewer calories than your body requires to maintain its present weight.
Caloric Deficit Explained.
Eating less or burning fewer calories can produce a caloric deficit. When your body does not receive enough calories from food, it begins using stored fat for energy, resulting in Loss Weight.
Metabolism and its Role
Metabolism influences how quickly your body burns calories. Age, gender, and genetics can all influence your metabolic rate, but certain lifestyle adjustments might help raise it, resulting in weight loss.
Common Myths about Loss Weight
Numerous myths exist concerning weight reduction, such as “carbs are bad” and “you must exercise to lose weight.” It is critical to dispel these fallacies and focus on evidence-based tactics that genuinely work.
Diet-based Strategies
Focus on Whole Foods
One of the simplest strategies for reducing weight is to eat more whole foods. Whole foods are minimally processed meals high in nutrients and free of artificial ingredients.
Benefits of Whole Foods
Whole foods are high in important vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which can help you feel fuller for longer and lessen the urge to snack on harmful foods.
Examples of Whole Foods
Think on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and legumes. These meals offer a well-balanced mix of nutrients without the added calories found in processed foods.
Portion Control.
Even healthful meals can cause weight gain if consumed in high quantities. Portion control is essential for managing your caloric intake.
Understanding Portion Sizes
It is easy to overestimate portion sizes, especially when dining out. Understanding what a healthy portion looks like will help you avoid overeating.
Tips For Managing Portions
Use smaller dishes, read nutrition labels, and be cautious of portion proportions. These simple methods can significantly reduce your caloric intake.
Mindful eating
Mindful eating entails paying attention to what and how you eat to have a healthier relationship with food.
What is Mindful Eating?
Mindful eating entails being present during meals, savoring each bite, and detecting hunger and fullness signs.
How to Practice Mindful Eating.
Eat carefully, avoid distractions such as television or phones during meals, and watch your body’s signals. This exercise can help you avoid overeating and Loss Weight.
Lifestyle Changes
Increase daily activity.
Being active does not require going to the gym. Increasing your everyday movement might greatly impact your Loss Weight journey.
Simple Ways to Move More.
If you work in a sedentary environment, use the stairs instead of the lift, walk or bike to nearby locations, and take short breaks to stand up and stretch.
Benefits of Increased Activity
Regular movement increases your metabolism, improves your mood, and can help you burn more calories even if you don’t follow an organized workout routine.
Improve sleep quality.
Sleep is sometimes disregarded in Loss Weight plans despite its critical function in regulating hunger hormones and metabolism.
Relationship Between Sleep and Weight
Sleep deprivation can affect hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, which regulate hunger and fullness and increase appetite and weight gain.
Tips for Improved Sleep
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, establish a relaxing environment, and avoid using devices before bedtime. Quality sleep promotes general health and weight management.
Reduce stress levels.
Stress can be a major impediment to Loss Weight, frequently leading to emotional eating and weight gain.
Effects of Stress on Weight
Chronic stress causes the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases hunger and promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdomen.
Stress Management Techniques
Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. Finding good stress-management strategies can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Staying hydrated is important for Loss Weight.
Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health and can help you Loss Weight by increasing satiety and metabolism.
Drinking Water Before Meals.
A glass of water before meals can help you feel fuller and reduce your food intake. This simple behavior can result in a calorie deficit.
Healthy snacking habits
Choosing Nutrient-dense Snacks
Instead of empty-calorie snacks like chips and candy, choose nutritious foods that will keep you fuller for longer. Examples include nuts, fruits, and yogurt.
Avoiding empty calories.
Foods having little to no nutritional value, such as those high in added sugars and harmful fats, provide empty calories. Limiting these can help you control your weight better.
Conclusion
With the appropriate tactics, you can lose weight without exercising. You can achieve long-term Loss Weight by focusing on whole foods, portion control, mindful eating, increasing daily activity, improving sleep quality, lowering stress, staying hydrated, and selecting nutritious snacks. Remember that consistency is vital, as is making tiny, attainable adjustments you can stick with.
FAQs
Can you lose weight without exercising?
You can lose weight without exercising by making dietary and lifestyle modifications that cause a calorie deficit.
How crucial is nutrition for Loss Weight?
Diet is important for Loss Weight since it affects your caloric intake. A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet is vital for weight loss and overall health.
How does sleep affect Loss Weight?
Sleep is essential for balancing hunger hormones and metabolism. Poor sleep can increase appetite and lead to weight gain, whereas adequate sleep promotes weight management.
How can I limit my servings without feeling hungry?
Portion management can be achieved by using smaller plates, eating slowly, and choosing fibre- and protein-rich foods that keep you satiated for longer.
What are some simple strategies to alleviate stress?
Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and indulging in enjoyable hobbies are all simple ways to reduce stress.
A new strain of bird flu, H5N2, was recently discovered in Mexico City, following the death of a 59-year-old male. The strain is distinct from the H5N1 avian flu that has affected three dairy farm workers in the United States. Part of the concern is that the man was bedridden at home and had no prior exposure to birds or animals.
The individual did have underlying diabetes and severe kidney disease, both of which increase susceptibility to infections. He was ill on April 17 with a fever, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. He died on April 24. None of his contacts have tested positive for influenza A to date.
However, El Universal claimed that “12 contacts (seven symptomatic and five asymptomatic) were identified near the patient’s residence” and that serology results are awaiting. H5N2 is reported to be circulating in local birds.
It’s difficult to remember the names of all the numerous flu types—H5N1, H5N2, bird flu, swine flu, flu A, flu B, and more.
The three major strains of influenza, A, B, and C, are named after core proteins. We get annual epidemics of influenza A, which is the most severe. The 1918 influenza A H1N1 pandemic was deadly. Flu B is typically less severe and produces illnesses every few years. Flu C has not caused outbreaks.
The letters “H” and “N” in the names relate to surface proteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which help the virus adhere to and penetrate cells. Sometimes strains mutate and switch genetic material, making them more infectious.
H1N1 and H2N2 mutated
This occurred when H1N1 and H2N2 mutated in birds, creating a “bird flu” capable of infecting humans. This culminated in the 1957 influenza pandemic in Asia caused by H2N2, a novel (to humans) strain.
Strains are also classified as highly pathogenic avian influenza or low pathogenic. The main concern in recent months has been HPAI H5N1.
H5N1 is the strain that has decimated several chicken flocks and dairy cows. We know it has spread enough to cause illness in a few people, but the magnitude is unknown due to limited and insufficient testing.
There has been a continuing H5N1 outbreak in Asia, with substantially greater mortality rates. Given the increased numbers, Pekosz stated that there has been “better documentation of the case fatality rate there.” “The high number of cases in Asia is mostly attributable to increased human-poultry contact in that region of the world.
If you restrict live bird markets and give poultry farm workers with simple protective gear, you may significantly reduce human H5N1 cases anywhere, but especially in Southeast Asia.”
Hantavirus
The H5N1 virus is becoming increasingly common in wild animals, most recently in cats and mice. Dr. Rick Bright, a virologist, pandemic expert, and former director of the United States Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, told The Telegraph, “This gets the virus closer to human homes. It raises the danger of direct exposure and illness.
It will make any control attempts much more difficult because the mice can rapidly transmit infection. Rodents are known for creating epidemics, including the Black Death (bubonic plague), Lassa fever in Africa, and Hantavirus in the Southwest United States.
Another complaint of current control attempts is the weeks-long wait in making data public, as well as the lack of genetic sequencing to detect strain similarities. Bright stated, “Need to urgently see sequences to know if it was fully avian virus, or possible reassortant with human H3N2 virus.”
People are also calling for vaccinations for dairy workers, which have begun in Finland.
For the time being, the recommended safety precautions are to wear masks and goggles when around milking cows and to avoid raw dairy products. I would also avoid 4H club shows and county fairs. If you can’t avoid going, it’s best to wear a mask and goggles, given what we know about transmission.
Source: Forbes
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