Latest news with #PHS
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning after new deadly heroin mixed with Frankenstein drugs flood Scots streets
One drug user in Ayrshire needed 13 doses of lifesaving drug naloxone to revive them GREEN & RED ALERT Warning after new deadly heroin mixed with Frankenstein drugs flood Scots streets Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DEADLY green and red heroin mixed with Frankenstein drugs that cause users to instantly collapse are flooding Scotland, we can reveal. Greedy dealers across the country are cutting their heroin with the lethal synthetic opioids fentanyl and nitazenes to devastating effect. 2 Public Health Scotland say it has contributed to 251 deaths between last December and February Credit: Getty 2 In 52 of 200 alerts to PHS, deals had caused 'instant blackouts' from small doses Credit: Getty The coloured variants emerged as a shocking report reveals drug- related deaths rocketed by 17 per cent in three months. Red heroin, containing nitazenes, cause people to keel over immediately, while the green version — laced with fentanyl and citric acid — is driving a rapid rise in overdoses. Public Health Scotland say the super-strength drugs have contributed to 251 deaths between last December and February. Green heroin, with the street names 'fly' or 'man down', was specifically mentioned in 15 overdose reports while red heroin featured in seven. Scotland keeps promising to protect its most vulnerable. Instead it's throwing them to the wolves. Annemarie Ward In 52 of 200 alerts to PHS, deals had caused 'instant blackouts' from small doses. Annemarie Ward, of Faces and Voices of Recovery, said: 'I'm shocked. 'I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. 'It's scary how quickly this stuff is happening. It seems everything we have feared about fentanyl is coming true. 'If nearly half the drug supply is fake or contaminated, why is there still this push for harm reduction rather than actually helping people get well? They're not being offered an actual place to get help, to recover, to get off drugs. 'We've normalised the system where people are abandoned. I opened cupboard in my new council flat and shower of 150 used HEROIN needles fell out - I'm scared my baby's infected 'Scotland keeps promising to protect its most vulnerable. Instead it's throwing them to the wolves.' One drug user in Ayrshire needed 13 doses of lifesaving drug naloxone to revive them after taking the coloured heroin, it has emerged. Dr Tara Shivaji, consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS, said: 'We are very concerned about the presence of synthetic drugs like nitazenes within the unregulated drugs market across Scotland. 'Nitazenes are potent opioid drugs which can be many times stronger than heroin. Taking even a small amount carries an increased risk of overdose or death. 'There are ways to reduce the risk of overdose when taking some drugs, but there is no safe way to take nitazenes.' Scottish Tory drugs spokeswoman Annie Wells said: 'SNP ministers are still shamefully failing to get a grip on the lethal substances that are causing misery.' Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'We are determined to continue our efforts to reduce harm and deaths. 'My condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one.'
STV News
5 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Plea to take up vaccine as measles cases on rise in Scotland
Scotland's public health body has urged people to take up a vaccine against measles as cases are on the rise. Public Health Scotland (PHS) confirmed there have been 26 cases of laboratory-confirmed measles in Scotland in 2025. There were 24 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Scotland in 2024 and one in 2023. Cases of the disease, which can be a very serious condition causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), are on the rise across Europe and parts of the world. Health experts are urging people to take up the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, with two doses said to be the best way to be fully protected against measles. The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at three years and four months. If it's missed at these times, it can be given at any age, say health experts. Uptake of the vaccine has declined across all UK nations in recent years and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age. Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak with their employer or occupational health department if they haven't been fully vaccinated. Dr Claire Cameron, consultant in health protection at PHS said: 'As measles cases continue to increase across the world, we're working with health boards to ensure that as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. 'Anyone who hasn't had two doses of the free MMR vaccine is encouraged to visit the NHS Inform website to find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area. 'We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Measles cases soar in Scotland as health chiefs issue vaccination plea
Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes. The virus can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling and death. The number of measles cases has soared in Scotland with more infections recorded in the first five months of 2025 than the whole of last year. Health chiefs have warned that this number could continue to rise as the infection sweeps across Europe. As of May, there were 26 confirmed cases in Scotland - compared to just 24 last year. Although numbers remain small, health experts fear low vaccination rates in some areas could lead to an infection spike. Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. It says having two doses of the jab is the best way to be fully protected against measles. Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at PHS said: 'As measles cases continue to increase across the world, we're working with health boards to ensure that as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. "Anyone who hasn't had two doses of the free MMR vaccine is encouraged to visit the NHS Inform website to find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area. 'We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.' Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes. The virus can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling and death. It can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated. Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the number of cases in Europe was at its highest level for 25 years. WHO regional director Henri Kluge called the surge in infections a "wake-up call". He said: " Measles is back, and it's a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security." Uptake in Scotland remains high, with 90% of children having two doses by the age of six. However, WHO recommends at least 95% of children are vaccinated. The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at three years 4 months. If it's missed at these times, it can be given at any age. PHS has warned a risk of infection remains in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age. Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak to their employer or occupational health department if they haven't been fully vaccinated. Further information on how to check if you or your child is fully protected can be found on MMR against measles | NHS inform.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Florida becomes 2nd state to ban fluoride in water
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning fluoride in public water systems on Thursday, making his state the second to prohibit the use of such additives in public water supplies. The ban will go into effect on July 1. The Florida Farm Bill (SB 700) does not specifically say 'fluoride' should be banned, but that 'the use of certain additives in a water system' is now prohibited. DeSantis has made it clear he planned to sign the bill into law, calling the use of fluoride in public water systems a "forced medication." "Some people think they know better than you," he said at the bill signing, "that they should decree how you live your lives." The bill passed the Florida House on April 29 and the Senate on April 16. Supporters argued that fluoride does not actually improve water quality and that discontinuing its use could save local governments money. However, the 27 representatives who voted against the bill emphasized the importance of fluoride for dental health. Utah's Gov. Spencer Cox, who is also a Republican, signed a similar bill in late March that prohibits any citizen or government entity from adding fluoride to the state's water systems, which will go into effect on May 7. Similar legislation is currently making its way through other states, including Kentucky and Nebraska. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can repair and prevent damage to teeth caused by bacteria in the mouth from eating or drinking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fluoride acid dissolves minerals on the tooth's surface that can make it weaker and can reduce the likelihood of cavities and tooth decay. Almost all water contains some levels of naturally occurring fluoride, the CDC reports, but the natural levels are too low to make much of a protective impact on teeth. The CDC has named the fluoridation of drinking water one of the 10 greatest public health interventions of the 20th century because of how much it impacted tooth health in the U.S. In the 1930s, researchers observed that certain communities had significantly less dental decay than others because fluoride was more naturally present in their drinking water. In 1962, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) recommended that fluoride be added to community water supplies. Today, PHS recommends the optimal fluoride concentration is 0.7 milligrams per liter of water. CDC data estimated in 2024 that more than two-thirds of the U.S. population has access to fluoridated drinking water. Read more from Yahoo Life: There's a lot of misinformation about fluoride. Here's what experts want you to know. Fluoride in drinking water has been the subject of several unproven conspiracy theories over whether it is helpful, dangerous or an unnecessary expense for local and state governments. During the Florida House session on April 29, lawmakers who supported the Florida Farm Bill argued that fluoride does not improve water quality or dental health, despite what major public health groups like the CDC have said. These conspiracies about fluoride were supported and amplified in early April when the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he planned on telling the CDC to stop recommending putting fluoride in drinking water. Kennedy has previously referred to fluoride as 'industrial waste,' and in April, he gutted the CDC's oral health division, which was responsible for promoting the benefits of community water fluoridation. Kennedy, who oversees the CDC, cannot issue a nationwide ban on fluoride, but he can tell the CDC to stop recommending it, Yahoo News reported. He can also ask the CDC to work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is responsible for setting the standards and limits for fluoride under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Read more from Yahoo News: RFK Jr. plans to tell CDC to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water despite pushback from health experts. Why is it so controversial?
Hamilton Spectator
06-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Paris plant sale to offer blooming good deals
Garden enthusiasts should mark their calendars as the Paris Horticultural Society will be hosting its annual plant sale at the Syl Apps Community Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The event will feature a variety of over 1,000 non-invasive perennial and annual plant species including heirloom vegetables, herbs, flowers, trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and several other native plants, which will all be available for purchase. Carol Reansbury, co-president of PHS and co-organizer of the event, said that all of the vegetation available during the sale has been donated from the personal gardens of their roughly 100 society members. 'It's hard to guess how many plants, and what kinds of plants, will be offered each year too because it's all of our members that donate the plants,' she said. 'We get different types of plants each year; so there may be a lot of hostas one year, or a lot of lilies another year, and then we're also more into the native plants, herbs and vegetables now because that's just what a lot of people are interested in.' Reansbury said that the benefit of having their members provide the plants is that you know what will and will not grow well locally. 'All our members are there and so you can ask them about soil and growing conditions,'' she said. 'You also have the perk of knowing that whatever you're buying can successfully grow in the area.' Reansbury also added that because the theme of this year's Communities in Bloom is edible gardens, Mackenzie Sheppard, Forestry and Horticulture Coordinator for the County of Brant, will be there with various fruit and vegetable seeds, and to talk about edible plants. As always, the PHS will also have a master gardener on site to provide tips and tricks for optimal success in transplanting and caring for newly acquired plants, and to answer any general questions about gardening as well. 'They're also wonderful at identifying plants, especially because we have quite a few that haven't bloomed yet,' she said. 'It's nice to have the master gardener there because they often know just by just looking at the plant, what they are and where they grow best, and they can help give you advice for creating the kind of garden you want.' For parents looking to attend the long-awaited event, the plant sale will also feature a Jr. Gardeners Corner where a PHS member will help the youngsters with an activity. Reansbury also said that if there are any plants left by the end of the sale, anything that hasn't been purchased will then be put up for auction. Given that the event is one of the non-for-profit organization's largest fundraisers of the year, Reansbury said that the money raised during the sale will go towards several different initiatives. 'The money we raise goes toward acquiring guest speakers for our meetings, for a bursary for graduating students from Paris District High School who are going into horticulture, environmental science or agriculture, and for public plantings around Paris,' she said. 'We're usually in pretty close contact with the County of Brant these days because we help plant trees and maintain several gardens in the area, which is nice.' The Paris Horticultural Society has been up and running since 1986 and together, members maintain the Paris Cenotaph Gardens and the Garden of Hope. As well, they hold monthly meetings with guest speakers, host several plant sales, flower shows and an annual garden tour in June every year. Reansbury said that overall, herself and the rest of the society members are looking forward to another successful event. 'The preparation for this event usually takes a full year so I think we're all really excited it's finally coming up,' she said. 'I know that for us, it's always nice to see people come in and leave with their arms fulls, especially when the younger people are coming in and asking questions; we just think that's great when we get first time gardeners or people looking to improve what they've done in the past, it's really neat.' For those looking to attend the event, the sale is cash only and there will also be coffee and muffins available for $2. Shoppers are also encouraged to arrive early as there can be a line up to get in. Kimberly De Jong's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at .
