Latest news with #CHS
Hamilton Spectator
14 hours ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Why more Ontario youth are landing in the ER with severe vomiting — and what cannabis has to do with it
A serious illness caused by cannabis overuse is causing concern at some emergency room departments in Ontario. According to a recent Western University report , emergency rooms are seeing a rise in youth with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which comes with relentless vomiting and abdominal pain. It was once a rare condition which is starting to become more common, and many cannabis users may not know about the possible side effect. 'CHS has been around for awhile,' University of Manitoba associate dean of research Lynda Balneaves told Metroland Media. 'It can often happen with people who are using products with high THC.' THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol , and is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, which causes the euphoric 'high' feeling, and may have other therapeutic effects. Other parts of cannabis include the cannabinol (CBD), which does not create a high feeling, and researchers believe it may block or lower some of the effects of THC on the mind. And the last component is the terpenes, which give cannabis the distinctive smell. Consuming the plant is done by smoking in a cigarette style, inhaling the fumes in a bong, or vaping through an e-cigarette. It can also be consumed through teas, sodas and baked goods, and other edibles. According to a 2023 Statistics Canada report , as much as 43 per cent of 16- to 19-year-olds consumed cannabis in some form, up from both 2018 and 2022 figures. And Western University said CHS is increasingly affecting adolescents and young adults. But Balneaves said CHS often happens with people who are chronic users. 'It can be people who use it recreationally, but moreover, we see it in people who are using (cannabis) for a health condition,' she said. 'What can happen, is they are using cannabis with high THC, and then out of the blue, they get sick.' With CHS, you can't stop getting sick, Balneaves said. 'You're very nauseous, you're typically throwing up, and you can't stop yourself.' That's the reason many are ending up at an emergency room, she added. Some people get so sick, they are spending more than 10 to 12 hours in the ER, she added. As some experience heavy vomiting, one of the risks is that they become dehydrated, and need to replenish electrolytes. The problem with CHS is the symptoms can be common with several different health conditions. 'People using cannabis for medical purposes, it can be quite disconcerting, because they think their cancer's come back or there's other health issues happening. They can't put two-and-two together.' Western University said CHS is frequently misdiagnosed as bulimia nervosa because of the vomiting and unintended weight loss that accompanies it. 'But unlike bulimia, CHS-related vomiting is involuntary and not motivated by body image concerns,' the report said. 'A clue is that those with CHS often return to normal eating and bathing patterns during symptom-free periods, which is not typical for an eating disorder.' Once CHS has been diagnosed, there isn't much of cure yet, and health professionals cannot do much to stop the vomiting. 'They typically can provide supportive care, often working with the patient, giving them Haldal for their anxiety, and giving them antinausea medication,' Balneaves said. 'The really strange part about CHS — I'd love to know how they figured this out — they found out if people take very, very hot showers … it actually stopped people from getting sick to their stomach.' Another study from 2020 showed if people rubbed capsaicin on their stomachs, it would also help. The study noted applying it topically showed 'promising intervention and provides an alternate approach to antiemetics and narcotics routinely used in patients with (CHS).' 'We often tell people if they are experiencing (CHS) and don't want to go to the hospital, to have a really, really hot bath or shower, and it tends to stop it,' Balneaves said. 'There's a thought it's triggering the hypothalamus in the brain and it's resetting things, perhaps resetting the CD1 receptors.' But more research is needed. Health Canada does have a reporting line, for people to report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of cannabis and cannabis products (dried, oils, fresh) for medical purposes. The Canada Vigilance Program can be reached online or by calling 1-866-234-2345 . 'It's not surprising we're seeing more people with it, because we're seeing more Canadians using cannabis,' Balneaves said. 'We also have people getting used to (their dose), so they're using higher THC, and again, they're not expecting this outcome.' Balneaves said if someone experiences CHS, it's not known if they have it for life. 'For some individuals, it's usually such an awful experience, they may be disinclined from trying it again. Often, if people take a break from cannabis, they can reset their system and are able to utilize it again,' she said. 'They actually don't know if it increases the likelihood of having future CHS, if you might have a propensity to experience it.' Often, people use it less often, she noted. 'Some take a two-week break, others try to level off (their THC dose) again.' Unfortunately, people who use cannabis aren't often warned about the potential side effect to high THC consumption. 'A lot of the warnings we see attached to cannabis is about impairment and getting high. When I speak with people using it in a medicinal context, I do mention it,' Balneaves said. 'I mention it to clinicians, because I work with people with cancer, and they panic because they think they're having a reaction (to chemo treatment) or they get worried their cancer has come back. I warn them so they're aware of it.' 'We need honest, accessible education — in schools, clinics and online — that explains what CHS is, how to recognize it and how to seek help,' Western University said, adding more people admit to cannabis use if they are asked in an empathetic, stigma-free way. 'In our view, the addition of CHS content to youth health curriculums, pediatric training programs and cannabis use screening tools is overdue.' For more details about CHS, visit . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Tim Hingtgen to Retire as Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Systems
FRANKLIN, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Community Health Systems, Inc. (the 'Company') ('CHS') (NYSE: CYH) and its Board of Directors announced today that Tim Hingtgen will retire from his position as chief executive officer and as a member of the Board, effective September 30, 2025. It is anticipated that Hingtgen will enter into a consulting agreement in which he will continue to advise the Company's management team on issues related to healthcare operations and other Company matters. Kevin Hammons, who currently serves as president and chief financial officer, will assume the role of interim chief executive officer upon Hingtgen's retirement, and Jason K. Johnson, who currently serves as senior vice president and chief accounting officer, will become interim chief financial officer. During his nearly 18-year tenure at CHS, Hingtgen has held a variety of key operational leadership roles. He served as president and chief operating officer from September 2016 to December 2020 and became CEO in January 2021. Commenting about his decision to retire now, Hingtgen said, 'It has been a great privilege to serve as the chief executive officer of CHS and incredibly gratifying to lead an organization that is devoted to helping people get well and live healthier. I am so proud of the accomplishments we've made and I look forward to watching the CHS team continue to achieve their goals. My decision to retire this year is for personal reasons, including a desire to spend more time with my family and to pursue a few dreams I have for my life. This is the right time for me to do that. CHS is a great organization, and I'm confident that it will continue to advance in every possible way under the capable leadership of Kevin Hammons and the many other people who are leading CHS forward.' Kevin Hammons has been an integral member of the CHS finance team for more than 28 years. He was appointed chief financial officer in January 2020. Hammons is deeply involved in all of the Company's strategic, operational, and financial initiatives and a huge advocate for caregivers and patients. In addition to overseeing financial management and reporting responsibilities, treasury, capital market transactions, investor relations, and other duties of the CFO, Hammons is a driving force behind CHS' portfolio optimization project and he participates in the oversight of corporate teams supporting CHS-affiliated health systems. Hammons said, 'I am honored to assume the role of interim chief executive officer and look forward to contributing even more to the progress well underway at CHS. We remain committed to enhancing patient care and outcomes, serving as good partners for our clinicians and caregivers, continuously improving the Company's performance, and providing value for all of our stakeholders. Tim has been an exceptional CEO whom we all admire very much. I'm grateful that he will leave us very well positioned for further success upon his retirement.' Jason K. Johnson joined CHS in 2012 as vice president and assistant corporate controller. In 2018, he was promoted to corporate controller and, in 2019, he was appointed chief accounting officer. Johnson serves as a member of the Company's executive team. Hammons added, 'I've worked with Jason for more than a decade and appreciate his willingness to step into this role on an interim basis. Jason is highly regarded by his peers and possesses financial expertise, deep company knowledge, and a confident approach to his work. He's exactly the right person to serve as interim CFO.' Commenting about the leadership changes, Wayne T. Smith, chairman of the Community Health Systems, Inc. Board of Directors, said, 'The Board of Directors is confident that Tim, Kevin, Jason and other Company executives will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. Kevin and Jason will excel in their interim roles and in supporting our most important responsibility of providing quality care for patients. I also want to express my personal appreciation for the strong leadership Tim has provided for the Company. He is truly one of the most committed, caring, energetic, and results-oriented executives that I've had the privilege to know and to work with. The Board and I wish him great happiness and fulfillment as he pursues his life's goals.' About Community Health Systems, Inc. Community Health Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's largest healthcare companies. The Company's affiliates are leading providers of healthcare services, developing and operating healthcare delivery systems in 36 distinct markets across 14 states. The Company's subsidiaries own or lease 70 affiliated hospitals with more than 10,000 beds and operate more than 1,000 sites of care, including physician practices, urgent care centers, freestanding emergency departments, occupational medicine clinics, imaging centers, cancer centers and ambulatory surgery centers. The Company's headquarters are located in Franklin, Tennessee, a suburb south of Nashville. Shares in Community Health Systems, Inc. are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'CYH.' More information about the Company can be found on its website at Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include information that could constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risk and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Labcorp to acquire select outreach laboratory assets from CHS for $195m
Labcorp has signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of select ambulatory outreach laboratory assets from Community Health Systems (CHS) for $195m in cash. This strategic move will expand Labcorp's service offerings and provide CHS patients and providers with wider access to advanced testing and laboratory services. Under the agreement, Labcorp will take over certain patient service centres and in-office phlebotomy locations across 13 US states. The acquisition adds a comprehensive testing menu, robust data analytics, and digital tools to CHS' network. Despite the sale, CHS will retain its inpatient and emergency department laboratories, ensuring continued support for hospital-based services, such as pre-admission testing and imaging. CHS operations and development executive vice-president Kevin Stockton said: "We are excited about this transaction with Labcorp, which allows us to focus on our core services and improve the overall patient experience, aligning with our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to our communities.' Both organisations are working to implement a smooth transition that prioritises service continuity for hospitals, patients, clinicians and clients while providing direct access to Labcorp's additional capabilities. Labcorp diagnostics president and chief operations officer Mark Schroeder said: 'Labcorp and CHS share a deep commitment to improving the health and lives of the communities we serve, and our goal with this agreement is to enhance the patient and provider experience with increased access to high-quality laboratory services. 'This acquisition will allow us to leverage the strengths of both our organisations to positively impact healthcare for communities across the US.' The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Until then, CHS assures there will be no operational or service changes. In April 2025, Labcorp acquired the ambulatory outreach laboratory business of North Mississippi Health Services in the US. "Labcorp to acquire select outreach laboratory assets from CHS for $195m" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Community Health Systems Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell Select Outreach Laboratory Assets to Labcorp
FRANKLIN, Tenn. & BURLINGTON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Community Health Systems, Inc. (Company) (NYSE: CYH) announced today that its subsidiary, CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS), has entered into a definitive agreement with Labcorp (NYSE: LH), pursuant to which Labcorp will acquire select assets and assume certain leases of the ambulatory outreach laboratory services of CHS health systems in 13 states, including certain patient service centers and in-office phlebotomy locations, for $195 million cash. When the transaction is complete, CHS patients and providers will benefit from broader access to Labcorp's comprehensive testing and laboratory services, including its specialty testing menu, robust data analytics and digital tools. CHS health systems will continue to operate their inpatient and emergency department laboratories and will continue to provide laboratory services for hospital-based services, such as imaging and pre-admission testing. "We are excited about this transaction with Labcorp, which allows us to focus on our core services and improve the overall patient experience, aligning with our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to our communities," said Kevin Stockton, Executive Vice President, Operations and Development for CHS. 'Labcorp's scale and investment in technology supports its ability to efficiently deliver outreach laboratory services to patients and healthcare consumers.' 'Labcorp and Community Health Systems share a deep commitment to improving the health and lives of the communities we serve, and our goal with this agreement is to enhance the patient and provider experience with increased access to high-quality laboratory services,' added Mark Schroeder, EVP and President, Diagnostics Laboratories and Chief Operations Officer, Labcorp. 'This acquisition will allow us to leverage the strengths of both our organizations to positively impact healthcare for communities across the U.S.' The organizations are committed to working together to plan and implement a smooth, thoughtful transition that maintains continuity of services for patients, hospitals, clinicians and clients, while providing direct access to the additional capabilities of Labcorp. This relationship is similar to other strategic relationships that Labcorp has with a range of local and regional health systems that have enhanced services for patients and providers. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and applicable regulatory approvals. The companies anticipate closing the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2025. Until that time, there will be no changes in operations or services. About Community Health Systems, Inc. Community Health Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's largest healthcare companies. The Company's affiliates are leading providers of healthcare services, developing and operating healthcare delivery systems in 36 distinct markets across 14 states. The Company's subsidiaries own or lease 70 affiliated hospitals with more than 10,000 beds and operate more than 1,000 sites of care, including physician practices, urgent care centers, freestanding emergency departments, occupational medicine clinics, imaging centers, cancer centers and ambulatory surgery centers. The Company's headquarters are located in Franklin, Tennessee, a suburb south of Nashville. Shares in Community Health Systems, Inc. are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'CYH.' More information about the Company can be found on its website at About Labcorp Labcorp (NYSE: LH) is a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services that helps doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and patients make clear and confident decisions. We provide insights and advance science to improve health and improve lives through our unparalleled diagnostics and drug development laboratory capabilities. The company's nearly 70,000 employees serve clients in approximately 100 countries, provided support for more than 75% of the new drugs and therapeutic products approved in 2024 by the FDA, and perform more than 700 million tests annually for patients around the world. Learn more about us at Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the announced transaction between Community Health Systems, Inc. and Labcorp (collectively, 'the Companies') and the anticipated benefits of the transaction. Each of the forward-looking statements is subject to change based on various important factors, many of which are beyond the control of either of the Companies. These factors, in some cases, have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could affect the Companies' abilities to implement their respective business strategies, and actual results could differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of the forward- looking statements. Neither of the Companies has an obligation to provide any updates to these forward-looking statements even if their expectations change. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with a review of the Companies' respective filings with the SEC. Further information on potential factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect the Companies' respective operating and financial results are included in each of the Companies' most recent annual reports on Form 10-K and subsequent Forms 10-Q and in the Companies' other filings with the SEC.
The Print
3 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Land pooling scheme: Farmers to get Rs 1 lakh per acre until land is developed
Mundian also said there will be a 10 per cent hike per annum until the land development is complete. He further said the amount of Rs 50,000 will be hiked to Rs 1 lakh per acre when the government takes over the possession of the land. Chandigarh, Jul 21 (PTI) Farmers will initially receive Rs 50,000 per acre along with the letter of intent (LOI) within 21 days of applying for the land-pooling scheme, said Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday. The housing and urban development minister held deliberations with the farmers of 164 villages regarding the land-pooling scheme here to get their feedback and address their concerns related to the scheme. Mundian said farmers who opt for the land-pooling scheme can continue farming on the land until the development work on the land starts. The minister said farmers will get the LOI within 21 days of applying for the scheme. The day the government takes possession of the land, the amount of Rs 1 lakh per acre per annum will be given and if the government takes two or three years in land development, there will be a 10 per cent annual increase in the lease amount, he said. Initially, the state government had promised Rs 30,000 per acre to farmers for their land. The AAP government has been facing flak from the opposition parties which dubbed the land-pooling policy a 'looting' scheme to 'rob' farmers of their land. PTI CHS MNK MNK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
