Author: Centrum Pharmacy

Many are familiar with the chance discovery of Penicillin, where mold contamination in Fleming’s lab inadvertently showed bacteria-killing properties in bacterial petri dishes. Similarly, the field of medicine witnessed another fortuitous twist with two additional widely sought-after medications: We are also aware of the unintentional success story of Viagra, initially formulated for hypertension and angina, has brought immense joy to millions in the bedroom. Now, a third drug, Ozempic, originally intended for treating type 2 diabetes, has become a global sensation, particularly in the developed world. If Ozempic had simply excelled in its role as a diabetes treatment, that would have been remarkable enough. However, this breakthrough in type 2 diabetes treatment has unexpectedly revealed an additional benefit: enabling patients to shed remarkable amounts of weight, a feat previously elusive even for those grappling with lifelong body mass issues. Hence, the unprecedented demand for Ozempic, fueled by this unexpected and multifaceted impact on health and well-being.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/

A recent study found that excess weight affects how the immune system responds to COVID-19,
showing differences between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity. Led by Marcus Tong from
the University of Queensland, the research suggests that being overweight, not just obese, makes SARS-
CoV-2 infections more severe and changes the immune response.
In a unique study group infected at the beginning of the pandemic, blood samples were taken three and
13 months after infection. Those with a higher body mass index (BMI) experienced a faster decline in
immune response, especially against certain variants. Interestingly, vaccinated individuals did not show
this decline, highlighting the potential superiority of vaccine-induced protection for overweight people.
The study included participants who remained uninfected and unvaccinated for 13 months, allowing
researchers to isolate the effects of natural protection versus vaccination. Five months after their
second vaccine dose, participants who had never had COVID-19 were included. Regardless of BMI, no
significant differences in immunity were found in this vaccinated group.
The study emphasizes the importance of vaccination for overweight individuals, as their infection risks
and weakened immune responses may increase the chances of reinfection. Dr. Kirsty Short from the
University of Queensland stresses the crucial need for vaccination in this group.
However, for those with severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2), a separate study in Nature Medicine in May
2023 showed a different scenario. Despite initially similar vaccine responses between obese and
healthy-weight individuals, those with severe obesity experienced a quicker decline in immunity
effectiveness, leading to more hospitalizations and deaths.
While a third vaccine dose restored immunity in severe obesity cases, it declined faster afterward. The
study authors suggest considering more frequent COVID-19 vaccinations for people with severe obesity
to ensure they have protection comparable to those with a normal BMI, considering the widespread
prevalence of obesity globally.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer

Eating meals earlier in the day has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study. The research, based on data from 103,389 individuals, emphasizes the importance of meal timing in the realm of chrononutrition. Beyond the content of our diets, the study highlights the significant impact of when we consume our meals on circadian rhythms and overall health.

Previous studies have shown that delaying the first or last meal of the day may have adverse effects on cardiovascular health. A growing body of evidence in the field of chrononutrition suggests that not only what we eat but also when we eat plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. The timing of meals, coupled with exposure to light, influences circadian rhythms, affecting various aspects of health.

Recent findings indicate that individuals who consume meals later in the day tend to burn calories more slowly and exhibit genetic changes that promote lipid storage, contributing to fat growth. Additionally, a study on diabetics revealed that restricting eating to a specific time window, from noon to 8 pm, resulted in greater weight loss compared to a conventional calorie-restricted diet. A mouse study from 2022 even demonstrated that restricting eating to the rodents’ most active nighttime hours extended their lifespans by 35%.

The latest research, drawing from the NutriNet-Santé study, underscores the importance of breakfast timing. For every hour of delay in having breakfast, there was a 6% increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Comparing individuals who had their first meal at 7 am to those who ate at 10 am, the latter faced an 18% higher lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the study revealed that individuals eating their last meal after 9 pm experienced a 28% higher risk of cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke and aneurysm, compared to those concluding their calorie intake before 8 pm.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/ 

Children possess distinct clinical and practical needs when on the move. To address these concerns, the following strategies for risk assessment and prevention should be followed:

1. Book a Pre-Travel Consultation at Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic for your family and get customised travel health advice from a professional who specializes in travel heath medicine. 
2. Diarrhea:

• Take food and water precautions.
• Breastfeeding is optimal protection against food- and water-borne illnesses.
• For formula-fed children, bring formula from home, and prepare with disinfected water.
• Go to the travel clinic and get a standby prescription of Azithromycin for moderate or severe diarrhea.

3. Insect Bites:

• Use DEET 10% for teens or picaridin for children, varying in application frequency based on age.
• For infants under six months, use for mosquito netting in high-risk areas.

4. Sunburn:

• Discourage direct sun exposure for infants under six months.
• Use SPF ≥ 30 sunscreen if sun exposure is unavoidable, applied before insect repellent if both are required.

5. Malaria:

• Children are at a higher risk of severe complications, so see the travel clinic for a malaria chemoprophylaxis prescription.
• Antimalarial options include atovaquone/proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline (for children aged ≥ 8 years), mefloquine, or primaquine.
• Antimalarials can be crushed for children who can’t swallow tablets and added to taste-masking foods.

6. Other Considerations:

• Be watchful for animal bites in countries with high rabies rates, considering children’s susceptibility.
• Discuss the possibility of rabies vaccination for children at elevated risk.
• Book a pre-travel consultation to review routine immunization status, including influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations at Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic well before your trip.

Resources for Families:

• Travel for Kids: Family-friendly activities, destination-specific tips, and hotel recommendations.
• Rough Guides: Travel ideas for children, packing advice, and transportation and accommodation options.
• Travel.gc.ca: Canadian regulations and procedures for flying with children, including carry-on baggage, security screening, and using child restraint systems.
• Sutter Health: Health advice for traveling with children.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/ 

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a “variant of interest” and indicated that, based on current evidence, the risk to public health from this strain is low. Despite its ability to evade the immune system and exhibit higher transmissibility compared to other circulating variants. Experts assert that JN.1 does not show any signs of causing more severe disease.

While there may be an increase in cases involving the JN.1 variant, it is emphasized that it does not pose a greater risk. JN.1, initially considered a variant of interest within the BA.2.86 lineage, has now been classified separately by the WHO.

The World Health Organization assured that existing vaccines remain effective in protecting against severe disease and death caused by JN.1 and other variants of the COVID-19 virus currently in circulation.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of December 8, the JN.1 subvariant constitutes an estimated 15% to 29% of cases in the United States. The CDC maintains that there is no current evidence suggesting an elevated risk to public health compared to other circulating variants. Additionally, it is stated that an updated vaccine could provide continued protection against the JN.1 variant.

First detected in the United States in September, JN.1 has also been identified in seven cases in China, as reported last week.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/ 

Zonnic Nicotine Patches : Most Effective Nicotine Replacement Therapy or an Elaborate Scheme by Big
Tobacco?
Zonnic nicotine pouches entered the market in mid-October, sparking immediate controversy. The
Health Minister and health organizations have raised objections, while the manufacturer contends that
the product is unfairly maligned.
Crafted by Imperial Tobacco Canada, Zonnic nicotine pouches aim to serve as nicotine replacement
therapy (NRT) for smokers. Health Canada granted approval for their sale in July under Natural Health
Product Regulations, given their nicotine content without tobacco. Packaged in vibrant, “attractive-to-
youth” containers resembling gum. They come in three flavors: Tropic Breeze, Chill Mint, and Berry
Frost. Users place a pouch under their lip, releasing 4 mg of nicotine slowly. These pouches are available
in convenience stores, gas stations, and pharmacies.
Studies have found that oral nicotine pouches compared favorably to other NRTs, with users reporting
fewer minor adverse events and greater satisfaction than with nicotine lozenges or gum.
Despite these positive findings, six national health organizations have called for a change in regulations,
arguing that the approval was a mistake. They highlight concerns that Zonnic can be legally sold to
minors of any age and can be promoted through billboards, advertising, and free samples. Health
Canada, in response, emphasizes the importance of preventing youth access and is considering
regulatory options.
The health groups advocate for reclassifying Zonnic as a prescription product or banning its sale. They
also call for a temporary halt on approvals for similar nicotine pouches or new nicotine product
categories.
Imperial Tobacco Canada asserts that Zonnic targets adults and emphasizes self-regulation, ensuring
sales only to those over 18 with proof of age. However, health groups argue that, despite restrictions on
sales, there are no legal penalties for retailers selling it to minors.
The advertising approach is under scrutiny, with concerns that Zonnic's ads, emphasizing lifestyle, are
likely to reach children. Health Canada specifies that NRT labels and advertisements should prominently
indicate their intended use for smoking cessation in adults.
The Health Minister expresses concerns about the tobacco industry's intentions, while Imperial Tobacco
Canada defends Zonnic's efficacy and safety for smoking cessation. The ongoing debate raises parallels
with past challenges in regulating vaping, and health advocates stress the need for robust regulatory
frameworks to prevent potential risks associated with new nicotine products.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer

‘Tis the season for festive gatherings and holiday cheer. These occasions hold significance in fostering a sense of community, contributing to mental well-being, and bringing people together. However, the convergence of respiratory viruses during this time, especially amid the winter months, poses a
heightened risk of transmission.

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Recent observational research presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) 2023 Scientific Sessions reveals a 34% higher risk of heart failure within four years associated with daily marijuana use compared to non-use. The findings, while observational and indicating association rather than causation, contribute to a growing body of evidence on the potential cardiovascular effects of marijuana. 

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