US health officials are tracking a rise in injuries from misusing nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, due to its euphoric effects. The FDA has warned consumers about the dangers of inhaling the gas, which can cause low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and injuries. Products like Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, and MassGass are being targeted for their colorful packaging sold at gas stations, vape shops, and online, often marketed as "culinary use only" with disclaimers against inhalation.
https://apnews.com/article/nitrous-oxide-fda-gas-injury-inhalation-bc2beb9a17d688fd6db388971ee804edMajid warns that inadequate sleep can lead to serious issues, such as impaired cognitive function and increased risk of accidents, as seen in cases where individuals with sleep disorders experience excessive daytime sleepiness, like the driver who fell asleep at the wheel.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/health/health-matters/health-matters-lack-of-sleep/285-bc8bfc70-1b30-4324-8181-c2709341bd79The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made several announcements related to the upcoming flu season. The agency has posted information on the recommended flu vaccine composition for the 2025-2026 season, which is expected to have no impact on vaccine supply or timing of availability. Additionally, the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research published case studies and a user guide as part of its Accelerating Rare Disease Cures program, providing examples of approaches used in rare disease drug development. The agency also issued a Safety Alert warning consumers not to eat certain frozen half-shell oysters from Republic of Korea due to potential norovirus contamination. Furthermore, the FDA has adopted guidelines for benzodiazepine tapering developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), which aims to provide evidence-informed strategies for clinicians to determine when tapering is appropriate and how to do it safely.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-roundup-march-14-2025-302402226.htmlThe COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant divide in policy approaches between Florida and California, with Florida resisting lockdowns and California implementing strict measures. The vaccine debate was contentious, with Robert Kennedy Jr. questioning the safety of vaccines and Anthony Fauci defending their efficacy. The pandemic also highlighted issues of mental health, with experts warning about the unseen costs of lockdowns on the economy and individuals. As the pandemic continues to evolve, there is a growing concern about preparing for future health crises, with some states resisting federal guidelines due to concerns over federalism and freedom.
https://reason.com/podcast/2025/03/13/tom-woods-the-covid-lessons-we-cant-forget/The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including UAE, are in discussions with technology giants to implement measures to monitor and restrict social media access for teenagers. The goal is to address concerns over the impact of excessive online activity on young people's well-being. Governments aim to work closely with tech companies to develop effective strategies for monitoring and regulating online platforms used by minors.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/tech/gcc-uae-social-media-age-restrictionInland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) CEO Jarrod McNaughton emphasized the importance of expanding healthcare access in the Inland Empire, stating that eliminating barriers to care aligns with their mission to promote continuous well-being. As a top 10 largest Medicaid health plan and certified as A Great Place To Work for four consecutive years, IEHP supports over 1.5 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties through its Medicaid and Medicare programs.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iehp-california-community-college-system-and-san-bernardino-community-college-district-launch-health-care-access-program-for-eligible-students-302401689.htmlThe Indian government is urging citizens to be cautious against cyber scams amid the growing trend of digital financial transactions. Columnist Patralekha Chatterjee advises Indians to educate themselves on how to avoid falling prey to online frauds, as more people are increasingly using payment systems like UPI.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/opinion/columnists/dev-360-cybercrime-up-educate-indians-to-avoid-scams-patralekha-chatterjee-1866792Infosys has clarified its work-from-home policy, stating that it will intervene in cases where employees are not adhering to the system's attendance requirements. The IT major aims to ensure a balance between work and personal life for its employees while maintaining productivity. This move is part of Infosys' efforts to create a healthy work environment.
https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/infosys-work-from-home-policy-narayana-murthy-it-major-clarification-on-system-intervention-for-attendance-details-11741931872914.htmlJohns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, is eliminating over 2,000 positions due to the termination of more than $800 million in USAID funding. The cuts affect critical programs at the university's medical school and public health school, as well as Jhpiego, a global health non-profit founded over 50 years ago. Johns Hopkins receives $1 billion annually from the National Institutes of Health and is currently running 600 clinical trials. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) distributes humanitarian aid in around 120 countries, with President Donald Trump's executive order freezing foreign aid to assess overseas expenses.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/john-hopkins-university-fires-over-2-000-employees-amid-donald-trumps-foreign-aid-funding-cuts-difficult-day-for-us-7920681