COVID-19, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Memory Loss: What We Know

COVID-19 May Accelerate Alzheimer's and Other Cognitive Issues
  • Researchers are learning more about how COVID-19 may impact memory.
  • In one study1 in 10 patients have been reporting memory problems after mild cases of COVID-19 that did not require hospitalization, even 8 months after disease.
  • People who have recovered from COVID-19 but presented with cognitive decline are more likely to be in poorer physical health and have low O2 saturation in their blood.
  • COVID-19 may heighten the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and COVID-19 can cause an increase in blood-based molecular biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.

COVID-19’s immediate physical effects have been vastly studied, but much remains a mystery regarding long-term complications.

In particular, scientists are scrambling to understand the disease’s long-term effects on neuropsychological health.

Neurological signs of COVID-19, both short and long term, may include symptoms such as the loss of smell and taste and cognitive and attention deficits, known as “brain fog.”

And now, new research shows how COVID-19 continues to affect the brain long after recovery and how some symptoms may be precursors to more serious health problems in the future.

Here is a roundup of the latest studies and newest research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) on COVID-19 and its neurocognitive effects.

Memory problems 8 months after disease

As part of a Norwegian study published in the JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source, scientists reached out to more than 53,000 participants between Feb. 1 and April 15, 2020. These adults included those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, those who tested negative, and a sizeable number of untested individuals to represent the general population.

Over 13,000 participants responded to the questionnaire sent out by Arne Søraas, PhD, from Oslo University Hospital in Norway, and his colleagues and around 9,000 followed up.

The mean age of participants was 47, and 66 percent of the participants were women.

Søraas and his team found that more than 1 in 10 patients reported memory loss 8 months after testing positive.

At least 41 percent of those who reported having memory problems months after infection said their overall health had also worsened over the past year.

Of those who tested positive 8 months after infection, approximately 11 percent reported memory loss, and 12 percent had problems concentrating.

Those who tested positive were twice as likely to report cognitive problems.

They also reported more memory problems than those who tested negative or the untested population.

In addition, more than 50 percent of patients experienced persistent fatigue, with 20 percent saying this limited their work and general life activities.

The symptoms reported relatively equally by the three groups were feeling depressed, having less energy, or having pain.

“Self-reported memory problems are also a risk factor for later mild cognitive impairment or dementia,” they said.

Although the self-reported nature of memory problems may not present a 100 percent accurate picture, past studies have listed them as a risk factor for developing dementia or mild cognitive impairment later in life.

The findings, according to the authors, suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may negatively impact memory even 8 months after having a mild case of the disease, and this can be associated with a worsening of health and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), the medical term coined for long COVID in expert circles.

Finding a link between long COVID-19 and an impact on cognition

Meanwhile, new research reported at the virtual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2021 in Denver found links between COVID-19 and persistent cognitive deficits.

One of the most significant initial findings presented at AAIC 2021 was from a Greece and Argentina consortium, which suggested that:

  • Older adults frequently experience lasting cognitive impairment, including persistent lack of smell, after recovering from COVID-19.

The other key findings were:

  • COVID-19 patients presenting with neurological symptoms are likely to have biological markers in their blood that indicate brain injury, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer’s.
  • Individuals who experience cognitive decline after COVID-19 are more likely to have low blood oxygen levels after short periods of physical exertion as well as be in an overall poorer physical condition.

“These new data point to disturbing trends showing COVID-19 infections leading to lasting cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer’s symptoms,” Heather M. Snyder, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of medical and scientific relations, said in a statement.

“With more than 190 million cases and nearly 4 million deaths worldwide, COVID-19 has devastated the entire world. It is imperative that we continue to study what this virus is doing to our bodies and brains.”
– Heather M. Snyder, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association VP of medical and scientific relations

Link between cognitive impairment and loss of smell

Another study analyzed 300 older adult Amerindians from Argentina who had COVID-19, 3 and 6 months after initial infection.

Over half of the patients showed persistent problems with forgetfulness. At the same time, 1 in 4 had additional problems with cognition, including issues with language and executive dysfunction, such as difficulty organizing, misplacing items, and not being able to deal with frustration.

These setbacks, the research found, were associated with persistent problems in the smell function but not with the severity of the original COVID-19 disease.

“We’re starting to see clear connections between COVID-19 and problems with cognition months after infection,” said Dr. Gabriel de Erausquin of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine.

“It’s imperative we continue to study this population, and others around the world, for …

When in Doubt, Shout It Out! 8 Drug-Free Ways to Battle Anxiety

Between work, bills, family, and trying to stay healthy, the everyday pressures of life can turn you into an anxious mess. Maybe you were an anxious child who grew into an anxious adult, or maybe you developed anxiety later in life. Regardless of when symptoms began, it’s possible that your mind is in overdrive, and you’re always waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under you.

You’re not alone. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults. Like so many others looking for relief, you may have turned to medication for help. Although antianxiety drugs can ease your anxiety, the serenity can come with a price tag in the form of side effects. Trouble sleeping, decreased libido, jumpiness, and increased hunger are some of the most common inconveniences of treating anxiety with drugs.

The good news is that popping pills isn’t the only way to get your fears and nerves under control. Here are eight simple and effective ways to battle anxiety without medication.

1. Shout it out

Talking to a trusted friend is one way to cope with anxiety. But there’s something even better than talking: screaming at the top of your lungs. As a kid, you were probably taught not to shout and told to use your “inside voice.” But as an adult, you can make your own rules. So if you’re dealing with pent-up frustrations and anxiety, let it out.

This doesn’t mean putting fear in others so they feel on edge like you. We’re talking about a healthy release of emotions in a controlled environment. The more you fight anxiety, the more overwhelming it can become. Instead, embrace anxiety as a part of your life, and then let it go. Scream at the top of your lungs, punch a pillow, stomp your feet, or pound your chest. Do whatever helps you get it out! One Los Angeles-based yoga teacher even developed a class called Tantrum Yoga that encourages yogis to try these unconventional methods as a way to release emotion that “gets stuck in our bodies and could turn into stress, disease, etc.”

2. Get moving

Exercise is probably the last thing you want to do when your mind’s in overdrive. You may worry about post-workout soreness and being unable to walk or sit for the next two days. Or your mind might go to the worst-case scenario and you fear overexerting yourself and having a heart attack. But in reality, exercise is one of the best natural antianxiety solutions.

Physical activity raises endorphins and serotonin levels to help you feel better emotionally. And when you feel better on the inside, your entire outlook improves. And because your brain can’t equally focus on two things at once, exercise can also take your mind off your problems. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity three to five days a week. Don’t think you have to struggle through a painful workout. Any type of movement is good, so put on your favorite jam and move around the house. Or grab a mat and break out into your favorite yoga poses.

3. Break up with caffeine

A cup of coffee, chocolate, or an ice-cold Coke might help you feel better. But if caffeine is your go-to drug of choice, your anxiety could worsen.

Caffeine gives the nervous system a jolt, which can boost energy levels. But when under pressure, this nervous energy can induce an anxiety attack. Now, the idea of giving up your favorite caffeinated beverage might raise your heart rate and induce anxiety as you read this, but you don’t have to stop cold turkey or give up caffeine completely. It’s all about moderation.

Rather than four cups of coffee a day, scale back to one or two normal-sized cups a day —normal as in 8 ounces, not 16 or 32 ounces. Give it a test run and see how you feel. As you wean yourself, slowly introduce other beverages into your diet such as decaffeinated herbal tea, which can calm your mind and nerves.

4. Give yourself a bedtime

With your busy schedule, there’s no time for sleep, right? Some workaholics brag about only needing three or four hours of sleep a night, as if to say, “I’m more determined and committed than everyone else.” But no matter what you might tell yourself, you’re not a robot. Humans need sleep to function properly, so unless you beamed in from some nearby planet, this also applies to you.

Whether you deal with insomnia, purposely limit your amount of sleep, or you’re a self-professed night owl, chronic sleep deprivation makes you susceptible to anxiety. Do yourself (and everyone around you) a favor and get eight to nine hours of sleep every night. Develop a bedtime routine to read a book or do something relaxing before bed. The better prepared you are to get a good night’s sleep, the better quality of sleep you’ll have, which leads to a better morning as well.

5. Feel OK saying no

Your plate is only so big, and if you overwhelm yourself with everyone else’s personal problems, your anxiety will also worsen. We’ve all heard the adage, “There’s more happiness in giving than receiving.” But nowhere in this sentence does it say you should sit back …

7 tips to live a happier life

Mature man laughing during meditation class

Do you wake up feeling sluggish most mornings? Have caffeinated beverages become a necessity to help power you through the day? If this sounds familiar, it’s time to ditch the quick fixes you rely on, and develop an energy management plan. Getting started may seem daunting, but soon you’ll be energized to keep going once you reap the benefits of a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle.

What is energy management?

Think of your energy as a limited resource, like money in an account. You begin the day with a certain amount to spend, which varies from person to person based on factors, such as age, sleep, stress levels, medical conditions and lifestyle. Throughout your day, multiple transactions (activities) occur as you withdraw energy from and deposit energy into your account. While you may not always have control over activities that deplete your energy, you can take steps to deposit more energy into your account.

Follow these 7 tips to increase your energy and live a happier, healthier, more productive life:

A Happier Lifestyle: 4 Ways For Living Happier Every Day

1. Eat nourishing food.

We all know that wholesome food is the crux for well-being, but it’s common to regard healthy eating primarily as a tool for weight loss. However, according to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains is what you need for optimal energy. After all, you really are what you eat to some extent. Consume a variety of foods from all the food groups to get a range of nutrients to energize you throughout the day. Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, especially nutrient-dense dark, leafy greens and broccoli, as well as orange vegetables, including carrots and sweet potatoes. There are many types of fish and legumes to choose from for healthy protein options. Aim to eat 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, rice or pasta daily.

2. Sleep seven to eight hours a night.

Getting more sleep seems to be a healthy habit many people need to improve on. We already know that we need at least seven hours of shut-eye each night, so what prevents us from getting it? Think about how you can improve your biggest sleep disruptors and know this: Sleep deprivation can perpetuate serious health conditions, as well as negatively affect your mood, motivation and energy levels. Prioritizing sleep is one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for a successful, energized day.

3. Keep company with good people.

Maximize the amount of time that you spend with people you enjoy being around. Connecting with others who radiate positivity and have similar interests will excite and energize you. On the flip side, people you don’t relate to or who have negative outlooks, complain often or make poor choices will only drain your energy account. Be selective in the company you keep.

4. Avoid news overdose.

The news is an important way to stay connected to what’s happening in the world. It can be educational, entertaining and even uplifting. Unfortunately, the news too frequently is bombarded with stories of suffering. These stories can skew your view of the world and cause you to focus on your worst fears instead of recognizing the good that surrounds you. You can’t avoid these stories altogether, but try to minimize your exposure when you can, especially during trying times.

5. Get regular exercise.

Do you find yourself feeling lethargic halfway through the day? Have you ever gotten winded by simple everyday duties, such as grocery shopping or household chores? Contrary to what you might believe, getting the 150 minutes of weekly activity recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans can add to your energy account and not subtract from it. How? Exercise relieves stress and tension, strengthens muscles and boosts endurance, which helps your body to work more efficiently during other physical tasks or activities.

6. Do something meaningful each day.

What do you feel passionate about? Do you have a special talent that you’d like to practice more often or share with others? Do something you enjoy every day, even if it’s something as simple as cooking a healthy meal or listening to your favorite song. Putting effort into the things that matter most to you will help you utilize and reserve your energy in ways that will bring out the best in you.

7. Think good thoughts for others.

Maintaining a compassionate mindset is another way to conserve energy. One example of practicing this way of thinking is called kind attention. For example, try to make eye contact with a stranger and smile, while thinking “I wish you well.” This positive act can, instead, keep you from judging that person. Judging others can cause us to place judgment on ourselves, and that type of negative internal dialogue can be exhausting.

You’ll feel better with each step you take toward this important self-care investment.

Here are a few simple activities that will help you become more mindful of caring for yourself:

Monitor your energy.

Take your energy “temperature” at various points throughout the day, assigning it a number from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest energy level. Pay attention to the details of your day so you can identify the people or events that impact you the most.

Make incremental changes.

Once you are aware of some of the people …

10 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Adults

  1. Eat a variety of foods
  2. Base your diet on plenty of foods rich in carbohydrates
  3. Replace saturated with unsaturated fat
  4. Enjoy plenty of fruits and vegetables
  5. Reduce salt and sugar intake
  6. Eat regularly, control the portion size
  7. Drink plenty of fluids
  8. Maintain a healthy body weight
  9. Get on the move, make it a habit!
  10. Start now! And keep changing gradually.

1. Eat a variety of foods 

The 29 Different Types of Food (Epic Food Categorization Resource) - Home  Stratosphere

For good health, we need more than 40 different nutrients, and no single food can supply them all. It is not about a single meal, it is about a balanced food choice over time that will make a difference!

  • A high-fat lunch could be followed by a low-fat dinner.
  • After a large meat portion at dinner, perhaps fish should be the next day’s choice?

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2. Base your diet on plenty of foods rich in carbohydrates

Foods rich in Carbohydrates that you must eat - HealthifyMe Blog

About half the calories in our diet should come from foods rich in carbohydrates, such as cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread. It is a good idea to include at least one of these at every meal. Wholegrain foods, like wholegrain bread, pasta, and cereals, will increase our fibre intake.

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3. Replace saturated with unsaturated fat

Weighty Matters: Yes, Current Evidence Still Suggests That Replacing  Saturated Fat With Unsaturated Fat Is Good For You

Fats are important for good health and proper functioning of the body. However, too much of it can negatively affect our weight and cardiovascular health. Different kinds of fats have different health effects, and some of these tips could help us keep the balance right:

  • We should limit the consumption of total and saturated fats (often coming from foods of animal origin), and completely avoid trans fats; reading the labels helps to identify the sources.
  • Eating fish 2-3 times a week, with at least one serving of oily fish, will contribute to our right intake of unsaturated fats.
  • When cooking, we should boil, steam or bake, rather than frying, remove the fatty part of meat, use vegetable oils.

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4. Enjoy plenty of fruits and vegetables

20 Incredible Facts About Eating Fruits And Vegetables That You Probably  Didn't Know

Fruits and vegetables are among the most important foods for giving us enough vitaminsminerals and fibre. We should try to eat at least 5 servings a day. For example, a glass of fresh fruit juice at breakfast, perhaps an apple and a piece of watermelon as snacks, and a good portion of different vegetables at each meal.

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5. Reduce salt and sugar intake

The Facts on Heart Disease, Sodium, and Sugar - Cardiovascular Health  Center - Everyday Health

A high salt intake can result in high blood pressure, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. There are different ways to reduce salt in the diet:

  • When shopping, we could choose products with lower sodium content.
  • When cooking, salt can be substituted with spices, increasing the variety of flavours and tastes.
  • When eating, it helps not to have salt at the table, or at least not to add salt before tasting.

Sugar provides sweetness and an attractive taste, but sugary foods and drinks are rich in energy and are best enjoyed in moderation, as an occasional treat. We could use fruits instead, even to sweeten our foods and drinks.

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6. Eat regularly, control the portion size

Eating a variety of foods, regularly, and in the right amounts is the best formula for a healthy diet.

Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can lead to out-of-control hunger, often resulting in helpless overeating. Snacking between meals can help control hunger, but snacking should not replace proper meals. For snacks, we could choose yoghurt, a handful of fresh or dried fruits or vegetables (like carrot sticks), unsalted nuts, or perhaps some bread with cheese.

Paying attention to portion size will help us not to consume too many calories, and will allow us to eat all the foods we enjoy, without having to eliminate any.

  • Cooking the right amount makes it easier to not overeat.
  • Some reasonable serving sizes are: 100 g of meat; one medium piece of fruit; half a cup of raw pasta.
  • Using smaller plates helps with smaller servings.
  • Packaged foods, with calorie values on the pack, could aid portion control.
  • If eating out, we could share a portion with a friend.

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7. Drink plenty of fluids

Doctors: Rethink advice to "drink plenty of fluids" when sick - CBS News

Adults need to drink at least 1.5 litres of fluid a day! Or more if it’s very hot or they are physically active. Water is the best source, of course, and we can use tap or mineral water, sparkling or non-sparkling, plain or flavoured. Fruit juices, tea, soft drinks, milk and other drinks, can all be okay – from time to time.

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8. Maintain a healthy body weight

Body Weight Scale Png | Transparent PNG Download #479108 - Vippng

The right weight for each us depends on factors like our gender, height, age, and genes. Being affected by obesity and overweight increases the risks of a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer.

Excess body fat comes from eating more than we need. The extra calories can come from any caloric nutrient – protein, fat, carbohydrate, or alcohol, but fat is the most concentrated source of energy. Physical activity helps us spend the energy, and makes us feel good. The message is reasonably simple: if we are gaining weight, we need to eat less and be more active!

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9. Get on the move, make it a habit!

Physical activity is important for people of all weight ranges …

Transparent wood is coming, and it could make an energy-efficient alternative to glass

Transparent wood is coming, and it could make an energy-efficient  alternative to glass

Wood is an ancient material humans have been using for millions of years, for the construction of housing, ships, and as a source of fuel for burning. It’s also a renewable source, and one way to capture excess carbon dioxide from the Earth’s atmosphere. Today, the main component of wood – cellulose – is produced annually at 20 times the volume of steel.

One thing you wouldn’t use wood for is making windows. Instead we rely on glass and plastic, which are transparent and, when toughened, can give structural support. But buildings lose a lot of heat through glass, and while light can bring some heat through the material, it’s not a good insulator. This is why we need double glazing. Wood, on the other hand, is highly insulating but it’s not transparent. Usually.

In recent years, materials scientists have been experimenting with making wood transparent. Making wood see-through, and retaining its high mechanical properties, would provide a good alternative to glass from a sustainable and renewable source. Previous methods of doing this were highly energy-intensive and used harmful chemicals, but a new study has shown a way to make wood transparent without using huge amounts of energy in the process.

Seeing through wood

Wood’s lack of transparency comes from the combination of its two main components, cellulose and lignin. The lignin absorbs light, and the presence of chromophores – light activated compounds – in the material makes the wood look brown. The fibres in the wood, which mainly comprise cellulose, are hollow tube-like structures. The air in these hollow tubes scatters light, further reducing the material’s transparency.

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Previous work on making wood transparent has involved removing the lignin completely from the structure and replacing it with a resin material. The removal of lignin requires a lot of environmentally harmful chemicals, and it also considerably reduces the mechanical properties of the material. makes it weaker.

The new study, by researchers at the University of Maryland, demonstrates how to make wood transparent using a simple chemical – hydrogen peroxide – commonly used to bleach hair. This chemical modifies the chromophores, changing their structure so they no longer act to absorb light and colour the wood.

A sunny pine forest with logs in the foreground.
Removing a component of wood, called lignin, can make it see-through. Shutterstock/Krasula

The chemical can be brushed onto the wood, and then activated using light to produce a brilliant white material – blond wood if you like. The chemical reaction of wood with hydrogen peroxide is well known. It’s the basis for bleaching wood pulp used for paper making – one of the reasons why paper is brilliant white.

The other reason paper is white is because pores or holes in its structure scatter light, just like the hollow cellulose fibres in wood. Filling these fibres with resin reduces that scattering, allowing light to pass through the wood and making it transparent, while retaining its original mechanical properties.

Wooden windows

This is a very exciting development that uses well-known chemical reactions of hydrogen peroxide with lignin. The approach could also be applied to large pieces of material, leading to production of transparent building materials offering a real potential to replace glass.

Because the chemical is brushed onto the wood, there might be opportunities for decorative effects to be added to the material. This could make panels of material popular for indoor applications, while also offering additional insulation.

Further work needs to be done to optimize the reaction with the wood and to incorporate it into an industrially automated process. But one day, in the future, you might be sitting in a home or working in a building with wooden windows.…

Supplier Food Safety Program in the Food Chain

A Critical Issue for the Philippine Food Industry
Text by DR. MANNY GARCIA

US FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Program – Impact on suppliers

Managing Food Safety Along the Supply Chain | Food Logistics

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), passed in the United States in 2011, covers the most extensive reforms of the U.S. food safety laws to ensure that the food supply chain is safe and secure. It involves a shift in focus from responding to food contamination events to prevention-based controls for all food manufacturing processes. FSMA empha­sizes that the food industry has the pri­mary responsibility to produce safe food, but calls for the government to develop a new framework for regulatory oversight, Integrated government food safety efforts, and public-private collaboration. FSMA’s main themes focus on (a) Prevention, (b) Inspections, Compliance, and Response, (c) Import Safety, and (d) Enhanced Part­nership. FSMA requires that food facilities implement Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls (HARPC) to ensure that hazards are identified and addressed from farm to table.

Transportation Plates Image By Boguslaw Sliwinski from www.mocoloco.com
Supplier Food Safety Assurance Program (SFSAP)1
An effective SFSA program should include:

A supplier approval program for ingre­dients, packaging, and other services or supplies that may affect food safety;
A reliable and approved supplier list that includes supplier performance evaluations;
Requesting and maintaining (where possible) on file a Letter of Continuing Guarantee from each supplier;
Incoming material specifications (if necessary, ask suppliers for input on the facility’s incoming product specifications) to ensure that incoming materials meet required or agreed upon specifications;
Incoming product and release protocol (e.g. based on Certificate of Analysis or internal testing) for the facility’s receiving department (part of Prerequisite
Program on receiving and shipping);

A written specification change proce­dure to organize and record all changes; and alternative plans for buying from “non-approved” sources in emergencies
US FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Program – Impact on suppliers

Food Safety | Pilothouse Advisors

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), passed in the United States in 2011, covers the most extensive reforms of the U.S. food safety laws to ensure that the food supply chain is safe and secure. It involves a shift in focus from responding to food contamination events to prevention-based controls for all food manufacturing processes. FSMA empha­sizes that the food industry has the pri­mary responsibility to produce safe food, but calls for government to develop a new framework for regulatory oversight,

Integrated government food safety efforts, and public-private collaboration. FSMA’s main themes focus on (a) Prevention, (b) Inspections, Compliance, and Response, (c) Import Safety, and (d) Enhanced Part­nership. FSMA requires that food facilities implement Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls (HARPC) to ensure that hazards are identified and addressed from farm-to-table.

  • Improved Capacity to Prevent Food Safety Problems (Sections 101-116),
  • Improved Capacity to Detect Hazards and Respond to Food Safety Problems (Sections 201-211), and
  • Improved Safety of Imported Food (Sections 301-307).

Details of these sections and miscella­neous items are found in the US FDA website (http://www.fda.gov/FSMA).

Not covered in FSMA are facilities under the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other existing food safety regulations involving seafood, fishery products, low acid canning, and juices subjected to HACCP.

FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)

Improved Safety of Imported Food sections include provisions for expanded oversight of imports, authority to require certification to US Standards, and a voluntary program for expedited import procedures. FSMA specifies that food importers for human and animals would be required to develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP. An importer is the U.S. owner or consignee of a food offered for import into the United States. This applies to most entities that import food into the United States from abroad including domestic facilities and food brokers. Among other items, importers are required to conduct reviews and risk verification of the imported goods, and third-party auditing of foreign food processors. An importer would be required to develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP that provides “adequate assurances” that its foreign supplier is producing the food in compliance with processes and procedures that provide “at least the same level of public health protection” as the US FDA’s standards.

The foreign supplier must also demonstrate that it is producing the food in compliance with the adulteration and allergen-labelling requirements of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act. Record keeping should be maintained to diligently track and keep records of the mentioned activities including background checks for each product needed for import status compliance.

Key Features for Importers and Foreign Suppliers

US FDA has proposed two options for foreign suppliers to verify the safety of their products. (1) The importer is responsible for conducting or obtaining information on onsite auditing of the foreign supplier, if the latter controls the hazard at its establishment; (2) The importer needs to decide a verification procedure for all the hazards that the supplier controls themselves.

Global Food Supply Chain - Challenges and Opportunities for the Food Supply  Chain

US FDA’s new key import authorities and mandates include:

Importer accountability: Importers have an explicit responsibility to verify that their foreign suppliers have adequate preventive controls in place to ensure safe food.
Third Party Certification: An established program through which qualified third parties can certify that foreign food facilities comply with U.S. food safety standards. This certification may be used to facilitate the entry of imports.
Certification for high-risk foods: US FDA has the authority to require that high-risk imported foods be accompanied by a credible third party certification, or other assurance of compliance as a condition of entry into the U.S.…

Need Lawn Care Service in Virginia Beach?

Your lawn is one of the things that you are truly proud of. You love your home because it keeps you satisfied. Your family is protected at home, and you take care of them. Getting the right Lenard’s Lawn Care Services in Virginia Beach or any other part of the world is not hard.

Getting the right lawn care service is something that you might need. We will give you some reasons why we are here for you. You need to take care of your lawn, but you should pick up the best lawn care service that your money can buy.

Well, we will let you know what we have in store for you so you can truly get what you want. This will allow you to have peace of mind knowing that we will give you what you need. These are the things that you need to keep in mind so you can truly get the results you want.

Best Price

We offer the best prices in the industry, and we are truly serious about it. Nobody will give you that because we can do it better than anyone else. The best service at the best price is what our motto is all about, and we will go above and beyond to keep you satisfied and happy.

You can order your lawn care service form the comfort of your home, office, or any other place because our website or app can give you just that. Yes, we will give you the high-quality service that you have been seeking for a long time too.

Easy Price

Call us right now so you can get the easy price that you have been waiting for too. Our clients speak wonders about us because we know what we are doing. Our prestige speaks for itself about the outstanding things we can do for you these days too.

Our staff will do the job on time so you can move on with your life. They can do that because they have the tools and methods to do the job pretty well, and you will truly feel happy with our high-quality service.

Wide Array of Service

We offer a wide array of service. You just have to ask for them so you can know what we have in store for you. Remember that our staff will give you what you need so you can truly get the results you seek with these types of services too.

Our service is guaranteed. We only hire the best staff out there, and they are also fully insured. We will not leave our results to chance, and our staff will go the extra mile to give you what you need. Yes, they will truly do the job pretty well, and they are proud of this at all times too.

If you take a look at our website, you will read raving reviews. That is not a surprise because we know what we do. Our staff has the training and the tools needed to give you the outstanding level of service that you need to experience as soon as possible in this field too.

Remember also that our staff will show up on time. This is not happening a lot in this industry, and we are proud of making a difference at all times here. We will perform the fast, reliable service that you need to get today.

Remember that we are here to stay for a long time because we have the tools and methods that will give you what you need. Our staff will truly go the extra mile so you can get the results you want. These are some of the things that you need to keep in mind when using our services in Virginia Beach.

Do you need to get the best prices? We have you covered. We will give you the most bang for the buck when it comes to lawn care service. We know what we can do for you, and we will do it fast. You will get a reliable, fast service that you need to get today.

You can always get a quote with us because we are here for you. Give us a ring so you can get the results you seek these days. Do not hesitate to do this because you will get the results you seek. Therefore, call us right now so you can get what you want.

The high demand for nurses in the USA

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In recent years the demand for nurses all over the world has risen dramatically, especially in the United States. The medical facilities in the USA are facing a crisis in staffing, which is likely to get worse over the next decade. 

The reason behind this rapid increase in job opportunities is a long term effect that nurses should see as a benefit and an encouragement for them to work in their specialty and improve their life experience too. 

Many reasons cause the nurse shortage in the USA. 

One of the primary reasons for the increase is because the population in the United States is already aging. The more the high number of elders, the more the demand for medical care and attention. This is because more people have medical problems and illnesses led by aging. 

Another factor contributing to the nurse shortage in the US is because a high population of the current nurses has already gotten to their retirement age. Many qualified and retired nurses are quitting their jobs. Because of this factor, the US does not have enough human resources in the medical sector, which majorly comprises of nurses. 

Besides, the number of graduates in nursing each year is not sufficient to fill the gap left by the quitting and retiring nurses. The youth in the US are not interested in the nursing field. Another reason is that the nation does not have enough nursing schools to encourage more nurses. 

Due to this challenge, many hospitals and health care facilities are struggling to look for certified and qualified staff nurses. The high demand has led to tight competition in recruiting of nurses

This is good news to global qualified and experienced nurses since they can look for nursing jobs in the USA medical facilities with ease. Medical administrators are highly employing foreign nurses. 

To become a nurse in the US; legally, there are multiple papers you should fill out since different states have different rules. For you to qualify and become a registered nurse in the US, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must have undertaken a post-high school nursing program. Meaning you must be a high school graduate and went for nursing qualifications. 

2. You should be a certified nurse or have a nursing license at home. This implies that you are legally authorized to practice nursing in the nation where you trained, or where you are living. 

3. You must have experience of one year in your specialization. If you are not a specialist nurse, your specialty would be as an adult nurse. 

4. You should also be able to communicate in English fluently. If you are not an English native, you will be required to produce evidence that you can talk to the needed standards. This means you will have to do an English language test in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. 

If you meet the four qualifications, then you are qualified to secure a nursing job in the United States of America. 

Additionally, you will need a visa to get to the US. There are three visa alternatives to working in the United States. 

First, you can apply for a green card visa. To get the permission, you should qualify for all the requirements above, and sit and pass the “Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing School examination.” This visa takes the longest time to get; however, it is the better option to go for if you want to live for a long time in the US. With the green card, you can also secure a permanent nursing job. 

The second option is applying for an H-1B visa. This visa needs you to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. With a vocational nursing qualification, you will not be allowed an H-1B permit. 

The third alternative is getting an H-1C visa. The government of the US gives five hundred H-1C permits to health workers every year. 

Many hospitals in the United States are looking for nurses from other countries to suffice the human resource demand they have. So it is recommendable for nurses to grab the chance now when the need for nurses is still high. 

If you were thinking of securing a nursing job in the USA was not possible, you were wrong. You should start on your applications right now when medical recruiters are desperately looking for you to employ. …

Information About Charlotte Medical Courier Delivery Services

Many people are familiar with general couriers who deliver documents and parcels all over the city, in the country or in the world. There are also specialized couriers who focus on specific industries, with healthcare being of great importance. Courier service for medical purposes offers a tailor-made transport of medical items. The life of the patients depends on the services of this provider and offers the opportunity to make a difference every day.

What does a medical courier service transport?

This special courier delivers packages that other providers can not handle. The company must comply with health regulations related to privacy and other sensitive areas. Arrowmail Courier Services Employees are trained and tested to ensure that skills and abilities meet customer requirements. Motorists must participate in blood pathogen training and demonstrate their competence in this field. When new health regulations are adopted, the company and its employees must remain compliant.

All this qualifies the courier to transport patient records, X-rays, blood and other samples. The best vendors offer temperature-controlled shipments that include refrigerated, frozen and ambient environments. The samples remain safe and unchanged during transport and reach their targets unscathed. Medical couriers also carry medical instruments and equipment, many of which are expensive and extremely delicate. Consider looking on Birdeye for courier reviews.

Medical Specimen Delivery

The transport of medical samples includes the courier transportation of special materials that are considered medical by various transport authorities. That means a few things. First, when you deliver a medical specimen, you can not just use a specimen courier service that you want to use. Instead, you need to find a courier company that is specifically licensed and has all the necessary permits to transport everything that is classified as a medical specimen.

However, the paperwork is only part of the requirements as it is not only legal but also has the necessary equipment to transport this type of shipment. If the delivery of medical samples is not kept at the right temperature, they can be destroyed and rendered unusable before they reach their destination. For this reason, special courier equipment, which is intended for the transport of this type of items, requires a medical courier, who manufactures this type of goods supplies.

There are several types of medical material that need to be shipped, but a “sample” usually indicates that it will be sent for testing. Most of the equipment required to perform all basic medical tests are both very large and extremely expensive. This means that there are almost no hospitals where it can afford to have all the necessary test equipment for all sorts of tests, and most clinics and offices have none at all.

Whenever a sample is taken from a patient for testing purposes, it is referred to as a sample and must be transported by a medical courier to the appropriate testing facility so that clinicians receive the information they need to diagnose. The sample range from urine, saliva, blood or tissue samples.

One important factor to consider is maintaining the right temperature for the samples; there are two other tasks that medical professionals need to perform in the field of medical delivery. They must have special transport units which also help to protect damage to the sample itself, for example, if the vehicle had an accident. Therefore, all packages must be properly secured. Many also have an emergency delivery department where a sample can be sent to the test facility at the highest possible speed. This option is normally only used if patient outcomes require immediate results.

Medical courier delivery methods

A medical courier has a different approach to customer service. Special itineraries are created to optimize service to clinics and facilities in remote locations. To reduce costs and improve efficiency, this provider uses both existing and conjunctive routing structures. Time-based deliveries account for most of the business, so it’s important to maximize travel efficiency wherever possible. Customers rely on punctual performance because life can be at stake.

The blood banks across the country face enough bottlenecks without having to worry about transportation issues like temperature, timing, and security. On-time sample deliveries to laboratories often mean the difference between life and death. Hospitals need to maximize their efficiency while keeping costs down. Each of these facilities can rely on a courier service provider in the medical industry. If this is not the right choice, the results can be devastating.

As the healthcare industry plays an increasingly important role in society, so too will the providers involved. A medical courier service must provide the highest quality services, or it will not last. This can be a very difficult and exhausting business, but it is also extremely rewarding. Relying on the ability to save lives is an important responsibility that these couriers are happy to accept.

Finding a Quality Medical Courier

If you are looking for a local courier service that can transport medical items, you can do this through an Internet search in your area. If you ask other medical facilities about their courier, you will receive a short list of potential couriers who can do their job. Many couriers will market directly to medical facilities, so following a call or visiting a courier may also be a link to the services in the area.

If you’re contracting with a courier company, you’ll need to ask a few questions to make sure you’re getting a quality service. …

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