Latest news with #lasting
Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Cosmetic crackdown: End looms for speedy Botox scripts, influencer freebies banned
Speedy telehealth consultations granting patients access to Botox, lip fillers and other beauty treatments will become 'unviable' under a crackdown on Australia's booming cosmetic injectables industry. New guidelines to be released on Tuesday by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) also ban cosmetic injectors from offering free or discounted cosmetic injectables to social media influencers, and will prevent nurses entering the lucrative sector straight out of university. The changes follow revelations in this masthead in March that some Australian doctors were using telehealth to spend as little as 52 seconds with patients before writing a script for cosmetic injectables such as Botox and fillers. Speedy telehealth calls are the foundation of Australia's $4 billion, fast-growing cosmetic injectables sector. Nurses in stores take customer details before doctors issue scripts for beauty treatments after consultations usually lasting less than a few minutes. While the new guidelines stop short of specifying how long doctors and nurse practitioners must spend with patients when prescribing cosmetic injectables, they state practitioners must conduct detailed evaluations of patients, including 'an assessment to ensure expectations are realistic'. Loading They must also discuss alternative options with patients and complete a lengthy checklist to ensure patients have provided proper consent. 'Telehealth consultations, often reported as short as 52 seconds, will clearly no longer be viable under these new guidelines,' said Jenny Valance, general manager of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine. While the college welcomed the changes, it warned that enforcement would be AHPRA's greatest challenge and said tougher penalties were needed.
The Age
6 hours ago
- Health
- The Age
Cosmetic crackdown: End looms for speedy Botox scripts, influencer freebies banned
Speedy telehealth consultations granting patients access to Botox, lip fillers and other beauty treatments will become 'unviable' under a crackdown on Australia's booming cosmetic injectables industry. New guidelines to be released on Tuesday by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) also ban cosmetic injectors from offering free or discounted cosmetic injectables to social media influencers, and will prevent nurses entering the lucrative sector straight out of university. The changes follow revelations in this masthead in March that some Australian doctors were using telehealth to spend as little as 52 seconds with patients before writing a script for cosmetic injectables such as Botox and fillers. Speedy telehealth calls are the foundation of Australia's $4 billion, fast-growing cosmetic injectables sector. Nurses in stores take customer details before doctors issue scripts for beauty treatments after consultations usually lasting less than a few minutes. While the new guidelines stop short of specifying how long doctors and nurse practitioners must spend with patients when prescribing cosmetic injectables, they state practitioners must conduct detailed evaluations of patients, including 'an assessment to ensure expectations are realistic'. Loading They must also discuss alternative options with patients and complete a lengthy checklist to ensure patients have provided proper consent. 'Telehealth consultations, often reported as short as 52 seconds, will clearly no longer be viable under these new guidelines,' said Jenny Valance, general manager of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine. While the college welcomed the changes, it warned that enforcement would be AHPRA's greatest challenge and said tougher penalties were needed.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
N95 Masks and Air Purifiers: Wildfire Smoke Protection
Atmosphere by The Weather Channel curates products and services for all seasons. If you buy something from one of our links, we may earn a commission. It isn't the first year that Canadian wildfires have impacted areas of the United States, with billowing waves of wildfire smoke causing record high ratings of poor air quality and unhealthy conditions. 2023 was one of the worst wildfire seasons in Canada when over 42 million acres burned, turning the New York skyline orange and worsening air quality in areas like Detroit and Washington DC. With wildfire smoking spreading as far south as the Gulf Coast states, air quality and visibility will be impacted, especially for those at risk like young children and the elderly. The wildfire season is occurring earlier and lasting longer due to warmer springs, longer summer dry seasons, drier soil and climate change, according to the EPA. The alarming rise in wildfire activity over the past decade has transformed what was once a regional concern into a nationwide health crisis. As wildfire events become more frequent and intense, having the right protective equipment is essential. From properly fitted N95 respirators to air purification systems, investing in a few key products can help safeguard your respiratory health during what experts predict could be another challenging wildfire season ahead. Fire weather relies largely on three main meteorological conditions to spread wildfires: relative humidity, temperature and wind. We've discussed relative humidity (RH) in our Dehumidifier Guide, which is expressed as a percentage and represents the amount of water vapor in the air at a given temperature. When relative humidity is low, the air pulls moisture from the land and vegetation. Hotter temperatures will also fuel fire weather, with warmer nighttime temperatures decreasing overnight relative humidity. As for the wind, how can a fire burn without oxygen? Wind also increases evaporation and land dryness, and may carry embers that can rapidly spread fires. Over 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, including hay fever, food and skin allergies, and allergic asthma, while over 28 million have asthma, a chronic disease that causes inflammation and swelling in the airways, trouble breathing, coughing and pain. For those with respiratory sensitivities, the fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke presents a serious health threat, and it doesn't only come from fires in your area – wildfire air pollution can extend hundreds of miles beyond the flames themselves. Wildfire smoke is a mix of gasses and fine particulate matter from burning vegetation and other materials. These microscopic particles, measuring 10 microns or smaller (known as PM10) can be inhaled into the lungs, and fine particulate matter that are 2.5 microns or less (known as PM2.5, smaller than the average human hair), can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, triggering lung inflammation and potentially leading to long-term health complications. When combined with seasonal pollen—which climate change has also intensified through longer growing seasons—these environmental pollutants create a perfect storm for respiratory distress. Short-term risks to wildfire exposure may cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, bronchitis, increased risk of asthma and other respiratory distress. If exposed over days or weeks, you may even see reduced lung function. According to the CDC, there are a few precautions you can take for proper protection against wildfire smoke. Monitor air quality in your community, and stay inside as much as possible based on the alerts. You can use The Weather Channel app and for air quality checks in your area. Use a portable air cleaner (also known as an air purifier) with a HEPA filter to keep air in specific rooms as clean as possible. Avoid burning anything indoors, such as candles, incense or wood. If you have to go outside, use a respirator or mask with the words NIOSH, N95 or P100 printed on it. If you must brave the outdoors during a wildfire event, a proper safety mask should be worn to help prevent lung irritation. Even staying indoors may not be a sure thing, as a certain amount of home 'leakiness' will occur during wildfire and allergy seasons due to opening doors or using portable air conditioners that pull in air from outside. Here's a few products to help protect yourself during wildfire season. Price: $14.99 at Amazon Shop It: Amazon Features: N95 mask certified for protection against 95% of non-oil based particles 0.3 microns or larger, according to company page 5-layer filtration Latex-free headband straps Price: $11.99, was $14.99 at Amazon Shop It: Amazon Features: NIOSH approved N95 mask respirator, certified for at least 95% particulate filtration efficiency according to company page Four filter layers 3D nose clip design, inner foam nosepiece Double elastic head straps Price: $22.98 at The Home Depot Shop It: The Home Depot Features: 95% filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles, according to company Three-panel design with low-profile design Directs exhaled air away from nose panel, helping to reduce eyewear fogging Soft inner materials, adjustable nose clip and individual packaging As you shop for mask options, note that KN95 masks are not the same as a N95 mask. N95 masks are generally the most effective protection against airborne particles (and ideal for healthcare and industrial workers), but they are uncomfortable and require a tight fit. KN95 masks, however, may allow a certain amount of leakage and will have a different kind of certification. Both still require several layers of synthetic material for particulate protection. Price: $13.99 at Amazon Shop It: Amazon Features: Five layers of filter fabric Center stitching with folding design, elastic ear loops and adjustable nose clip Youth size fits most children between the ages of 4-14 Price: $19.99, was $29.99 at Amazon Shop It: Amazon Features: Five layers of filter fabric Ear loops, adjustable nose clip Lightweight and foldable For more information on how air purifiers work, including filtration options (we highly recommend a HEPA filter), room size calculations and more, check out our extensive coverage of air purifier options. A Beginner's Guide To Air Purifiers: How They Work And Our Top Picks Best Pollen AIr Purifiers of 2025 Price: $119.99, was $139.99 at Amazon; $237.98, was $279.98 (2-piece bundle) at Filter Type: Carbon & HEPA | Effective Range: 193 sq. ft. | Smoke CADR: 125 CFM Shop It: AmazonShop It: Features: 3-in-1 filtration system: Pre-filter, HEPA filter, activated carbon filter Auto mode based on air quality, night mode turns of lights Multiple fan speeds and manual mode connector Wi-Fi indicator App scheduling, air quality monitoring, filter tracking Price: $159, was $199 at Amazon Filter Type: HEPA & Carbon | Effective Range: 284 sq. ft. | Smoke CADR: 183 Shop It: Amazon Features: 3-in-1 filtration system: Pre-filter screen, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter Timer options (1, 2, 4, and 8 hours) Targets pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke and odors according to company page 3 fan speeds, sleep mode, auto mode Air quality indicator light and smart particle sensor Energy Star Certified Price: $206.99, was $229.99 at Amazon (white) Filter Type: HEPA & Carbon | Effective Range: 361 sq. ft. | Smoke CADR: 233 Shop It: Amazon Features: Four filtration stages: Pre-filter, deodorization, True HEPA, ionizer Three fan speeds, auto mode, and eco mode Timer, filter replacement indicator, and air quality indicator Energy Star Certified, CARB certified Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Regular cycling can cut risk of heart disease, diabetes: Expert
Patna: Ever since its advent more than two centuries ago, the bicycle remains not only the cheapest and eco-friendly mode of commutation in the world, but also beneficial for human health. Ahead of the World Bicycle Day (June 3), the TOI spoke to passionate cyclists and health experts, who have made the bicycle a lasting companion. However, they pleaded for construction of separate pathways for cyclists in the city to avoid accidents. Even a recent report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has pointed out that providing bicycles to the world's poorest individuals can prevent at least 15 lakh premature deaths and five billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year. Indian Medical Association's former state president Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said, "Regular cycling is beneficial for our heart, lungs and muscles and it improves strength, balance, and coordination of our mind and body. Studies have shown that cycling for more than 30 minutes per day can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 40%." Nonagenarian Shashi Dhar Singh, a retired teacher of Patna University, used his bicycle for commuting from one place to another in the city till the age of 90 until he met an accident while crossing a road. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sua próxima viagem te espera Azul Saiba Mais Undo He is medically fit and does not take any pill for any disease like hypertension or diabetes. Octogenarian Bijay Kumar Sharma, a retired teacher of NIT Patna, commutes on his bicycle every day. He is also physically and mentally fit and does not take any medicine whatsoever. He said, "The youths must use bicycles to commute from one place to the other as it would not only save them ever-increasing cost of transportation but also maintain their good health," he said. Social scientist Jean Dreze (66), who also uses a bicycle for moving around in the city, regretted the declining use of bicycles among the city youths. "The youths of several developed countries do not hesitate in cycling in and around their work places, but they are shy of using it in our cities. Due to decreasing use of bicycles by the commuters, the number of cycle repair shops has also declined, causing harassments to the cycle users," Dreze added. Bihar State Pollution Control Board's former chairman Ashok Kumar Ghosh also advocated for regular cycling by the youths for their daily commutation. "All other means of transportation were fast consuming our natural resources and the ones used by the automobile industries are not going to last for more than 50 to 100 years," he said. Ghosh further pointed out that bicycle contributes to cleaner air and less traffic congestion. However, he pleaded for construction of separate pathways for cyclists in the city to avoid accidents. The Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDC) is all set to implement the 'Samagra Udyan Yojana' along the Ganga, beside J P Ganga Path. Under the project, a 7km area will be developed as a 'green zone' which will have a dedicated cycling track made of brick-soling for environmentally conscious visitors. According to the managing director of BSRDCL, Arun Kumar, The project will feature a riverfront promenade, gardens, a butterfly park, food courts, walking and cycling tracks, and large parking facilities.
Kyodo News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Kyodo News
Nagasaki considering Taiwan's request to attend A-bomb ceremony
KYODO NEWS - 5 minutes ago - 19:28 | World, All, Japan The mayor of Nagasaki said Monday he is considering how to respond to Taiwan's request to attend this year's ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the city in August. Taiwan, which has never been officially invited to the memorial event, has expressed its wish to join for the first time, according to the city. Mayor Shiro Suzuki did not disclose details regarding Taipei's request or specify when the city would respond. Nagasaki plans to send invitations to all countries and regions that have diplomatic missions in Japan or representative offices at the United Nations. Taiwan does not fall into either category. Suzuki said last month that the southwestern Japan city's policy remains unchanged, drawing a contrast with Hiroshima, which indicated it would add the island to the list of participants of the city's memorial event after Taipei expressed its wish to join. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and three days later in Nagasaki killed more than 200,000 people by the end of that year. Each year, the cities hold memorial ceremonies to mourn the victims and pray for lasting peace. Related coverage: Over 90 nations call for preserving A-bomb memories in U.N. meeting Japan imperial couple mourn Iwoto war dead in WWII 80th anniv. visit
