Health

White House announces COVID-19 pandemic response plan

Published

3 years ago

March 7, 2022

White House announces COVID-19 pandemic response plan

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The White Home introduced the Nationwide COVID-19 Preparedness Plan on Wednesday, which the administration says goals to maneuver the nation ahead safely and construct on progress two years after the pandemic first hit.

On the White Home COVID-19 response crew briefing, White Home COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients touted the plan – the results of weeks of labor with consultants each inside and outdoors of presidency – as “sturdy and complete.”

“At present we have now the instruments we have to defend one another and deal with COVID-19,” he mentioned. “They’re broadly obtainable for the American folks. And, with Congress’ assist, the president’s plan will ensure that’s all the time the case.”

BIDEN’S STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH: TOP 5 MOMENTS

Echoing feedback made by President Biden, he mentioned that the administration can be ready for the rollout of vaccines for kids beneath the age of 5 years outdated.

He additionally referenced the “Check to Deal with” initiative the president introduced at his State of the Union deal with Tuesday evening, and the trouble to make extra free at-home COVID-19 assessments and N95 masks obtainable.

“Check to Deal with” permits for People to get examined for coronavirus at a pharmacy and obtain antiviral tablets “on the spot without charge” if they’re optimistic.

“Vaccines, therapies, assessments, masks – these instruments are how we proceed to guard folks. They allow us to maneuver ahead safely and get again to our extra regular routines,” he famous. Zients added that the federal government will launch an internet site to make sure People can discover instruments at handy areas later in March.

Well being and Human Companies (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra later highlighted that the federal government has, up to now, distributed 690 million doses of vaccines, 4 million therapies, greater than 270 million free N95s and free COVID-19 assessments to 70 million households.

The Nationwide Institutes of Well being (NIH), he mentioned, would additional develop analysis and ramp up knowledge sharing, with the likelihood for launch new facilities ought to Congress present funding.

Becerra mentioned the administration would coordinate a “complete of presidency effort” to assist kids and households who’ve skilled the lack of liked one as a consequence of COVID-19, in addition to concentrate on strengthening psychological and behavioral well being companies.

The secretary mentioned HHS would proceed to deal with the particular wants of seniors, folks with disabilities and people who are immunocompromised.

NEARLY HALF OF BIDEN’S 500M FREE COVID-19 TESTS UNCLAIMED

The 96-page Nationwide COVID-19 Preparedness Plan focuses on 4 key targets, together with defending in opposition to and treating the illness, making ready for brand new variants, stopping financial and academic shutdowns and persevering with to guide the trouble to vaccinate the world.

Zients mentioned that the U.S. variant monitoring system is able to reply and may now detect variants at a “very low stage.”

He mentioned the plan would create stockpiles of private protecting gear, assessments and coverings and mentioned that the plan would proceed to make sure that faculties, employees and workplaces have the sources they want.

That features a new clear air in constructing guidelines from the Environmental Safety Company (EPA) and a request for Congress to reinstate tax credit to assist small and mid-sized companies with paid sick and household depart.

Lastly, Zients mentioned that the president’s plan consists of persevering with to donate extra vaccines worldwide and “doubling down on efforts to show these vaccines into vaccinations.”

White Home COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients removes a face masks as he prepares to talk at a press briefing on the White Home in Washington, April 13, 2021.
(AP Photograph/Patrick Semansky, File)

So far, greater than 215 million People are absolutely vaccinated and two-thirds of eligible U.S. adults have acquired a booster shot.

As Zients identified, the plan requires Congress to spend money on instruments and the plan pushed in opposition to the concept of simply “dwelling with COVID.”

“Make no mistake, President Biden won’t settle for simply ‘dwelling with COVID’ any greater than we settle for ‘dwelling with’ most cancers, Alzheimer’s, or AIDS. We are going to proceed our work to cease the unfold of the virus, blunt its impression on those that get contaminated, and deploy new therapies to dramatically scale back the prevalence of extreme COVID-19 illness and deaths,” it mentioned.

The president mentioned Tuesday that his administration would by no means surrender on vaccinating extra People and would go away nobody behind.

Vaccines might be deployed inside 100 days in response to a brand new variant and Biden mentioned he would quickly ship a request to Congress.

“Now we have misplaced a lot to COVID-19. Time with each other. And worst of all, a lot lack of life …” he mentioned. “… We are able to’t change how divided we’ve been. However we are able to change how we transfer ahead – on COVID-19 and different points we should face collectively.”

Health

6 tips to reduce alcohol use and cancer risk after surgeon general's warning

Published

7 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

6 tips to reduce alcohol use and cancer risk after surgeon general's warning

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U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned in a recent advisory about alcohol use increasing cancer risk.

The advisory notes that alcohol can increase the risk of throat, liver, esophageal, mouth, larynx (voice box), colon and rectal cancers, making it the “third leading preventable cause of cancer” in the U.S.

This guidance follows the rise of the “sober curious” trend, with younger generations scaling back on how much they drink or choosing not to partake at all.

ALCOHOL LINKED TO CANCER RISK IN US SURGEON GENERAL’S NEW ADVISORY

For those who are interested in curbing their alcohol use, here are six tips on how to do so safely.

The surgeon general’s advisory noted that alcohol-related cancer deaths even occurred in some moderate drinkers. (iStock)

1. Analyze your alcohol dependence

Alcohol is “one of the most serious substances” when it comes to detoxification, sometimes requiring medical hospitalization to manage withdrawal symptoms, according to Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director at the Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio.

“If you are one of the 40% of Americans who is trying to stop alcohol use, sometimes it may be necessary to seek counseling services.”

Tuell, who is also an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, recommended speaking to a primary care physician before discontinuing years of extreme alcohol use.

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Dr. Adi Jaffe, PhD, CEO of addiction recovery platform IGNTD in Los Angeles, noted that in some cases, it may be “medically inadvisable to just quit” if alcohol dependence is severe.

People who drink heavily, or consume five to seven drinks a day, should consult their doctor before quitting, one addiction specialist recommended. (iStock)

“You must consult with a medical professional before stopping,” said Jaffe, author of the book “Unhooked.” “This is especially true if you get tremors, shaking or sweatiness when you don’t drink, even for a day or two.”

“Those are markers of somebody who’s more likely to have a grand mal seizure if they just stop cold turkey.”

2. Set clear goals and track patterns

For people who haven’t had a “necessarily problematic” relationship with alcohol and are just looking to cut back, Tuell recommended setting clear goals to get there.

DRINKING ALCOHOL IS LINKED TO CANCER, EXPERTS SAY

“With any behaviors that you plan to change, what are clear, realistic and specific goals on how much or how often you plan to drink?” he asked.

“Perhaps you have the goal of only drinking on weekends, or perhaps you limit the amount of alcohol to two drinks per occasion.”

Writing down your drinking behaviors can help identify triggers, experts say. (iStock)

Tuell suggested tracking your drinking by keeping a journal of when, where and how much you drink.

“This helps to identify patterns or triggers that may be associated with your mood, such as work stress or family stress and anxieties,” he said.

Planning alcohol-free days and then gradually increasing the number of those days each week can be effective, the expert added.

3. Avoid triggers and find alternatives

After tracking when, where and how much you drink, it may become clear what triggers you to drink.

Tuell encouraged identifying these situations, emotions and behaviors and finding alternative ways to handle them.

‘ALCOHOL GENE’ COULD PREDICT HOW COCKTAILS MAY AFFECT YOU — AND THERE’S A TEST FOR IT

“These triggers will frequently lead to behaviors that give us relief and/or a reward, and many times it is not a healthy way of coping,” he said.

“Choose non-alcoholic beverages in social settings … like sparkling water, mocktails or herbal teas, to satisfy the habit of having a drink … or avoid places where heavy drinking occurs.”

Friends toasting each other with wine, smiling, sitting in restaurant

Social pressure to drink can pose a major temptation, according to experts. (iStock)

Jaffe commented that focusing on less drinking won’t be as effective as drinking something else, like a non-alcoholic drink, or doing a different activity instead.

SEVERE HEALTH RISKS OF VAPING AND E-CIGARETTES, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUTH, SAY EXPERTS

Tuell agreed that finding a healthier alternative to bad behaviors is a good way to stop them.

This could include stress-relieving practices like exercising, reading, journaling or spending more time with supportive friends.

woman sitting on an exercise mat doing yoga and stretching

Adding movement as a replacement for drinking can help curb bad habits. (iStock)

Movement, mindfulness exercises and meditation can also be helpful practices throughout the day, according to Jaffe.

“You can do those practices while you’re brushing your teeth or while you’re making your coffee,” he said. “Meditation practices as short as five or 10 minutes can have an incredible impact on your stress response in life.”

4. Change your environment

Removing temptations from your environment is a good way to prevent reaching for them, according to experts.

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Tuell suggested removing alcohol from your home or limiting activities that make it more accessible, such as hanging out at bars.

“Smell is the strongest of the five senses connected to memory,” he added.

Jaffe agreed that environment “plays a massive role” in how people interact with alcohol.

“If you’re looking to reduce your drinking … having other people who are participating in the journey with you will go a long way toward helping you meet your goals of reduction.”

5. Practice saying ‘no’ and surround yourself with support

The social pressures of drinking can be a trigger, but learning to say “no” is powerful. Tuell recommended being prepared with a “polite but firm” response in situations where you might feel pressured to drink.

‘I’M A PSYCHOLOGIST – HERE’S HOW TO FINALLY BREAK YOUR BAD HABITS’

This can be as simple as, “No, thanks, I’m taking a break from drinking” or “I’m good, thanks.”

Tuell advises surrounding yourself with supportive individuals, like trusted friends or family members with whom you can share your goals.

Waiter offers wine to a woman who refuses

Experts recommend surrounding yourself with supportive individuals with whom you can share your goals. (iStock)

He also suggested joining a support group, “like Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery or Women for Sobriety.”

“If you are one of the 40% of Americans who is trying to stop alcohol use, sometimes it may be necessary to seek counseling services.”

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Tuell also mentioned that methods like cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective.

6. Be kind to yourself

Reflecting on the reasons you’re looking to reduce alcohol intake — whether it’s to improve your health, save money, strengthen relationships or another motivating factor — can help keep you on the right path, according to Tuell.

“Setbacks are normal. So be kind to yourself and focus on progress, not perfection.”

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He also encouraged celebrating milestones by enjoying something non-alcohol-related, such as a massage, a round of golf, a shopping trip or another fun outing.

“To make changes, it takes time,” Tuell said. “Setbacks are normal. So be kind to yourself and focus on progress, not perfection.”

“If you keep moving forward one step at a time, you will get to a point where you’re drinking substantially less.” (iStock)

While about 40% of people quit their New Year’s resolutions before the end of January, according to Jaffe, the specialist said it’s important to not be discouraged by slip-ups.

“Learn from it and just keep going,” he advised.

“If you keep moving forward one step at a time, you will get to a point where you’re drinking substantially less.”

Health

Dietitian Shares 4 Protein-Packed Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

Published

14 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

Dietitian Shares 4 Protein-Packed Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss Packed With Protein and Fiber | Woman’s World

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Health

Alcohol linked to cancer in health advisory as doctors react

Published

15 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

Alcohol linked to cancer in health advisory as doctors react

Fox News’ Health newsletter brings you stories on the latest developments in health care, wellness, diseases, mental health and more.

TOP 3:

– US surgeon general releases advisory linking alcohol to cancer

– Neurosurgeon warns of alcohol’s negative health effects: “Bad for the brain’

– Fast-spreading virus in China sparks pandemic concerns

The U.S. surgeon general has released a new advisory warning of alcohol-related cancer risk. Dr. Vivek Murthy issued the guidance last week following research that has linked alcohol to at least seven types of cancer. (iStock)