The Australian Capital Territory government has launched a new real-time prescription monitoring system to help doctors and pharmacists prescribe and dispense monitored drugs. Canberra Script is a web-based platform that will replace DORA (Drugs and Poisons Information System Online Remote Access), which has been operational since 2019.

This webservice will provide information on prohibited pharmaceuticals (schedule 8) as well as some prescription-only drugs (schedule 4) that have been linked to abuse or overuse, such as benzodiazepines. Doctors can also use the site to request authorization from the chief health officer to administer prohibited substances.

Canberra Script will incorporate real-time notification that advise health professionals of indications their patients are engaging in drug-seeking behaviour, like doctor shopping, according to a press release issued by the ACT Health Directorate in May of last year.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

The use of Canberra Script will assist physicians in making effective and safe prescription decisions. It will also allow them to better detect and assist patients who are at risk of harm or addiction to prescription drugs.

Overdose and chronic drug use have been linked to an increase in mortality in Australia during the last decade. According to preliminary estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 2,000 drug-related deaths occured in 2020, with rates greater in regional centres than in capital cities. Approximately two-thirds of fatalities were determined to be unintentional, while the rest were determined to be purposeful.

In a recent media release, ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith stated, It is essential for all those writing prescriptions and distributing meds to understand which other medications the patient is on or has begun taking, since some prescription drugs can be detrimental when taken in large quantities or in combination with other medicines.

Nonetheless, as per the minister stated that people from Canberra should be assured that the process will not punish individuals who seem to have a genuine need for a medicine.

THE EXPANDING TREND

Canberra Script is part of a nationwide implementation of the most recent national RTPM system. South Australia established its own system, ScriptCheckSA, in April 2021. Meanwhile, NSW Health is still in the initial phase of it’s own SafeScript NSW system, that started in November. Furthermore, the Northern Territory is expected to implement the NTScript later this month.

DarioHealth Corp., a leader in the global digital therapeutics (DTx) market, announced it has entered into a strategic agreement with Sanofi U.S., an innovative global healthcare company. The multi-year, $30 million-dollar agreement, which is subject to certain contingencies, will help accelerate commercial adoption of Dario’s full suite of digital therapeutics and drive the expansion of digital health solutions on the Dario platform.

Dario and Sanofi will collaborate on promoting the Dario multi-condition digital therapeutics solution, significantly increasing Dario’s sales reach in the health plan market and selectively in the employer channel. In addition, the agreement calls for Dario and Sanofi to develop new or enhanced solutions leveraging the Dario platform, and for the parties to generate robust evidence to support future commercialization in the health plan channel.

Sanofi selected Dario to leverage its broad suite of digital therapeutics and its ability to engage patients for favorable clinical and financial outcomes, as the solution of choice for its U.S. commercial clients. Dario’s single platform helps patients manage diabetes, hypertension, weight management, musculoskeletal and behavioral health, offering Sanofi managed care clients an attractive, easily scalable digital health solution that creates immediate access across a wide range of needs.

“We are thrilled to be chosen by Sanofi to expand into the digital health market. We believe that this is the first time that a large biopharmaceutical company and a digital health company are collaborating to commercialize digital health solutions in the U.S. market. Dario’s proven digital therapeutic solutions and innovative technologies provide the perfect complement to Sanofi’s scientific expertise, market access and scale, creating a foundation for long-term success in support of Sanofi’s goal of expanding into digital health therapies for chronic conditions,” said Erez Raphael, CEO, DarioHealth.

“Our collaboration with Dario is another step towards accelerating Sanofi’s mission of reversing the course of chronic diseases through the integration of healthcare and technology in a way that gives people the tools to improve their health,” said Gustavo Pesquin, Head, U.S. General Medicines, Sanofi. “We are excited to help payers realize the potential digital health can bring to the patient experience, and we look forward to continuing to innovate with Dario on the next generation of chronic condition therapies.”

About DarioHealth Corp.

DarioHealth Corp. is a leading global digital therapeutics company revolutionizing how people with chronic conditions manage their health. DarioHealth offers one of the most comprehensive digital therapeutics solutions on the market – covering multiple chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, weight management, musculoskeletal and behavioral health within one integrated technology platform.

Dario’s next-generation, AI-powered, digital therapeutic platform supports more than just an individual’s disease. Dario provides adaptive, personalized experiences that drive behavior change through evidence-based interventions, intuitive, clinically proven digital tools, high-quality software, and coaching to help individuals improve health and sustain meaningful outcomes.

Dario’s unique user-centric approach to product design and engagement creates an unparalleled experience that is highly rated by users and delivers sustainable results.

The company’s cross-functional team operates at the intersection of life sciences, behavioral science, and software technology and utilizes a performance-based approach to improve its users’ health.

Taking care of your teeth is important if you want to look and feel good. Your teeth can tell a lot about your health and if you don’t take care of them, it will show! There are plenty of ways to make sure your teeth have a long and happy life. Whether you’re looking to ensure proper dental care in the future, or for some helpful tips and tricks for your pearly whites, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your teeth get the care they deserve!

Take care of your teeth

First things first, good dental health starts with you! To ensure your teeth are given the proper dental care, there are a few essential things you need to do every day. Brushing your teeth every day is a good place to start, as well as regular flossing and using mouthwash.

Make sure you have the right tools and materials, like the right toothbrush and good toothpaste. When brushing and flossing, try not to be too rough with your teeth and gums, to not damage them, and don’t forget the tongue! Start with the bare essentials to start your teeth off on the right foot!

Have a good dental plan

Another great way to keep your dental health in check is to have a dental plan. A dental plan is a great fallback tool that can help lower the cost of certain procedures and products. Having dental insurance makes sure you can keep your teeth looking good and feeling great.

There are plenty of good dental plans out there, but you have to be on the lookout for them. It’s always a good idea to do your research, so you’ll know exactly what types of dental plans you want and don’t want. A good dental plan under your belt is a great tool to have in your arsenal for strong, healthy teeth, in any situation.

Visit the dentist

If a dental plan is not in the cards for you, the next best thing is to go to the dentist and to go often. Many people make the mistake of only going to the dentist when they have an ongoing problem. To avoid trying to solve a problem when it’s too late, it’s always best to go to the dentist more often for a check-up and preventative care. A good dentist can see a problem before it arises and can nip it in the bud on time. Regular visits to the dentists save both your teeth and money in the long run, so make sure you go at least once a year!

Watch what you eat

Another way to keep your teeth strong and healthy is to keep an eye on what you eat and drink. Since food and drink pass through the mouth to get to the stomach, they can affect your dental health. It’s common knowledge that sugary and caffeinated drinks damage and stain your teeth, so it’s best to stay away from them.

Avoid copious amounts of coffee, tea, and sour candies if you want to protect your teeth. Always be careful when biting into food so that you don’t break or chip your teeth. If you have braces, try to avoid sticky, chewy, and hard food to avoid breakage and damage.

Quit harmful habits

Last but not least, if you can’t change your diet or dental plan, a great way to protect your teeth is to change your harmful habits. If you’re looking to protect your teeth, and boost your health, then quitting smoking and drinking alcohol is the way to go. Smoking is bad for you in many ways, especially for your teeth.

The nicotine stains can lead to rotting in both the teeth and gums. Alcohol has a high sugar and acidity level which can break down and damage your teeth too. Whether you’re looking to start afresh or boost your dental health, there’s no time like the present to quit smoking!

So there you have it! With these tips and tricks under your belt, you’re ready to give your teeth the full protection they deserve! Ensuring proper dental care starts with doing your part and taking care of your teeth. Remember to always brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash to give your pearly whites the best fighting chance. Another good measure to take is to have a dental plan and visit your dentist often.

To keep your teeth strong and healthy, you need to watch what you eat and avoid harmful foods and drinks. Avoid sour, caffeinated, and carbonated drinks as well as sticky and sweet foods. Quit your harmful habits to make a positive impact on your teeth as well as your health. Follow these tips and tricks and give your teeth the best health in both this life and the next!

Facial skin treatments are undoubtedly among the favorites when talking about self-care. These treatments will help you achieve a better complexion, regenerate skin, clean and glowy, and will make it look ultimately healthier.  A proper skincare routine can help you deal with some ordinary skin problems such as acne, age spots, and wrinkles. The essence of your routine should be rooted in your intentions of enhancing the natural appearance of your skin. In the whole sea of different facials, you need to stick to the ones that suit your skin type the best. Hence, here are 6 suggestions that will help you rejuvenate your skin and bring back its old glow.

Acne Treatment

Acne is a common skin condition that can leave ugly marks and scars on the skin of your face and can negatively influence your self-esteem and, hence, the quality of your life. Occasional pimples are not a thing that should concern you, however, if these pimples turn into painful spots, that break out every day, and last for quite some time, then, it is high time for you to consult your dermatologist. Some companies such as Laser & Skin medical dermatology company can help you on your quest to effectively deal with this problem. Some of the treatments include skin and oral treatments, i. e. medications. Retinoids and azelaic acid are common products used for treating acne, and medications such as antibiotics, hormonal treatments, and isotretinoin are some of the medical solutions to this problem. Additionally, procedures such as chemical peels, steroid injections, and laser therapy are some of the popular procedures applied for acne-prone skin treatments.

Anti-Aging Facial Treatments

Every skin type is prone to aging and everyone’s goal is to maintain a young skin appearance and maintain their skin healthily and glowy. There are some anti-aging facial treatments that use active ingredients such as glycolic acid and collagen. These ingredients can considerably prevent the signs of aging since they incorporate loads of antioxidants and inflammatory components and promote better skin tone and texture. There is a whole procedure when it comes to these facial treatments. The routine usually consists of the exfoliation, cleansing, and facial masks applied regularly. The entire procedure helps you clear away all the skin imperfections such as fine lines and wrinkles providing you with ultimately glowy and rejuvenated skin.

Diamond Facial Treatment

A diamond face treatment is a luxurious facial that can immensely benefit your skin and it indeed makes wonders when it comes to dry and dull skin. It has positive anti-age features that will increase blood circulation as well as will brighten your skin and give it a fresh look. The aim of this treatment is to remove the dead cells and all the toxins by the use of the special diamond-tipped tool in a combination with aluminum oxide crystals. This will result in better metabolism of your skin and will ultimately boost your natural beauty.

Vitamin C Facial Treatment

It has been a trend in the beauty industry for a long period of time, and Vitamin C-based products and treatments provide your skin with a whole range of benefits. One of the most accentuated properties of Vitamin C to your skin is the firm look and antioxidant properties that will smother your skin and give your complexion an even look. Additionally, Vitamin C treatments give your skin a shield protecting you from harmful rays.

Pore Eliminating Facial Treatment

The point of this treatment is to give your skin a clean and poreless look by deeply cleaning it from all the pent-up oils and debris causing outbreaks and making your pores visually bigger, as the outcome of this treatment are unclogged and visually smaller pores that will consequently give your skin a firmer, softer, and smoother look.

Relaxing Facial Treatment

The purpose of this facial is to boost blood flow in your facial muscles and hence enhance the circulation in your skin. Incorporation of the essential oils in these treatments relaxes your muscles and soothes the skin making it look younger and moisturized. Besides this, relaxing facials will provide you with flawless skin and the feeling of relaxation, free of everyday stress and worries.

Facials are one of the greatest booms in the beauty industry lately and are a part of the everyday routine for millions of people worldwide. Most of these treatments originate from the East and are known as beneficial for the young look of your skin because of the multiple benefits and ingredients making your skin shinier and smoother.

At the Human Rights Council, the Honourable Nanaia Mahuta, New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Dr. Ghebreyesus, WHO-DG, for the first time. The meeting at the WHO’s headquarters was intended to look into New Zealand’s long-term technical, strategic, and monetary help for the organisation. Dr. Tedros greeted the Nanaia Mahuta to WHO and expressed his sincere appreciation to New Zealand because of its dedication to healthcare system and crucial assistance to WHO, notably the pandemic agreement and higher assessed contributions.

He went on to say that not only has country contributed significantly to development in the region, but it was also one of the earliest COVAX financiers and dosage contributors during the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dr. Tedros, despite its small size, New Zealand has a big heart and is really a vital player in global health.

As one of WHO’s founding members, the country has been a long-standing and highly valued collaborator. During the discussion, the Minister and WHO-DG reviewed cooperation in the Pacific Region, particularly the COVID-19 response, with both reaffirming their willingness to work together for a healthy future.

WHO recognises New Zealand’s financial, technical, and human resource support in a variety of critical areas, including noncommunicable diseases’ prevention and control and emergency response. Since the start of the pandemic, the country has been an important part of the Pacific Joint Incident Management Team, including anchoring numerous staff members in the WHO/Pacific sub-regional office and assisting with essential coordination work. New Zealand also contributes significantly to the World Health Organization’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies. This fund aids the World Health Organization (WHO) in responding rapidly to epidemics as well as other health – related issues, saving lives and avoiding unnecessary suffering.

A group of researchers, including those from the National Institutes of Health, discovered “rogue antibodies” that correspond with severe disease and may help explain mechanisms related to significant blood clotting after reviewing blood samples from 244 people admitted for COVID-19. Antiphospholipid antibodies were discovered in the blood, which are more common in people with autoimmune diseases like lupus. A person’s own immune system can, however, help fight off autoantibodies that attack his or her own organs and systems.

The COVID-19 samples had higher levels of the antibody IgG, which collaborates with other immune cells like IgM to react to immunological threats. Higher IgG levels were connected to COVID-19 disease severity, such as those who needed help breathing. The researchers found comparable trends, of a lesser magnitude, in blood samples from 100 individuals hospitalised for sepsis, an inflammatory shock caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

IgG helps the body recognise, respond to, and remember danger by bridging innate and adaptive immunity. These traits normally assist the body in fighting disease and infection. This reaction can become hyperextended or altered, causing disease. The researchers discovered that removing IgG from COVID-19 blood samples reduced molecular signs of “blood vessel stickiness”. The identical IgG antibodies caused an inflammatory reaction in the control samples, which can lead to clotting. Blood clots are a worry that has contributed to the rehospitalisation of COVID-19 patients.

Since every organ has blood vessels, circulating substances that cause healthy blood vessels to stick together during COVID-19 could explain why the virus affects the heart, lungs, and brain. Heart troubles may be common in a post-COVID-19 scenario. Future research could look into the benefits of screening individuals with COVID-19 or other critical illnesses for antiphospholipids as well as other autoantibodies early in the infection process. Acute blood clotting, vascular inflammation, and respiratory failure may be identified. Studies might then analyse the benefits of treating these people to protect blood vessels or regulate the immune system.

Canon Medical Systems Corporation  announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Nordisk Røntgen Teknik A/S, a Danish company, headquartered in Aarhus, with advanced technology for the development and manufacture of diagnostic X-ray systems, with the acquisition being completed following the necessary approval procedures. Through this acquisition, Canon Medical opens up access to European-based technology, development, and manufacturing for advanced multipurpose and motorized digital radiographic imaging solutions.

NRT is a Danish high-tech medical equipment manufacturer with a more than 45-year history, engaged in developing and manufacturing multipurpose X-ray fluoroscopy systems and general radiography systems. The company’s strength lies in its product portfolio, focusing on user-friendly high-end systems and constant innovation with medical staff and patients in mind. These quality offerings are key to NRT’s recognition in the healthcare market and continuous business expansion across Europe, which will continue with NRT maintaining operations under its current name.

Canon Medical started its business with the development of Japan’s first domestically produced X-ray tube. Today, it provides a wide range of X-ray systems, from entry-level to high-end solutions, including remote fluoroscopy systems and digital X-ray solutions. With business conducted in more than 150 countries and regions globally, Canon Medical will apply NRT’s expertise in advanced technology, customer satisfaction, and medical regulatory compliance to existing X-ray solutions offerings, further enhancing healthcare delivery in line with Canon Medical’s “Made for Life” commitment to improving the quality of patient care – everywhere.

NRT’s CEO Mogens Ravn commented that NRT is very much looking forward to becoming part of the Canon Group and contributing to global healthcare by offering its advanced technology to the global market. Canon Medical’s President Toshio Takiguchi said, “With the addition of NRT’s high-end segment to our lineup, we will be able to offer our customers even more attractive, flexible, and user-friendly products. We also expect that the synergy with NRT’s advanced technology will provide even more value to Canon’s X-ray systems in the future.”